Consumable-component consumption apparatus, external terminal, and system

Abstract

To make a user more aware that a recyclable consumable component is his / her own consumable component, and to promote recycling of the consumable component.SOLUTION: The consumable component consumption apparatus includes an attachment section to which a consumable component is detachably attached, a display section, and a control section. The control unit causes the display unit to display a registration object related to registration of the consumable component mounted on the mounting unit as a user-dedicated consumable component to be repeatedly recycled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a consumable part consumption device, an external terminal, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] As a consumable part consumption device, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer that consumes ink in an ink cartridge to print an image on a print medium. In light of the recent trend toward promoting recycling, it is desirable to have consumable parts such as ink cartridges used in such inkjet printers collected and recycled by a dealer.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, old ink cartridges after the ink has been consumed are collected by users at a processing center. The collected ink cartridges are then refilled with ink and recycled, and then delivered to the user via a retailer or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-200990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that consumable parts, including collected and recycled ink cartridges, will be delivered to a user other than the user from whom they were collected. This can lead to users having little awareness that the consumable parts they own are their own, which can result in a problem of making it difficult to promote the recycling of consumable parts.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make users more aware that recyclable consumable parts are their own consumable parts, and to further promote the recycling of consumable parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the consumable parts consumption device of the present invention comprises a mounting unit for detachably mounting consumable parts, a display unit, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the control unit displays on the display unit a registration object related to registering the consumable parts mounted on the mounting unit as dedicated consumable parts for a user who repeatedly performs regeneration.

[0008] In addition, the external terminal of the present invention is an external terminal that can be connected to a consumable part consumption device that has an attachment section for detachably attaching consumable parts, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a terminal display section and a terminal control section, and the terminal control section displays on the terminal display section a registration object related to registering the consumable part attached to the attachment section as a dedicated consumable part for use by a user who repeatedly performs recycling.

[0009] The system of the present invention also includes a mounting unit for detachably mounting consumable parts, a consumption unit for consuming the consumable parts mounted on the mounting unit, a display unit, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the control unit displays on the display unit a registration object related to registering the consumable parts mounted on the mounting unit as dedicated consumable parts for a user who will repeatedly perform regeneration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by displaying a registration object on the display unit regarding the registration of a consumable part as a dedicated consumable part for a user who repeatedly recycles the part, the user can be made more aware that the part is a dedicated consumable part for that user, thereby further promoting the recycling of consumable parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10A is a diagram illustrating benefits that are offered in response to recycling of ink cartridges, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating point information. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a screen displayed on a touch panel of a printer. [Figure 4] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams illustrating screens displayed on a touch panel of a printer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating cartridge list information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps related to registering a cartridge in a printer. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a touch panel of a printer. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps related to the registration of a cartridge in an external terminal. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps related to the registration of a cartridge in a server. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps related to registering cartridges in a printer according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <System Overview> The following describes the schematic configuration of a system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system 1 of this embodiment is a system that can provide a printing service in which the number of sheets of paper on which an image can be recorded is determined according to the amount charged to the user.

[0013] 1, the system 1 includes a printer 2, a server 3, and an external terminal 4. The printer 2, the server 3, and the external terminal 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network NT such as the Internet. The printer 2 and the external terminal 4 may be communicably connected via a wired connection such as a USB cable, or may be communicably connected wirelessly via wireless LAN communication such as WiFi or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The printer 2 and the external terminal 4 may also be connected to each other via the server 3.

[0014] <Printer Overview> Printer 2 (corresponding to a "consumable part consumption device" or "consumption unit") is an inkjet printer that records (prints) images on paper using ink (corresponding to a "consumable material"), and is equipped with a cartridge holder 21, a recording unit 22, a touch panel 23, an input device 24, a communication interface 25, a printer control unit 201, and a printer memory unit 202, etc.

[0015] The cartridge holder 21 (corresponding to the "mounting portion") removably mounts an ink cartridge C (corresponding to the "consumable part"). The ink cartridge C comprises a cartridge housing (not shown) capable of storing ink, and a cartridge memory CM such as a non-volatile memory. The ink cartridge C is assigned unique cartridge identification information (corresponding to the "unique identification information"; hereinafter referred to as the "cartridge ID") to identify each individual ink cartridge C. The cartridge memory CM stores various information such as this cartridge ID.

[0016] Ink cartridges C specifically include ink cartridges C that store yellow ink, ink cartridges C that store magenta ink, ink cartridges C that store cyan ink, and ink cartridges C that store black ink, but for convenience, they will not be distinguished from one another and will be collectively referred to as "ink cartridges C."

[0017] The recording unit 22 is an inkjet recording mechanism that consumes ink from an ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 to record an image on paper, which is a recording medium.

[0018] The touch panel 23 (corresponding to the "display unit" and "input unit") has a function of accepting various inputs from the user and a display function of displaying various setting screens, operating statuses, etc. to the user. The input device 24 accepts user inputs. The communication interface 25 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices and is connected to the network NT.

[0019] The printer control unit 201 (corresponding to the "control unit") controls the operation of each part of the printer 2 to manage the operation of the printer 2, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which programs executed by the CPU are stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which data required for program execution is temporarily stored, etc. The printer control unit 201 executes various processes using the CPU in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM.

[0020] The printer memory unit 202 is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various data such as unique identification information that identifies the printer 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "printer ID") and unique identification information of the user who owns the printer 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "user ID").

[0021] The cartridge holder 21 is provided with an installation detection sensor 21a and a connection terminal 21b. The installation detection sensor 21a is a sensor for detecting installation of the ink cartridge C in the cartridge holder 21. The connection terminal 21b (corresponding to the "reading unit") is a terminal that is electrically connected to the cartridge memory CM of the ink cartridge C when the ink cartridge C is installed in the cartridge holder 21. The printer control unit 201 can read and write data recorded in the cartridge memory CM of the ink cartridge C via the connection terminal 21b.

[0022] In the system 1 of this embodiment, when a contract is concluded between the user and the business, the business provides the user with a printing service. In the printing service, the number of sheets of paper on which an image can be recorded by the recording unit 22 is determined according to the amount charged to the user, regardless of ink consumption. In this embodiment, the printing service is a so-called subscription printing service that allows printing on up to an upper limit of the number of sheets of paper within a specified period for a fixed fee. Note that the printing service may also be a printing service that charges for each sheet of paper printed.

[0023] Furthermore, in the printing service of this embodiment, the business operator provides the user, who is the contractor, with an ink cartridge C (hereinafter referred to as the "contract cartridge") that is specifically for the contractor. Note that the user can use the printer 2 even when there is no contract for the printing service, such as before the user and the business operator enter into a contract. In this case, the user installs a commercially available ink cartridge C that the user purchased at a store or the like into the printer 2 and uses it.

[0024] <Server Overview> The server 3 is a server installed and managed by a business operator, and includes a communication interface 31, a server control unit 301, and a server storage unit 302. The communication interface 31 is a network interface similar to the communication interface 25.

[0025] The server control unit 301 controls the operation of each unit of the server 3 and manages the operation of the server 3, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The server control unit 301 executes various processes using the CPU in accordance with programs stored in the ROM. The server storage unit 302 is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various data such as cartridge list information and point information, which will be described later.

[0026] <External terminal overview> In this embodiment, the external terminal 4 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a personal computer.

[0027] The external terminal 4 includes a touch panel 41, a communication interface 42, a terminal control unit 401, and a terminal storage unit 402. The touch panel 41 (corresponding to the "terminal display unit") has the same function as the touch panel 23. The communication interface 42 is a network interface similar to the communication interface 25.

[0028] The terminal control unit 401 controls the operation of each unit of the external terminal 4 and manages the operation of the external terminal 4, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The terminal control unit 401 executes various processes using the CPU in accordance with programs stored in the ROM. The terminal storage unit 402 is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various information such as the user ID of the user and the printer ID of the printer 2 owned by the user.

[0029] <About ink cartridge recycling> Next, we will explain how to recycle the ink cartridge C. As mentioned above, when the recording unit 22 records on paper in the ink cartridge C that is attached to the cartridge holder 21, the ink inside is consumed. Therefore, when the ink in the ink cartridge C is consumed and runs out, the user must replace the ink cartridge C that is attached to the cartridge holder 21.

[0030] In recent years, from the viewpoint of environmental protection and ecology, there has been a demand for recycling consumable parts such as the ink cartridge C. "Recycling" is a concept that includes remanufacturing, which processes used consumable parts so that they can be reused, and refilling, such as refilling consumable parts with ink or other consumable materials.

[0031] For example, ink cartridges C are recycled as follows: That is, the user sends the used ink cartridge C, which has run out of ink, to a recycling company via mail or other means for collection. The recycling company then performs a recycling process on the collected ink cartridge C, turning it into a recycled product that can be used again. For example, the recycling company refills the collected ink cartridge C with ink. In this way, the recycled ink cartridge C is delivered to the user.

[0032] In this case, there is a possibility that the recycled ink cartridges C will be delivered to a user other than the user who collected them. This causes users to have little awareness that the ink cartridges C they own are their own ink cartridges, which results in a problem in that it is difficult to promote the recycling of used ink cartridges C.

[0033] Therefore, in the system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to register an ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge (corresponding to a "dedicated consumable part") for a user who repeatedly performs recycling. This registration indicates that the dedicated cartridge will be repeatedly recycled until it becomes unusable, and also indicates that the recycled dedicated cartridge will not be used by anyone other than the user of that dedicated cartridge. Therefore, the dedicated cartridge recycled by the recycling company will be delivered again to the user of that dedicated cartridge.

[0034] This allows the user to be aware that the ink cartridge C is his / her own ink cartridge, further promoting the recycling of the ink cartridge C.

[0035] As mentioned above, there are multiple recycling methods for ink cartridges C, such as remanufacturing and refilling. While it is possible to have the user select a recycling method for a used ink cartridge C when recycling the ink cartridge C, this presents a problem of cumbersomeness and a significant burden for the user. Refilling ink cartridges C is often performed as a recycling method for ink cartridges C. Taking these points into consideration, the system 1 of this embodiment registers ink cartridges C as dedicated cartridges for users who repeatedly refill ink. Recycling companies refill collected dedicated cartridges with ink as part of the recycling process each time the dedicated cartridge becomes unusable. As a result, users do not need to go through the cumbersome process of selecting a recycling method when recycling used ink cartridges C.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to further promote recycling, the system 1 of this embodiment provides a special benefit to the user when an ink cartridge C registered as a dedicated cartridge is recycled by being refilled with ink. The special benefit is something that is returned to the user in some form as a benefit, and in this embodiment, it is points that can be used to purchase ink cartridges C, etc.

[0037] When recycling collected ink cartridges C, recycling companies evaluate the condition of the collected ink cartridges C on a four-point scale: "excellent," "good," "fair," and "poor," and input recycling information including the evaluation information into the server 3. The server 3 determines points to be awarded to the user based on the acquired condition of the ink cartridge C and the number of times the ink cartridge C has been recycled to date. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the server 3 awards more points to the user the better the condition of the ink cartridge C. That is, the server 3 awards more points to the user in the order of "excellent," "good," "fair," and "poor," which indicate the better the condition of the collected ink cartridge C. Furthermore, the server 3 awards more points to the user the more times the ink cartridge has been recycled to date. For example, if this is the third recycling, the server 3 awards more points to the user than the first and second recycling.

[0038] As described above, it is possible to further strengthen the user's awareness of recycling by awarding points to the user according to the recycling (refilling with ink) of the ink cartridge C. In addition, by making it advantageous for the user to award more points the better the condition of the ink cartridge C, it is possible to strengthen the user's awareness of taking good care of the ink cartridge C.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the state of the cartridge holder 21 changes from one in which no ink cartridge C is installed to one in which it is installed, the printer control unit 201 displays a registration object related to the registration of the dedicated cartridge on the touch panel 23 of the printer 2. Specifically, when an unregistered ink cartridge C that is not registered as a dedicated cartridge is installed in a cartridge holder 21 in which no ink cartridge C is installed, the printer control unit 201 displays a registration guide object 230 shown in FIG. 3(a) on the touch panel 23 as a registration object. The registration guide object 230 includes three objects 230a to 230c. Object 230a (corresponding to the "first object") is an object that urges the user to register the unregistered ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge. Object 230b is an object indicating that an ink cartridge C registered as a dedicated cartridge will be repeatedly recycled by refilling it with ink until it can no longer be used, that there is no need to register or enter information each time it is recycled, that when an ink cartridge C is collected (returned), it will be recycled and redistributed, and that recycled dedicated cartridges will not be used by anyone other than the user of the dedicated cartridge. Object 230c is an object indicating that points will be awarded to the user according to the collected dedicated cartridge, and that the better the condition of the collected dedicated cartridge, the more points will be awarded to the user.

[0040] The printer control unit 201 also displays a selection button 231 on the touch panel 23 together with the registration guide object 230. The selection button 231 is a button for receiving a selection input from the user as to whether or not to register the unregistered ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge. When the system 1 of this embodiment receives a selection input from the user via this selection button 231 to register the unregistered ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge, it registers the unregistered ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge.

[0041] As described above, in the system 1 of this embodiment, when an unregistered ink cartridge C is installed in a cartridge holder 21 that does not have an ink cartridge C installed, the user can choose whether or not to register the unregistered ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge.

[0042] In the system 1 of this embodiment, the user can also input information to register an unregistered ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge at times other than those described above. As will be described in detail later, the system is configured to be able to display a cartridge list object for each ink cartridge C owned by the user on the touch panel 23 of the printer 2 or the touch panel 41 of the external terminal 4. This cartridge list object contains information indicating whether each ink cartridge C owned by the user is registered as a dedicated cartridge. Then, after viewing this cartridge list object, the user can input information to the system 1 to register an unregistered ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge.

[0043] When the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge, the printer control unit 201 displays a registration completion object 240 shown in FIG. 3(b) on the touch panel 23 as a registration object. The registration completion object 240 includes two objects 240a and 240b. The object 240a (corresponding to the "second object") is an object indicating that the registration of the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge has been completed. The object 240b is the same object as the object 230b.

[0044] Furthermore, when an ink cartridge C that has already been registered as a dedicated cartridge is installed in a cartridge holder 21 that does not have an ink cartridge C installed, the printer control unit 201 displays a registered object 250 shown in FIG. 4(a) on the touch panel 23 as a registered object. The registered object 250 is an object that indicates that the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is an ink cartridge C that has been registered as a dedicated cartridge. At this time, the printer control unit 201 also displays an object 255 and a reference button 256 on the touch panel along with the registered object 250. The object 255 is an object that indicates that an overview of the registration of the dedicated cartridge can be referenced by touching the reference button 256.

[0045] When the user touches the reference button 256, the printer control unit 201 displays the registration summary object 260 shown in FIG. 4(b) on the touch panel 23. The registration summary object 260 includes two objects 260a and 260b. The object 260a is an object indicating that the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge. The object 260b is the same object as the object 230b. By visually checking this registration summary object 260, the user can grasp the registration summary of the dedicated cartridge.

[0046] In the system 1 of this embodiment, contract cartridges, which are contract-specific ink cartridges C provided to users who have signed a contract for printing services, are registered as dedicated cartridges without receiving any registration input from the user. That is, when the server 3 acquires provision information indicating that a contract cartridge will be provided to a user who has signed a contract for printing services, it registers the contract cartridge as a dedicated cartridge exclusively for the user to whom it is provided. This saves the user time and effort because the contract cartridge is registered as a dedicated cartridge without the user having to go through the registration procedure.

[0047] When an ink cartridge C, which is a contract cartridge, is installed in a cartridge holder 21 that does not have an ink cartridge C installed, the printer control unit 201 does not display the registration guide object 230 on the touch panel 23, but instead displays a contract cartridge object 270 shown in FIG. 4(c) on the touch panel 23 as a registration object. The contract cartridge object 270 is an object that indicates that the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a contract cartridge that will be provided after registration as a dedicated cartridge has been completed. At this time, the printer control unit 201 also displays an object 275 and a reference button 276 on the touch panel along with the contract cartridge object 270. The object 275 is an object similar to object 255, and the reference button 276 is a button similar to the reference button 256. Therefore, when the user touches the reference button 276, the printer control unit 201 displays a registration summary object 260 shown in FIG. 4(b) on the touch panel 23.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge C transitions from a state in which it is not installed in the cartridge holder 21 to a state in which it is installed, the printer control unit 201 displays a registration object related to the registration of the dedicated cartridge on the touch panel 23 of the printer 2.

[0049] Furthermore, when an ink cartridge C mounted in the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge and then another ink cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge holder 21, the printer control unit 201 displays on the touch panel 23 a registration object (such as a registration guide object 230 or a registration completion object 240) relating to registering the other ink cartridge as a dedicated cartridge.

[0050] The server storage unit 302 of the server 3 stores cartridge list information relating to ink cartridges C owned by a user, linked to the user ID of the user.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the cartridge list information has multiple items associated with each ink cartridge C owned by the user. The multiple items include "ink color," "model number," "cartridge ID," "contract cartridge status," "dedicated cartridge registration," "registration date," "cartridge condition," "number of times recycled," "recycling method," and "total awarded points."

[0052] "Ink color" is an item that indicates the color of ink stored in ink cartridge C. "Model number" is an item that indicates the product model number of ink cartridge C. "Cartridge ID" is an item that indicates the cartridge ID assigned to ink cartridge C.

[0053] "Is it a contract cartridge?" is an item that indicates whether ink cartridge C is a contract cartridge. In Figure 5, in the "Is it a contract cartridge?" item, "〇" indicates that it is a contract cartridge, and "×" indicates that it is not a contract cartridge. "Registered dedicated cartridge?" is an item that indicates whether ink cartridge C is registered as a dedicated cartridge. In Figure 5, in the "Registered dedicated cartridge?" item, "〇" indicates that it is registered as a dedicated cartridge, and "×" indicates that it is not registered as a dedicated cartridge.

[0054] "Registration date" is an item that indicates the date on which ink cartridge C was registered as a dedicated cartridge. "Cartridge status" is an item that indicates the status of ink cartridge C.

[0055] "Number of times recycled" is an item that indicates the number of times that ink cartridge C has been recycled in the past. "Recycling method" is an item that indicates the recycling method for ink cartridge C. "Total awarded points" is an item that indicates the total points that have been awarded to the user according to the recycling of the ink cartridge C to date.

[0056] 2(b), point information linking points currently held by a user with the user ID of the user is stored in the server storage unit 302. When a user uses points, the server control unit 301 subtracts the number of points used from the points held and linked to the user ID of the user in the point information stored in the server storage unit 302.

[0057] (A series of steps related to registering a printer's dedicated cartridge) Next, a series of steps related to registering a dedicated cartridge for the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] The printer control unit 201 determines whether the ink cartridge C has transitioned from an unmounted state to an mounted state in the cartridge holder 21 based on a signal from the mounting detection sensor 21a (A1). If it determines that the ink cartridge C has transitioned to an mounted state (A1: YES), the printer control unit 201 reads the cartridge ID stored in the cartridge memory CM of the ink cartridge C mounted in the cartridge holder 21 via the connection terminal 21b (A2). The printer control unit 201 then sends an inquiry instruction to the server 3 to inquire whether the ink cartridge C mounted in the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge and whether it is a contract cartridge (A3). The inquiry instruction includes the user ID and printer ID stored in the printer storage unit 202, as well as the cartridge ID read in the process of A2.

[0059] Next, the printer control unit 201 receives inquiry information from the server 3 (A4). The inquiry information includes registration information indicating whether the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge, and contract applicability information indicating whether the ink cartridge C is a contract cartridge.

[0060] The printer control unit 201 determines whether the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a contract cartridge based on the contract relevant information in the received inquiry information (A5). If it is determined to be a contract cartridge (A5: YES), the printer control unit 201 determines that the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a dedicated cartridge, and displays the contract cartridge object 270 shown in Figure 4(c) on the touch panel 23 (A6), and returns to the processing of A1.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the ink cartridge is not a contract cartridge (A5: NO), it determines whether the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 has been registered as a dedicated cartridge (whether it is a dedicated cartridge) based on the registration status information of the received inquiry information (A7).

[0062] As described above, the printer control unit 201 determines whether the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a dedicated cartridge and whether it corresponds to a contract cartridge based on the cartridge ID read in the process of A2. Note that in this embodiment, the printer control unit 201 transmits the cartridge ID read in the process of A2 to the server 3, receives inquiry information from the server 3, and determines whether the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a dedicated cartridge based on this inquiry information, but this is not limited to this. For example, the printer control unit 201 receives cartridge list information stored in the server storage unit 302 from the server 3. The printer control unit 201 may then refer to the "Contract Cartridge Correspondence" and "Registered Dedicated Cartridge" items linked to the cartridge ID read in the process of A2 in the received cartridge list information to determine whether the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 is a dedicated cartridge and whether it corresponds to a contract cartridge.

[0063] If it is determined in the process of A7 that the ink cartridge C has been registered as a dedicated cartridge (A7: YES), the printer control unit 201 displays the registered object 250 shown in FIG. 4A on the touch panel 23 (A8), and returns to the process of A1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ink cartridge C has not been registered as a dedicated cartridge (A7: NO), the printer control unit 201 displays the registration guide object 230 and the selection button 231 (see FIG. 3A) on the touch panel 23 to prompt the user to register the unregistered ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge (A9). Next, the printer control unit 201 determines whether the user has instructed the user to register the unregistered ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge via the selection button 231 (A10). If it is determined that the user has not instructed the user to register the ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge (A10: NO), the process returns to the process of A1.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has instructed that the ink cartridge be registered as a dedicated cartridge (A10: YES), the printer control unit 201 sends a registration instruction to the server 3 to instruct the server 3 to register the unregistered ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge (A11). The registration instruction includes the user ID and printer ID stored in the printer storage unit 202, as well as the cartridge ID read via the connection terminal 21b.

[0065] Thereafter, when the printer control unit 201 receives registration completion information from the server 3 indicating that registration of the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge has been completed (A12), it displays a registration completion object 240 (see FIG. 3(b)) on the touch panel 23 to notify the user that registration of the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge has been completed (A13). When the process of A13 is completed, the process returns to A1.

[0066] If the process at A1 determines that the ink cartridge C has not transitioned from an unattached state to an attached state in the cartridge holder 21 (A1: NO), the printer control unit 201 determines whether a request to display a settings screen for configuring various settings has been received from the user via the touch panel 23 (A14). Specifically, when the printer 2 is turned on, for example, it displays a home screen on the touch panel 23 that includes multiple buttons that can receive input from the user, and is in a standby state for receiving user input. One of these multiple buttons is a button for receiving a request to display the settings screen, and the printer control unit 201 determines that a request to display the settings screen has been received from the user when the user touches this button.

[0067] If the printer control unit 201 determines that a request to display the settings screen has not been received (A14: NO), it returns to the process of A1. On the other hand, if it determines that a request to display the settings screen has been received (A14: YES), the printer control unit 201 displays the settings screen on the touch panel 23 (A15). This settings screen includes buttons for configuring settings related to the operation of the printer 2, as well as a button for receiving from the user a request to display cartridge list information related to the ink cartridges C owned by the user. The printer control unit 201 determines whether a request to display cartridge list information has been received from the user by touching the button on the touch panel 23 (A16). If it determines that a request to display cartridge list information has not been received (A16: NO), it returns to the process of A1.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that a request to display cartridge list information has been received (A16: YES), the printer control unit 201 sends a list information transmission instruction to the server 3 (A17). The list information transmission instruction instructs the server 3 to transmit the cartridge list information and point information stored in the server storage unit 302. This list information transmission instruction includes the user ID, printer ID, etc. stored in the printer storage unit 202.

[0069] Thereafter, when the printer control unit 201 receives the cartridge list information and point information from the server 3 (A18), it displays a cartridge list object 250a, a point object 250b, and a registration request button 250c on the touch panel 23 (A19), as shown in Fig. 7. The cartridge list object 250a is an object generated based on the received cartridge list information, and displays a list of information about the ink cartridges C owned by the user. This cartridge list object 250a includes information about ink cartridges C that have been registered as dedicated cartridges.

[0070] The point object 250b is an object generated based on the received point information, and indicates the points currently held by the user. The cartridge list object 250a includes information about the total awarded points included in the cartridge list information, and this information about the total awarded points and the point object 250b correspond to "benefit information."

[0071] The registration request button 250c is a button for receiving a registration request from the user requesting that an unregistered ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 be registered as a dedicated cartridge. Note that, in this embodiment, the system is configured so that an unregistered ink cartridge C currently installed in the cartridge holder 21 can be registered as a dedicated cartridge, but this is not limited to this. In other words, among the ink cartridges C owned by the user indicated in the received cartridge list information, an unregistered ink cartridge C that is not currently installed in the cartridge holder 21 but has been installed in the past may also be configured so that it can be registered as a dedicated cartridge.

[0072] Next, printer control unit 201 determines whether a registration request has been received from the user by touching registration request button 250c (A20). If it is determined that a registration request has not been received from the user (A20: NO), the process returns to A1.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that a registration request has been received from the user (A20: YES), the process proceeds to A9 to display a registration guide object 230 on the touch panel 23 to prompt the user to register the unregistered ink cartridge C as a dedicated cartridge.

[0074] As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge list object 250a is displayed on the touch panel 23 (A18), and when a registration request is received from a user who views the object (A20: YES), the registration guide object 230 is displayed on the touch panel 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printer control unit 201 displays on the touch panel 23 an object that indicates only whether or not the ink cartridge C currently installed in the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge, based on a user operation on the setting screen displayed on the touch panel 23 in the processing of A15. Then, when a registration request is received from a user who views the object, requesting that the unregistered ink cartridge C currently installed in the cartridge holder 21 be registered as a dedicated cartridge, the printer control unit 201 may display the registration guide object 230 on the touch panel 23.

[0075] (A series of steps related to registering a dedicated cartridge for an external device) Next, a series of steps related to the registration of a dedicated cartridge in the external terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] The terminal control unit 401 determines (B1) whether or not a contract application for the printing service has been accepted from the user via the touch panel 41. If it is determined that a contract application for the printing service has been accepted from the user (B1: YES), the terminal control unit 401 executes contract processing related to the contract for the printing service with the server 3 (B2).

[0077] Specifically, the terminal control unit 401 accesses a website set up on the server 3 to provide the printing service. At this time, the touch panel 41 of the external terminal 4 displays information indicating the types of printing service plans that can be applied for, information indicating that the contract cartridge will be registered as a dedicated cartridge, and the like. The information indicating that the contract cartridge will be registered as a dedicated cartridge is the same as the information written on the registration guide object 230 shown in FIG. 3(a). The user then performs input operations via the touch panel 41 to create an account for using the printing service and log in to the website. The account is created by registering, for example, the user's name, email address, password, etc.

[0078] Next, the user performs an input operation via the touch panel 41, causing the terminal control unit 401 to send a service start request for the printing service to the server 3. The service start request includes plan information indicating the type of print service plan subscribed to, delivery address information indicating the delivery address for the contract cartridge, and payment information for deducting the amount charged for the printing service. Upon receiving the service start request, the server 3 registers the user as a contracted user of the printing service based on the received service start request. Thereafter, the server 3 sends contract establishment information indicating that a contract for the printing service has been established to the external terminal 4.

[0079] When the terminal control unit 401 receives the contract establishment information from the server 3 (B3), it causes the touch panel 41 to display the contract establishment information (B4). At this time, the terminal control unit 401 also causes the touch panel 41 to display an object indicating that the contract cartridges to be provided to the user in the future, subject to the printing service contract, have been registered as dedicated cartridges.

[0080] If it is determined in the process of B1 that a printing service contract application has not been received from the user (B1: NO), the terminal control unit 401 determines whether a request to display cartridge list information has been received from the user via the touch panel 41 (B5). If it is determined that a request to display cartridge list information has been received from the user (B5: YES), the terminal control unit 401 executes the processes of B6 to B9 and returns to the process of B1. Note that the processes of B6 to B9 are controlled by the terminal control unit 401 rather than the printer control unit 201, and the display destination of the cartridge list information and the reception of input from the user are performed by the touch panel 41 rather than the touch panel 23. Except for the above content, the processes are substantially the same as the processes of A17 to A20 described above with reference to FIG. 6. Furthermore, if it is determined in the process of B9 that a registration request has been received from the user (B9: YES), the terminal control unit 401 executes the processes of B10 to B14 and returns to the process of B1. The processing of B10 to B14 is also substantially the same as the processing of A9 to A13 described above, except that the control entity is the terminal control unit 401 rather than the printer control unit 201, and the display destination of the cartridge list information and the reception of input from the user are performed by touch panel 41 rather than touch panel 23.

[0081] (A series of steps related to registering a dedicated cartridge for Server 3) Next, a series of steps relating to the registration of a dedicated cartridge in the server 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] First, the server control unit 301 determines whether a query instruction has been received from the printer 2 (C1). If it determines that a query instruction has been received from the printer 2 (C1: YES), the server control unit 301 determines whether the ink cartridge C being queried, which corresponds to the cartridge ID included in the received query instruction, is registered as a dedicated cartridge and whether it corresponds to a contract cartridge (C2). Specifically, the server control unit 301 extracts cartridge list information linked to the user ID included in the query instruction from the server storage unit 302. Next, the server control unit 301 makes the ink cartridge C indicated by the cartridge ID included in the query instruction the subject of the query in the extracted cartridge list information. The server control unit 301 then references the "Registered dedicated cartridge" item linked to the ink cartridge C being queried in the extracted cartridge list information to determine whether it is registered as a dedicated cartridge. The server control unit 301 also references the "Contract cartridge" item in the extracted cartridge list information to determine whether the ink cartridge C being queried corresponds to a contract cartridge.

[0083] Next, the server control unit 301 transmits the query information indicating the determination result of the process of C2 to the printer 2 indicated by the printer ID included in the query instruction (C3). When the process of C3 ends, the process returns to the process of C1.

[0084] If it is determined in the process of C1 that a query instruction has not been received from the printer 2 (C1: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether a registration instruction has been received from the printer 2 or the external terminal 4 (C4). If it is determined that a registration instruction has been received (C4: YES), the server control unit 301 registers the ink cartridge C linked to the cartridge ID included in the received registration instruction as a dedicated cartridge (C5). In detail, the server control unit 301 updates the cartridge list information linked to the user ID included in the registration instruction in the server storage unit 302. The server control unit 301 updates the "Dedicated Cartridge Registration" item in the cartridge list information linked to the ink cartridge C indicated by the cartridge ID included in the registration instruction to "○", indicating that it is registered as a dedicated cartridge.

[0085] Next, the server control unit 301 transmits registration completion information indicating that registration as a dedicated cartridge for the ink cartridge C for which registration was instructed has been completed to the sender of the registration instruction (C6), and returns to the process of C1.

[0086] If it is determined in the process of C4 that a registration instruction has not been received (C4: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether a list information transmission instruction has been received from the printer 2 or the external terminal 4 (C7). If it is determined that a list information transmission instruction has been received (C7: YES), the server control unit 301 extracts the cartridge list information and point information linked to the user ID included in the list information transmission instruction from the server storage unit 302. Then, the server control unit 301 transmits the extracted cartridge list information and point information to the sender of the list information transmission instruction (C8), and returns to the process of C1.

[0087] If it is determined in the process of C7 that a list information transmission instruction has not been received (C7: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether a contract application for the print service has been accepted from the external terminal 4 (C9). If it is determined that a contract application for the print service has been accepted (C9: YES), the server control unit 301 executes contract processing related to the print service contract with the external terminal 4 (C10). After this, the server control unit 301 sends contract establishment information indicating that the print service contract has been concluded to the external terminal 4 (C11) and returns to the process of C1. Here, the contract establishment information indicating that the print service contract has been concluded may be sent to the printer 2 in addition to the external terminal 4. In this case, the contract establishment information is sent from at least one of the server control unit 301 or the external terminal 4 to the printer 2. In response to receiving the contract establishment information, the printer 2 stores information indicating that the contract has been concluded in the printer storage unit 202. As a result, the printer 2 may switch to control assuming that a contract has been concluded. This includes, for example, control changes such as transitioning from non-contract mode to contract mode.

[0088] If it is determined in the process of C9 that the application for a print service contract has not been accepted (C9: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether recycling information indicating that the ink cartridge C has been recycled has been acquired (C12). The recycling information includes the user ID of the user who collected the ink cartridge C for recycling, the cartridge ID of the recycled ink cartridge C, the condition of the ink cartridge C when it was recycled, the collection method, etc.

[0089] If it is determined that the playback information has been acquired (C12: YES), the server control unit 301 determines points to be awarded to the user who collected the cartridge for playback based on the acquired playback information (C13). Next, the server control unit 301 updates the cartridge list information and point information associated with the user ID of the user, which are stored in the server storage unit 302 (C14). Specifically, the server control unit 301 updates the items "cartridge status," "number of playbacks," and "collection method" of the cartridge list information according to the acquired playback information. In addition, the server control unit 301 adds the points determined in the process of C13 to the points indicated by the "total awarded points" in the cartridge list information and to the owned points indicated by the point information. When the process of C14 ends, the process returns to the process of C1.

[0090] If it is determined in the process of C12 that the playback information has not been acquired (C12: NO), the server control unit 301 determines whether the provision information of the contract cartridge has been acquired (C15). If it is determined that the provision information of the contract cartridge has not been acquired (C15: NO), the process returns to C1.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined that provision information for the contract cartridge has been acquired (C15: NO), the server control unit 301 registers the contract cartridge as a dedicated cartridge (C16). Specifically, the server control unit 301 updates the cartridge list information in the server storage unit 302 that is linked to the user ID that indicates the user to whom the contract cartridge is to be provided. More specifically, the server control unit 301 registers the contract cartridge in the cartridge list information. It also updates the "Dedicated Cartridge Registration" item linked to the contract cartridge to be provided to "○", indicating that it is registered as a dedicated cartridge. When the processing of C16 ends, the process returns to C1.

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an unregistered ink cartridge C that is not registered as a dedicated cartridge is installed in the cartridge holder 21, a registration guide object 230 (see FIG. 3(a)) including objects 230a and 230b is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the printer 2. Object 230a is an object that urges the user to register the ink cartridge C installed in the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge, and therefore makes the user strongly aware that the ink cartridge C is an ink cartridge dedicated to that user. This further encourages the recycling of ink cartridges C.

[0093] Furthermore, object 230b is an object that indicates that ink cartridges C registered as dedicated cartridges will be recycled by repeatedly refilling them with ink until they become unusable, that there is no need to register or enter information each time they are recycled, that if ink cartridges C are collected they will be recycled and redistributed, and that recycled dedicated cartridges will not be used by any other users than the user of the dedicated cartridge, thereby making the user more aware that ink cartridge C is an ink cartridge that is dedicated to them.

[0094] Furthermore, when the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge, a registration completion object 240 (see FIG. 3(b)) including the object 240a is displayed on the touch panel 23. The object 240a is an object indicating that the registration of the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 as a dedicated cartridge has been completed, and therefore the user can be made more aware that the ink cartridge C is an ink cartridge dedicated to the user.

[0095] Furthermore, when an ink cartridge C that has been registered as a dedicated cartridge is attached to the cartridge holder 21, a registered object 250 (see FIG. 4(a)) is displayed on the touch panel 23. The registered object 250 is an object that indicates that the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21 is a registered ink cartridge C that has been registered as a dedicated cartridge, and therefore makes the user strongly aware that the ink cartridge C is an ink cartridge that is dedicated to the user.

[0096] Furthermore, in printing services where the number of sheets of paper that can be recorded on is determined according to the amount charged, or in subscription contracts where the number of sheets of paper that a user can record on that month is determined according to the amount charged each month, the user can use the ink cartridge without worrying about the remaining ink, and this can lead to a weak sense of ownership of the contract cartridge. However, in this embodiment, when the contract cartridge is attached to the cartridge holder 21, the contract cartridge object 270 (see FIG. 4(c)) is displayed on the touch panel 23, which makes it possible for the user to have a stronger sense that the contract cartridge is an ink cartridge that is exclusively for their own use.

[0097] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printer control unit 201 obtains the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge C by reading the contents stored in the cartridge memory CM, but this is not limited to this. For example, a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) indicating the cartridge ID may be printed on the housing of the ink cartridge C, and the cartridge ID may be obtained by optically reading these codes with a reading unit provided in the printer. Alternatively, the printer may be configured to obtain the cartridge ID by optically reading the barcode or QR code printed on the housing of the ink cartridge C using an external terminal owned by the user and transmitting the read data to the printer.

[0098] Alternatively, the cartridge ID may be printed on the housing of the ink cartridge C, and the printer may acquire the cartridge ID by having the user enter the printed cartridge ID. Below, a series of steps related to registering a dedicated cartridge for the printer 2 according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0099] First, the printer control unit 201 determines whether the ink cartridge C has transitioned from an unmounted state to an mounted state in the cartridge holder 21 based on a signal from the mounting detection sensor 21a (D1). If it determines that the ink cartridge C has transitioned to an mounted state (D1: YES), the printer control unit 201 displays an input object on the touch panel 23 that prompts the user to input the cartridge ID printed on the casing of the ink cartridge C (D2). The printer control unit 201 then accepts input of the cartridge ID from the user via the touch panel 23 (D3). The printer control unit 201 then transmits to the server 3 an inquiry instruction to inquire whether the ink cartridge C mounted in the cartridge holder 21 is registered as a dedicated cartridge and whether it is a contract cartridge (D4). This inquiry instruction includes the user ID and printer ID stored in the printer storage unit 202, as well as the cartridge ID accepted from the user in the process of D3.

[0100] Thereafter, printer control unit 201 executes processes D5 to D14, which are similar to the processes A4 to A13 described above with reference to Figure 6, and then returns to process D1. Furthermore, if it is determined in process D1 that the ink cartridge C has not transitioned to an installed state (D1: NO), printer control unit 201 executes processes D15 to D21, which are similar to the processes A14 to A20 described above.

[0101] As described above, in this modified example, the printer 2 can also obtain the cartridge ID of the ink cartridge C attached to the cartridge holder 21.

[0102] Other modifications will be described below.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the consumable part consumption device is an inkjet printer, but is not limited to this. For example, the consumable part consumption device may be a laser printer. In this case, a toner cartridge or drum that stores toner is an example of a consumable part. Consumable parts may also be parts that need to be replaced due to deterioration, such as a cutter, roller, or waste liquid tank that is equipped in a printer. The consumable part consumption device may also be a device other than a printer. For example, the consumable part consumption device may be a scanner or a transport device that transports paper. In this case, a transport roller that transports paper is an example of a consumable part. The consumable part consumption device may also be an electronic device such as a PC or a smartphone. In this case, a battery or parts that constitute the electronic device are examples of consumable parts.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the touch panel 41 of the external terminal 4 accepts the user's input operations related to the contract for the printing service, but this is not limiting and the input operations may be accepted by the touch panel 23 of the printer 2. In this case, the printer control unit 201 performs contract processing related to the contract for the printing service instead of the terminal control unit 401.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge list information is stored in the server storage unit 302 of the server 3, but this is not limiting and the cartridge list information may be stored in the printer storage unit of the printer, for example. In this case, the printer control unit acquires the provision information and recycling information of the contract cartridge from the server and updates the cartridge list information. Therefore, for example, when the printer control unit acquires the provision information of the contract cartridge, it determines that the contract cartridge is a dedicated cartridge for the user who has made the contract, without accepting any registration-related input from the user, and updates the "Dedicated Cartridge Registration" item in the cartridge list information.

[0106] In the system 1 of the embodiment described above, the ink cartridge C is registered as a dedicated cartridge for a user who repeatedly refills it with ink, and the regeneration method is limited to refilling it with ink, but this is not limited to this. For example, the system may be configured to register the ink cartridge as a dedicated cartridge for a user who repeatedly refills it, without limiting the regeneration method.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the state transitions from an ink cartridge C not being installed in the cartridge holder 21 to an installed state, the registration guide object 230 and the registration completion object 240 are displayed on the touch panel 23 of the printer 2, but this is not limited to this. When the state transitions from an ink cartridge not being installed in the cartridge holder to an installed state, the terminal control unit of the external terminal connected to the printer may be configured to display the registration guide object and the registration completion object on the display unit of the external terminal.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the contract cartridge was registered as a dedicated cartridge without receiving any registration input from the user, but this is not limited to this. That is, the contract cartridge may also be configured to be registered as a dedicated cartridge by receiving registration input from the user. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the registration guide object and registration completion object are displayed on the display unit of the printer or the display unit of the external terminal only when a contract is made for a printing service, which is a situation in which the user may not feel that the cartridge is their own.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the benefit given to the user in response to recycling of ink cartridge C was points, but this is not limited to this and may also be a benefit that is beneficial to the user, such as a coupon that can be used when purchasing an ink cartridge.

[0110] While recycling of used ink cartridges has traditionally been carried out by recycling companies, this is not limited to this. For example, ink refilling devices capable of refilling ink cartridges with ink may be installed at retail stores, etc., and users may bring their used ink cartridges to the retail stores themselves for collection, where they may be refilled with ink using the ink refilling device, thereby recycling the ink cartridges. In this case, recycling information is provided to the server from the ink refilling device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 System 2. Printer 3 Server 4 External terminal 21 Cartridge holder 23 Touch Panel 41 Touch Panel 201 Printer control unit 401 Terminal control unit C Ink cartridge

Claims

1. a mounting portion for detachably mounting a consumable part; A display unit; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit A consumable part consumption device, characterized in that a registration object relating to registration of the consumable part mounted in the mounting section as a dedicated consumable part for a user who repeatedly performs regeneration is displayed on the display section.

2. The consumable parts include consumable materials, The consumable part consuming device according to claim 1 , wherein the reconditioning includes refilling the consumable material of the consumable part.

3. 2. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the registration object includes at least one of a first object that prompts the user to register and a second object that indicates that the registration has been completed.

4. 2. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the registration indicates that the regeneration of the dedicated consumable part is to be repeated until the dedicated consumable part becomes unusable.

5. 2. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the registration indicates that the recycled dedicated consumable part will not be used by any user other than the user of the dedicated consumable part.

6. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1 , further comprising a recording unit that consumes the consumable part and records an image on a recording medium.

7. The control unit displaying the registered object on the display unit on the condition that the user has signed a contract for use of the consumable part consumption device; The consumable part consumption device according to claim 6, wherein the contract determines the number of recording media on which images can be recorded by the recording unit according to the amount charged to the user regardless of consumption of the consumable parts.

8. The control unit The consumable parts consumption device described in claim 7, characterized in that after the contract is concluded, when information about the consumable parts provided to the user who has made the contract as consumable parts exclusive to the contract is obtained, the device determines that the consumable parts exclusive to the contract are the exclusive consumable parts of the user who has made the contract without accepting input regarding the registration from the user.

9. The consumable parts are provided with unique identification information, a reading unit that reads the unique identification information assigned to the attached consumable part when the consumable part is attached to the attachment unit, The control unit When the consumable part is attached to the attachment unit after the contract is established, it is determined whether or not the consumable part attached to the attachment unit is the dedicated consumable part based on the unique identification information read by the reading unit; If it is determined to be a dedicated consumable part, The consumable part consumption device according to claim 7, characterized in that the display unit displays an object indicating that the registration of the consumable part attached to the attachment unit as the dedicated consumable part has been completed as the registered object.

10. The consumable parts are provided with unique identification information, further comprising an input unit that accepts user input; The control unit After the contract is concluded, an input object is displayed on the display unit to prompt the user to input the unique identification information assigned to the consumable part; when receiving input of the unique identification information from a user via the input unit, determining whether the consumable part to which the unique identification information is assigned is the dedicated consumable part based on the input unique identification information; If it is determined to be a dedicated consumable part, The consumable part consumption device according to claim 7, characterized in that the display unit displays an object indicating that the registration of the consumable part attached to the attachment unit as the dedicated consumable part has been completed as the registered object.

11. The control unit The consumable part consumption device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the consumable part attached to the attachment section is registered as the dedicated consumable part and then another consumable part is attached to the attachment section, the registration object related to the registration of the other consumable part as the dedicated consumable part is displayed on the display section.

12. The control unit 2. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1, wherein information about the consumable part registered as the dedicated consumable part can be displayed on the display unit.

13. The control unit The consumable part consumption device according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit is capable of displaying benefit information relating to a benefit given to a user in response to the recycling of the dedicated consumable part.

14. The consumable parts include consumable materials, the reconditioning includes refilling the consumable material of the consumable part; The consumable part consumption device according to claim 13 , wherein the special benefit is a benefit in response to refilling the dedicated consumable part with the consumable material.

15. 14. The consumable part consumption device according to claim 13, wherein the content of the special benefit is more advantageous to the user when the dedicated consumable part is in a better condition at the time of regeneration.

16. An external terminal connectable to a consumable part consumption device having a mounting part for detachably mounting a consumable part, A terminal display unit; Terminal control unit and Equipped with The terminal control unit The external terminal is characterized in that a registration object relating to registration of the consumable part mounted in the mounting section as a dedicated consumable part for a user who repeatedly performs regeneration is displayed on the terminal display section.

17. a mounting portion for detachably mounting a consumable part; a consumption unit that consumes the consumable part attached to the attachment unit; A display unit; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit A system characterized in that a registration object relating to registration of the consumable part mounted on the mounting section as a dedicated consumable part for a user who repeatedly performs regeneration is displayed on the display section.

Images