Printer and electronic apparatus

Abstract

To contribute to the goal 13 of sustainable development goals (SDGs).SOLUTION: A printer includes a storage container for storing a fluid to be used in printing processing to execute the printing processing. The printer includes an acquisition part for acquiring reuse information about a history of reuses of the storage container, a generation part for generating contribution information related to a contribution amount to an environment due to reuse of a recycled storage container on the basis of the reuse information if the printer includes the recycled storage container being a recycled product of the storage container, and a device control part for displaying the contribution amount in a display device on the basis of the contribution information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has been known a method of recovering containers that contain liquid such as ink used when a printing device executes a printing process, and reusing the recovered containers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-039708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, even if the container installed in the printing device is a recycled container, the user of the printing device may not be able to know that the printing device uses a recycled container. For this reason, the conventional technology may not sufficiently motivate the user of the printing device to reuse the container, and there is room for improvement in the SDGs, i.e., the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, for example, Goal 13 "Take measures to mitigate climate change and its impacts."

[0005] It should be noted that the above-mentioned problem is not limited to the reuse of containers used in printing devices, but also applies to all situations in which specific parts are reused in electronic devices that have replaceable specific parts, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device that has a storage container that contains a liquid used in a printing process and executes the printing process, and is characterized in that it is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information related to the reuse history of the storage container, and when the printing device is equipped with a recycled storage container that is a recycled version of the storage container, a generation unit that generates contribution information related to the amount of contribution to the environment associated with the use of the recycled storage container based on the reuse information, and a device control unit that displays the amount of contribution on a display device based on the contribution information.

[0007] In addition, the electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device that has a replaceable specific part and executes a specific process, and is characterized in that it comprises an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information regarding the reuse history of the specific part, a generation unit that, when the electronic device is equipped with a recycled specific part that is a recycled product of the specific part, generates contribution information regarding the amount of contribution to the environment associated with the use of the recycled specific part based on the reuse information, and a device control unit that displays the amount of contribution on a display device based on the contribution information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a management system Sys according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cartridge 7. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user card 8. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the collection box 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a management server 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing device 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing device 5 when a contribution information presentation process is executed.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each figure, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. Further, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are imposed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to limit the present invention specifically.

[0010] <<A. Embodiment>> In this embodiment, a management system Sys for managing a cartridge 7 that stores ink used in a printing apparatus 5 will be described by way of example.

[0011] <<1. Configuration of the Management System>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an example of the configuration of a management system Sys according to this embodiment will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system Sys.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the management system Sys includes a management server 1, one or more collection boxes 3, one or more printing apparatuses 5, one or more terminal devices 6 provided corresponding to the one or more printing apparatuses 5, and a recycling factory 9, and manages a cartridge 7 that stores ink used in the printing apparatus 5.

[0014] The management server 1 is a server device for managing the management system Sys.

[0015] The cartridge 7 is a container that stores ink used in the printing apparatus 5 and is a container that can be attached to the printing apparatus 5. In this embodiment, the ink is an example of a "liquid", and the cartridge 7 is an example of a "storage container".

[0016] The collection box 3 is a facility for collecting used cartridges 7 from users UP of the printing device 5. Here, a used cartridge 7 is, for example, a cartridge 7 in which the amount of ink remaining inside is small, or a cartridge 7 in which the ink contained inside has deteriorated. That is, in this embodiment, the collection box 3 can collect the cartridge 7 even if ink remains inside the cartridge 7. In this embodiment, the collection box 3 is installed in a commercial facility FS. Here, the commercial facility FS refers to a commercial facility such as a home appliance retailer that sells the printing device 5 or a shopping mall that sells various products, a public facility such as a community center, or a medical facility such as a hospital.

[0017] In this embodiment, a case is assumed as an example in which the user UP brings the used cartridge 7 to the collection box 3 to collect the used cartridge 7, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the user UP may be able to collect the used cartridge 7 by mailing it to the recycle factory 9.

[0018] The recycle factory 9 is a facility for recycling the used cartridges 7 collected from the user UP in the collection box 3 and regenerating them into regenerated products. Specifically, the recycle factory 9 is a facility for manufacturing regenerated cartridges 7 by recycling the used cartridges 7 by cleaning the used cartridges 7 and refilling the cleaned cartridges 7 with ink. Hereinafter, the regenerated cartridges 7 may be referred to as "regenerated cartridges 7X." The recycling factory 9 may disassemble the used cartridge 7 into its materials and use the disassembled materials to manufacture the recycled cartridge 7X. The recycling factory 9 may disassemble the used cartridge 7 into its materials and use the disassembled materials to manufacture a product different from the recycled cartridge 7X as a recycled product. In this embodiment, the recycled cartridge 7X is an example of a "recycled storage container."

[0019] In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the printing device 5 is installed in a user facility FU. Here, the user facility FU is a facility where the user UP uses the printing device 5, such as the home or office of the user UP.

[0020] That is, in this embodiment, it is assumed that a used cartridge 7 used in a printing device 5 provided at a user facility FU is collected via a cartridge collection route RT1 that leads from the user facility FU to a collection box 3. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed, as an example, that when collecting a used cartridge 7 via the cartridge collection route RT1, the user UP authenticates the user UP using a user card 8 owned by the user UP when inserting the used cartridge 7 into the collection box 3.

[0021] In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the used cartridges 7 collected via the cartridge collection route RT1 are recycled as recycled cartridges 7X at a recycling factory 9 and then delivered via a cartridge delivery route RT2 from the recycling factory 9 to a user facility FU.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge 7.

[0023] 2, the cartridge 7 includes a memory device 70. The cartridge 7 also includes an ink storage chamber (not shown) that stores ink.

[0024] The storage device 70 is, for example, an IC chip, and stores cartridge model number information DQ1 and cartridge reuse information DQ2.

[0025] The cartridge model number information DQ1 is information that indicates the product model number of the cartridge 7. The cartridge reuse information DQ2 indicates the number of reuses AQ. Here, the number of reuses AQ is the number of times the cartridge 7 has been reused as a recycled product. Specifically, the number of reuses AQ is set to "0" if the cartridge 7 is a new product before recycling, and is set to a value equal to or greater than "1" if the cartridge 7 is a recycled product.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user card 8. As shown in FIG.

[0027] 3, 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.

[0028] The user identification information DU is information indicating a user ID for uniquely identifying each user from among multiple users who possess a user card 8. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user who possesses the user card 8 is a user UP who uses the printing device 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. The user who possesses the user card 8 may be a user UP who uses the printing device 5 and also a user who uses a commercial facility FS. The user who possesses the user card 8 may also be a user who uses the cartridge 7.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the collection box 3. As shown in FIG.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the collection box 3 includes a cartridge insertion port 30, a cartridge information reader 31, a user card information reader 32, a communication device 33, and a control device .

[0031] 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.

[0032] When the cartridge 7 is inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30, the cartridge information reader 31 reads, from the storage device 70 provided in the cartridge 7, the cartridge model number information DQ1 and the cartridge reuse information DQ2 stored in the storage device 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When the cartridge 7 is inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30, the cartridge information reader 31 only needs to read, from the storage device 70 provided in the cartridge 7, at least the cartridge model number information DQ1 stored in the storage device 70.

[0033] When a user UP touches a user card 8 to the user card information reader 32, the user card information reader 32 reads user identification information DU stored in a storage device 80 provided on the user card 8 from the storage device 80.

[0034] The communication device 33 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the collection box 3 via a network NW such as a wired network or a wireless network.

[0035] The control device 35 includes a cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​and a user card authentication unit 37 .

[0036] The cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 corresponds to a cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3, based on the reading result by the cartridge information reading device 31. Specifically, the cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the model number indicated by the cartridge model number information DQ1 read by the cartridge information reading device 31 corresponds to a cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3.

[0037] Then, when the model number indicated by the cartridge model number information DQ1 read by the cartridge information reader 31 corresponds to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3, the cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 corresponds to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3. When the model number indicated by the cartridge model number information DQ1 read by the cartridge information reader 31 does not correspond to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3, the cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 does not correspond to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3. When the cartridge information reader 31 fails to read the cartridge model number information DQ1, the cartridge collection determination unit 36 ​​determines that the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 does not correspond to the cartridge 7 collectable by the collection box 3.

[0038] When the result of the determination by the cartridge recovery determination unit 36 ​​is positive, that is, when the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 corresponds to a cartridge 7 that can be recovered by the recovery box 3, the recovery box 3 stores the cartridge 7 in a cartridge storage space within the recovery box 3. The cartridges 7 stored in the cartridge storage space within the recovery box 3 are then periodically collected and transported to a recycling factory 9. On the other hand, if the result of the judgment by the cartridge recovery judgment unit 36 ​​is negative, i.e., if the object inserted into the cartridge insertion port 30 does not correspond to a cartridge 7 that can be recovered by the recovery box 3, the recovery box 3 ejects the object outside the recovery box 3.

[0039] When the user card 8 is touched to the user card information reading device 32, the user card authentication unit 37 identifies 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. The user card authentication unit 37 also notifies the management server 1 of the identified user ID via the network NW. The management server 1 manages the notified user ID.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 1. As shown in FIG.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the management server 1 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13.

[0042] The control device 11 is hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each part of the management server 1. The communication device 13 is hardware for communicating with an external device that exists outside the management server 1 via the network NW.

[0043] The storage device 12 includes a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that functions as a working area for the control device 11, and a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that stores various information. In this embodiment, the storage device 12 stores carbon dioxide emission information DC and user history information DR.

[0044] The carbon dioxide emission information DC includes new product carbon dioxide emission information DC1 indicating new product carbon dioxide emission amount AC1, and recycled product carbon dioxide emission information DC2 indicating recycled product carbon dioxide emission amount AC2. Here, the new product carbon dioxide emission amount AC1 indicated by the new product carbon dioxide emission information DC1 is the amount of carbon dioxide emission generated in the life cycle of the new cartridge 7, including the manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal of the new cartridge 7. Also, the recycled product carbon dioxide emission amount AC2 indicated by the recycled product carbon dioxide emission information DC2 is the amount of carbon dioxide emission generated in the life cycle of the recycled cartridge 7X, including the manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal of the recycled cartridge 7X.

[0045] The user history information DR indicates the cumulative number of recycled product uses AR. Here, the cumulative number of recycled product uses AR is the number of recycled cartridges 7X that the user UP has used up to the present. In this embodiment, the cumulative number of recycled product uses AR is the number of times that the user UP has purchased recycled cartridges 7X. In addition, the cumulative number of recycled product uses AR may be the number of times the collection box 3 notifies the user ID.

[0046] In this embodiment, the management server 1 manages the collection status of the used cartridges 7 in the collection box 3 by communicating with the collection box 3 via the network NW. Also, in this embodiment, the management server 1 manages the purchase status of the recycled cartridges 7X by the user UP by communicating with the recycling factory 9 via the network NW.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the printing device 5 includes a control device 51, a storage device 52, a communication device 53, and one or more cartridges 7.

[0049] The cartridges 7 installed in the printing device 5 are new cartridges 7 or recycled cartridges 7X. That is, among one or more cartridges 7 installed in the printing device 5, some or all may be recycled cartridges 7X, all may be recycled cartridges 7X, or all may be new cartridges 7.

[0050] The communication device 53 is hardware for communicating with an external device that exists outside the management server 1 via the network NW.

[0051] The storage device 52 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the control device 51, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information. In this embodiment, the storage device 52 stores cartridge usage history information DX, printing history information DY, and a control program PG-P for the printing device 5.

[0052] The cartridge usage history information DX indicates the number of recycled products used AX. Here, the number of recycled products used AX is the number of recycled cartridges 7X that have been used in the printing device 5 during the period from when the printing device 5 was sold to the present.

[0053] The print history information DY includes eco print information DY1 indicating the eco print count AY1 and total print information DY2 indicating the total print count AY2. Here, the eco print count AY1 indicated by the eco print information DY1 is, for example, the number of media on which images have been formed by the printer 5 performing a print process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X during the period from when the printer 5 was sold to the present. The total print count AY2 indicated by the total print information DY2 is, for example, the total number of media on which images have been formed by the printer 5 performing a print process using the ink contained in the new cartridge 7 during the period from when the printer 5 was sold to the present, and the total number of media on which images have been formed by the printer 5 performing a print process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X during the period from when the printer 5 was sold to the present. In the following, among the printing processes, the printing process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X may be referred to as the "eco printing process." Also, in the following, among the printing processes, the printing process using the ink contained in the new cartridge 7 may be referred to as the "normal printing process."

[0054] The control device 51 includes a processor. The processor of the control device 51 includes, for example, one or more CPUs. In this embodiment, the processor of the control device 51 executes a control program PG-P stored in the storage device 52 and operates according to the control program PG-P, thereby functioning as a cartridge information acquisition unit 511, a server information acquisition unit 512, a contribution information generation unit 513, a notification device control unit 514, and a print control unit 515. The processor of the control device 51 may 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 in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the functions realized by the processor of the control device 51 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP.

[0055] The cartridge information acquisition unit 511 acquires the cartridge reuse information DQ2 from the storage device 70 of the cartridge 7 provided in the printing device 5.

[0056] The server information acquisition unit 512 acquires the carbon dioxide emission amount information DC and the user history information DR from the management server 1. In this embodiment, the cartridge information acquisition unit 511 and the server information acquisition unit 512 are examples of an "acquisition unit." However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. Either the cartridge information acquisition unit 511 or the server information acquisition unit 512 may be the "acquisition unit." Also, in this embodiment, the cartridge reuse information DQ2 and the user history information DR are examples of "reuse information." However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. Either the cartridge reuse information DQ2 or the user history information DR may be the "reuse information."

[0057] The contribution information generation unit 513 generates contribution information DK based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2 acquired by the cartridge information acquisition unit 511, the carbon dioxide emission information DC and user history information DR acquired by the server information acquisition unit 512, and the cartridge usage history information DX and printing history information DY stored in the memory device 52. In this embodiment, the contribution information generating unit 513 is an example of a "generating unit."

[0058] The contribution information DK includes recycled product installation number information DK1 indicating the number of recycled products installed AK1, recycled product usage number information DK2 indicating the number of recycled products used AK2, recycled product usage cumulative number information DK3 indicating the cumulative number of recycled products used AK3, eco print number information DK4 indicating the number of eco prints AK4, eco print cumulative number information DK5 indicating the cumulative eco print number AK5, eco print ratio information DK6 indicating the eco print ratio AK6, carbon dioxide reduction amount information DK7 indicating the carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7, and carbon dioxide reduction amount information DK8 indicating the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount AK8. Hereinafter, the recycled product installation number AK1, the recycled product usage number AK2, the cumulative number of recycled products used AK3, the eco print number AK4, the cumulative eco print number AK5, the eco print ratio AK6, the carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7, and the cumulative carbon dioxide reduction amount AK8 are referred to as environmental contribution amounts AK.

[0059] The number of recycled products installed AK1 indicated by the number of recycled products installed information DK1 is the number of recycled cartridges 7X equipped in the printing device 5. The contribution information generation unit 513 generates the number of recycled products installed information DK1 based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2 acquired by the cartridge information acquisition unit 511. Specifically, the contribution information generation unit 513 counts the number of cartridges 7 whose reuse count AQ indicated by the cartridge reuse information DQ2 is equal to or greater than "1" among one or more cartridges 7 equipped in the printing device 5, and sets the result of the count as the number of recycled products installed AK1, thereby generating the number of recycled products installed information DK1.

[0060] The recycled product usage number AK2 indicated in the recycled product usage number information DK2 is the number of recycled cartridges 7X used in the printing device 5 during the period from when the printing device 5 was sold to the present. The contribution information generation unit 513 generates the recycled product usage number information DK2 by setting the recycled product usage number AX indicated in the cartridge usage history information DX stored in the storage device 52 to the recycled product usage number AK2. Note that in this embodiment, when a new cartridge 7 is mounted in the printing device 5, the cartridge information acquisition unit 511 updates the cartridge usage history information DX based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2 stored in the storage device 70 of the newly mounted cartridge 7. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the contribution information DK includes the recycled product usage number information DK2, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the contribution information DK may include cartridge usage history information DX instead of the recycled product usage number information DK2.

[0061] The recycled product cumulative usage count AK3 indicated in the recycled product cumulative usage count information DK3 is the number of recycled cartridges 7X that the user UP has used up to the present. The contribution information generation unit 513 generates the recycled product cumulative usage count information DK3 by setting the recycled product cumulative usage count AR indicated in the user history information DR acquired by the server information acquisition unit 512 to the recycled product cumulative usage count AK3. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the contribution information DK includes the recycled product cumulative usage number information DK3, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the contribution information DK may include user history information DR instead of the recycled product cumulative usage number information DK3.

[0062] The eco print count AK4 indicated by the eco print count information DK4 is the number of media on which images have been formed by the printing device 5 performing eco printing processing using ink contained in recycled cartridges 7X during the period from when the printing device 5 was sold to the present. The contribution information generation unit 513 generates the eco print count information DK4 by setting the eco print count AY1 indicated by the eco print information DY1 stored in the storage device 52 to the eco print count AK4. Note that in this embodiment, when the printing device 5 performs the eco print processing, the printing control unit 515 updates the eco print information DY1 based on the execution result of the eco print processing. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a case where the contribution information DK includes eco printing number information DK4 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the contribution information DK may include eco printing information DY1 instead of eco printing number information DK4.

[0063] The eco-printing cumulative number AK5 indicated by the eco-printing cumulative number information DK5 is the number of media on which images have been formed by performing eco-printing processing using ink contained in a recycled cartridge 7X in one or more printing devices 5 used by the user UP up to the present. The contribution information generating unit 513 calculates the eco-printing cumulative number AK5 based on the recycled product usage cumulative number AR indicated by the user history information DR acquired by the server information acquiring unit 512 and the eco-printing number AY1 indicated by the eco-printing information DY1 stored in the storage device 52. Specifically, the contribution information generating unit 513 calculates the eco-printing cumulative number AK5 by adding the eco-printing number AY1 to the integrated value of the standard number of prints and a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the recycled product usage cumulative number AR. Here, the standard number of prints is the average number of media on which images can be formed by eco-printing processing using one recycled cartridge 7X.

[0064] The eco printing ratio AK6 indicated by the eco printing ratio information DK6 is the ratio of the number of media on which images are formed by eco printing processing to the number of media on which images are formed by printing processing during the period from when the printer 5 was sold to the present. The contribution information generation unit 513 calculates the eco printing ratio AK6 based on the eco printing information DY1 stored in the storage device 52 and the total printing information DY2 stored in the storage device 52. Specifically, the contribution information generation unit 513 calculates the eco printing ratio AK6 by dividing the eco printing count AY1 indicated by the eco printing information DY1 by the total printing count AY2 indicated by the total printing information DY2.

[0065] The carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7 indicated by the carbon dioxide reduction amount information DK7 is the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the printing device 5 performing eco printing processing compared to when the printing device 5 performs normal printing processing during the period from when the printing device 5 was sold to the present. The contribution information generation unit 513 calculates the carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7 based on the new product carbon dioxide emission information DC1 and recycled product carbon dioxide emission information DC2 acquired by the server information acquisition unit 512, and the eco printing information DY1 stored in the storage device 52.

[0066] Specifically, the contribution information generating unit 513 first calculates the reduction amount per cartridge by subtracting the recycled product carbon dioxide emission amount AC2 indicated by the recycled product carbon dioxide emission amount information DC2 from the new product carbon dioxide emission amount AC1 indicated by the new product carbon dioxide emission amount information DC1. Here, the reduction amount per cartridge is the amount of carbon dioxide emission reduced when the printing device 5 performs an eco printing process using one recycled cartridge 7X, compared to when the printing device 5 performs a normal printing process using one new cartridge 7. Furthermore, the contribution information generating unit 513 calculates the reduction amount per medium by dividing the reduction amount per cartridge by the standard number of prints. Here, the reduction amount per medium is the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced when the printing device 5 performs eco-printing on one sheet of medium using a recycled cartridge 7X, compared to when the printing device 5 performs normal printing on one sheet of medium using a new cartridge 7. Then, the contribution information generating unit 513 calculates a carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7 by adding up the eco print number AY1 indicated by the eco print information DY1 and the medium unit reduction amount.

[0067] The method of calculating the carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7 according to the present embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the contribution information generating unit 513 may calculate the carbon dioxide reduction amount AK7 by integrating the number of recycled products used AX indicated by the cartridge usage history information DX and the reduction amount per cartridge.

[0068] The carbon dioxide cumulative reduction amount AK8 indicated by the carbon dioxide cumulative reduction amount information DK8 is the carbon dioxide emission amount reduced by performing eco-printing processing in one or more printing devices 5 that the user UP has used up to now, compared to performing normal printing processing. The contribution information generation unit 513 calculates the carbon dioxide cumulative reduction amount AK8 based on the user history information DR, the new product carbon dioxide emission amount information DC1, and the recycled product carbon dioxide emission amount information DC2 acquired by the server information acquisition unit 512, and the eco printing information DY1 stored in the storage device 52. Specifically, the contribution information generation unit 513 calculates the carbon dioxide cumulative reduction amount AK8 by adding an integrated value obtained by subtracting "1" from the recycled product cumulative usage number AR indicated by the user history information DR and accumulating the cartridge unit reduction amount to an integrated value obtained by accumulating the medium unit reduction amount to the eco print number AY1 indicated by the eco printing information DY1.

[0069] The notification device control unit 514 controls the terminal device 6 so that the amount of environmental contribution AK indicated by the contribution information DK generated by the contribution information generation unit 513 is notified via the terminal device 6. Specifically, the notification device control unit 514 supplies the contribution information DK to the terminal device 6, thereby causing the terminal device 6 to notify the amount of environmental contribution AK. Note that hereinafter, the process of generating the contribution information DK in the control device 51 and notifying the amount of environmental contribution AK indicated by the generated contribution information DK via the terminal device 6 is referred to as a contribution information presentation process. In this embodiment, notification device control unit 514 is an example of a "device control unit."

[0070] The print control unit 515 controls a print head (not shown) included in the printing device to execute a print process for forming an image on a medium.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 6. As shown in FIG.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal device 6 includes a control device 61, a communication device 62, a display device 63, and a speaker 64.

[0073] The control device 61 is hardware such as a CPU that controls each part of the terminal device 6 . The communication device 62 is hardware for communicating with an external device present outside the terminal device 6 via the network NW. The display device 63 is hardware for displaying an image based on the control of the control device 61 . The speaker 64 is hardware for emitting sound based on the control of the control device 61 .

[0074] When contribution information DK is supplied from the printing device 5, the control device 61 controls the display device 63 to display the amount of environmental contribution AK, and controls the speaker 64 to pronounce the amount of environmental contribution AK. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When contribution information DK is supplied from the printing device 5, the control device 61 only needs to control the display device 63 and the speaker 64 so that either the display of the amount of environmental contribution AK on the display device 63 or the pronunciation of the amount of environmental contribution AK by the speaker 64 is performed.

[0075] <<2. Contribution information presentation process>> Hereinafter, an example of the contribution information presentation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device 51 when the control device 51 performs the contribution information presentation process. Note that the contribution information presentation process is executed, for example, when the power of the printing device 5 is turned on, when the printing process executed in the printing device 5 is completed, etc.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, in the contribution information presentation process, the cartridge information acquisition section 511 acquires cartridge reuse information DQ2 from the cartridge 7 (S101). Next, the server information acquisition unit 512 acquires the carbon dioxide emission amount information DC from the management server 1 via the terminal device 6 (S103). Furthermore, the server information acquisition unit 512 acquires the user history information DR from the management server 1 via the terminal device 6 (S105). Furthermore, the control device 51 acquires the cartridge usage history information DX from the storage device 52 (S107). Moreover, the control device 51 acquires the print history information DY from the storage device 52 (S109). Next, the contribution information generating unit 513 generates contribution information DK based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2, carbon dioxide emission amount information DC, user history information DR, cartridge usage history information DX, and printing history information DY acquired in steps S101 to S109 (S111). Thereafter, the notification device control unit 514 supplies the contribution information DK generated in step S111 to the terminal device 6, thereby controlling the terminal device 6 so that the environmental contribution amount AK is displayed on the display device 63 provided on the terminal device 6 and the environmental contribution amount AK is pronounced by the speaker 64 provided on the terminal device 6 (S113), and terminates the contribution information presentation process.

[0078] <<3. Conclusion of the embodiment>> As described above, the printing device 5 of this embodiment is a printing device 5 that has a cartridge 7 that contains ink used in the printing process and executes the printing process, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a cartridge information acquisition unit 511 that acquires cartridge reuse information DQ2 related to the reuse history of the cartridge 7, a contribution information generation unit 513 that generates contribution information DK related to the environmental contribution amount AK, which is the amount of contribution to the environment associated with the use of the recycled cartridge 7X, based on the cartridge reuse information DQ2 when the printing device 5 is equipped with a recycled cartridge 7X that is a recycled product of the cartridge 7, and a notification device control unit 514 that displays the environmental contribution amount AK on the display device 63 based on the contribution information DK.

[0079] In this way, according to this embodiment, the environmental contribution AK associated with the reuse of the cartridges 7 is displayed to the user UP, thereby providing the user UP with a motivation to reuse the cartridges 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution AK associated with the reuse of the cartridges 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to more strongly educate the user UP about the reuse of the cartridges 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution AK associated with the reuse of the cartridges 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "improve education, awareness, human capacity and institutional functions on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning" as described in Target 13.3 of the SDGs.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contribution information generating unit 513 generates the contribution information DK based on the number of recycled cartridges 7X that have been installed in the printing device 5 in the past.

[0081] That is, according to this embodiment, the environmental contribution amount AK based on the number of recycled cartridges 7X used in the printing device 5 in the past is displayed to the user UP, and the user UP is thus motivated to reuse more cartridges 7 in the future. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of cartridges 7 is not notified to the user UP, the user UP can be more strongly encouraged to reuse more cartridges 7 in the future. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of cartridges 7 is not notified to the user UP, a greater contribution can be made to "improve education, awareness, human capacity and institutional functions on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning" as described in Target 13.3 of the SDGs.

[0082] Furthermore, this embodiment is characterized in that the contribution information generating unit 513 generates the contribution information DK based on the throughput of the eco-printing process executed using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X.

[0083] That is, according to this embodiment, the environmental contribution amount AK based on the processing amount of the eco-printing process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X is displayed to the user UP, and thus the user UP is motivated to perform the eco-printing process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, the user UP can be more strongly encouraged to perform the eco-printing process using the ink contained in the recycled cartridge 7X. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, a greater contribution can be made to "improve education, awareness, human capacity and institutional functions on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning" as described in Target 13.3 of the SDGs.

[0084] Furthermore, this embodiment is characterized in that the notification device control section 514 controls the speaker 64 to notify the amount of environmental contribution AK based on the contribution information DK.

[0085] That is, according to this embodiment, the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is notified to the user UP by the speaker 64. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to more strongly educate users UP with poor eyesight, such as disabled users UP and elderly users UP, about the reuse of the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "promote the empowerment and social, economic and political inclusion of all people, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic status or other circumstances" as described in Target 10.2 of the SDGs.

[0086] In this embodiment, the contribution information DK includes information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission in the life cycle of the recycled cartridge 7X. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contribution information DK may be information related to the amount of carbon dioxide emission in the life cycle of the recycled cartridge 7X.

[0087] That is, according to this embodiment, the environmental contribution amount AK based on the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the life cycle of the recycled cartridge 7X is displayed to the user UP, and thus the user UP is motivated to reuse the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to more strongly educate the user UP about the reuse of the cartridge 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, it is possible to make a greater contribution to "improve education, awareness, human capacity and institutional functions on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning" as described in Target 13.3 of the SDGs.

[0088] Also, in this embodiment, the cartridge 7 includes a storage device 70 that stores cartridge reuse information DQ2, and the cartridge information acquisition unit 511 acquires the cartridge reuse information DQ2 from the storage device 70 included in the cartridge 7 provided in the printing device 5. Note that in this embodiment, the storage device 70 is an example of a "storage unit."

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contribution information DK indicates the amount of contribution to the environment when a recycled cartridge 7X is used in the printing device 5, compared to when a new cartridge 7 is used.

[0090] That is, according to the present embodiment, in order to display to the user UP the amount of contribution to the environment when using the recycled cartridge 7X as compared with the case of using a new cartridge 7 in the printing apparatus 5, the user UP is given an incentive to reuse the cartridge 7. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, as compared with a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, the reuse of the cartridge 7 can be more strongly promoted to the user UP. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as compared with a mode in which the environmental contribution amount AK associated with the reuse of the cartridge 7 is not notified to the user UP, a greater contribution can be made to "improve education, awareness-raising, human capacity, and institutional functions related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning" described in Target 13.3 of the SDGs.

[0091] <<B. Modification Example>> Each of the above embodiments can be variously modified. Specific modification modes are exemplified below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range where they do not conflict with each other. In the modification examples exemplified below, for elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiment, the reference numerals referred to in the above description are used, and the detailed description of each is appropriately omitted.

[0092] <<Modification Example 1>> In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the case where the environmental contribution amount AK includes the number of recycled products installed AK1, the number of recycled products used AK2, the cumulative number of recycled products used AK3, the number of eco-prints AK4, the cumulative number of eco-prints AK5, the eco-print ratio AK6, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction AK7, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction AK8 has been exemplified and described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. The environmental contribution amount AK may include a part of the number of recycled products installed AK1, the number of recycled products used AK2, the cumulative number of recycled products used AK3, the number of eco-prints AK4, the cumulative number of eco-prints AK5, the eco-print ratio AK6, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction AK7, and the cumulative amount of carbon dioxide reduction AK8.

[0093] <<Modification Example 2>> In the above-described embodiment and modification 1, an example has been described in which the terminal device 6 includes the display device 63 and the speaker 64, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the display device 63 may be provided in the printing device 5. Also, the speaker 64 may be provided in the printing device 5.

[0094] <<Variation 3>> In the above-described embodiment and variants 1 and 2, the cartridge 7 provided in the printing device 5 has been described as an example of an object to be managed by the management system Sys, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect. Any object to be managed by the management system Sys may be a specific replaceable part provided in an electronic device. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the printing device 5 is an example of an "electronic device," and the cartridge 7 is an example of a "specific part."

[0095] Here, the specific part may be, for example, a container for storing consumables used in the printing device 5, such as a cartridge 7 that stores ink as a consumable, or a toner bottle that stores toner as a consumable. The specific part may also be, for example, a container for storing waste generated in accordance with the use of the printing device 5, such as a waste ink box that stores waste ink as waste, and a waste toner box that stores waste toner as waste. Furthermore, the specific part is not limited to a part related to the printing device 5. For example, the specific part may be a replaceable part provided in an electronic device, such as a lamp provided in a projector and a battery provided in a smartphone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1...management server, 3...collection box, 5...printing device, 6...terminal device, 7...cartridge, 8...user card, 9...recycling factory, 51...control device, 52...storage device, 53...communication device, 63...display device, 64...speaker, 70...storage device, 80...storage device, 511...cartridge information acquisition unit, 512...server information acquisition unit, 513...contribution information generation unit, 514...notification device control unit, 515...printing control unit.

Claims

1. A printing device that includes a container that contains a liquid used in a printing process and executes the printing process, an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information regarding a history of reuse of the storage container; When the printing device is equipped with a recycled storage container that is a recycled product of the storage container, a generation unit that generates contribution information relating to an amount of contribution to the environment associated with the use of the recycling container based on the reuse information; a device control unit that causes a display device to display the amount of contribution based on the contribution information; Equipped with A printing device comprising:

2. the generation unit generates the contribution information based on the number of recycled containers previously installed in the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 .

3. the generation unit generates the contribution information based on a processing amount of the printing process executed using the liquid contained in the recycling container.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 .

4. the device control unit controls a speaker to notify the amount of contribution based on the contribution information.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 .

5. The contribution information includes information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the life cycle of the recycling storage container.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 .

6. The container includes a storage unit that stores the reuse information, the acquisition unit acquires the reuse information from a storage unit of the storage container provided in the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1 .

7. The contribution information indicates an amount of contribution to the environment when the recycled storage container is used in the printing device compared to when a new storage container is used.

7. A printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

8. An electronic device that includes a replaceable specific component and executes a specific process, an acquisition unit that acquires reuse information related to a history of reuse of the specific part; When the electronic device includes a recycled specific part that is a recycled product of the specific part, a generation unit that generates contribution information relating to an amount of contribution to the environment associated with the use of the recycled specific part based on the reuse information; a device control unit that causes a display device to display the amount of contribution based on the contribution information; Equipped with 1. An electronic device comprising:

9. the generation unit generates the contribution information based on the number of specific regenerated parts previously installed in the electronic device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

10. The generation unit generates the contribution information based on a processing amount of the specific process executed using the specific reproduction part.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

11. the device control unit controls a speaker to notify the amount of contribution based on the contribution information.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

12. The contribution information includes information based on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the life cycle of the specific recycled part.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

13. the specific part includes a storage unit that stores the reuse information, the acquisition unit acquires the reuse information from a storage unit of the specific part attached to the electronic device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8.

14. The contribution information indicates an amount of contribution to the environment when the recycled specific part is used in the electronic device compared to when a new product of the specific part is used in the electronic device.

14. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

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