Regeneration system and image formation apparatus

Abstract

To provide a regeneration system that can promote delivery of an instrument and components of the instrument to a proper foothold by explicitly indicating regeneration foothold information to which the instrument and components of the instrument should be sent, and eliminates waste of a physical distribution.SOLUTION: A regeneration system includes: an instrument 10; storage means 11 which stores at least a regeneration method for the instrument or components of the instrument and regeneration foothold information associated with the regeneration method; acquisition means 12 which acquires physical property information related to deterioration of components included in the instrument; a prediction unit 13 which predicts a degree of deterioration of the instrument on the basis of the physical property information acquired by the acquisition means; a determination unit 14 which determines an optimal regeneration method for the instrument or the components included in the instrument on the basis of the predicted degree of deterioration; a search unit 15 which searches for the storage means by using the determined regeneration method and searches for the regeneration foothold information associated with the regeneration method; and a display unit 16 which displays the searched regeneration foothold information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reproduction system and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Attempts have been made to recycle electrical and electronic equipment such as image forming apparatuses, for example, by reusing or recycling them. In the prior art, a system has been proposed that determines whether electrical and electronic equipment can be recycled based on information about the equipment and determines how to process the equipment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a recycling system for electrical and electronic equipment that aims to optimize the work of recycling processing. This recycling system includes a process for disassembling or crushing electrical and electronic equipment products and sorting them. This regeneration system also includes a means for determining whether the electrical and electronic equipment to be processed can be reused as a product based on data related to the electrical and electronic equipment to be processed, and outputting a processing procedure.

[0004] Patent Document 1 also discloses that product data, environmental load data, market distribution data, and inspection data are compiled in advance as a database of environmental information data. Patent Document 1 also discloses that by acquiring target item identification information such as the model and manufacturing date of the equipment to be treated, it is determined whether the product can be reused based on the environmental information data, and a treatment procedure is output.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for detecting the position of each dot / pattern in an image formed by an image forming device, calculating the positional deviation of the dots / patterns in the image, calculating frequency and amplitude from the calculated positional deviation of the dots / patterns, and evaluating the noise of the image forming device from the calculated frequency and amplitude information.

[0006] According to Patent Document 2, it is possible to evaluate the noise level of each individual machine, and deterioration can be evaluated from the physical quantities formed by the product without disassembling the machine. Patent Document 2 also claims that it is possible to predict noise caused by deterioration in advance, and that it is possible to predict the lifespan of noise caused by deterioration when recycling / reusing parts. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 makes it possible to determine whether the target part / unit must be returned to its raw materials, or whether it can be immediately installed in equipment, in relation to noise. Furthermore, it claims that it is also possible to automatically determine the lifespan. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Conventionally, at a base where equipment or equipment parts are sent for reuse or re-use, depending on the degree of deterioration of the sent equipment or equipment parts, the base may not be able to accommodate the regeneration method, and the equipment or equipment parts may be re-sent to another base. Patent Document 1 does not take into account the damage suffered by each equipment, and does not consider the base to which the equipment should be sent, so the problem of the equipment being re-sent to another base cannot be solved. Patent Document 2 is only capable of evaluating information about noise, and does not consider the regeneration method for the equipment as a whole, so the problem of the equipment being re-sent to another base cannot be solved.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a recycling system that can encourage the sending of equipment and equipment parts to the appropriate location by clearly indicating the recycling location information to which equipment and equipment parts should be sent, thereby eliminating waste in logistics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the playback system of the present invention is characterized in having: an equipment; a storage means for storing at least an equipment; a playback method for the equipment or a part contained in the equipment; and playback base information linked to the playback method; an acquisition means for acquiring physical property information relating to deterioration of the parts contained in the equipment; a prediction unit for predicting a degree of deterioration of the equipment based on the physical property information acquired by the acquisition means; a determination unit for determining an optimal playback method for the equipment or the part contained in the equipment based on the predicted degree of deterioration; a search unit for searching the storage means using the determined playback method and searching for playback base information linked to the playback method; and a display unit for displaying the searched playback base information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, by clearly indicating the remanufacturing base information to which equipment or equipment parts should be sent, it is possible to encourage the sending of equipment or equipment parts to the appropriate base, thereby providing a remanufacturing system that can eliminate waste in logistics. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram for explaining an example of a reproducing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of processing of a reproduction system. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the processing of the reproduction system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the processing of the reproduction system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The reproducing system and image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and may be modified, added, modified, deleted, or otherwise altered within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive, and any aspect of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0013] The playback system of the present invention is characterized in having an equipment, a storage means for storing at least an equipment, a playback method for the equipment or a part contained in the equipment, and playback base information linked to the playback method, an acquisition means for acquiring physical property information relating to deterioration of the parts contained in the equipment, a prediction unit for predicting a degree of deterioration of the equipment based on the physical property information acquired by the acquisition means, a determination unit for determining an optimal playback method for the equipment or a part contained in the equipment based on the predicted degree of deterioration, a search unit for searching the storage means using the determined playback method and searching for playback base information linked to the playback method, and a display unit for displaying the searched playback base information.

[0014] In the present invention, physical property information relating to the deterioration of parts contained in equipment is acquired by an acquisition means such as a sensor, the degree of deterioration of the parts and the overall degree of deterioration of the equipment are predicted, and a regeneration method is determined. Based on the determined regeneration method, information on the regeneration base to which the equipment or parts should be sent is displayed. This makes it possible to encourage users (including customer engineers, collection companies, etc.) to send equipment or equipment parts to an appropriate base, thereby eliminating waste in logistics. The present invention can solve the problem of equipment or parts sent to a base being resent to another base because they are not compatible with the regeneration method of that base.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a playback system according to the present embodiment. The playback system 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, a device 10, a storage means 11, an acquisition means 12, a prediction unit 13, a determination unit 14, a search unit 15, and a display unit 16. If necessary, the storage means 11 may include a recording unit that records data (information). Hereinafter, the playback system may be simply referred to as a system.

[0016] An example of the device 10 is preferably an image forming device. The device 10 may be a device other than an image forming device. The device 10 may be one or more devices 10.

[0017] The storage unit 11 stores at least the playback method of the device 10 and playback base information associated with the playback method. The storage unit 11 can be used as, for example, a database. The storage means 11 may be included in the device 10 or may be included in a device other than the device 10 . The storage means 11 may store the data acquired by the acquisition means 12 . The storage means 11 can be accessed, inquired, and searched, for example, by communication via the Internet.

[0018] The acquiring means 12 acquires physical property information related to deterioration of parts included in the device 10. Acquiring the physical property information of the device 10 may be referred to as sensing or the like. The physical property information of the device 10 may be referred to as deterioration requirements of the device 10 or the like. Data sensed by the acquiring means 12 may be referred to as recorded data or the like.

[0019] The acquisition means 12 may be, for example, a sensor, and examples of the sensor include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a UV sensor (ultraviolet ray sensor). Other examples of the acquisition means 12 include a state display member described later. The acquisition means 12 may be one or more.

[0020] The acquisition means 12 may or may not be provided in the device 10, but it is preferable that the acquisition means 12 is provided in the device 10. The acquisition means 12 is provided in one or more locations selected from the exterior and the inside of the device 10, for example.

[0021] The acquisition means 12 senses, for example, strength deterioration, ultraviolet deterioration, etc. Strength deterioration occurs, for example, due to hydrolysis, etc. UV deterioration occurs, for example, due to irradiation of ultraviolet rays in the usage environment.

[0022] The acquiring means 12 acquires physical property information related to deterioration of parts included in the device. The acquired physical property information is used to predict the degree of deterioration of the parts as well as the degree of overall deterioration of the device 10. The part from which the acquiring unit 12 acquires information can be appropriately selected, and a preferable example is a resin part. The resin part is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the exterior and structure of the device 10.

[0023] The location where the acquisition means 12 is placed is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately. For example, the acquisition means 12 is placed in a location where the deterioration requirement is strict or where the deterioration requirement is average. By placing the acquisition means 12 in a location where the deterioration requirement is strict or where the deterioration requirement is average, the degree of deterioration of the parts included in the device 10 and the overall degree of deterioration of the device 10 can be predicted with high accuracy.

[0024] Examples of locations with strict deterioration requirements include locations where the temperature in the device 10 is the highest and locations where the temperature change in the device 10 is the largest. Other examples include locations where the humidity is the highest, locations where water adheres, locations where the amount of ultraviolet rays is the highest, and the like. An example of a location with average deterioration requirements is a location that is the average temperature obtained by measuring the temperatures at several locations in the device 10. Other examples include locations that are the average values ​​obtained by measuring the humidity, amount of ultraviolet light, and the like at several locations.

[0025] The prediction unit 13 predicts the degree of deterioration of the device 10 based on the data acquired by the acquisition means 12. The degree of deterioration can be, for example, the degree of decrease in physical properties compared to the initial state. The degree of deterioration can be, for example, the degree of strength deterioration, ultraviolet deterioration, etc., such as the degree of decrease in strength compared to the initial state, the cumulative value of the amount of ultraviolet irradiation compared to the initial state, etc.

[0026] The strength deterioration corresponds to the degree of decrease in strength compared to the initial state, and the degree of strength deterioration due to hydrolysis can be predicted based on data acquired by a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The degree of ultraviolet deterioration can be predicted based on, for example, the cumulative value or integral value of the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated compared to the initial state.

[0027] An example of a method for the prediction unit 13 to predict the degree of deterioration is to search the storage means 11 using the information acquired by the acquisition means 12 and to search for deterioration information associated with the data. When searching for deterioration information from the storage means 11, the data acquired by the acquisition means 12 may be used as is, or an analysis value obtained by analyzing the data acquired by the acquisition means 12 may be used.

[0028] It is preferable to use analytical values, which improves the accuracy of the search, when searching the storage means 11. Examples of analytical values ​​include cumulative values, integral values, and peak values ​​of physical property information.

[0029] It is preferable that the acquisition means 12 is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an ultraviolet ray sensor, and the prediction unit 13 uses one or more data selected from temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet ray, and predicts the degree of deterioration of the device 10 based on one or more statistical values ​​selected from a cumulative value, an integral value, a peak value, and an average value of the data. The statistical value may be called an analytical value, etc.

[0030] Temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet rays are important physical property information in the environment in which the device 10 is expected to be used, and the prediction unit 13 predicts the degree of deterioration using this information, thereby making it possible to accurately predict the degree of deterioration of the device 10. In this case, the reuse rate and recycling rate can also be improved.

[0031] The reuse rate refers to the percentage of recycled materials (all recycled equipment, one recycled equipment) that are reused (reused machines, reused parts). The recycling rate refers to the percentage of recycled materials that are reused.

[0032] In addition to the above, a method using machine learning may be used as a method for predicting the degree of deterioration of the device 10. Machine learning is a method for pooling sensor data, scan data, and the like into deterioration information, automatically learning based on this data, and discovering rules and patterns behind the data, and the degree of deterioration may be predicted based on the results of learning.

[0033] The determination unit 14 determines the optimal playback method for the device 10 based on the predicted degree of deterioration. "Determining the playback method" may also be referred to as "selecting," "selecting," or "setting." Examples of the regeneration method include reuse and recycling. Examples of reuse and recycling include reuse of equipment, reuse of parts, and recycling of parts. Reuse means to reuse, and corresponds to, for example, reusing the device 10 and reusing parts included in the device. An example of recycling is material recycling, in which resin parts are crushed and used as materials. In this embodiment, regeneration includes reuse, recycling, and other methods of utilizing the used device 10. There may be multiple optimal regeneration methods, but it is preferable that there is only one optimal regeneration method.

[0034] One method by which the judgment unit 14 judges the playback method is to search the storage means 11 using the degree of deterioration predicted by the prediction unit 13, and to search for the playback method that is optimal for the predicted degree of deterioration.

[0035] The search unit 15 searches the storage means 11 using the determined reproduction method, and searches for reproduction base information associated with the reproduction method. The reproduction base information is, for example, information on a base where reuse, recycling, etc. are carried out. Examples of the base include a factory, a store, etc.

[0036] The display unit 16 displays the searched playback base information. The display method is not particularly limited, and for example, the information is displayed on a display means such as a panel or a display of the device 10. Alternatively, the information may be displayed on a terminal used by a user or the like.

[0037] The display unit 16 may display other information in addition to the playback base information. For example, the display unit 16 may display information on deterioration of the device 10, information on the playback method, etc. The display unit 16 may also display information on the delivery method, etc.

[0038] Users include, but are not limited to, producers, general consumers, customer engineers, collectors, and recyclers.

[0039] According to the present embodiment, by clearly indicating the information on the remanufacturing base to which the device 10 or parts should be sent, the user is prompted to send the device 10 or parts to an appropriate base, and waste in logistics can be eliminated. The user who sees the information on the remanufacturing base to which the device 10 or parts should be sent can easily understand where to send the device 10 or parts, and in addition to being able to appropriately process the sending, the user can reduce the effort of searching for the destination.

[0040] In this embodiment, the regeneration method determined by the determining unit 14 may be for each device 10 or for each part. For example, the device 10 includes a resin part, the prediction unit 13 predicts the degree of deterioration of the resin part, and the determination unit 14 determines an optimal regeneration method for the resin part, the regeneration method being reuse or recycling of the resin part. Since resin parts are often used in the device 10, the recycling efficiency of the device 10 is improved by determining the recycling method of the resin parts.

[0041] When determining the remanufacturing method for the resin parts, the search unit 15 searches for remanufacturing base information linked to the remanufacturing method for the resin parts, for example. In this case, the display unit 16 displays the remanufacturing base information linked to the remanufacturing method for the searched resin parts. The remanufacturing base information to which the resin parts should be sent can be displayed on a resin part-by-part basis, which encourages sending the device to the appropriate base on a part-by-part basis, thereby further reducing waste in logistics.

[0042] The prediction process of the prediction unit 13 and the determination process of the determination unit 14 can be appropriately selected, and as described above, may be, for example, a process of searching a storage means. An example of this case will be described below. In this example, the storage means 11 has deterioration information indicating the degree of deterioration linked to the physical property information of the device 10, and the regeneration method stored in the storage means 11 is linked to the deterioration information. The prediction unit 13 searches the storage means 11 using the physical property information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, and sets the corresponding deterioration information as the degree of deterioration of the device 10. The determination unit 14 searches the storage means 11 using the degree of deterioration acquired by the prediction unit 13, and sets the corresponding regeneration method as the optimal regeneration method. In this way, when the prediction process of the prediction unit 13 and the judgment process of the judgment unit 14 are carried out by searching the storage means, the prediction process and the judgment process can be carried out with high accuracy.

[0043] In this embodiment, the acquisition means 12 may be a status display member. The status display member displays physical property information related to the deterioration of the parts included in the device, and displays the detected status so that the result can be visually confirmed. Examples of the status display member include a temperature detection label, a moisture content detection label, and a UV label. These may be in the form of a sticker.

[0044] The temperature sensing label can be, for example, a Thermo Label (registered trademark), which displays temperature information by changing color. For example, the color of a specific area changes depending on the temperature, making it possible to visually recognize the temperature detected by the temperature sensing label as a numerical value.

[0045] The moisture detection label indicates the moisture content by changing color. For example, the color of a specific area changes depending on the moisture content, making it possible to visually recognize the moisture content detected by the moisture detection label as a numerical value. The moisture detection label can display humidity information. The moisture detection label may also be called a water leak label, a water leak sticker, or the like.

[0046] The UV label indicates the amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays by changing color. For example, a specific color changes depending on the amount of UV rays, making it possible to visually recognize the amount of UV rays detected by the UV label as a numerical value.

[0047] The state display member may or may not display a specific numerical value of the physical property of the detection target. When a specific numerical value is not displayed, for example, the state is displayed by dividing it into areas such as large, medium, and small.

[0048] The status indicating member may be reversible or irreversible, but is preferably irreversible in consideration of its use in predicting the degree of deterioration. If the status indicating member is irreversible, it is easier for the status indicating member to indicate the cumulative value of factors that deteriorate the device (such as temperature rise, humidity rise, and ultraviolet radiation).

[0049] The location where the status indicating member is disposed is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately, for example, at least one selected from the inside of the device and the outside of the device. When a status display member is disposed inside the device, deterioration factors caused by the device can be detected, such as an increase in temperature or humidity caused by a part or unit provided in the device. When a status display member is disposed on the outside of the device, deterioration factors caused by external factors of the device, such as factors in the environment in which the device is used, can be detected. For example, an increase in temperature or humidity in the environment in which the device is used, an increase in ultraviolet light irradiated to the device, etc. can be detected. The outside of the device may also be referred to as the exterior of the device.

[0050] An example of a configuration using a status indicating member will be described. The acquisition means 12 is a status display member provided at one or more locations selected from the inside and outside of the equipment 10, and it is preferable that the status display member is one or more selected from a temperature detection label that displays temperature information by changing color, a moisture content detection label that displays the moisture content by changing color, and a UV label that displays the amount of ultraviolet light by changing color. In this case, information regarding deterioration of the equipment can be obtained at a lower cost and from more measurement points, thereby improving the accuracy of prediction of the degree of deterioration.

[0051] There are no particular limitations on how the status indicating member is used and it may be appropriately selected. An example of such a use will be described below. The device 10 includes a reading unit (for example, the reading unit 5 described below) that reads the display result of the status indicating member, and the determining unit 14 determines the optimal playback method for the device based on the display result of the status indicating member that has been read. In this case, information regarding deterioration of the equipment can be obtained at a lower cost and from more measurement points, thereby improving the accuracy of prediction of the degree of deterioration.

[0052] To read the display result of the status indicating member with the reading unit, for example, the user removes the status indicating member and sets it on the reading unit to perform reading. Reading with the reading unit may be referred to as scanning or the like.

[0053] The storage means 11, the prediction unit 13, etc. may be included in another device in the reproduction system 100, or may be included in the device 10. Examples of these will be described below.

[0054] In one example, the playback system 100 has a device other than the device 10, the other device having a storage means 11, a prediction unit 13, a judgment unit 14, a search unit 15, and a display unit 16, and the device 10 has a transmission unit that transmits information from the acquisition means 12 to the other device, and a display means that displays information on the display unit 16. Since the storage unit 11, the prediction unit 13, etc. are provided in a device separate from the device 10, the device 10 can be simplified and made lighter. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and fuel used for transportation of the device 10, thereby contributing to a sustainable society.

[0055] In another example, the device 10 has a storage means 11, a prediction unit 13, a determination unit 14, a search unit 15, and a display unit 16. The device 10 also has a display means for displaying information by the display unit 16. In this case, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to configure a device separate from the device 10, and the storage means 11 can be easily constructed.

[0056] The device 10 or another device has, for example, a CPU, a memory, an I / F, etc., and the CPU etc. can configure a prediction unit, etc.

[0057] An example of the configuration in which the device 10 is an image forming device and the image forming device has a storage unit 11, a prediction unit 13, etc. will be described below. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a storage unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, a prediction unit 13, a determination unit 14, a search unit 15, a display unit 16 and a display unit. The storage means 11 stores at least the playback method of the image forming device and playback base information linked to the playback method. The acquisition means 12 acquires physical property information of the image forming device. The prediction unit 13 predicts the degree of deterioration of the image forming device based on the data acquired by the acquisition means 12. The determination unit 14 determines the optimal playback method for the image forming device based on the predicted degree of deterioration. The search unit 15 searches the storage means 11 using the determined playback method, and searches for playback base information linked to the playback method. The display unit 16 displays the searched playback base information on the display means. In this example, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to configure a device separate from the device 10, and the storage means 11 can be easily constructed.

[0058] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device 10 in this embodiment, and is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the acquisition unit 12. The device 10 in this example is an image forming apparatus. The device 10 includes a humidity sensor 1, a UV sensor 2, and a temperature sensor 4 as the acquisition unit 12. The device 10 also includes a panel 3 and a reading unit 5.

[0059] The panel 3 is an example of an operation panel where print settings can be performed, and is a member capable of displaying information from the display unit 16. The reading unit 5 is a part where the device 10 scans (reads) documents and the like, and can scan labels, stickers, and the like in addition to scanning documents.

[0060] In this example, the humidity sensor 1, UV sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4 are provided at locations where their respective conditions are average. In this example, the humidity sensor 1, UV sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4 are disposed on the exterior of the device 10.

[0061] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing in the reproduction system of this embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 3 is an example in which the device 10 (image forming device) in Fig. 2 is used. This example is also an example in which the device 10 (image forming device) has a storage unit 11, a prediction unit 13, etc.

[0062] <s10> The prediction unit 13 predicts the degree of deterioration of the device 10 from the recorded data acquired by the acquisition means 12. The acquisition means 12 is one or more selected from a humidity sensor 1, a UV sensor 2, and a temperature sensor 4. In this example, the prediction unit 13 refers to (searches) the storage means 11 using the data (recorded data) acquired by the acquisition means 12, and acquires deterioration information linked to the corresponding recorded data. As a result, the prediction unit 13 predicts the overall degree of deterioration of the device 10.

[0063] <s11> The determination unit 14 determines the optimal playback method for the predicted degree of deterioration. In this example, the determination unit 14 searches the storage means 11 using the predicted deterioration information and obtains the playback method associated with the corresponding deterioration information. In this way, the determination unit 14 determines the optimal playback method for the device 10.

[0064] <s12> In this example, the search unit 15 searches the storage means 11 using the determined playback method, and acquires playback base information associated with the corresponding playback method.

[0065] <s13> The display unit 16 displays the searched reproduction base information. In this example, the display unit 16 displays the reproduction base information on the panel 3 of the image forming apparatus. By displaying the reproduction base information, information on the base to which the device 10 should be sent is clearly indicated. This allows the user to understand to which base the device 10 or parts should be sent.

[0066] 4 is a diagram for explaining another processing example of the reproduction system of this embodiment. This example is an example in which a device 30 separate from the device 10 has the storage means 11, the prediction unit 13, etc. This example is also an example in which a status display member is used as the acquisition means 12, and is an example in which a temperature detection label, a moisture content detection label, and a UV label are used as the status display member.

[0067] <s20> The device 10 scans (reads) the display result of the status display member with the reading unit 5. For example, the user removes the status display member provided on the device 10 and scans it with the reading unit 5 of the device 10. Examples of the scanned content include images and data.

[0068] In this example, the device 10 has a transmission unit that transmits the scanned content to another device 30. As shown by the arrow in the figure, the device 10 transmits the scanned content to another device 30. In this example, the other device 30 has a storage means 11, a prediction unit 13, a determination unit 14, a search unit 15, and a display unit 16.

[0069] The display result of the status display member is not limited to being scanned by the device 10. The display result of the status display member may be scanned by another device 30 or by a terminal 41 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, etc.). When the display result of the status display member is scanned by another device 30, etc., there is an advantage that it is possible to deal with cases where the device 10 cannot be turned on, etc. When the display result of the status display member is scanned by the terminal 41, etc., and communicated, any application is used.

[0070] <s21> The prediction unit 13 inquires about the scanned content from the storage means 11. The prediction unit 13 predicts the overall degree of deterioration of the device 10 by referring to the deterioration information associated with the scanned content.

[0071] <s22> The determining unit 14 refers to the playback method information in the storage means 11 based on the predicted degree of deterioration and determines the optimal playback method for the device 10.

[0072] <s23> Based on the determined playback method, the search unit 15 refers to the location information of the storage means 11. In this way, the search unit 15 selects a playback location to which the device 10 should be sent, based on the set playback method.

[0073] <s24> The display unit 16 displays the searched playback bases on the panel 3 (display means) of the device 10. As a result, the panel 3 of the device 10 displays information about the playback base to which the device 10 should be sent.

[0074] In the above description, an example has been given of displaying information about a recycling base to which the device 10 should be sent, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and information about a recycling base to which a part included in the device 10, such as a plastic part, should be sent may also be displayed.

[0075] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining another processing example of the playback system of this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a processing example similar to that of Fig. 4, but S25 is different. In the following explanation, only the parts different from Fig. 4 will be explained. The other processing is performed in the same way as the processing example of Fig. 4.

[0076] In the example of Fig. 4, S24 is performed after S23. In the example of Fig. 5, S25 is performed instead of S24 in Fig. 4. In S25, the base information acquired from the database is displayed on a terminal 41 of a CE (customer engineer), a collection company, or the like. In other words, a CE (customer engineer), a collection company, or the like may use the terminal 41 they use to obtain information on the regeneration base to which the device 10 or parts should be sent.

[0077] Since the information can be accessed from an information terminal other than the image forming device, information can be shared between on-site CEs and collection companies, reducing transportation errors and improving transportation efficiency.

[0078] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> Equipment and a storage unit that stores at least a regeneration method for the device or a part included in the device and regeneration base information associated with the regeneration method; An acquisition means for acquiring physical property information related to deterioration of a component included in the device; a prediction unit that predicts a degree of deterioration of the device based on the physical property information acquired by the acquisition means; a determination unit that determines an optimal regeneration method for the device or a part included in the device based on the predicted degree of deterioration; a search unit that searches the storage means by using the determined playback method and searches for playback base information associated with the playback method; a display unit that displays the searched playback base information; A playback system comprising: <2> The acquiring means is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an ultraviolet ray sensor, The prediction unit uses one or more data selected from temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet rays, and predicts a degree of deterioration of the device based on one or more statistical values ​​selected from a cumulative value, an integral value, a peak value, and an average value of the data. Characterized by <1> The reproducing system according to claim 1 . <3> The device includes a resin part, The prediction unit predicts a degree of deterioration of the resin part, The determination unit determines an optimal remanufacturing method for the resin part, The regeneration method is to reuse or recycle the resin part. Characterized by <1> or <2> The reproducing system according to claim 1 . <4> the acquiring means is a status display member provided at one or more locations selected from inside the device and outside the device, The state indicating member is at least one selected from a temperature sensing label that indicates temperature information by changing color, a moisture content sensing label that indicates moisture content by changing color, and a UV label that indicates ultraviolet light intensity by changing color. Characterized by <1> from <3> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <5> The device includes a reading unit that reads the display result of the status display member, The determination unit determines an optimal playback method for the device based on the display result of the read status indicating member. Characterized by <4> The reproducing system according to claim 1 . <6> A device separate from the device, the other device includes the storage means, the prediction unit, the determination unit, the search unit, and the display unit, The device includes a transmission unit that transmits the information of the acquisition unit to the other device, and a display unit that displays the information on the display unit. Characterized by <1> from <5> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <7> The device includes the storage means, the prediction unit, the determination unit, the search unit, and the display unit. Characterized by <1> from <5> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <8> The device is an image forming device. Characterized by <1> from <7> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <9> The display unit displays the playback location information on a display means included in the device or on another terminal. Characterized by <1> from <8> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <10> the storage means has deterioration information indicating a degree of deterioration associated with physical property information of the device, and the reproduction method stored in the storage means is associated with the deterioration information; The prediction unit searches the storage unit using the physical property information acquired by the acquisition unit, and sets the corresponding deterioration information as a degree of deterioration of the device; The determination unit searches the storage means using the degree of deterioration acquired by the prediction unit, and sets the corresponding reproduction method as the optimal reproduction method. Characterized by <1> from <9> 2. The reproducing system according to claim 1 , <11> An image forming apparatus having a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a prediction unit, a determination unit, a search unit, a display unit, and a display unit, the storage means stores at least a reproduction method of the image forming apparatus and reproduction base information associated with the reproduction method; The acquiring unit acquires physical property information of the image forming device, The prediction unit predicts a degree of deterioration of the image forming apparatus based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit, the determining unit determines an optimal regeneration method for the image forming device based on the predicted degree of deterioration; the search unit searches the storage means using the determined playback method, and searches for playback base information associated with the playback method; The display unit displays the searched reproduction base information on the display means. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Humidity Sensor 2 UV sensor 3 Panel 4 Temperature Sensor 5 Reading unit 10 equipment 11 Preservation means 12 Acquisition method 13 Prediction Department 14 Judgment section 15 Search section 16 Display 20 Temperature sensing label 21 Moisture detection label 22 UV Label 30 Another Device 40 users 41 Terminals 100 Playback System [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0080] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-300330 [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-109530 A

Claims

1. Equipment and a storage unit that stores at least a regeneration method for the device or a part included in the device and regeneration base information associated with the regeneration method; An acquisition means for acquiring physical property information related to deterioration of a component included in the device; a prediction unit that predicts a degree of deterioration of the device based on the physical property information acquired by the acquisition means; a determination unit that determines an optimal regeneration method for the device or a part included in the device based on the predicted degree of deterioration; a search unit that searches the storage means by using the determined playback method and searches for playback base information associated with the playback method; a display unit that displays the searched playback base information; A playback system comprising:

2. The acquiring means is one or more selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an ultraviolet ray sensor, The prediction unit uses one or more data selected from temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet rays, and predicts a degree of deterioration of the device based on one or more statistical values ​​selected from a cumulative value, an integral value, a peak value, and an average value of the data.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

3. The device includes a resin part, The prediction unit predicts a degree of deterioration of the resin part, The determination unit determines an optimal remanufacturing method for the resin part, The regeneration method is to reuse or recycle the resin part.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

4. the acquiring means is a status display member provided at one or more locations selected from inside the device and outside the device, The state indicating member is at least one selected from a temperature sensing label that indicates temperature information by changing color, a moisture content sensing label that indicates moisture content by changing color, and a UV label that indicates ultraviolet light intensity by changing color.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

5. The device includes a reading unit that reads the display result of the status display member, The determination unit determines an optimal playback method for the device based on the display result of the read status indicating member.

5. The reproducing system according to claim 4.

6. A device separate from the device, the other device includes the storage means, the prediction unit, the determination unit, the search unit, and the display unit, The device includes a transmission unit that transmits the information of the acquisition unit to the other device, and a display unit that displays the information on the display unit.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

7. The device includes the storage means, the prediction unit, the determination unit, the search unit, and the display unit.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

8. The device is an image forming device.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

9. The display unit displays the playback location information on a display means included in the device or on another terminal.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

10. the storage means has deterioration information indicating a degree of deterioration associated with physical property information of the device, and the reproduction method stored in the storage means is associated with the deterioration information; The prediction unit searches the storage unit using the physical property information acquired by the acquisition unit, and sets the corresponding deterioration information as a degree of deterioration of the device; The determination unit searches the storage means using the degree of deterioration acquired by the prediction unit, and sets the corresponding reproduction method as the optimal reproduction method.

2. The playback system according to claim 1 .

11. An image forming apparatus having a storage unit, an acquisition unit, a prediction unit, a determination unit, a search unit, a display unit, and a display unit, the storage means stores at least a reproduction method of the image forming apparatus and reproduction base information associated with the reproduction method; The acquiring unit acquires physical property information of the image forming device, The prediction unit predicts a degree of deterioration of the image forming apparatus based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit, the determining unit determines an optimal regeneration method for the image forming device based on the predicted degree of deterioration; the search unit searches the storage means using the determined playback method, and searches for playback base information associated with the playback method; The display unit displays the searched reproduction base information on the display means.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images