Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To make it easy to understand the costs involved in the restoration work. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a unit and an image forming apparatus body on which the unit is mounted, and includes a first determination unit (control unit 11) that determines which unit among the units mounted on the image forming apparatus body needs to be replaced, a calculation unit (control unit 11) that calculates the replacement cost required to replace the unit determined by the first determination unit, and an output unit (control unit 11) that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an image forming apparatus is configured by attaching a plurality of units to an image forming apparatus main body. Each unit is a consumable and is replaced at an appropriate timing.

[0003] In recent years, in order to realize a recycling-based society, it is desired to eliminate wasteful disposal. Therefore, a recycling operation is performed in which a reusable unit with a remaining service life is removed from the discarded image forming apparatus main body and attached to the image forming apparatus main body of another image forming apparatus as a recycling apparatus.

[0004] Regarding this, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for diagnosing whether a used electronic device is reusable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the recycling operation of an image forming apparatus, there are cases where a used image forming apparatus main body is reused, and cases where the image forming apparatus main body is discarded and a reusable unit is taken out from the discarded image forming apparatus main body. If the cost related to the recycling operation when reusing a used image forming apparatus main body exceeds a predetermined value, no sales profit can be obtained. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable to discard the image forming apparatus main body and take out the reusable unit. However, conventional technology had the problem of being time-consuming to calculate the costs associated with the refurbishment of image forming machines.

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and program that can easily determine the costs associated with the reprocessing work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus described in claim 1 is An image forming apparatus comprising a unit and an image forming apparatus body on which the unit is attached, A first determination unit that determines which of the units mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus needs to be replaced, A calculation unit that calculates the cost of replacing the unit that needs to be replaced, determined by the first determination unit, An output unit that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit, It is equipped with.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The first determination unit determines the unit that needs to be replaced when it determines that the image forming apparatus body is reusable.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a second determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus can be reused based on the cumulative number of printed pages or usage time since the start of use of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The first determination unit determines whether the unit needs to be replaced based on the mileage or time the unit has traveled.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, When it is determined that the image forming apparatus main body is not reusable, a third determination unit is provided that determines reusable units among the units mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The calculation unit calculates the replacement cost based on the fixed cost and variable cost related to the replacement of the unit.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, A storage unit for storing the fixed cost is provided.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, An acquisition unit is provided that acquires the variable cost from an external storage medium.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 8, A control unit is provided that controls the image forming apparatus based on a control program stored in the external storage medium.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, An acquisition unit is provided that acquires the variable cost from an external device communicably connected via a network.

[0018] The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The variable cost includes the transportation cost of the unit that needs to be replaced.

[0019] The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The variable cost includes the inventory management cost related to the unit that needs to be replaced.

[0020] The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The variable cost includes the labor cost based on the time required for the replacement work of the unit that needs to be replaced.

[0021] The invention according to claim 14 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The variable cost includes the labor cost based on the attribute information or ability information of the worker who performs the replacement work of the unit that needs to be replaced.

[0022] The invention according to claim 15 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The calculation unit calculates the variable cost based on the combination of the units that need to be replaced.

[0023] The invention according to claim 16 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The calculation unit calculates the total of the replacement costs calculated for each unit that needs to be replaced, The output unit outputs the total of the replacement costs.

[0024] The invention according to claim 17 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, Based on the total of the replacement costs, it includes a second determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus main body can be reused.

[0025] The invention according to claim 18 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 17, When it is determined that the image forming apparatus main body cannot be reused, it includes a third determination unit that determines the units that can be reused among the units mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

[0026] The program according to claim 19 is A unit, An image forming apparatus main body on which the unit is mounted, A computer of an image forming apparatus including the above, A first determination unit that determines the units that need to be replaced among the units mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, A calculation unit calculates the cost of replacing the unit that needs to be replaced, as determined by the first determination unit. An output unit that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit, To make it function as such. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the costs associated with the regeneration process can be easily determined. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of unit costs. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the process for starting the playback operation. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the process for lifespan diagnosis. [Figure 6] This figure shows a display screen showing the replacement cost. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process for calculating replacement costs. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the calculation results for replacement costs. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the process for obtaining transportation costs. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of unit inventory information. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of inventory transportation cost information. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of information regarding the cost of replacing a unit. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a labor cost adjustment value. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0030] <1. Configuration of the image forming apparatus> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) that has image forming functions as well as copying, scanning, and facsimile functions. In the refurbishment process for image forming apparatus 1, a manufacturer's worker removes reusable used units from the main body of image forming apparatus 1 that is to be discarded (discarded apparatus). Next, the worker installs the used units removed from the discarded apparatus into the main body of another reusable image forming apparatus 1. The manufacturer then sells or rents the other image forming apparatus 1 with the used units installed as a refurbished apparatus.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, a document reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, a transport unit 18, a waste toner collection unit 19, and an I / F unit 20.

[0032] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 11 reads a program stored in the ROM or memory unit 15, loads it into RAM, and controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the loaded program. For example, the control unit 11 processes the image data of a job based on the job settings submitted from the outside via the communication unit 14. Next, the control unit 11 has the transport unit 18 feed paper, and the image forming unit 17 forms and fixes an image on the paper.

[0033] The operation unit 12 includes operation keys 12A, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 13, and outputs operation signals corresponding to these operations to the control unit 11.

[0034] The display unit 13 is equipped with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 13A, etc., and displays information such as an operation screen according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0035] The communication unit 14 is equipped with a network card and other components, is connected to a communication network, and performs transmission and reception of information with external devices on the communication network.

[0036] The memory unit 15 includes a storage device such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The memory unit 15 stores programs, files, etc., that can be read by the control unit 11.

[0037] The memory unit 15 stores unit status information indicating the status of each detachable unit provided by the image forming apparatus 1. The unit status information is, for example, the unit's counter information. The unit's counter information is initialized and becomes "0" again when, for example, a new unit is installed. The unit status information may also be a value detected by a sensor indicating deterioration of the unit's main components.

[0038] The storage unit 15 stores main unit status information indicating the state of the housing, which is the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The main unit status information is information indicating the usage amount of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The main unit status information includes the cumulative number of printed pages and usage time since the start of use of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0039] The memory unit 15 stores the unit cost, which is the price of the unit itself, for each detachable unit provided by the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the unit cost.

[0040] The document reading unit 16 includes an automatic document transport unit, a scanner unit 161, a tray 162 for placing the document paper, a platen glass 163, and the like. The automatic document transport unit is equipped with a mechanism for transporting document paper and document transport rollers, and transports the document paper along a predetermined transport path under the control of the control unit 11. The scanner unit 161 includes an optical system such as a light source and a reflector, and an image sensor, and reads an image of the original paper that has been transported along a predetermined transport path or the original paper placed on the platen glass 163.

[0041] The image forming unit 17 forms and fixes a four-color image on the paper according to the pixel values ​​of the four colors C, M, Y, and K of each pixel of the image processed image data. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 17 includes four writing units 171, an intermediate transfer belt 172, a secondary transfer roller 173, and a fixing unit 174.

[0042] The four writing units 171 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 172, one for each of the four monochromatic colors C, M, Y, and K, to form images of each color C, M, Y, and K on the paper. The writing unit 171 includes an exposure unit 171a, a photoreceptor drum unit 171b, a developing unit 171c, a charging unit 171d, a cleaning unit 171e, a primary transfer roller 171f, and the like.

[0043] The photoreceptor drum unit 171b comprises a rotating conductive cylindrical body (photoreceptor). The charging unit 171d charges the photoreceptor. The exposure unit 171a has a semiconductor laser light source and, under the control of the control unit 11, drives the semiconductor laser light source etc. based on image data and scans and irradiates the photoreceptor charged by the charging unit 171d with laser light to expose it. The developing unit 171c, under the control of the control unit 11, supplies toner onto the photoreceptor with a charged developing roller and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor by exposure. The images formed on the photoreceptors of the four writing units 171 are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 172 by their respective primary transfer rollers 171f. A color toner image consisting of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 172. After the primary transfer, the cleaning unit 171e removes the toner remaining on the photoreceptor.

[0044] The intermediate transfer belt 172 is an endless belt stretched across multiple rollers, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of each roller under the control of the control unit 11. The secondary transfer roller 173, under the control of the control unit 11, transfers (secondary transfer) the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 172 onto the paper transported from the manual feed tray T1 or the paper feed tray T2.

[0045] The fixing unit 174 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing unit 174 fixes the image onto the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper on which the image has been formed, under the control of the control unit 11.

[0046] The transport unit 18 is equipped with paper feed rollers and the like, and transports paper from the manual feed tray T1 or paper feed tray T2 to the image forming unit 17 using the paper feed rollers according to the instructions of the control unit 11. The transport unit 18 discharges the paper that has been fixed by the fixing unit 174 to the output tray T3. The transport unit 18 also has a reversal section which serves as a paper reversal path, and when performing double-sided printing, it reverses the paper with the image fixed on the front side and transports it back to the image forming unit 17.

[0047] The waste toner collection unit 19 includes a waste toner transport unit, a waste toner collection container, and the like. The waste toner collection unit 19 transports the waste toner removed by the image forming unit 17 using a waste toner transport unit and collects it in a waste toner collection container.

[0048] The I / F section 20 is an interface for connecting to external devices (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface).

[0049] <2. Unit Status Information> Next, we will explain the unit status information in detail. The unit counter information stored in the memory unit 15 as unit status information indicates the degree of wear and tear on the unit. The units that can be detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 include the operation key 12A, the LCD panel 13A, the PH (Print Head) unit in the exposure unit 171a, the photoreceptor drum unit 171b, the developing unit in the developing unit 171c, the toner unit in the developing unit 171c, the transfer belt unit having an intermediate transfer belt 172, the transfer roller unit having a secondary transfer roller 173, the fixing unit 174, and the waste toner transport unit in the waste toner collection unit 19.

[0050] The unit's counter information includes at least one of the following: number of press-fits, travel distance, travel time, cumulative time at a predetermined temperature, maximum paper feed distance, number of printed (image formed) sheets, and power-on time.

[0051] The number of press-fit cycles represents the cumulative number of press-fit cycles from the time the unit was new until the present. This information corresponds to, for example, the fixing unit 174. The mileage is the cumulative mileage of the unit from its new condition to the present. The mileage is information corresponding to, for example, the photoreceptor drum unit 171b, the transfer belt unit, the transfer roller unit, the fuser unit 174, etc. The running time is the cumulative running time from when the unit was new to the present. The running time is information corresponding to, for example, the photoreceptor drum unit 171b, the transfer belt unit, the transfer roller unit, the fuser unit 174, etc. The predetermined temperature accumulation time is the time it has taken for the unit to reach the predetermined temperature from its new state to the present time. The predetermined temperature accumulation time is information corresponding to, for example, the fuser unit 174. The maximum paper feed distance is the longest distance the unit has fed paper from its new condition to the present. For example, this information corresponds to the fuser unit 174, etc. The print count represents the total number of pages printed by the unit from its new state to the present. This print count information corresponds to, for example, the photoconductor drum unit 171b, the developer unit, the toner unit, the transfer belt unit, the transfer roller unit, the fuser unit 174, the waste toner transport unit, etc. The power-on time is the cumulative operating time from when the unit was new to the present. This power-on time corresponds to information such as the operation key 12A and the LCD panel 13A.

[0052] <3. Operation of the image forming apparatus> Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained. In the refurbishment process of the image forming apparatus 1, the operator sets the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to refurbishment mode. This refurbishment mode is a special mode that is not available to general users and is exclusively for the reuse of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the regeneration process to set the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to refurbish mode. The image forming apparatus 1 executes the playback operation start process when an external storage medium (e.g., a USB memory stick) is connected to the I / F unit 20 by the operator performing the playback operation, and the power to the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0054] (Start playback process) The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts the boot loader (step A1). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the hardware key, which is the operation key 12A, has been pressed down continuously for a predetermined period of time by the operator (step A2). If a hardware key is pressed continuously for a predetermined period of time (Step A2; YES), the control unit 11 starts the operating system (OS) stored on an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20 (Step A3). The OS is a control program for controlling the image forming apparatus 1. After the OS starts up, the control unit 11 starts the firmware stored on the external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20 (step A4).

[0055] On the other hand, if the hardware key is not pressed for a predetermined period of time (Step A2; NO), the control unit 11 starts the OS stored in ROM (Step A5). After the OS starts up, the control unit 11 starts the firmware stored in ROM (step A6).

[0056] After executing step A4 or step A6, the control unit 11 displays a display screen including a lifespan diagnosis button on the display unit 13 (step A7), and terminates the regeneration start process. As a result, the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is set to refurbish mode.

[0057] Next, we will explain the lifespan diagnosis process shown in Figure 5. The image forming apparatus 1 executes a lifespan diagnosis process when the lifespan diagnosis button displayed on the display unit 13 is pressed by the operator performing the regeneration work during the regeneration work start process.

[0058] (Lifespan diagnosis process) The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires main body status information from the storage unit 15 and determines whether or not the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has remaining lifespan based on the main body status information (step B1). If the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has remaining lifespan, it determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is reusable. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has no remaining lifespan, it determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is not reusable. The control unit 11 functions as a second determination unit. In step B1, for example, the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has remaining lifespan if the cumulative number of printed pages since the start of use of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has no remaining lifespan if the cumulative number of printed pages since the start of use of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has remaining lifespan if the usage time from the start of use of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 has no remaining lifespan if the usage time from the start of use of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] Next, the control unit 11 displays the result of determining the remaining lifespan of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, which was determined in step B1, on the display unit 13 (step B2). Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen 131 that shows the result of determining the remaining lifespan of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 displays the remaining lifespan determination result 131a of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 on the display screen 131. For example, if the remaining lifespan determination result of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is "reusable", the control unit 11 displays the string "reusable" as the remaining lifespan determination result 131a. On the other hand, if the remaining lifespan determination result of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is "no remaining lifespan", the control unit 11 displays the string "not reusable" as the remaining lifespan determination result 131a. In step B2, the control unit 11 may display the main unit status information 131b on the display screen 131, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 was determined to have remaining lifespan in step B1, that is, whether or not the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is reusable (step B3). If the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is reusable (Step B3; YES), the control unit 11 obtains unit status information from the storage unit 15. Next, the control unit 11 calculates the remaining lifespan for each unit attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the unit status information. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not each unit attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 needs to be replaced based on the calculated remaining lifespan (Step B4).

[0061] In step B4, the control unit 11 determines that if the remaining lifespan of the unit is above a predetermined threshold, the unit is reusable and does not need to be replaced. On the other hand, if the remaining lifespan of the unit is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 11 determines that the unit is not reusable and needs to be replaced. In step B4, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 may display, on the display screen 131, the remaining lifespan 131c of each unit attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, a threshold 131d for determining whether replacement is necessary, and the determination result 131e of whether replacement is necessary.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are any units that need to be replaced (units that need to be replaced) as determined in step B4 (step B5). In step B5, the control unit 11 determines which units attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 need to be replaced. The control unit 11 functions as a first determination unit. If there are units that need to be replaced (Step B5: YES), the control unit 11 executes the replacement cost calculation process shown in Figure 7 (Step B6). By executing the replacement cost calculation process, the control unit 11 calculates the replacement cost required to replace the units that need to be replaced. The control unit 11 functions as a calculation unit.

[0063] (Calculation process for replacement costs) The control unit 11 retrieves the unit cost corresponding to the type of replacement unit from the storage unit 15 for each unit that needs to be replaced (replacement unit) (step C1). The unit cost is the fixed cost related to the replacement of the unit, which is part of the replacement cost for replacing the replacement unit.

[0064] Figure 8 shows an example of the replacement costs for replacement units. In the example shown in Figure 8, the replacement units are the fixer unit, developer unit, pH unit, and photoreceptor drum unit. In step C1, the control unit 11 obtains "80" as the unit cost for the fixing unit. The control unit 11 obtains "60" as the unit cost for the developing unit. The control unit 11 obtains "70" as the unit cost for the PH unit. The control unit 11 obtains "65" as the unit cost for the photoreceptor drum unit.

[0065] Next, the control unit 11 executes a transportation cost acquisition process (see Figure 9) for each replacement unit to acquire the transportation cost corresponding to that replacement unit (step C2). The transportation cost is the variable cost related to the replacement of the unit, which is part of the replacement cost for replacing the replacement unit.

[0066] (Transportation cost acquisition process) The control unit 11 acquires inventory information of units at the remanufacturing site from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to the communication network via the communication unit 14 (step D1). Figure 10 shows an example of unit inventory information at a remanufacturing facility.

[0067] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is stock of replacement units at the refurbishment site based on the unit inventory information at the refurbishment site obtained in step D1 (step D2). The stock of replacement units may be new or used. In the example shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 determines that the fixing unit, developing unit, and PH unit are in stock at the remanufacturing facility. On the other hand, the control unit 11 determines that the photoreceptor drum unit is not in stock at the remanufacturing facility.

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 obtains "0" as the transportation cost for replacement units that are in stock at the remanufacturing site (step D2; YES) (step D3). As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 obtains "0" as the transportation cost for the fixing unit, developing unit, and PH unit.

[0069] Meanwhile, for replacement units that are not in stock at the remanufacturing base (step D2; NO), the control unit 11 obtains the transportation costs for transporting the replacement unit from the storage location that owns it to the remanufacturing base (step D4), and then terminates the transportation cost acquisition process. Figure 11 shows an example of inventory and transportation cost information, which indicates the inventory of units at the storage location where the units are stored, and the transportation costs of the units from the storage location to the remanufacturing work site. The control unit 11 acquires inventory transportation cost information from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to a communication network via the communication unit 14. If there is stock of replacement units in area B, which is the closest storage location to the remanufacturing site, the control unit 11 obtains "5" as the transportation cost of the replacement unit, which is the transportation cost from area B. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, if there is no stock of the photoreceptor drum unit, which is the replacement unit, in area B, the control unit 11 obtains "10" as the transportation cost of the replacement unit, which is the transportation cost from area A. Area A is a storage location that is further from the remanufacturing site than area B.

[0070] Returning to Figure 7, the control unit 11 acquires inventory management costs for each replacement unit based on the unit inventory information at the remanufacturing site acquired in step D1 (step C3). Inventory management costs are the variable costs related to the replacement of units, which are part of the replacement costs for replacing replacement units. Since prioritizing the use of used inventory over new inventory allows for higher sales profits from the image forming apparatus 1, the inventory management costs for managing used inventory are lower than those for managing new inventory. The larger the inventory of units, the lower the inventory management cost for each individual unit.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the inventory of fuser units at the remanufacturing facility is 0 (2 units), with no new units in stock and 10 used units in stock. The inventory management cost for fuser units is 2, as shown in Figure 8. The inventory of developer units at the remanufacturing facility is 3 (30 units), with no used units in stock. The inventory management cost for developer units is 3. The inventory of PH units at the remanufacturing facility is 10 (30 units), with 30 used units in stock. The inventory management cost for PH units is 0. There is no inventory of photoreceptor drum units at the remanufacturing facility, so the inventory management cost is 0.

[0072] Next, the control unit 11 obtains information on the replacement cost of the unit from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to the communication network via the communication unit 14. Then, based on the information on the replacement cost of the unit, the control unit 11 obtains the replacement cost for each replacement unit (step C4). The replacement cost is the variable cost related to the replacement of the unit, which is part of the replacement cost for replacing the replacement unit.

[0073] Figure 12 shows an example of information regarding the cost of replacing a unit. As shown in Figure 12, the unit replacement cost information includes individual unit cost information and combined unit cost information. In replacement unit replacement work, the longer the work time, the higher the replacement cost, and the more steps involved in the replacement process, the higher the replacement cost. Depending on the combination of replacement units being replaced simultaneously, the working time and / or procedure for the replacement work may differ from that when replacing individual units. For example, when replacing the PH unit, the developing unit must be removed before it can be replaced. Therefore, when replacing both the developing unit and the PH unit, the labor cost for replacing the PH unit is lower than when replacing the PH unit alone. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the labor cost for replacing the PH unit alone is "5", while the labor cost for replacing both the developing unit and the PH unit is "3". As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the control unit 11 obtains "3" as the cost of replacing the fixing unit. The control unit 11 obtains "2" as the cost of replacing the developing unit. The control unit 11 obtains "3" as the cost of replacing the PH unit, which is the combined cost of replacing it with the developing unit or the photoreceptor drum unit. The control unit 11 obtains "2" as the cost of replacing the photoreceptor drum unit.

[0074] Next, the control unit 11 acquires worker information from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to the communication network via the communication unit 14 (step C5). The worker information indicates the worker who will perform the replacement work on the replacement unit.

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 obtains a labor cost correction value from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to the communication network via the communication unit 14, based on the worker information obtained in step C5 (step C6). The labor cost correction value is information used to correct the replacement labor cost obtained in step C4. Figure 13 shows an example of a labor cost adjustment value. As shown in Figure 13, the labor cost adjustment value is an adjustment value for the replacement labor cost corresponding to the skill information of the worker performing the replacement work on the replacement unit. In the example shown in Figure 13, the worker's skill information indicates whether the worker is an advanced, intermediate, or beginner level worker. For example, worker A is a senior, so the adjustment value for replacement work costs is "-1". Worker B is an intermediate, so the adjustment value for replacement work costs is "0". Worker C is a beginner, so the adjustment value for replacement work costs is "+1". The work cost adjustment value may also be an adjustment value for replacement work costs that corresponds to the attribute information of the worker performing the replacement work on the replacement unit. For example, if the worker information obtained in step C5 indicates that the worker is Mr. C, the control unit 11 obtains "+1" as the work correction value for each exchange unit, as shown in Figure 8.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 calculates the replacement cost for each replacement unit by adding up the unit cost, transportation cost, inventory management cost, replacement labor cost, and labor cost adjustment value for each replacement unit (step C7). Next, the control unit 11 calculates the total replacement cost for each replacement unit calculated in step C7 (step C8), and then terminates the replacement cost calculation process.

[0077] In the replacement cost calculation process, the control unit 11 obtains the variable cost related to the replacement of the unit from an external storage medium connected to the I / F unit 20, or from an external device connected to the communication network via the communication unit 14. The control unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 displays the replacement cost 131f for each replacement unit and the total replacement cost 131g calculated in step B6 on the display screen 131 (step B7). In step B7, the control unit 11 outputs the replacement cost by displaying the replacement cost of the replacement unit. The control unit 11 functions as an output unit.

[0079] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the total replacement cost of the replacement units calculated in step B6 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step B8). This predetermined threshold is, for example, the upper limit of the sales profit that can be obtained when the image forming apparatus 1 is sold after the replacement units have been replaced. If the total replacement costs exceed a predetermined threshold (Step B8; YES), that is, if the replacement units are not replaced and the image forming apparatus 1 is sold, a sales profit cannot be obtained. In this case, it is preferable to discard the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and remove the reusable units from the discarded main body of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is not reusable.

[0080] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not any of the units attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 were determined to be reusable in step B4 (step B9). The control unit 11 functions as a third determination unit. If there are any reusable units among the units attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (step B9; YES), the control unit 11 displays the reusable units on the display unit 13 (step B10) and terminates the lifespan diagnosis process.

[0081] If the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is not reusable (step B3; NO), that is, if the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is discarded and reusable units are removed from the discarded main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 11 proceeds to step B9 of the life diagnosis process.

[0082] If the total replacement costs are less than a predetermined threshold (Step B8; NO), the control unit 11 determines that the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is reusable and terminates the lifespan diagnosis process. If there are no reusable units among the units attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (step B9; YES), the control unit 11 terminates the lifespan diagnosis process.

[0083] <3. Effects> As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an image forming apparatus comprising a unit and an image forming apparatus body on which the unit is mounted. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a first determination unit (control unit 11) that determines which units among those mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus need to be replaced. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a calculation unit (control unit 11) that calculates the cost of replacing the unit that needs to be replaced, as determined by the first determination unit. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an output unit (control unit 11) that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit. Therefore, users can easily understand the replacement costs, which are the expenses related to the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus. This allows users to make an appropriate decision on whether to reuse a used image forming machine or to discard the image forming machine and extract reusable units from the discarded machine.

[0084] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first determination unit (control unit 11) determines that the image forming apparatus body is reusable and determines which units need to be replaced. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus itself is reusable, the user can easily understand the costs associated with the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus.

[0085] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a second determination unit (control unit 11) that determines whether the image forming apparatus body is reusable based on the cumulative number of printed pages or usage time since the start of use of the image forming apparatus body. Therefore, based on the amount of use of the image forming apparatus itself, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the image forming apparatus itself is reusable.

[0086] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first determination unit (control unit 11) determines whether or not a unit needs to be replaced based on the unit's travel distance or travel time. Therefore, based on the unit's counter information, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the unit needs to be replaced.

[0087] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a third determination unit (control unit 11) that determines which units among those attached to the image forming apparatus body are reusable when the image forming apparatus body is determined to be unusable. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is discarded and reusable units are extracted from the discarded apparatus, the user can easily identify the reusable units.

[0088] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 11) calculates the replacement cost based on the fixed costs and variable costs related to the replacement of the unit. Therefore, by calculating replacement costs based on the variable costs associated with replacing units, which are dynamically fluctuating elements, the costs associated with the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus can be calculated more appropriately.

[0089] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a storage unit 15 that stores fixed costs related to unit replacement. Therefore, the fixed costs associated with replacing the unit can be easily obtained.

[0090] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 11) that acquires variable costs related to unit replacement from an external storage medium. Therefore, variable costs related to the replacement of units, which are dynamically fluctuating elements, can be easily obtained.

[0091] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 11 that controls the image forming apparatus 1 based on a control program stored on an external storage medium. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can be controlled by the OS stored on the USB memory.

[0092] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 11) that acquires variable costs related to unit replacement from an external device connected to it via a network. Therefore, variable costs related to the replacement of units, which are dynamically fluctuating elements, can be easily obtained.

[0093] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the variable cost related to unit replacement includes the transportation cost of the unit that needs to be replaced. Therefore, even if the refurbishment facility does not have replacement units in stock, the costs associated with the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus can be calculated more accurately.

[0094] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the variable costs related to unit replacement include inventory management costs for the units that need to be replaced. Therefore, by taking into account the inventory management costs of the units, the costs associated with the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus can be calculated more appropriately.

[0095] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the variable cost related to unit replacement includes labor costs based on the time required for replacing the unit that needs replacing. Therefore, by taking into account the replacement work costs, which vary depending on the working time, the costs related to the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus can be calculated more appropriately.

[0096] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the variable cost related to unit replacement includes labor costs based on the attribute information or capability information of the worker performing the replacement work for the unit that needs replacing. Therefore, by taking into account the cost of replacement work, which varies depending on the attribute information or skill information of the worker performing the unit replacement work, the cost of refurbishment work on the image forming apparatus can be calculated more appropriately.

[0097] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 11) calculates the variable cost related to the replacement of units based on the combination of units that need to be replaced. Therefore, by taking into account the replacement costs, which vary depending on the combination of units replaced simultaneously, the costs associated with the refurbishment of the image forming apparatus can be calculated more appropriately.

[0098] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 11) calculates the total replacement cost calculated for each unit that needs to be replaced. The output unit (control unit 11) outputs the total replacement cost. Therefore, users can easily understand the total cost of the refurbishment work on the image forming apparatus.

[0099] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a second determination unit (control unit 11) that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus body is reusable based on the total replacement costs. Therefore, if the costs associated with the refurbishment work (replacement costs) exceed a predetermined threshold and no sales profit can be obtained, the user can choose to discard the image forming apparatus and extract reusable units from the discarded image forming apparatus.

[0100] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a third determination unit (control unit 11) that determines which units among those attached to the image forming apparatus body are reusable when the image forming apparatus body is determined to be unusable. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is discarded and reusable units are extracted from the discarded apparatus, the user can easily identify the reusable units.

[0101] The above description of the embodiments is an example of an image forming apparatus and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the image forming apparatus can also be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the programs for executing each process in each part may be stored in a portable recording medium. Alternatively, a carrier wave may be used as the medium for providing the program data via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1. Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit (First Determination Unit, Second Determination Unit, Third Determination Unit, Calculation Unit, Output Unit, Acquisition Unit) 12 Control section 12A Operation Keys 13 Display section 13A LCD Panel 14 Communications Department 15 Storage section 16. Manuscript Reading Unit 17 Image forming unit 18 Conveying section 19. Waste Toner Collection Department 20 I / F section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising a unit and an image forming apparatus body on which the unit is attached, A first determination unit that determines which of the units mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus needs to be replaced, A calculation unit calculates the cost of replacing the unit that needs to be replaced, as determined by the first determination unit, An output unit that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines the unit that needs to be replaced when it is determined that the main body of the image forming apparatus is reusable.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus body is reusable based on the cumulative number of printed pages or usage time since the start of use of the image forming apparatus body.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the unit needs to be replaced based on the distance traveled or the time traveled by the unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third determination unit that determines which units among those mounted on the image forming apparatus body are reusable when the image forming apparatus body is determined to be unusable.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the replacement cost based on fixed costs and variable costs related to the replacement of the unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a storage unit for storing the aforementioned fixed costs.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring the aforementioned variable costs from an external storage medium.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus based on a control program stored in the external storage medium.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring the aforementioned variable costs from an external device connected to the network for communication.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the variable cost includes the transportation cost of the unit that needs to be replaced.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the variable costs include inventory management costs related to the unit that needs to be replaced.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the variable cost includes labor costs based on the time required for the replacement of the unit that needs to be replaced.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the variable cost includes labor costs based on attribute information or capability information of the worker who performs the replacement work of the unit that needs to be replaced.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the calculation unit calculates the variable cost based on the combination of units that need to be replaced.

16. The calculation unit calculates the total of the replacement costs calculated for each unit that needs to be replaced, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the total replacement cost.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second determination unit that determines whether the image forming apparatus body is reusable based on the total of the aforementioned replacement costs.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a third determination unit that determines which units among those attached to the image forming apparatus body are reusable when the image forming apparatus body is determined to be unusable.

19. The unit and The main body of the image forming apparatus to which the aforementioned unit is attached, A computer for an image forming apparatus equipped with, A first determination unit determines which of the units mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus needs to be replaced. A calculation unit calculates the cost of replacing the unit that needs to be replaced, as determined by the first determination unit. An output unit that outputs the replacement cost calculated by the calculation unit, A program that makes it function as such.

Images