Consumables management apparatus

Abstract

To provide a consumable article management device capable of predicting a date when a consumable article runs out more accurately than before even when a consumption amount of the consumable article largely fluctuates in various periods.SOLUTION: A storage unit configured to store a counter value indicating a remaining amount or a consumption amount of a consumable for each predetermined storage date and time as storage data together with the storage date and time, and a control unit, wherein the storage unit, when storing the storage data for each storage date and time, thins out a part of the already-stored storage data so that an interval between the storage dates and times becomes longer as the part becomes older, and stores the part, the control unit compares the counter value of the current date and time with the counter values of the one or more storage dates and times for the consumable item, predicts the remaining number of days or the remaining time until the consumable item runs out based on the decrease rate or the increase rate of the counter value for each of the counter values of the one or more storage dates and times, and performs a spare ordering process of the consumable item when the shortest remaining number of days or the shortest remaining time is smaller than a predetermined specified number of days or a predetermined specified time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a consumables management device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various consumables management system technologies have been proposed for procuring spare consumables, such as toner, for devices such as image forming apparatuses before the consumables run out.

[0003] Generally, it is necessary to prepare spare consumables for devices so that they can continue to operate before they run out. However, these consumables are not consumed in fixed amounts daily, but rather the amount consumed varies depending on the environment. For example, in the case of image forming devices, it is known that the amount of toner consumed varies greatly depending on the amount and content of printed materials.

[0004] Therefore, in order to minimize the storage period of consumables without running out, a consumables management system is needed that can predict the day when consumables will run out based on daily consumption fluctuations and procure the consumables by that date.However, to improve the accuracy of predictions, it is necessary to accumulate a large amount of daily consumption information and predict consumption over a variety of time periods, from long-term to short-term.

[0005] As an example of such a consumables management system, a technology has been disclosed for an image forming device that predicts the day when the remaining toner will be zero based on past toner consumption status (consumption rate) and determines the timing to report a near-empty state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] Also disclosed is a technology for a gas supply management system that acquires information, calculates the predicted consumption amount for a future date for each supply destination facility and the scheduled date of container delivery, and selects either the predicted consumption amount calculation result based on information acquired at a first frequency or the predicted consumption amount calculation result based on information acquired at a second frequency (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0007] Furthermore, a technology has been disclosed for an image forming device that, when predicting server resource depletion daily, uses values ​​from multiple past periods with large differences in population standard deviation as a range of variation for correction, thereby making depletion predictions that take into account both long-term and short-term perspectives (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-029584 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6744472 specification [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6773017 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The technology in Patent Document 1 reflects the consumption amount at the time of near-empty based on the consumption rate (amount consumed / period of use) the previous time the battery was near-empty in the current threshold value. This means that the discrepancy will be large the first time, and there is also the possibility that the technology will not be able to respond if the consumption amount changes compared to the past.

[0010] Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 2 sets the frequency of information acquisition to two levels, and compares the predicted date of near-empty occurrence based on the consumption speed calculated at each interval and adopts one of them. However, there is a problem in that if there is a speed change that cannot be detected within the two defined intervals, the prediction will not be correct.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to make predictions over multiple periods, the technology of Patent Document 3 requires that consumption amounts for each of the multiple periods be stored. Therefore, in order to use information from a long period (e.g., one year) for comparison, a large amount of storage resources (e.g., 365 days' worth) is required.

[0012] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a consumables management device that can predict the day when a consumable will run out more accurately than before, even if the consumption amount of the consumable fluctuates greatly over various periods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The consumables management device disclosed herein comprises a memory unit that stores counter values ​​indicating the remaining amount or consumption of a consumable for each predetermined storage date and time as stored data together with the storage date and time, and a control unit that controls the memory unit. When storing the stored data for each storage date and time, the memory unit thins out some of the already stored stored data so that the intervals between the storage dates and times become longer as the data gets older. The control unit compares the counter value for the current date and time with the counter values ​​for one or more storage dates and times for the consumables, predicts the number of days or remaining time until the consumables run out based on the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value for each of the counter values ​​for the one or more storage dates and times, and performs an ordering process for spare consumables if the shortest number of days or remaining time is shorter than a predetermined specified number of days or specified time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, even if the consumption amount of consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, it is possible to make a judgment based on the consumption rate of consumables over various periods, from long-term to short-term, using a small amount of stored data, thereby realizing a consumables management device that can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0015] In this disclosure, a "consumables management device" is a management server that is connected to equipment such as an image forming device via a wired or wireless network and manages information (hereinafter also referred to as consumption information) or data including the consumption status of consumables such as toner of the equipment. The consumables management device disclosed herein may be incorporated into the device or may be attached to the device. The device may also include a communication unit that receives consumption information of consumables of devices connected via a network from the devices.

[0016] Further, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0017] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the stored data consists of a plurality of storage slots divided into predetermined periods based on the current date and time, and when the storage date and time of the stored data exceeds the maximum value of the period of the storage slot, if there is a storage slot for the next period and the storage slot has space available, the control unit moves the stored data to the storage slot, and if there is no storage slot for the next period or if there is a storage slot but no space available, the control unit may delete the stored data sequentially from the oldest stored data to the newest stored data.

[0018] In this way, since saved data is saved for each predetermined period for each storage slot, even if the consumption amount of consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, it is possible to make a judgment based on the consumption rate of consumables over various periods, from long to short, using a small amount of saved data, and to realize a consumables management device that can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0019] In the consumables management device of this disclosure, the length of the period of each of the storage slots may be a multiple of the length of the period of the previous storage slot, if there is one.

[0020] In this way, a certain range can be maintained for each storage frame, with the interval between each period becoming longer the further back in time, and the consumption rate of consumables over a long period can be compared by simply multiplying the short-term consumption rate of consumables for various periods actually measured by an integer, thereby realizing a consumables management device that has small calculation errors and can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0021] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the stored data may be divided into periods of a predetermined length from the current date and time, and when the next period of a predetermined length longer than the period is reached, the data may be divided into periods of the next predetermined length.

[0022] For example, the length of the period of each storage frame is calculated so that from the current date and time up to one week ago, it is calculated in units of one day, up to one month ago, it is calculated in units of one week, up to three months ago, it is calculated in units of one month, up to one year ago, it is calculated in units of one quarter, and from one year ago, it is calculated in units of one year, and so on, until the next period, the length of the previous period is used as a unit and repeated.

[0023] In this way, it is possible to maintain a certain range for each storage frame, with the interval between each period becoming longer the further back in time. Therefore, even if the consumption amount of consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, it is possible to make judgments based on the consumption rate of consumables over various periods, from long to short periods, using a small amount of stored data, and to realize a consumables management device that can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0024] In addition, in a certain period, the length of each storage frame may be a multiple of the length of the previous storage frame, if there is one, while in another certain period, the storage frame may be divided into periods of a predetermined length, and when the next period longer than the period is reached, the storage frame may be divided into periods of the next period.

[0025] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the control unit may set the specified number of days or the specified time by predicting the number of days or time required to arrange for and deliver a spare consumable.

[0026] In this way, a consumables management device can be realized that can arrange for and deliver spare consumables before the consumables run out, taking into account fluctuations in delivery times for consumables due to holidays and the like.

[0027] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the control unit may predict the number of days or time required for delivery of a spare consumable, taking into consideration location information of a device that consumes the consumables.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to realize a consumables management device that can deliver consumables before they run out, taking into account the location information of the device that consumes the consumables.

[0029] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the memory unit may store characteristic information, and the control unit may calculate the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value in association with predetermined characteristic information including at least one of the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, and the end of a long holiday, and predict the number of days or the remaining time until the consumables run out based on the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value associated with the characteristic information.

[0030] In this way, even if the consumption amount of consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, it is possible to make a judgment based on the consumption rate of consumables associated with specified date information such as the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, or the end of a long holiday, thereby realizing a consumables management device that can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0031] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the control unit calculates the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value, determines whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for the rate of decrease or increase, and if it exceeds the threshold, determines whether the current date and time falls within a predetermined characteristic period that includes at least one of the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, and the end of a long holiday, and if it falls within the characteristic period, stores in the memory unit the maximum rate of decrease or maximum increase of the counter value during each of the characteristic periods, and predicts the number of days or the remaining time until the consumables run out, taking into account the maximum rate of decrease or maximum increase of the counter value.

[0032] In this way, even if the consumption amount of consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, the maximum consumption rate of consumables associated with specified date information such as the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, or the end of a long holiday can be taken into consideration when making a judgment, thereby realizing a consumables management device that can predict the day when consumables will run out more accurately than before.

[0033] In the consumables management device disclosed herein, the control unit may calculate the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value, store the maximum rate of decrease or maximum rate of increase of the counter value in each storage slot in the memory unit, and predict the remaining number of days or the remaining time until the consumables run out, taking into account the maximum rate of decrease or maximum rate of increase of the counter value.

[0034] In this way, even if the consumption amount of the consumables fluctuates greatly over various periods, it is possible to make a judgment taking into consideration the maximum consumption rate of the consumables over various periods, from long to short, using a small amount of stored data, thereby realizing a consumables management device that can predict the day when the consumables will run out more accurately than before. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a consumables management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a graph showing the toner consumption status of the digital multifunction peripheral in the consumables management system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a table showing an example of storage of management data of consumables in a conventional consumables management system. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for saving counter values ​​of consumables in the consumables management system of FIG. [Figure 7]1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing when a consumable item is replaced in the consumable item management system of FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a table showing an example of storage of management data of consumables in the consumables management system of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a table showing an example of a process for saving management data of consumables in the consumables management system of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for determining the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 based on the consumption status of the consumable item in the consumable item management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 11 is a table showing an example of storage of management data of consumables in the consumables management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] This disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0037] [Embodiment 1] A schematic configuration of a consumables management system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a consumables management system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a consumables management system 100 according to the present disclosure is configured from a digital multifunction peripheral 1 and a server 2, which are connected via a wired or wireless network 3, and serve as an example of a consumables management device according to the present disclosure.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 1, there is only one digital multifunction peripheral 1, but the server 2 may manage consumables for a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals 1 and / or other types of devices.

[0040] The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is a device such as a multifunction peripheral or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that digitally processes image data and has a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a memory unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, an operation panel 16, a paper feed unit 17, a toner storage unit 18, and a toner information detection unit 19.

[0042] <Outline of Digital Multifunction Printer 1> Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

[0043] The control unit 10 is a part that controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in an integrated manner, and is made up of at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), various interface circuits, and the like.

[0044] In order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, the control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor, motor, clutch, operation panel 16, and the like.

[0045] The image data acquisition unit 11 is a part that detects and reads an original placed on a platen or an original conveyed from an original tray, and generates image data. Furthermore, the image data acquisition unit 11 may acquire image data from an external information processing device or the like (not shown) via the network 3, or may acquire image data recorded on a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or the like, or may be a combination of these.

[0046] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto paper.

[0047] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information, control programs, etc., necessary to realize various functions of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. The storage unit 13 may be, for example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, or a storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0048] The storage unit 13 stores information about a job such as printing, image data, and other data required for executing the job. The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as a hard disk drive as an area for storing data and a flash memory unit as an area for storing programs.

[0049] The image processing unit 14 converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal based on the analysis results of job commands such as printing input from the operation unit 162 or acquired through the communication unit 15, and processes the signal to make it suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

[0050] The communication unit 15 is a part that communicates with external devices such as the server 2 via the network 3, and transmits and receives data to and from these external devices. The communication unit 15 transmits consumption information of consumables such as toner to the server 2 at a predetermined date and time.

[0051] The operation panel 16 is composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive type that is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position touched by a finger, and is equipped with a display unit 161 and an operation unit 162.

[0052] The display unit 161 is a part that displays various types of information. The display unit 161 is a display device such as a monitor or line display, which is configured by, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and which displays electronic data such as the processing status of the operating system and application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 161.

[0053] The operation unit 162 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a part that receives commands from the user.

[0054] The paper feed unit 17 is a part that conveys paper stored in a paper feed cassette or a manual feed tray to the image forming unit 12 .

[0055] The toner storage unit 18 is a portion where toner is installed and stored. The toner storage unit 18 may also have a toner sensor that determines whether toner is stored or not, and whether the toner has been replaced or not.

[0056] The toner information detection unit 19 is a part that detects the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner storage unit 18 (hereinafter also referred to as the remaining toner amount) and the consumption rate. The remaining amount of toner can be detected by, for example, measuring the number of rotations and rotation time of a screw in a toner main body (not shown) or measuring the weight of the toner.

[0057] The consumption information such as the remaining amount of toner detected in this way is stored in the storage unit 13. Then, the communication unit 15 transmits the consumption information to the server 2 in response to a request from the server 2.

[0058] <Server 2 schematic configuration> Next, the schematic configuration of the server 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an image processing unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and a clock unit 26.

[0060] Each component of the server 2 will be described below.

[0061] The control unit 20 controls the server 2 in an integrated manner, and is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, various interface circuits, and the like. The control unit 20 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor and the operation unit 25 in order to control the operation of the entire server 2 .

[0062] The storage unit 21 is an element or storage medium that stores information, control programs, and the like required to realize various functions of the server 2. The storage unit 21 may be, for example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, or a storage medium such as a hard disk, a flash storage unit, or an SSD.

[0063] The storage unit 21 stores a database of the consumption status of consumables such as the remaining amount of toner. The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as by configuring the area for storing data in a hard disk drive and the area for storing the program in a flash memory unit.

[0064] The image processing unit 22 is a part that converts image data into an appropriate electrical signal and performs processing such as enlarging or reducing the signal so that the signal is suitable for output.

[0065] The communication unit 23 communicates with the digital multifunction peripheral 1 via the network 3 and transmits and receives various data. The communication unit 23 receives consumption information of toner and the like from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 as needed.

[0066] The display unit 24 is a part that displays various information of the server 2. The display unit 24 is a display device such as a monitor or line display, which is configured by, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and which displays electronic data such as the processing status of the operating system and application software. The control unit 20 displays the operation and status of the server 2 through the display unit 24 .

[0067] The operation unit 25 is an interface for operating the server 2 and is a part that receives commands from the user.

[0068] The display unit 24 and the operation unit 25 may be composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive type that is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position touched by a finger.

[0069] The timekeeping unit 26 is a unit that measures time, and obtains the time from, for example, an internal clock or via a network.

[0070] <Example of a method for calculating the number of days remaining until the toner in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 runs out in the consumables management system 100> Next, an example of a method for calculating the number of days remaining until toner, which is an example of a consumable item of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, runs out in the consumable item management system 100 of this disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a graph showing the toner consumption status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in the consumables management system of FIG. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 4 indicates a counter value (arbitrary unit) that indicates the remaining amount of toner in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in an appropriate numerical value, and the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time (number of days).

[0072] The counter value is an appropriate numerical value that represents the remaining amount of consumables such as toner. In this case, when the toner runs out, the counter value becomes 0. The counter value may be the amount of consumption of consumables such as toner, etc. In this case, when the amount of toner consumption reaches a maximum, the counter value becomes a predetermined value (for example, 100).

[0073] In the example of FIG. 4, the counter value of the consumables has been decreasing over the past two months. Here, the number of days remaining until the counter value reaches zero from the present time (also referred to as "today") can be calculated using the following formula if the counter value on a past storage date is known.

[0074] Remaining days = (Counter value on the day - Counter value when there is no remaining amount) / (Counter value on the saved date - Counter value on the day) / (Today's date - Saved date))

[0075] Here, if counter values ​​for multiple storage dates are recorded, the number of remaining days is calculated for each storage date using the above formula, and the shortest number of remaining days is found. In the example of FIG. 4, the remaining days are calculated for each of the three storage dates: one month ago, two weeks ago, and one week ago. Then, when the shortest remaining number of days becomes less than a predetermined specified number of days (for example, one week), the control unit 20 automatically places an order for the consumable item. The calculation of the remaining days is not limited to the unit of days, but may also include the unit of remaining time, i.e., time (for example, the counter value of a consumable item will reach zero in 5 days and 7 hours).

[0076] <Problems with the conventional consumables management system 100> Next, problems with the conventional consumables management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of consumables management data stored by the conventional consumables management system 100.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 5, the counter values ​​of the consumables are saved at a predetermined time every day, and the counter values ​​are accumulated for 30 days from one day before the current day to 30 days before that day.

[0078] However, this method can only calculate the remaining days based on a maximum of 30 days of data, which means that even if the consumption rate of a consumable item fluctuated significantly over a period of more than a month, as shown in the example in Figure 4, the consumption status is not reflected at all.

[0079] Therefore, in order to reflect the long-term consumption status of consumables, it was necessary to accumulate a large amount of data for a certain number of days. However, accumulating a large amount of data for a certain number of days not only increases the amount of data to be stored, but also increases the time required for processing.

[0080] <Storage process of counter values ​​of consumables in the consumables management system 100 of this disclosure> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for saving counter values ​​of consumables in consumables management system 100 of FIG.

[0081] In step S1 of FIG. 6, the control unit 20 of the server 2 refers to the setting of the save date and time of the counter value that has been set in advance by the administrative user (step S1).

[0082] Next, in step S2, the control unit 20 acquires the date and time from the clock unit 26 and determines whether or not the above-mentioned storage date and time has arrived (step S2).

[0083] When the counter value storage date and time has arrived (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 20 temporarily stores the counter value and the current date and time in the storage unit 21 (step S3).

[0084] Next, in step S4, the control unit 20 checks the data stored in the storage unit 21, starting from the oldest data (step S4).

[0085] Next, in step S5, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the storage frame for the counter value of the consumable item is empty (step S5).

[0086] If the storage frame for the counter value of the consumable item is not empty (if the judgment in step S5 is Yes), in step S6, the control unit 20 judges whether the storage date and time of the data to be confirmed has exceeded the target period of the predetermined storage frame (step S6).

[0087] If the storage date and time of the data to be checked exceeds the target period of the predetermined storage limit (if the determination in step S6 is Yes), in step S7, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the data is currently the oldest storage limit (step S7).

[0088] If the data is currently the oldest saved frame (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), in step S8, the control unit 20 deletes the data to be confirmed (step S8). Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the determination in step S11, which will be described later.

[0089] On the other hand, if the current storage frame is not the oldest (if the determination in step S7 is No), in step S9, the control unit 20 determines whether the immediately previous data storage frame is blank or not (step S9).

[0090] If the previous data storage frame is blank (if the determination in step S9 is Yes), in step S10, the control unit 20 writes the data to be confirmed into the previous data storage frame (step S10). Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the process of step S8.

[0091] Also, in step S6, if the storage date and time of the data to be checked has not exceeded the target period of the predetermined storage limit (if the judgment in step S6 is No), in step S11, the control unit 20 judges whether or not the latest storage limit has been checked (step S11).

[0092] If the latest storage frame has not been checked (if the determination in step S11 is No), in step S12, the control unit 20 changes the target of checking to the next newer storage frame (step S12). Thereafter, the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S5.

[0093] If the latest storage frame has been checked (if the determination in step S11 is Yes), in step S13, the control unit 20 officially stores the temporarily stored data in the latest storage frame (step S13).

[0094] In the following step S14, the control unit 20 reserves the next saving date and time (step S14). Thereafter, the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S2.

[0095] In this way, by storing the data that was moved first in each storage frame, the longest-lived data among the data that can be stored in each storage frame will always remain, and the longer the storage interval between data stored in the longer-lived storage frame (older storage frame) and the data in the previous storage frame will be longer.In addition, data that moves to the next storage frame can also appear.

[0096] <Calculation process of the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system 100 disclosed herein> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system 100 of FIG.

[0097] In step S21 of FIG. 7, the control unit 20 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to calculate the number of days remaining until the counter value of the consumable item reaches 0 (step S21).

[0098] If an instruction to calculate the remaining number of days has been given (if the determination in step S21 is Yes), in step S22, the control unit 20 inputs a predetermined initial value (e.g., 8 days) into the variable and temporarily stores the current date and counter value (step S22).

[0099] Next, in step S23, the control unit 20 calculates the number of days remaining until the counter value reaches 0, based on the data of the current date and the date to be compared (step S23).

[0100] Specifically, the remaining number of days can be calculated using the following formula:

[0101] Number of days remaining = (Counter value on the current date - Counter value when there is no remaining charge) / (Counter value on the date to be compared - Counter value on the current date) / (Current date - Date to be compared))

[0102] Next, in step S24, the control unit 20 determines whether the remaining number of days obtained in step S23 is smaller than the above variable (step S24).

[0103] If the remaining number of days obtained in step S23 is smaller than the above variable (if the judgment in step S24 is Yes), in step S25, the control unit 20 changes the above variable to the above remaining number of days (step S25), and then makes the judgment in step S26.

[0104] On the other hand, if the remaining number of days obtained in step S23 is not smaller than the above variable (if the determination in step S24 is No), the control unit 20 performs the determination in step S26.

[0105] Next, in step S26, the control unit 20 determines whether or not comparison with all of the stored data has been completed (step S26).

[0106] If comparison with all saved data has not been completed (if the determination in step S26 is No), in step S27, the control unit 20 changes the comparison target to a new saved frame (step S27), and then returns the process to step S23.

[0107] On the other hand, if comparison with all stored data has been completed (if the determination in step S26 is Yes), in step S28, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the variable is smaller than the initial value (step S28).

[0108] If the variable is smaller than the initial value (if the determination in step S28 is Yes), in step S29, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the target consumable has been ordered (step S29).

[0109] If the target consumable has been ordered (if the determination in step S29 is Yes), in step S30, the control unit 20 notifies that the target consumable will expire in the number of days specified by the variable (step S30).

[0110] On the other hand, if the variable is not smaller than the initial value (if the determination in step S28 is No), the control unit 20 performs the process of step S30. Thereafter, the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S21.

[0111] Also, in step S29, if the target consumable has not been ordered (if the judgment in step S29 is No), in step S31, the control unit 20 performs an ordering process for the target consumable, and also turns on the ordered flag for the target consumable to notify that the target consumable has been ordered (step S31). Thereafter, the control unit 20 performs the process of step S30.

[0112] <Processing when a consumable is replaced in the consumables management system 100 of this disclosure> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing performed when a consumable item is replaced in consumable item management system 100 of FIG.

[0113] In step S41 of FIG. 8, the control unit 20 determines whether or not replacement of the target consumable item has occurred (step S41).

[0114] If the replacement of the target consumable has occurred (if the determination in step S41 is Yes), in step S42, the control unit 20 turns off the ordered flag of the target consumable and initializes the storage limit (step S42). Thereafter, the control unit 20 returns the process to the determination in step S41.

[0115] <Management data storage method in the consumables management system 100 of this disclosure> Next, a method for storing management data of consumables in consumables management system 100 of this disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the storage of management data of consumables in consumables management system 100 of FIG.

[0116] In the past, when storing past management data, counter values ​​were stored on a daily basis, as shown in Figure 5, but in the consumables management system 100 of embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the dates of the management data are thinned out and stored for longer periods of time as the data goes back in time.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 9, in the first embodiment, counter values ​​are not saved on a daily basis, but are saved in the following saving frames: 1 day ago, 2 days ago, 3 to 4 days ago, 5 to 8 days ago (1 week), 9 to 16 days ago (2 weeks), 17 to 32 days ago (1 month), 33 to 64 days ago (2 months), 65 to 96 days ago (3 months), 97 to 183 days ago (6 months), and 184 to 365 days ago (1 year).

[0118] In the example of Figure 9, the counter value for the storage frame one day ago, "2023 / 8 / 2", is "27773", the counter value for the storage frame two days ago, "2023 / 8 / 1", ​​is "27951", the counter value for the storage frame three to four days ago, "2023 / 7 / 31", is "28287", the counter value for the storage frame five to eight days ago, "2023 / 7 / 29", is "29044", the counter value for the storage frame nine to sixteen days ago, "2023 / 7 / 25", is "31592", the counter value for the storage frame 17 to 32 days ago, "2023 / 7 / 17", is "34200", and the counter value for the storage frame 33 to 64 days ago, "2023 / 7 / 1", is "40121".

[0119] FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of a process for saving management data of consumables in consumables management system 100 of FIG. The vertical column on the left side of the table indicates the date column (7 / 1~8 / 3). Also, the work content table in the middle shows the data added (for each date) and data deleted on each date. The table on the far right shows examples of data already stored in each of the predetermined storage slots: "1 day ago," "2 days ago," "3-4 days ago," "5-8 days ago," "9-16 days ago," "17-32 days ago," and "33-64 days ago."

[0120] As a specific example, it is assumed that the use of consumables began on July 1st, as shown in the example of FIG. In this case, data from July 1st to July 4th is added.

[0121] For example, on July 4th, data for "7 / 4" is added to the work content table, and data for "7 / 3" is saved in the "1 day before" table, "7 / 2" in the "2 days before" table, and "7 / 1" in the "3 days before" table.

[0122] Next, on July 5th, the data for "7 / 5" is added to the work content table, and the data for "7 / 4" is saved in "1 day before" and "7 / 3" in "2 days before" in the table of already saved data.

[0123] Note that "3 to 4 days ago" includes two pieces of data: "7 / 1 min" and "7 / 2 min." Of these, the older data "7 / 1 min" will remain and the newer data "7 / 2 min" will be deleted.

[0124] In this way, the further back in time the management data is stored, the longer the data will be stored, with the dates being thinned out, and since 10 days of stored dates can contain one year's worth of counter values, it is possible to realize a consumables management system 100 that can calculate the number of remaining days reflecting not only the short-term but also the long-term consumption status of consumables.

[0125] [Embodiment 2] In a second embodiment, the control unit 20 of the server 2 stores in the storage unit 21 consumption rates of consumables in association with predetermined characteristic information such as the end of the month, the end of a term, or the end of a long holiday.

[0126] Then, the control unit 20 selects a consumption rate to be compared based on the above characteristic information of the period for which the remaining days of the consumable item are to be calculated. For example, if the consumption rate of a consumable item at the end of the month exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined whether the current date and time falls within a predetermined characteristic period that includes at least one of the end of the month, the end of a fiscal period, and the end of a long holiday. If the current date and time falls within the characteristic period, the maximum rate of decrease or increase of the counter value during each characteristic period is stored in memory unit 21. If the characteristic period is close to the current date and time, the maximum rate of decrease or increase of the counter value is taken into account to calculate the number of days remaining until the consumable item runs out.

[0127] In this way, it is possible to realize a consumables management system 100 that can calculate the number of remaining days with higher accuracy, taking into account fluctuations due to dates such as the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, or the end of a long holiday.

[0128] [Embodiment 3] <Calculation process of the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure> Next, a process for calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0129] The schematic configuration of the consumables management system 100 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 (first embodiment), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the process of saving counter values ​​of consumables in consumables management system 100 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 (first embodiment), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 in the consumable item management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Steps S41, S42, and S44 to S51 in FIG. 11 correspond to steps S21, S22, and S24 to S31 in FIG. 7 (first embodiment), respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] Here, the processing of step S43 in FIG. 11, which differs from that of the first embodiment, will be described.

[0133] In step S42, the control unit 20 of the server 2 inputs a predetermined initial value into the variable and temporarily saves the current date and counter value (step S42), and then in step S43, calculates the number of days remaining until the counter value reaches 0 based on the current date and the data on the maximum consumption rate of the saved frame to be compared (step S43).

[0134] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for determining the number of days remaining until the counter value of a consumable item reaches 0 based on the consumption status of the consumable item in the consumable item management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Specifically, as shown in the example of FIG. 12, maximum consumption rates S1 to S5 of consumables in each storage slot are recorded. In the example of FIG. 12, the maximum consumption rate of the consumables in the storage window (from about two months ago) is S1. In addition, the maximum consumption rate of consumables within the storage frame (approximately 1 to 2 months in advance) is S2. In addition, the maximum consumption rate of consumables within the storage window (approximately 2 weeks to 1 month in advance) is S3. In addition, the maximum consumption rate of consumables in the storage frame (approximately 1 to 2 weeks ago) is S4. In addition, the maximum consumption rate of consumables in the storage slot (from the day to about one week before) is S5.

[0136] The control unit 20 calculates the number of days remaining until the counter value of each consumable item reaches 0, assuming that these maximum consumption rates S1 to S5 continue from the current day. As a result, as shown in the example of FIG. 12, it can be seen that the number of remaining days is shortest when the maximum consumption rate S5 continues from the current day.

[0137] FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of storage of management data of consumables in the consumables management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] In the example of FIG. 13, in addition to the counter value storage date and counter value shown in FIG. 9, the maximum consumption rate (counter consumption amount per day) in each storage slot is also recorded.

[0139] Specifically, when calculating the remaining days for each timing in step S43 of FIG. 11, first the current consumption rate ((counter value on the saving date-counter value on the day) / (date on the day-saving date)) is calculated.

[0140] If the maximum consumption rate for the specified storage slot is blank or is slower than the calculated consumption rate, the calculated consumption rate is saved (overwritten) as the maximum consumption rate in the maximum consumption rate field for the specified slot.

[0141] After that, when calculating the number of remaining days, the calculation is performed based on the formula ((counter value on the day - counter value when there is no remaining amount) / maximum consumption rate) instead of the usual calculation based on the formula ((counter value on the day - counter value when there is no remaining amount) / current consumption rate).

[0142] The maximum consumption rate frame indicates the maximum consumption rate that has occurred in the past within the storage frame, and is unrelated to the counter value of the storage date that is thinned and stored, so the record of the maximum consumption rate is not thinned.

[0143] By doing this, it is possible to realize a consumables management system 100 that can prepare for the possibility that consumables will be consumed from the present time at the maximum consumption rate for each storage limit, rather than the consumption rate for the period of each storage limit viewed from the present time.

[0144] (Variation) As a variation of embodiment 3, the control unit 20 may assume that the maximum consumption rate for each storage slot continues from the current day, and when calculating the number of days remaining until the counter value of the consumable in each case reaches 0, determine whether the counter value of the consumable will reach 0 within the maximum period of each storage slot, assuming that the maximum consumption rate will continue for the maximum period of each storage slot.

[0145] By doing this, the number of days remaining until the counter value of the consumable item reaches 0 is calculated based on the maximum consumption rate that has actually occurred within the maximum period of each storage limit, thereby realizing a consumable item management system 100 that can predict the day when the consumable item will run out more accurately than before.

[0146] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure also include any combination of the above-described aspects.

[0147] In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1: Digital multifunction device, 2: Server, 3: Network, 10, 20: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13, 21: Memory unit, 14, 22: Image processing unit, 15, 23: Communication unit, 16: Operation panel, 17: Paper feed unit, 18: Toner storage unit, 19: Toner information detection unit, 26: Timer unit, 100: Consumables management system, 24, 161: Display unit, 25, 162: Operation unit, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5: Maximum consumption rate

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores a counter value indicating a remaining amount or a consumed amount of a consumable item for each predetermined storage date and time as storage data together with the storage date and time; a control unit that controls the storage unit, When storing the stored data for each storage date and time, the storage unit thins out and stores a portion of the stored data that has already been stored so that the intervals between the storage dates and times become longer as the data becomes older, The control unit compares the counter value at the current date and time with the counter value at one or more of the storage dates and times, predicts the number of days or remaining time until the consumable runs out based on the decrease or increase rate of the counter value for each of the counter values ​​at the one or more storage dates and times, and performs an ordering process for a spare consumable if the shortest number of days or remaining time is less than a predetermined specified number of days or specified time.

2. The stored data is divided into a plurality of storage frames divided into predetermined periods based on the current date and time, The control unit, when the storage date and time of the stored data exceeds the maximum value of the period of the storage frame, moves the stored data to the storage frame if there is a storage frame for the next period and there is space in the storage frame, and, on the other hand, when there is no storage frame for the next period or there is a storage frame but there is no space, deletes the stored data sequentially from the oldest stored data to the newest stored data.

3. The consumables management device according to claim 2 , wherein the length of the period of each of the storage slots is set to a multiple of the length of the period of the previous storage slot, if any.

4. The consumables management device of claim 2, wherein the stored data is divided into periods of a predetermined length from the current date and time, and when the next period of a predetermined length longer than the period is reached, the data is divided into the next period.

5. The consumables management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the specified number of days or the specified time by predicting the number of days or the time required for arranging and delivering a spare consumable.

6. The consumables management device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit predicts the number of days or time required for delivery of a spare consumables by taking into consideration location information of a device that consumes the consumables.

7. The storage unit stores feature information, The control unit calculates the decrease or increase rate of the counter value in association with predetermined characteristic information including at least one of the end of the month, the end of a fiscal period, and the end of a holiday, and predicts the remaining number of days or the remaining time until the consumable item runs out based on the decrease or increase rate of the counter value associated with the characteristic information.

8. The control unit calculates the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value, determines whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for the rate of decrease or increase, and if it exceeds the threshold, determines whether the current date and time falls within a predetermined characteristic period that includes at least one of the end of the month, the end of a fiscal year, and the end of a long holiday.If it falls within a characteristic period, stores the maximum rate of decrease or maximum increase of the counter value in the memory unit, and predicts the remaining number of days or the remaining time until the consumable runs out, taking into account the maximum rate of decrease or maximum increase of the counter value.

9. The consumables management device of claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the rate of decrease or increase of the counter value, stores the maximum rate of decrease or increase of the counter value in each storage slot in the memory unit, and predicts the remaining number of days or the remaining time until the consumables run out, taking into account the maximum rate of decrease or maximum increase of the counter value.

Images