Recycling system

Abstract

Protect the environment by reducing waste. [Solution] When the server control device reads a code provided on the outside of the cartridge using an image acquisition device and receives cartridge identification information from a terminal that identifies the cartridge, it records the cartridge in the database as having completed production of the cartridge. Subsequently, when the image acquisition device reads the code again and receives cartridge identification information from the terminal, it records the cartridge in the database as having started use of the cartridge. Subsequently, when the image acquisition device reads the code again and receives cartridge identification information from the terminal, it records the cartridge in the database as having finished use of the cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recycling system.

Background Art

[0002] Among copiers called so-called image forming apparatuses, there are laser printers that use toner cartridges. And among laser printers, there are those that recover the toner remaining on the photoreceptor when transferring to the photoreceptor (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, there is room for improvement in terms of environmental protection.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a recycling system capable of protecting the environment by reducing waste.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the recycling system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of terminals that can be connected to a network, and a server that can be connected to each of the plurality of terminals via the network. The server has a server recording device that can record data, and a server control device that comprehensively controls each part of the server based on the data recorded in the server recording device. A database for managing each of the plurality of cartridges is formed in the server recording device. The terminal has a terminal recording device that can record data, a terminal control device that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device, a terminal display device that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device, and an image acquisition device that reads a code. The server control device identifies the cartridge from the terminal by reading the code provided on the outer surface of the cartridge with the image acquisition device. When cartridge identification information is transmitted, the server control device records the cartridge in the database as having completed production of the cartridge. Subsequently, the server control device further records the cartridge in the database as having started use of the cartridge when the cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal by reading the code with the image acquisition device. The server control device then reads the code using the image acquisition device, and if the cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal, it records the cartridge in the database, indicating that its use has ended.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the recycling system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of terminals that can be connected to a network, and a server that can be connected to each of the plurality of terminals via the network, wherein the server has a server recording device capable of recording data, and a server control device that comprehensively controls each part of the server based on the data recorded in the server recording device, and the server recording device has a database for managing each of the plurality of cartridges, and the terminal has a terminal recording device capable of recording data, a terminal control device that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device, a terminal display device that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device, and an image acquisition device that reads a code, and the plurality The terminals include a first terminal in which terminal identification information for identifying the terminal is pre-recorded in the server recording device, and a second terminal in which terminal identification information for identifying the terminal is not pre-recorded in the server recording device. When the server control device receives cartridge identification information from the first terminal by reading the code provided on the outer surface of the cartridge using the image acquisition device, it records the cartridge in the database as having completed production of the cartridge. Subsequently, when the cartridge identification information is received again from the first terminal by reading the code using the image acquisition device, it records the cartridge in the database as having finished using the cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Because the recycling system according to the present invention has the above configuration, it can protect the environment by reducing waste. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates the recycling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a conceptual front view illustrating each of the multiple terminals in the recycling system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram that conceptually explains the servers included in the recycling system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge included in the recycling system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the information contained in the database of the server storage device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the production and movement of cartridges in the recycling system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the recycling system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the production and movement of cartridges in the recycling system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the information contained in the server storage location database of the server shown in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment] Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same. Moreover, the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0011] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the recycling system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view conceptually illustrating each of the terminals 2 included in the recycling system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the server 3 included in the recycling system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge TC included in the recycling system 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the information contained in the database DB1 of the server storage device 32 shown in Figure 3. Hereinafter, the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 6.

[0012] The recycling system 1 in this embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of terminals 2 and one server 3, as shown in Figure 1. The terminals 2 and the server 3 are connected to a network (for example, the Internet) NT1 by wired or wireless means. The terminals 2 and the server 3 can also communicate with each other via the network NT1. In the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment, for example, toner cartridges used in laser printers are recycled.

[0013] Each of the multiple terminals 2 is a portable electronic computer, such as a smartphone, tablet, or notebook PC (Personal Computer). Each of the multiple terminals 2 is connected to the network NT1 via wireless communication, for example.

[0014] Terminal 2 is, for example, an information processing terminal used by employees of a company that uses a copier (e.g., a laser printer) known as an image forming apparatus 4 (see Figure 6).

[0015] Each of the multiple terminals 2 is equipped with a terminal control device 21 and a terminal recording device 22, as shown in Figure 2. The terminal control device 21 comprehensively controls each part of the terminal 2. The terminal recording device 22 stores various data (information), such as programs and applications that operate each part of the terminal 2. Furthermore, the terminal control device 21 can record various data in the terminal recording device 22.

[0016] Further, the terminal 2 includes, for example, an input / output device 23. The input / output device 23 includes a terminal display device 23a that displays the operating state of data (such as programs, applications, etc.) recorded in the terminal recording device 22.

[0017] The terminal control device 21 can, for example, operate an application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 and display the application or the like operated on the input / output device 23 by a web browser or an application or the like.

[0018] [[ID=I0]] Furthermore, the terminal 2 includes an image acquisition device 24 which is a camera. When an operator operates the input / output device 23 to operate an application related to the camera in the terminal control device 21 and displays a shooting target on the terminal display device 23a, and then operates the input / output device 23, an image of the shooting target is recorded in the terminal recording device 22. The image acquisition device 24 according to the present embodiment has, for example, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) TCC as a shooting target.

[0019] The server 3 is, for example, an electronic computer operated and managed by an operating company that recycles a toner cartridge (an example of a cartridge) used in a laser printer. The server 3 is, for example, an electronic computer such as a workstation.

[0020] The server 3 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the network NT1 via a connection line W, for example. The server 3 is connected to a plurality of terminals 3 via the network NT1. The server 3 includes a server control device 31 and a server recording device 32.

[0021] The server 3 also includes a server input device 33 such as a mouse 33a and a keyboard 33b, and a server output device 34 such as a display 34a and a speaker 34b, for example.

[0022] The server control device 31 comprehensively controls each part of the server 3. The server recording device 32 stores various data (information), such as programs and applications that operate each part of the server 3. The server control device 31 can also record data in the server recording device 32.

[0023] The server recording device 32 has a database DB1, as shown in Figure 5, for managing each of the multiple toner cartridges TC. The database DB1 includes, for example, cartridge identification information, production date, shipping date, start date of use, end date of use, and the name of the customer (company) that shipped it (referred to as "customer name" in the figure) for each toner cartridge TC.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 4 used by the customer (company) where the employee of terminal 2 works is, for example, a laser printer. This laser printer uses a toner cartridge that contains a drum-shaped photoreceptor and toner. When the laser printer is used, the toner contained in the toner cartridge gradually decreases, and eventually the toner in the toner cartridge runs out.

[0025] In this case, the employee at terminal 2 would normally dispose of the toner cartridge once the toner runs out. However, disposing of the toner cartridge generates waste such as synthetic resin and metal that make up the cartridge. However, the lifespan of the housing and photoconductor components that make up the toner cartridge has not yet expired, and the housing and photoconductor can still be used.

[0026] Therefore, the aforementioned operating company collects toner cartridges TC that are to be disposed of and recycles them through the recycling process described below. Below, we will describe the recycled toner cartridges TC (hereinafter simply referred to as "toner cartridge TC") that have become usable again after going through the recycling process. In the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment, recycled toner cartridges are denoted with the code "TC", while new toner cartridges that have not been recycled are described without a code.

[0027] First, employees of the operating company disassemble the collected toner cartridges TC. Next, employees of the operating company clean each of the components that make up the disassembled toner cartridges TC.

[0028] Next, employees of the operating company inspect the photoreceptor for damage and recycle only toner cartridges TC that have an undamaged photoreceptor.

[0029] Next, employees of the operating company assemble the parts to form a recycled toner cartridge TC. At that time, employees of the operating company fill the toner cartridge TC with new toner. Then, employees of the operating company inspect the toner cartridges and attach a QR code (TCC) to the housing only to toner cartridges that are free of defects. The QR code (Quick Response) TCC contains information such as the address information of the operating company's server 3 on network NT1, and cartridge identification information. The address information is used to send commands to server 3. The cartridge identification information is used to identify a particular toner cartridge TC among multiple toner cartridges TC. Finally, employees of the operating company ship the toner cartridge TC.

[0030] Next, the production and movement of toner cartridges TC in the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0031] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the production and movement of toner cartridges TC in the recycling system 1 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 6, we will explain in detail one toner cartridge TC1 that has a specific cartridge identification information. That is, in Figure 6, the toner cartridges TC labeled with the code TC1 are the same toner cartridge TC1 with the same cartridge identification information. Figure 6 describes the toner cartridges TC in chronological order, with the toner cartridge TC at the top being the oldest and the toner cartridge TC at the bottom being the newest, with time progressing from top to bottom in Figure 6.

[0032] When a toner cartridge TC1 is produced, an employee of the operating company reads the QR code TCC on the outside of the toner cartridge TC1 using the image acquisition device 24 of terminal 2 (step S11). Then, the application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 of terminal 2 recognizes the information contained in the QR code TCC, such as the address information of the operating company's server 3 on the network NT1 and cartridge identification information, and the terminal control device 21 recognizes this information. Based on this information, the terminal control device 21 transmits the cartridge identification information, etc., to the server 3.

[0033] When cartridge identification information is transmitted from terminal 2, the server control device 31 records the production date of the toner cartridge TC1 corresponding to the cartridge identification information in database DB1, as if production of the toner cartridge TC1 has been completed, and also records the cartridge identification information in database DB1. In other words, when the first (1st) information is transmitted from terminal 2 for a toner cartridge TC1 having certain cartridge identification information, the server control device 31 records the date on which the information was transmitted as the production date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1, and also records the cartridge identification information in database DB1. To put it another way, when cartridge identification information that is not recorded in database DB1 is transmitted, the server control device 31 records the cartridge identification information in database DB1, and also records the date on which the information was transmitted as the production date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1.

[0034] The manufactured toner cartridges TC1 are stored at the operating company. Subsequently, when an employee of the customer (company) requests the shipment of toner cartridges TC1, the employee of the operating company will ship the toner cartridges TC1 from the operating company to the customer (company).

[0035] When transporting (shipping) the toner cartridge TC1, an employee of the operating company reads the QR code TCC on the outside of the toner cartridge TC1 using the image acquisition device 24 of terminal 2 (step S12). Then, the application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 of terminal 2 recognizes the information contained in the QR code TCC, such as the address information of the operating company's server 3 on the network NT1 and cartridge identification information, and the terminal control device 21 recognizes this information. Based on this information, the terminal control device 21 transmits the cartridge identification information, etc., to the server 3.

[0036] When cartridge identification information is transmitted from terminal 2, the server control device 31 records the shipment date and the customer (company) that shipped the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1, assuming that the toner cartridge TC1 corresponding to the cartridge identification information has been shipped. In other words, when terminal 2 transmits information for a toner cartridge TC1 that has a certain cartridge identification information for the second time, the server control device 31 records the date on which the information was transmitted as the shipment date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1. To put it another way, when cartridge identification information with a production date recorded is transmitted to database DB1, the server control device 31 records the date on which the information was transmitted as the shipment date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1.

[0037] Then, based on the above request, the toner cartridge TC1 is transported from the operating company to the customer (company) that uses the image forming apparatus 4 by the operating company's employees, transportation company, etc.

[0038] The transported toner cartridge TC1 is stored by the customer's (company's) employees or other personnel. Subsequently, when the toner in the toner cartridge TC pre-installed in the image forming apparatus 4 runs out, the stored toner cartridge TC1 is used.

[0039] Then, when an employee of the customer (company) uses the toner cartridge TC1, they read the QR code TCC on the outside of the toner cartridge using the image acquisition device 24 of terminal 2 (step S13).

[0040] Then, the application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 of terminal 2 recognizes the address information of the operating company's server 3 on network NT1, and information such as cartridge identification information, contained in the QR code TCC, and the terminal control device 21 recognizes this information. Based on this information, the terminal control device 21 transmits the cartridge identification information, etc., to server 3.

[0041] When the server control unit 31 receives cartridge identification information from terminal 2, it records the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC1 in the database DB1, considering that the toner cartridge has been put into use. In other words, when the server control unit 31 receives information for the third time from terminal 2 for a toner cartridge TC1 that has certain cartridge identification information, it records the date on which the information was sent as the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC1 in the database DB1. To put it another way, when the server control unit 31 receives cartridge identification information with a recorded shipping date in the database DB1, it records the date on which the information was sent as the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC1 in the database DB1.

[0042] Furthermore, an employee of the customer (company) sets the toner cartridge TC1 into the image acquisition device 24 (step S14). Then, when the image forming apparatus 4 is used, the toner in the toner cartridge TC1 gradually decreases with each use, and eventually the toner contained in the toner cartridge TC1 runs out.

[0043] When the toner contained in toner cartridge TC1 runs out, an employee of the customer (company) removes toner cartridge TC1 from the image forming apparatus 4 (step S15). The removed toner cartridge TC1 is then stored by the customer (company). Subsequently, the stored toner cartridge TC1 is transported to the operating company by an employee of the customer (company), a transportation company, etc., at an appropriate time (step S16).

[0044] When a used toner cartridge TC1 is delivered to the operating company, an employee of the operating company reads the QR code TCC on the outside of the toner cartridge TC1 using the image acquisition device 24 of terminal 2 (step S17). Then, the application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 of terminal 2 recognizes the information contained in the QR code TCC, such as the address information of the operating company's server 3 on the network NT1 and cartridge identification information, and the terminal control device 21 recognizes this information. Based on this information, the terminal control device 21 transmits the cartridge identification information, etc., to the operating company's server 3.

[0045] When the server control unit 31 receives cartridge identification information from terminal 2, it records the end-of-use date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1, considering that the toner cartridge TC1 corresponding to the cartridge identification information has been used up. In other words, when the server control unit 31 receives information for the fourth time from terminal 2 for a toner cartridge TC1 with a certain cartridge identification information, it records the date on which the information was sent as the end-of-use date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1. To put it another way, when the server control unit 31 receives cartridge identification information with a recorded start date in database DB1, it records the date on which the information was sent as the end-of-use date of the toner cartridge TC1 in database DB1.

[0046] Then, an employee of the operating company peels off the QR code TCC from the outside of the toner cartridge and discards the QR code TCC. The employee of the operating company also puts the toner cartridge TC into the recycling process described above.

[0047] As described above, the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of terminals 2 that can be connected to a network NT1, and a server 3 that can be connected to each of the plurality of terminals 2 via the network NT1. The server 3 has a server recording device 32 that can record data, and a server control device 31 that comprehensively controls each part of the server 3 based on the data recorded in the server recording device 32. A database DB1 for managing each of the plurality of toner cartridges TC is formed in the server recording device 32. The terminal 2 has a terminal recording device 22 that can record data, a terminal control device 21 that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal 2 based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device 22, a terminal display device 23a that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device 22, and an image acquisition device 24 that reads a QR code TCC. When the server control device 31 reads the QR code TCC provided on the outer surface of the toner cartridge TC with the image acquisition device 24 and cartridge identification information identifying the toner cartridge TC is transmitted from the terminal 2, the server control device 31 records the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1 as having completed production of the toner cartridge TC. Subsequently, if the server control device 31 reads the QR code TCC using the image acquisition device 24 and cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal 2, the server control device 31 records the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1 as the use of the toner cartridge TC has started. Subsequently, if the server control device 31 reads the QR code TCC using the image acquisition device 24 and cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal 2, the server control device 31 records the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1 as the use of the toner cartridge TC has ended. With the above configuration, the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment can reuse the toner cartridge TC, thereby reducing waste and protecting the environment. More specifically, with the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment, used toner cartridges TC are collected, refilled with toner, and shipped, thus reducing unnecessary waste.Furthermore, according to the recycling system 1 of this embodiment, by reusing used toner cartridges TC, the production of new toner cartridges TC can be suppressed, thereby reducing the carbon dioxide generated during the production of new toner cartridges TC. In addition, when the operating company collects used toner cartridges TC, it crushes the parts of toner cartridges TC that cannot be recycled due to the lifespan or damage of the parts, and then recycles them, thereby further suppressing the generation of waste. Moreover, with the recycling system 1 of this embodiment, the cycle from production to use and collection can be visualized for users of toner cartridges TC (for example, the employees mentioned above). Furthermore, the recycling system 1 described above is provided by an operating company, for example, as a service called the "Sustainable Partner Program".

[0048] Furthermore, in the recycling system 1 according to this embodiment, the server control device 31, when it receives cartridge identification information from terminal 2 by reading the QR code TCC with the image acquisition device 24 for a toner cartridge TC for which production has been completed in the database DB1, records the shipment date of the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1, treating it as if the toner cartridge TC has been shipped.

[0049] In this embodiment of the recycling system 1, the operating company reads the QR code TCC using the image acquisition device 24 when shipping the toner cartridge TC. However, the recycling system 1 according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the recycling system 1, the operating company does not need to read the QR code TCC using the image acquisition device 24 when shipping the toner cartridge TC.

[0050] [Second Embodiment] Next, the recycling system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described using Figures 7, 8, and 9. Figure 7 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the recycling system 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the production and movement of toner cartridges TC in the recycling system 1A shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the information contained in the usage location database DB2 of the server storage device 32 provided by the server 3A shown in Figure 7. In the configuration of the recycling system 1A according to the second embodiment, components that are the same as those in the recycling system 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted. In the case of the multiple toner cartridges TC shown in Figure 8, one toner cartridge TC having the same cartridge identification information will be denoted by the reference numeral TC2 and described accordingly. Also, in Figure 8, another toner cartridge TC having different cartridge identification information from toner cartridge TC2 will be denoted by a different reference numeral and described accordingly.

[0051] The recycling system 1A according to this embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of terminals 2A and a server 3A. Each of the plurality of terminals 2A is assigned identification information to distinguish each of the plurality of terminals 2A.

[0052] Furthermore, among the multiple terminals 2A, there are terminals 2α in which terminal identification information that identifies the terminal 2A is pre-recorded in the server recording device 32, and terminals 2β in which terminal identification information that identifies the terminal 2A is not pre-recorded in the server recording device 32.

[0053] More specifically, the first terminal 2α, whose terminal identification information is pre-recorded in the server recording device 32, is, for example, terminal 2A owned by the operating company and used by an employee of the operating company. On the other hand, the second terminal 2β, whose terminal identification information is not pre-recorded in the server recording device 32, is a terminal used by an employee of someone other than the operating company (a customer (company)).

[0054] Therefore, when a toner cartridge TC is produced, when a toner cartridge TC is shipped, and when the use of a toner cartridge TC is completed, employees of the operating company can reliably read the QR code TCC on the toner cartridge TC using the first terminal 2α.

[0055] Furthermore, a toner cartridge TC that has received cartridge identification information from the first terminal 2α to the server 3 three times can be treated as having reached the end of its service life. Therefore, the operating company can certify the collection and disposal of the toner cartridge TC.

[0056] Furthermore, when a customer orders recycled toner (referred to as "shipped" above), the operating company will present the customer with an environmental contribution value that quantifies the reduction in waste plastic, indicating that the disposal of toner cartridges TC was prevented as a result of this action.

[0057] Furthermore, in the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment, if information is transmitted from terminal 2β whose terminal identification information for identifying terminal 2A is not recorded in the server recording device 32, the only information transmitted is the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC2. Therefore, the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment can easily determine the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC2 from the terminal identification information transmitted from terminal 2β.

[0058] Furthermore, the server 3A of the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment has an automatic inventory replenishment function for toner cartridges TC. The automatic inventory replenishment function of server 3 will be described below.

[0059] In server 3A, the server recording device 32 forms a location database DB2 that contains information on multiple locations used within a company. Therefore, the location database DB2 will be explained using Figure 9.

[0060] The usage location database DB2 includes information such as the address of each usage location, the contact information for that location (e.g., telephone number), the pre-set automatic stock replenishment start quantity for toner cartridges TC, and the current number of toner cartridges TC in use.

[0061] The preset quantity for automatic replenishment of toner cartridges TC is set by, for example, the customer (company) at a particular location, taking into consideration the number of identical image forming machines 4 at that location and the frequency of use of the image forming machines 4.

[0062] Furthermore, the current number of toner cartridges (TC) in use is the current number of toner cartridges (TC) used by a customer at a given location.

[0063] Therefore, in the following explanation, we will describe the "automatic toner cartridge inventory replenishment function" performed by Server 3, using the example of usage location B in the usage location database (hereinafter simply referred to as "database") DB2.

[0064] In the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment, the only information transmitted from the second terminal 2β is the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC. Therefore, when information is transmitted from the second terminal 2β to the server control device 31, the server control device 31 records the start date of use of the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1.

[0065] At that time, the server control device 31 reads the usage location (in this example, usage location B) corresponding to the cartridge identification information from database DB1, and reads the current number of toner cartridges TC used by the customer (N) from database DB2.

[0066] In this example, as shown in Figure 9, the current number of toner cartridges TC in use at location B in the database DB2 is "0".

[0067] Furthermore, the server control device 31 performs an addition process in the database DB2 to determine the current number of toner cartridges TC used at location B (N). To explain the addition process in more detail, if the current number of toner cartridges TC used at location B before the addition process is L1, and the current number of toner cartridges TC used at location B after the addition process is L2, the server control device 31 performs the following process. L2 = L1 + 1 In this example, since L1 is 0, L2 must be 1.

[0068] Then, at usage location B, if a customer's employee transmits information from the second terminal 2β, the same addition process as described above is performed. Eventually, by performing the addition process multiple times, the current number of toner cartridges TC in use N becomes equal to the pre-set automatic stock replenishment start quantity E for toner cartridges TC.

[0069] In this case, the server control device 31 sends a shipping command to ship the same number of toner cartridges to the usage location B as the preset automatic stock replenishment start quantity E for toner cartridges TC.

[0070] To explain the shipping command in more detail, the server control device 31, for example, sends a command to the second terminal 2β that transmitted information such as cartridge identification information, to display on the terminal display device 23a that "four toner cartridges TC will be shipped to usage location B."

[0071] If the terminal display device 23a of terminal 2β displays the message "Ship four toner cartridges TC to usage location B," an employee of the operating company will ship four toner cartridges TC to usage location B.

[0072] At that time, an employee of the operating company reads the QR code TCC on the outside of the toner cartridge being shipped using the image acquisition device 24 of terminal 2. Then, the application recorded in the terminal recording device 22 of terminal 2 recognizes the information contained in the QR code TCC, such as the address information of the operating company's server 3 on the network NT1 and cartridge identification information, and the terminal control device 21 recognizes this information. Based on this information, the terminal control device 21 transmits the cartridge identification information, etc., to the server 3.

[0073] When the server control device 31 receives cartridge identification information from terminal 2, it records the shipping date and usage location B of the toner cartridge TC1 in the database DB1, assuming that the toner cartridge has been shipped.

[0074] At the same time, the server control device 31 resets the current usage count N of the toner cartridge TC. In other words, the server control device 31 sets the current usage count of the toner cartridge TC to "0".

[0075] As described above, the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment includes a plurality of terminals 2 that can be connected to a network NT1, and a server 3 that can be connected to each of the plurality of terminals 2 via the network NT1. The server 3 has a server recording device 32 that can record data, and a server control device 31 that comprehensively controls each part of the server 3 based on the data recorded in the server recording device 32. A database DB1 for managing each of the plurality of toner cartridges TC is formed in the server recording device 32. The terminals 2 have a terminal recording device 22 that can record data, a terminal control device 21 that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal 2 based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device 22, a terminal display device 23a that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device 22, and an image acquisition device 24 that reads a QR code (code) TCC. Among the plurality of terminals 2, there are first terminals 2α in which terminal identification information that identifies the terminal 2 is pre-recorded in the server recording device 32, and second terminals 2β in which terminal identification information that identifies the terminal 2 is not pre-recorded in the server recording device 32. When the server control device 31 receives the first transmission of cartridge identification information from the first terminal 2α by reading the QR code TCC provided on the outer surface of the toner cartridge TC with the image acquisition device 24, it records the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1 as having completed production. Subsequently, when the server control device 31 receives the second transmission of cartridge identification information from the second terminal 2β by reading the QR code TCC with the image acquisition device 24, it records the toner cartridge TC in the database DB1 as having finished using the toner cartridge TC. In the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment, among the multiple terminals 2, there are a first terminal 2α whose terminal identification information is pre-recorded in the server recording device 32, and a second terminal 2β whose terminal identification information is not pre-recorded in the server recording device 32.Furthermore, since the operating company's employees transmit information from the first terminal 2α, even if the customer's (company's) employees do not transmit information from the second terminal 2β, the server control device 31 can record the end of use of the toner cartridge TC in the database 1B when the second piece of information is transmitted from the first terminal 2α.

[0076] Furthermore, in the recycling system 1A according to this embodiment, the server recording device 32 has a usage location database DB2 that manages the usage locations of multiple customers. The usage location database DB2 records, for each of the multiple usage locations, the address of the usage location, the preset stock replenishment start quantity of toner cartridges TC, and the current number of toner cartridges TC in use. The server 3 has an automatic stock replenishment function for toner cartridges TC. The automatic stock replenishment function for toner cartridges TC will be described in more detail. When the server control device 31 records the start of use for one toner cartridge TC in the database DB1, it reads the customer (company) of that toner cartridge TC from the database DB1, performs an addition process to the current number of toner cartridges TC in use at that usage location in the usage location database DB2, and when the current number of toner cartridges TC in use and the preset stock replenishment start quantity of toner cartridges TC become the same as a result of this addition process, it sends a shipping command to the second terminal 2α.

[0077] Furthermore, the recycling systems 1 and 1A described above were explained as recycling toner cartridges used in laser printers. However, the recycling systems 1 and 1A according to the present invention are not limited to this. For example, the recycling systems 1 and 1A according to the present invention can be applied to recycling ink cartridges (e.g., ink-gel ink cartridges) used in image forming apparatuses that use ink.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments of the recycling systems 1 and 1A, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention also includes configurations that appropriately combine some of the components of the above-described embodiments. Such configurations that make various modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and this will be clear to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. 1A Recycling System 2, 2A terminal 2α First Terminal (Terminal) 2β Second Terminal (Terminal) 21 Terminal control device 22 Terminal recording device 23a Terminal display device 24 Image acquisition device 3, 3A Server 31 Server Control Unit 32 Server recording devices DB1 Database DB2 Usage Location Database NT1 Network TC, TC1, TC2 toner cartridges (cartridges) TCC QR code (code)

Claims

1. Multiple devices that can connect to the network, A server that can be connected to each of the multiple terminals via the aforementioned network, Equipped with, The server comprises a server recording device capable of recording data, and a server control device that comprehensively controls each part of the server based on the data recorded in the server recording device. The server recording device has a database formed for managing each of the multiple cartridges. The terminal comprises a terminal recording device capable of recording data, a terminal control device that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device, a terminal display device that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device, and an image acquisition device that reads codes. The aforementioned server control device, When the image acquisition device reads the code provided on the outer surface of the cartridge, and cartridge identification information identifying the cartridge is transmitted from the terminal, the production of the cartridge is considered complete, and the cartridge is recorded in the database, and thereafter, When the image acquisition device reads the code and the terminal transmits the cartridge identification information, the cartridge is recorded in the database as having been put into use, and thereafter, When the image acquisition device reads the code and the cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal, the cartridge is recorded in the database as having been used up. A recycling system characterized by the following features.

2. Multiple devices that can connect to the network, A server that can be connected to each of the multiple terminals via the aforementioned network, Equipped with, The server comprises a server recording device capable of recording data, and a server control device that comprehensively controls each part of the server based on the data recorded in the server recording device. The server recording device has a database formed for managing each of the multiple cartridges. The terminal comprises a terminal recording device capable of recording data, a terminal control device that comprehensively controls each part of the terminal based on the data recorded in the terminal recording device, a terminal display device that displays the operating status of the data recorded in the terminal recording device, and an image acquisition device that reads codes. Among the aforementioned plurality of terminals, there are a first terminal in which terminal identification information for identifying the terminal is pre-recorded in the server recording device, and a second terminal in which terminal identification information for identifying the terminal is not pre-recorded in the server recording device. The aforementioned server control device, When cartridge identification information is transmitted from the first terminal, which identifies the cartridge by reading the code provided on the outer surface of the cartridge using the image acquisition device, the production of the cartridge is considered complete and the cartridge is recorded in the database, and thereafter, When the cartridge identification information is transmitted from the first terminal by reading the code using the image acquisition device, the cartridge is recorded in the database as having been used up. A recycling system characterized by the following features.

3. The aforementioned server control device, With respect to the cartridge for which there is a record in the database that production has been completed, if the image acquisition device reads the code and the cartridge identification information is transmitted from the terminal, the cartridge is recorded in the database as having been shipped. The recycling system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The server recording device has a location database that manages each of the multiple locations used. The aforementioned usage location database records, for each of the aforementioned usage locations, the address of the usage location, the pre-set number of cartridges to be stored, and the current number of cartridges to be stored. The aforementioned server control device, If the start of use is recorded for one of the cartridges in the database, the usage location of that cartridge is read from the database. In the aforementioned usage location database, the current number of cartridges stored at the usage location is added, and If the current number of cartridges in use at the location of use becomes equal to the preset automatic inventory replenishment start quantity for the cartridges, a shipping command is transmitted to the second terminal. The recycling system according to claim 3.

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