Refill system

Abstract

This technology allows businesses other than the manufacturer to produce refill products under the manufacturer's control. [Solution] The refill system comprises a refill device that performs a refill operation on a container, a control device that controls the refill operation of the refill device, and a management device that manages the control device, wherein the control device and the management device are able to communicate with each other via a network.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technology of refill systems.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known system in which a user of a printing device pays a fixed fee in advance for a predetermined maintenance contract period, and when consumables are replaced during the contract period, the user can receive the provision of consumables without paying the actual cost of the consumables (Patent Document 1). In this system, a printing device owned by a user, a management device that manages information of the printing device, and a server that manages maintenance contracts and delivery of consumables using the information obtained from the management device communicate with each other via a network. As a result, consumables corresponding to the usage status of the printing device are provided to the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, there is a known technology for producing refilled products by collecting and cleaning used ink containers and refilling the cleaned ink containers with ink. However, in the conventional system, the production and redistribution of refilled products by other operators than the production operator who produces new products using a network under the management of the production operator are not considered. Such problems are common not only in consumables associated with the use of printing devices but also in cases where refilled products are produced by collecting and cleaning containers that can be refilled with contents and refilling the cleaned containers with contents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refill system is provided. The refill system comprises a refill device that performs a refill operation on a container, a control device that controls the refill operation of the refill device, and a management device that manages the control device, wherein the control device and the management device are able to communicate with each other via a network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of a resource recycling system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the refill device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Conceptual diagram of a product management table. [Figure 6] Conceptual diagram of the business management table. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the production control method for refill products in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the details of the authentication process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the details of the production process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the details of the production preparation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A first flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A second flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A third flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A fourth flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 15]The 5th flowchart showing the details of the refilling operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] The 6th flowchart showing the details of the refilling operation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] The flowchart showing the details of the performance management process in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] The flowchart showing the details of the quantity calculation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] The flowchart showing the details of the quantity specification process in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] The flowchart showing the details of the warning output process in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] The flowchart showing the details of the cost calculation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] The block diagram showing the configuration of the management device in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] The flowchart showing the production management method of the refilled products in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] The flowchart showing the details of the supply quantity calculation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] The block diagram showing the configuration of the management device in the third embodiment. [Figure 26] The flowchart showing the first example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. [Figure 27] The flowchart showing the second example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. [Figure 28] The flowchart showing the third example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. [Figure 29] The block diagram showing the configuration of the management device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] The flowchart showing the details of the warning output process in the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of Resource Recycling System 1. Resource Recycling System 1 is a system for repeatedly providing users U of the printing device 900 with consumables associated with the use of the printing device 900, such as ink cartridges and ink bottles. In Resource Recycling System 1, new products NP, which are produced at the factory of producer MA and assigned product identification information such as lot numbers and serial numbers, are first distributed to the market. Users U pay producer MA a fee MO to receive new products NP. Of the new products NP, ink containers IS that have become used due to the decrease in ink IN as used by users U are collected free of charge or for a fee, depending on the usage status of the printing device 900 and the request from users U. The collected ink containers IS are cleaned at the factory of cooperating company PA, which has a cooperation agreement with producer MA, and refilled with ink IN supplied by producer MA to be recycled as refill products RP, which are then distributed to the market again. Users U pay cooperating company PA a fee MO to receive refill products RP. The process of collecting used ink containers IS, recycling them as refills RP, and providing them to user U is repeated, thereby ensuring the circular use of ink containers IS. Products NP and RP, which are consumables associated with the use of the printing device 900, may be sold directly to user U by the manufacturers MA and PA, or through intermediaries such as sales companies. Furthermore, used ink containers IS from products NP and RP may be collected directly by cooperating company PA, by a collection company (not shown), or by user U sending them to cooperating company PA or a collection company. To increase the quantity of ink containers IS collected from user U, users U may be given incentives based on the quantity of ink containers IS collected.

[0008] In this embodiment, user U pays a fixed fee to cooperating business PA for a predetermined maintenance contract period. Through this maintenance contract, various information, such as the usage status of the printing device 900, is shared from user U to production business MA via network N1. Furthermore, various information, such as the recovery status of ink containers IS, is shared from cooperating business PA to production business MA via network N2. Based on the various information shared by user U and cooperating business PA, production business MA determines the quantity and timing of refill products RP to be provided from cooperating business PA to user U. Production business MA then creates a production plan, including the planned production quantity of refill products RP, according to the quantity and timing of refill product RP provision. Production business MA supplies materials PT used for the production of refill products RP to cooperating business PA according to the production plan. Materials PT used for the production of refill products RP include, for example, ink IN, accessories AS for the ink container IS such as adapters and caps, and packaging materials PM such as bags and outer boxes that contain the ink container IS. The cooperating company PA uses components PT supplied by the manufacturer MA to produce a number of refill items RP corresponding to the planned production quantity determined by the manufacturer MA. Then, the cooperating company PA provides the refill items RP to the user U in the quantity determined by the manufacturer MA, at the delivery time determined by the manufacturer MA. As a result, the user U receives products NP and RP without paying the actual cost of ink containers IS during the maintenance contract period. In other embodiments, the user U may pay the product price each time products NP and RP are received, rather than paying a fixed fee.

[0009] The production of refill products RP is carried out using a refill system 10. The refill system 10 includes a refill device 100 that produces refill products RP by performing a refill operation on a used ink container IS, a control device 200 that controls the operation of the refill device 100, and a management device 300 that manages the control device 200. The refill operation includes at least one of the following: a cleaning operation to clean the used ink container IS, a refilling operation to refill the ink container IS with ink IN, an attachment operation to attach accessories AS to the ink container IS, and a packaging operation to package the ink container IS. The refill operation may also include operations other than those described above. For example, the refill operation may include a recovery operation to discharge and recover any ink IN remaining in the used ink container IS. The refill operation may also include an inspection operation to check for damage to the ink container IS and the degree of cleanliness of the ink container IS. If the refill operation includes multiple operations, the refill device 100 may perform all of the operations of the refill operation, or it may perform some of the operations.

[0010] The refill device 100 and control device 200 are leased from manufacturer MA to cooperating company PA for a fee and installed at cooperating company PA's premises. The management device 300 is installed at manufacturer MA's premises. The refill device 100 and control device 200 may be configured as a single unit or as separate units. The refill device 100 and control device 200 are connected to communicate via wired communication via a cable or wireless communication via a network. In this case, one refill device 100 may be connected to the control device 200, or multiple refill devices 100 may be connected to it. The control device 200 and management device 300 are connected to communicate via wireless communication via network N2. Through communication between these devices 100, 200, and 300, the operating status of the refill operation in the refill device 100 is shared with the management device 300 via the control device 200. As a result, cooperating company PA produces refill products RP under the management of manufacturer MA. The producer MA calculates the refill production costs RC, including the cost of components PT supplied to the cooperating company PA, at predetermined intervals and bills the cooperating company PA. The cooperating company PA pays the refill production costs RC to the producer MA in response to the invoice. The predetermined interval may be a period determined by the passage of time, such as one month, or it may be a period determined by the operational status of the refill operation, such as when the planned production quantity is reached. The producer MA may also receive a certain amount from the cooperating company PA as a deposit in advance and refund any surplus or bill for any deficit depending on the number of refill items RP produced. These transactions may be processed digitally via the network N2, and the difference may be settled at a predetermined time.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the refill device 100 in the first embodiment. The refill device 100 includes an operation execution device 110, a reading device 120, a monitoring device 130, and a communication device 140.

[0012] The operation execution device 110 is capable of performing a refill operation. The operation execution device 110 includes, for example, one or more actuators driven under the control of the control device 200. The operation execution device 110 has a plurality of operation modes set according to the authentication result by the management device 300. The operation execution device 110 has, for example, an authorized mode as an operation mode in which a refill operation can be performed, and a prohibited mode as an operation mode in which a refill operation cannot be performed.

[0013] The reader 120 reads a specific medium to obtain product identification information and transmits the reading result to the control device 200. The reader 120 optically reads a code that stores product identification information, for example, a code printed on a label attached to an ink container IS. The code is a matrix-type two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The code may also be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a stack-type two-dimensional code. Alternatively, the reader 120 may electrically read a memory on a circuit board attached to the ink container IS that stores product identification information.

[0014] The monitoring device 130 monitors the operating status of the refill operation and transmits the monitoring results to the control device 200. In this embodiment, the monitoring device 130 includes a counter 131 and a timer 132. The counter 131 counts the number of times the refill operation is performed. The timer 132 measures the operating time of the refill operation. Note that the operating time of the refill operation differs depending on whether it is the company's own genuine product, a third-party genuine product, or a compatible product.

[0015] The communication device 140 communicates with the control device 200 via wired or wireless communication. The communication device 140 is connected to the operation execution device 110, the reading device 120, and the monitoring device 130.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 200 in the first embodiment. The control device 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 230, a communication device 250, an input device 260, and a notification device 270.

[0017] The communication device 250 communicates with the refill device 100 via wired or wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication device 250 communicates with the management device 300 via wireless communication. The communication device 250 is connected to the processor 210, memory 230, input device 260, and notification device 270.

[0018] The input device 260 receives input from the cooperating company PA. The input device 260 is, for example, a touch panel, mouse, or keyboard.

[0019] The notification device 270 notifies the cooperating PA of various information. The notification device 270 is, for example, a display device such as a display. The notification device 270 may also be an audio generating device such as a speaker.

[0020] The memory 230 is a recording medium readable by a computer, and can be an internal storage device within the computer such as RAM or ROM, an external storage device such as a hard disk, or a combination thereof. The memory 230 comprises a program storage means 231, a type storage means 232, and a component storage means 233. The program storage means 231 stores various programs to be executed by the processor 210.

[0021] The type storage means 232 stores information for identifying the type of ink container IS, such as the model number of the ink container IS. The type storage means 232 pre-stores, for example, a model number table (not shown) that associates product identification information with the model number of the ink container IS. The type storage means 232 may also store the type of ink container IS received from the management device 300 according to the product identification information, or it may store the type of ink container IS manually registered by the cooperating business PA according to the product identification information.

[0022] The component storage means 233 stores the configuration of component PT according to the type of ink container IS. The component storage means 233 pre-stores, for example, a component table (not shown) that shows the configuration of component PT for each type of ink container IS. In the component table, for example, the type and amount of ink IN, the type of accessory AS, and the type of packaging material PM are shown for each type of ink container IS. The component storage means 233 may store the configuration of component PT received from the management device 300 according to the type of ink container IS, or it may store the configuration of component PT manually registered by the cooperating business PA according to the type of ink container IS.

[0023] The processor 210 functions as an identification information transmission means 211, a plan acquisition means 212, an identification information acquisition means 213, and a type identification means 214 by executing a program stored in the program storage means 231. Furthermore, the processor 210 functions as a component identification means 215, an operation control means 216, and an operation status transmission means 217 by executing a program stored in the program storage means 231.

[0024] The identification information transmission means 211 transmits device identification information, which is the identification information of the control device 200, to the management device 300. The device identification information is, for example, an ID and password assigned by the production company MA upon concluding a collaboration agreement with the production company MA. In this case, the identification information transmission means 211 transmits to the management device 300 the ID and password entered by the cooperating company PA via the input device 260, for example. Note that the device identification information may also be identification information unique to each control device 200, such as a lot number or serial number. In this case, the identification information transmission means 211 may transmit to the management device 300 the device identification information stored in, for example, an identification information storage means (not shown) of the memory 230.

[0025] The plan acquisition means 212 acquires the production plan from the management device 300. The production plan includes, for example, the planned production quantity.

[0026] The identification information acquisition means 213 acquires product identification information using the reading result from the reader 120. For example, if an image containing a code is transmitted from the reader 120 to the control device 200 as a reading result, the identification information acquisition means 213 performs the following processing. In this case, the identification information acquisition means 213 acquires product identification information by, for example, binarizing the image containing the code to generate a binary image, and then decoding the code contained in the binary image according to a predetermined standard. Alternatively, if an electrical signal representing product identification information is transmitted from the reader 120 to the control device 200 as a reading result, the identification information acquisition means 213 may acquire product identification information by analyzing the electrical signal. The identification information acquisition means 213 transmits the acquired product identification information to the management device 300.

[0027] The type identification means 214 identifies the type of ink container IS from the product identification information by referring to the type storage means 232. For example, the type identification means 214 identifies the type of ink container IS by referring to the model number table stored in the type storage means 232 and identifying the model number of the ink container IS corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means 213. Alternatively, the type identification means 214 may identify the type of ink container IS by reading the type of ink container IS received from the management device 300, or the type of ink container IS manually registered by the cooperating business PA, from the type storage means 232.

[0028] The component identification means 215 refers to the component storage means 233 to identify the configuration of component PT according to the type of ink container IS identified by the type identification means 214. The component identification means 215, for example, refers to the component table stored in the component storage means 233 to obtain the configuration of component PT corresponding to the type of ink container IS identified by the type identification means 214. As a result, the component identification means 215 identifies the configuration of component PT used in the production of refill products RP, such as the type and amount of ink IN, the type of accessory AS, and the type of packaging material PM. Alternatively, the component identification means 215 may identify the configuration of component PT used in the production of refill products RP by reading the configuration of component PT received from the management device 300, or the configuration of component PT manually registered by the cooperating business PA, from the component storage means 233.

[0029] The operation control means 216 sets the operation mode of the operation execution device 110 to the permitted mode when the operation of the refill device 100 is permitted by the management device 300. On the other hand, the operation control means 216 sets the operation mode of the operation execution device 110 to the prohibited mode when the operation of the refill device 100 is not permitted by the management device 300. As a result, when the operation of the refill device 100 is permitted by the management device 300, the operation control means 216 drives the operation execution device 110 to produce a refill product RP using the component PT identified by the component identification means 215.

[0030] The operational status transmission means 217 acquires the monitoring results of the monitoring device 130 for a specific period and transmits the monitoring results to the management device 300 as the operational status of the refill operation. In this embodiment, the operational status transmission means 217 acquires monitoring results that include the output result of the counter 131 indicating the number of times the refill operation was performed during the specific period, and the output result of the timer 132 indicating the operating time of the refill operation. The operational status transmission means 217 then transmits the operational status of the refill operation, including the number of times the refill operation was performed during the specific period and the operating time of the refill operation during the specific period, to the management device 300. Furthermore, the operational status transmission means 217 transmits information on the materials used, relating to the material PT used when producing the refill product RP, to the management device 300 in association with the product identification information.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 300 in the first embodiment. The management device 300 includes a processor 310, a memory 330, a communication device 350, an input device 360, and a notification device 370.

[0032] The communication device 350 communicates with the control device 200 via wireless communication. The communication device 350 is connected to the processor 310, memory 330, input device 360, and notification device 370.

[0033] The input device 360 ​​receives input from the manufacturer MA. The input device 360 ​​is, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0034] The notification device 370 notifies the production operator MA of various information. The notification device 370 is, for example, a display device such as a display. The notification device 370 may also be an audio generating device such as a speaker.

[0035] The memory 330 is a recording medium readable by a computer, and can be an internal storage device within the computer such as RAM or ROM, an external storage device such as a hard disk, or a combination thereof. The memory 330 includes a program storage means 331, an identification information storage means 332, a classification storage means 333, a required quantity storage means 334, and a performance storage means 335. The program storage means 331 stores various programs to be executed by the processor 310.

[0036] The identification information storage means 332 pre-stores the device identification information of a specific control device 200. In this embodiment, the device identification information is stored in the identification information storage means 332 at the start of the collaboration contract period and deleted from the identification information storage means 332 at the end of the collaboration contract period. Therefore, the identification information storage means 332 in this embodiment stores the device identification information of the control device 200 lent to the collaborating business PA during the collaboration contract period.

[0037] The classification storage means 333 stores information for classifying ink containers IS into one of the following categories: the company's own genuine products, genuine products from other companies different from the company, and compatible products other than the company's own genuine products and other companies' genuine products. The company's own genuine products are genuine ink containers IS provided by the manufacturer MA that owns the management device 300. Other companies' genuine products are genuine ink containers IS provided by other manufacturers MA that compete with the manufacturer MA that owns the management device 300. Compatible products are unofficial ink containers IS provided by businesses other than the manufacturer MA. The classification storage means 333 pre-stores a classification table (not shown) that includes, for example, product identification information for the company's genuine products and product identification information for other companies' genuine products. The classification storage means 333 may also store the external characteristics of the ink containers IS in order to classify the ink containers IS based on their appearance.

[0038] The required quantity storage means 334 stores the required quantity of components. The required quantity of components is the quantity of components PT required for the production of refill products RP. The required quantity of components correlates with at least one of the number of refill operations performed during a specific period and the operating time of the refill operations during that specific period. For example, the required quantity storage means 334 pre-stores a correlation table showing the required quantity of components for each type of ink container IS according to the operating status of the refill operations, for each type of component PT.

[0039] The performance storage means 335 stores the production results of the refill device 100. For example, the performance storage means 335 stores a product management table that shows the production results of refill products RP for each product NP,RP, and a business management table that shows the production results of refill products RP for each cooperating business PA.

[0040] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of the product management table TP. The product management table TP stores, for example, the date the refill product RP was produced, the amount of cleaning agent DG used in the production of the refill product RP, the type and amount of ink IN filled, the type of accessory AS, and the type of packaging material PM, all associated with product identification information. The product management table TP also stores the number of times the ink container IS has been refilled and the operating status of the refill operation, all associated with product identification information. In addition, the product management table TP may store information other than that listed above. For example, the product management table TP may store equipment identification information, business information related to cooperating companies PA, and warehouse information related to the warehouse where used ink container IS and refill products RP are stored. In principle, product identification information is limited to the company's own refill products RP, but if a contract has been made with a competitor, identification information for the competitor's consumables may be stored and managed.

[0041] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the business operator management table TV. The business operator management table TV stores, for example, the device identification information of the control device 200 corresponding to the refill device 100 used when producing refill products RP, the operating status of the refill operation, and the number of refill products RP produced for each specific period. In the example shown in Figure 6, the operating status of the refill operation stores the total number of refill operations performed during the specific period and the total operating time of the refill operation during the specific period. Also in Figure 6, the first production quantity is the number of refill products RP produced calculated by the first quantity calculation means 315, which will be described later. The second production quantity is the number of refill products RP produced calculated by the second quantity calculation means 316, which will be described later. Note that the business operator management table TV may also store information other than that described above. For example, the business operator management table TV may store the type and quantity of component PT supplied from the production business operator MA to the cooperating business operator PA, the quantity of component PT used during a specific period, and the inventory quantity of component PT at the end of a specific period.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the processor 310 functions as a permission signal transmission means 311, a plan transmission means 312, a classification means 313, and a performance management means 314 by executing a program stored in the program storage means 331. Furthermore, the processor 310 functions as a first quantity calculation means 315, a second quantity calculation means 316, a quantity identification means 317, a warning output means 318, and a cost calculation means 319 by executing a program stored in the program storage means 331.

[0043] The authorization signal transmitting means 311 compares the device identification information received from the identification information transmitting means 211 with the device identification information stored in the identification information storage means 332. If the device identification information received from the identification information transmitting means 211 matches the device identification information stored in the identification information storage means 332, the authorization signal transmitting means 311 authorizes the control device 200 to perform the refill operation of the refill device 100. When authorizing the refill operation of the refill device 100, the authorization signal transmitting means 311, for example, transmits an authentication code to the control device 200.

[0044] The plan transmission means 312 transmits the production plan to the control device 200. The production plan is determined based on various information shared by the user U and cooperating business PA.

[0045] The classification means 313, by referring to the classification storage means 333, classifies the ink container IS into one of the following categories: the company's own genuine product, another company's genuine product, or a compatible product. For example, if the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means 213 is included in the classification table stored in the classification storage means 333, the classification means 313 classifies the ink container IS as follows. In this case, the classification means 313 classifies the ink container IS into either the company's own genuine product or another company's genuine product, according to the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means 213. On the other hand, if the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means 213 is not included in the classification table stored in the classification storage means 333, the classification means 313 classifies the ink container IS as a compatible product. The classification means 313 may also classify the ink container IS by obtaining detection results from a detection device (not shown) provided in the refill device 100 to identify the appearance of the ink container IS and referring to the appearance characteristics of the ink container IS stored in the classification storage means 333. The detection device is a device capable of capturing the appearance of the ink container IS, and is, for example, an imaging device such as a camera or a sensor such as a laser displacement meter.

[0046] The performance management means 314 manages the production performance of refill products RP by storing various information received from the control device 200 in the performance storage means 335. When the performance management means 314 receives product identification information from the identification information acquisition means 213, it performs the following processing. This processing is based on the company's own genuine products that can identify the product. In this case, the performance management means 314 transmits or adds the number of refills corresponding to the product identification information received from the identification information acquisition means 213 to the control device 200 in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335. In this way, the performance management means 314 manages the number of refills of the ink container IS.

[0047] Furthermore, the performance management means 314 performs the following processing on the operating status of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means 217. The performance management means 314 stores the operating status of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means 217 in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335. In this way, the performance management means 314 manages the operating status of the refill operation. In the case of the company's own genuine products, the operating status of the refill operation may be stored in association with product identification information.

[0048] Furthermore, when the performance management means 314 receives information on materials used along with product identification information from the operational status transmission means 217, it performs the following processing. In this case, the performance management means 314 associates the information on materials used with the product identification information received from the operational status transmission means 217 and stores it in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335. In this way, the performance management means 314 manages the materials PT used in the production of refill products RP. In this manner, the performance management means 314 manages the production performance of refill products RP for each product NP,RP.

[0049] Furthermore, the performance management means 314 executes the following process when a specific period has elapsed. In this case, the performance management means 314 generates a business operator management table TV based on the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 and the calculation results by the quantity calculation means 315 and 316. This allows for the management of production performance of refill products RP for each cooperating business operator PA, including the number of refill operations performed and the operating time during a specific period, the number of refill products RP produced calculated from these, and the quantity of materials PT used and the inventory quantity.

[0050] The first quantity calculation means 315 uses the number of refill operations performed during a specific period, received from the operating status transmission means 217, to calculate the number of refill products RP produced during that period as the first production quantity. In other words, the first production quantity is the number of refill products RP produced estimated from the number of refill operations performed. In this embodiment, the first quantity calculation means 315 calculates the first production quantity using the number of refill operations performed on the company's own genuine ink containers IS. In this case, the product identification information for the company's genuine products is read, and then the number of refill operations is counted.

[0051] The second quantity calculation means 316 uses the operating time of the refill operation during a specific period, received from the operating status transmission means 217, to calculate the number of refill items RP produced during that period as the second production quantity. In other words, the second production quantity is the number of refill items RP produced estimated from the operating time of the refill operation. In this embodiment, the second quantity calculation means 316 calculates the second production quantity using the operating time of the refill operation for ink containers IS, which include not only the company's own genuine products but also genuine products and compatible products from other companies.

[0052] Furthermore, the first quantity calculation means 315 may calculate the first production quantity using the number of refill operations performed on ink containers IS, including not only the company's own genuine products but also genuine products from other companies in the case of a contract with another company. In this case, the second quantity calculation means 316 can calculate the second production quantity using the operating time of the refill operation for the company's own genuine products, thereby enabling adjustments to be made if discrepancies occur.

[0053] The quantity identification means 317 identifies the quantity of component PT used when producing the refill product RP, based on the operating status of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means 217 and the required component quantity stored in the required quantity storage means 334. In other words, while genuine parts are used as a general rule, if there is a contract with another company, other company products are also included, and the quantity of component PT identified by the quantity identification means 317 is the quantity of component PT used estimated from the operating status of the refill operation and the required component quantity. For example, the quantity identification means 317 obtains the required component quantity corresponding to the operating status of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means 217 by referring to a correlation table stored in the required quantity storage means 334. This allows the quantity identification means 317 to identify the quantity of component PT used when producing the refill product RP.

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, the first quantity calculation means 315 calculates the number of refill products RP produced using the number of refill operations performed on the company's own genuine products during a specific period. Therefore, basically, the number of operations can be considered as the number of genuine product refills produced. On the other hand, the second quantity calculation means 316 calculates the number of refill products RP produced using the operating time of refill operations on ink containers IS, including genuine and compatible products from other companies, during a specific period. Therefore, if a cooperating company PA produces refill products RP from genuine or compatible products from other companies, a difference may occur between the first production quantity and the second production quantity. Furthermore, although not legally permitted, it is conceivable that operating time may be measured when producing refill products RP from counterfeit products. Thus, if there is a difference of more than a predetermined amount between the first production quantity and the second production quantity, it is possible that some kind of fraud occurred when producing the refill product RP, such as the use of genuine, compatible, or counterfeit refills from other companies that were not approved by the manufacturer MA. Also, if a problem occurs when producing the refill product RP, such as when production of the refill product RP is temporarily suspended due to a malfunction of the refill device 100, a difference may occur between the first and second production quantities. Therefore, if there is a difference of more than a predetermined amount between the first and second production quantities, it is possible that some kind of problem occurred when producing the refill product RP against the will of the cooperating company PA. Accordingly, if the difference between the first and second production quantities exceeds a predetermined allowable range, the warning output means 318 outputs a warning by displaying a warning screen on the display screen of the management device 300 or by generating a warning sound from the sound generator of the management device 300. For example, the tolerance range may be a fixed value, or it may be a variable value set according to the first and second production quantities. If the tolerance range is a fixed value, it may be, for example, within 10 units or within 5 units. If the tolerance range is a variable value, it may be, for example, within 10% of the average value of the first and second production quantities, or within 5% of the average value.Furthermore, the more refill items (RP) are produced, the higher the likelihood of a difference between the first and second production quantities. Therefore, the acceptable range may be adjusted, for example, according to the planned production quantity. Alternatively, the second production quantity may be interpreted as time, and the time may be calculated from the first quantity calculation means 315, and the times may be compared.

[0055] The cost calculation means 319 calculates the refill production cost RC for a specific period based on specific quantities that correlate with the operating status of the refill operation, such as the number of refill items RP produced and the quantity of material PT used. The cost calculation means 319 calculates the refill production cost RC using, for example, a pre-prepared calculation formula. The calculation formula, for example, has the refill production cost RC as the dependent variable and specific quantities that change according to the operating status of the refill operation as independent variables. When the cost calculation means 319 calculates the refill production cost RC which includes the cost of material PT supplied from producer MA to cooperating company PA and the usage fee for equipment 100,200 leased from producer MA to cooperating company PA, the calculation formula may include the following terms. In this case, the calculation formula may include a term for calculating the cost of material PT and a term for calculating the usage fee for equipment 100,200. In the section for calculating the cost of component PT, for example, the cost of component PT used in the production of refill products RP during a specific period is calculated by multiplying the quantity of component PT used, as determined by the quantity determination means 317, by the unit price of component PT. In the section for calculating the usage fee of equipment 100,200, for example, the usage fee of equipment 100,200 during a specific period is calculated by multiplying the number of refill products RP produced, as determined by the quantity calculation means 315,316, by the usage fee of equipment 100,200 per refill product RP. In the section for calculating the usage fee of equipment 100,200, the usage fee of equipment 100,200 during a specific period may also be calculated by multiplying the total operating time of the refill operation by the usage fee of equipment 100,200 per unit time. The cost calculation means 319 may also calculate the refill production cost RC, which includes costs other than those mentioned above. For example, the cost calculation means 319 may also calculate the refill production cost RC, which includes license fees for the brand logo and patents of the manufacturer MA. Alternatively, the cost calculation means 319 may calculate the refill production cost RC by referring to a billing table that shows the refill production cost RC corresponding to a specific quantity, instead of using a pre-prepared calculation formula.

[0056] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the production management method for refill product RP in the first embodiment. The production management method is executed when producing refill product RP. In the production management method, first, the authentication process in step S1 is executed. In the authentication process, the control device 300 determines whether the refill device 100 can operate or not. If step S2 is "No", that is, if the operation of the refill device 100 is not permitted by the control device 300, this flow ends without producing refill product RP. If step S2 is "Yes", that is, if the operation of the refill device 100 is permitted by the control device 300, the production process in step S3 is executed. In the production process, refill product RP is produced until the number of refill product RP produced reaches the planned production quantity. When the number of refill product RP produced reaches the planned production quantity, the quantity calculation process in step S4 and the quantity identification process in step S5 are executed. In the quantity calculation process, the number of refill product RP produced is calculated as the specified quantity. In the quantity determination process, the quantity of material PT used is determined as a specific quantity. The quantity calculation process and the quantity determination process may be performed in any order. After the quantity calculation process and the quantity determination process, the warning output process in step S7 is performed. In the warning output process, a warning is output if predetermined conditions are met. Finally, the cost calculation process in step S9 is performed. In the cost calculation process, the refill production cost RC for a specific period is calculated based on the specific quantity.

[0057] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the authentication process in the first embodiment. The authentication process begins when a cooperating company PA performs an action requesting the operation of the refill device 100, such as turning on the power to the refill device 100. Figure 8 illustrates a case where the manufacturer MA has concluded collaboration agreements with multiple cooperating companies PA, and each of the multiple cooperating companies PA is assigned a different ID and password as device identification information by the manufacturer MA.

[0058] In step S101, the identification information transmission means 211 of the control device 200 displays an input screen on the display device of the control device 200 for the cooperating business PA to enter an ID and password. If step S102 is "Yes", that is, if the cooperating business PA enters an ID and password via the input device 260, step S103 is executed. In step S103, the identification information transmission means 211 of the control device 200 transmits the entered ID and password to the management device 300. If step S104 is "Yes", that is, if the management device 300 receives the ID and password from the control device 200, step S105 is executed. In step S105, the permission signal transmission means 311 of the management device 300 compares the ID and password received from the identification information transmission means 211 of the control device 200 with the ID and password stored in the identification information storage means 332 of the management device 300.

[0059] If step S106 is "Yes," that is, if the ID and password received from the identification information transmission means 211 of the control device 200 match the ID and password stored in the identification information storage means 332 of the management device 300, step S107 is executed. In step S107, the permission signal transmission means 311 of the management device 300 determines that it can permit the refill operation of the refill device 100 for the duration of the cooperation agreement and sends an authentication code to the control device 200. If step S108 is "Yes," that is, if the control device 200 receives the authentication code within a predetermined time after sending the ID and password to the management device 300, step S109 is executed. In step S109, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 determines that the operation of the refill device 100 has been permitted by the management device 300 and sends a permission signal to the refill device 100 to switch the operation mode of the operation execution device 110 from prohibit mode to permit mode. If step S110 is "Yes," that is, if the refill device 100 receives a permission signal, the operating mode of the operation execution device 110 is set to permission mode in step S111. As a result, the operating mode of the refill device 100 switches from prohibition mode to permission mode, and the refill device 100 becomes capable of performing refill operations.

[0060] If step S106 is "No," that is, if the ID and password received from the identification information transmission means 211 of the control device 200 do not match the ID and password stored in the identification information storage means 332 of the management device 300, the following process is executed. In this case, the permission signal transmission means 311 of the management device 300 determines that it cannot permit the refill operation of the refill device 100 because it is outside the collaboration contract period, and terminates this flow without sending an authentication code to the control device 200. If step S108 is "No," that is, if the control device 200 does not receive an authentication code within a predetermined time after sending the ID and password to the management device 300, the following process is executed. In this case, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 determines that the operation of the refill device 100 is not permitted by the management device 300, and terminates this flow without sending a permission signal to the refill device 100. As a result, the operation mode of the operation execution device 110 remains in prohibited mode, and the state in which it cannot perform refill operations continues.

[0061] Furthermore, the authentication code that authorizes the refill operation of the refill device 100 may be updated periodically. In addition, the authentication process may be performed again in specific cases, such as when communication between the control device 200 and the management device 300 is interrupted or when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the refill device 100 stopped operating. This makes it easier to eliminate unauthorized access and improves the functionality of the refill system 10 when using the network N2.

[0062] Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the production process in the first embodiment. The production process begins when the operation of the refill device 100 is authorized by the control device 300. In the production process, first, the production preparation process in step S31 is executed. In the production preparation process, preparations for producing refill products RP, such as obtaining a production plan, are carried out. Following the production preparation process, the refill operation process in step S32 is executed. In the refill operation process, the refill device 100 performs a refill operation and produces refill products RP. The operating status of the refill operation is shared with the control device 300 as appropriate. The refill operation process is repeatedly executed until the number of refill products RP produced reaches the planned production quantity. If step S38 is "Yes", that is, when the number of refill products RP produced reaches the planned production quantity, the performance management process in step S39 is executed. In the performance management process, the operating status of the refill operation for a specific period is compiled.

[0063] Figure 10 is a flowchart detailing the production preparation process in the first embodiment. The production preparation process is initiated, for example, when the operating mode of the operation execution device 110 is set to the permission mode. In step S311, the plan transmission means 312 of the management device 300 transmits a production plan, including the planned production quantity, to the control device 200. In step S312, the plan acquisition means 212 of the control device 200 acquires the production plan, including the planned production quantity, from the management device 300. If step S313 is "Yes", that is, if there is no abnormality in the basic state of the refill device 100, step S314 is executed. The basic state of the refill device 100 refers to, for example, whether or not there are errors related to the refill operation. In step S314, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits a production start signal to the refill device 100 to start the production of refill items RP. Note that the basic state confirmation work may be performed automatically by the refill system 10 or manually by the cooperating business PA.

[0064] Figure 11 is a first flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a second flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a third flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a fourth flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. Figure 15 is a fifth flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. Figure 16 is a sixth flowchart showing the details of the refill operation process in the first embodiment. The refill operation process is started, for example, when the refill device 100 receives a production start signal from the control device 200. In the example shown in Figures 11 to 16, a case is illustrated in which the refill device 100 produces a refill product RP by performing a recovery operation, a cleaning operation, a refilling operation, an installation operation, and a packaging operation in that order.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, in step S321, the reader 120 of the refill device 100 images the label attached to or printed on the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. As a result, the reader 120 obtains an image containing a code that stores the serial number of the ink container IS. This step may also include a visual inspection to check the condition of the ink container IS, i.e., whether it has an appearance that is of sufficient quality to be sold on the market as a refill product RP. In step S322, the reader 120 transmits the acquired image to the control device 200. In step S323, the identification information acquisition means 213 of the control device 200 decodes the code in the image to obtain the serial number of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. In step S324, the identification information acquisition means 213 transmits the acquired serial number to the management device 300. In step S325, the performance management means 314 of the management device 300 refers to the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 and obtains the number of refills corresponding to the serial number obtained from the control device 200.

[0066] If step S326 is "Yes", that is, if the number of refills obtained has reached a predetermined upper limit, step S327 is executed. In step S327, the performance management means 314 sends a stop signal to the control device 200 to stop the refill operation for the ink container IS set in the refill device 100, and terminates this flow. If step S328 is "Yes", that is, if the control device 200 receives the stop signal within a predetermined time after transmitting the serial number, step S329 is executed. In step S329, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 sends a stop signal to the refill device 100 to stop the refill operation for the ink container IS set in the refill device 100, and terminates this flow. If step S330 is "Yes", that is, if the refill device 100 receives the stop signal, the refill device 100 terminates this flow without driving the operation execution device 110. This is an operation to maintain the quality of the refill product RP.

[0067] If step S326 is "No", that is, if the number of refills obtained has not reached the upper limit, then step S328 is "No". If step S328 is "No", that is, if the control device 200 does not receive a cancellation signal within a predetermined time after transmitting the serial number, then step S331 shown in Figure 12 is executed. In step S331, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits a recovery start signal to the refill device 100 to start the recovery operation. Recovery here means the recovery of ink IN remaining in the ink container IS. Upon receiving the recovery start signal, the timer 132 of the refill device 100 starts measuring the operating time of the recovery operation in step S332. Upon receiving the recovery start signal, the operation execution device 110 of the refill device 100 executes the recovery operation in step S333. In the recovery operation, the operation execution device 110, for example, opens a valve that switches communication between the inside and outside of the ink container IS, and discharges the ink IN remaining in the ink container IS from the valve. Then, the operation execution device 110 recovers the ink IN discharged from the ink container IS. When the recovery operation is complete, the operation execution device 110 transmits a recovery completion signal to the control device 200 in step S334 to indicate that the recovery operation is complete. When the recovery operation is complete, the timer 132 stops measuring the operating time of the recovery operation in step S335. In step S336, the timer 132 transmits the operating time of the recovery operation to the control device 200. When the recovery operation is complete, the counter 131 of the refill device 100 increments the number of recovery operation executions by one in step S337. This increment may be performed only for genuine products for which product identification information could be read. In step S338, the counter 131 transmits the number of recovery operation executions to the control device 200. In step S339, the operating status transmission means 217 of the control device 200 transmits the number of recovery operation executions and the operating time as the operating status of the recovery operation to the management device 300. The performance management means 314 of the management device 300, which has acquired the operational status of the retrieval operation, stores the operational status of the retrieval operation in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 in step S340. As a result, the performance management means 314 updates the product management table TP.

[0068] As shown in Figure 13, in step S341, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits a cleaning start signal to the refill device 100 to initiate the cleaning operation. Upon receiving the cleaning start signal, the timer 132 of the refill device 100 starts measuring the operating time of the cleaning operation in step S342. Upon receiving the cleaning start signal, the operation execution device 110 of the refill device 100 executes the cleaning operation in step S343. During the cleaning operation, the operation execution device 110 opens the valve of the ink container IS and discharges the cleaning agent DG from the valve into the inside of the ink container IS. The operation execution device 110 then cleans the inside of the ink container IS by discharging the discharged cleaning agent DG from the valve. When the cleaning operation is completed, the operation execution device 110 transmits a cleaning completion signal to the control device 200 in step S344, along with the amount of cleaning agent DG used, indicating the completion of the cleaning operation. When the cleaning operation is completed, the timer 132 stops measuring the operating time of the cleaning operation in step S345. In step S346, the timer 132 transmits the operating time of the cleaning operation to the control device 200. When the cleaning operation is completed, the counter 131 of the refill device 100 increments the number of cleaning operations by one in step S347. This increment may be for genuine products only. In step S348, the counter 131 transmits the number of cleaning operations to the control device 200. In step S349, the operating status transmission means 217 of the control device 200 transmits the number of cleaning operations, the operating time, and the amount of cleaning agent DG used as the operating status of the cleaning operation to the management device 300. The performance management means 314 of the management device 300, which has acquired the operating status of the cleaning operation, stores the operating status of the cleaning operation in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 in step S350. As a result, the performance management means 314 updates the product management table TP.

[0069] As shown in Figure 14, in step S351, the type identification means 214 of the control device 200 refers to the type number table stored in the type storage means 232 to identify the type number of the ink container IS corresponding to the serial number of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. In step S352, the component identification means 215 of the control device 200 refers to the component table stored in the component storage means 233 to identify the type and amount of ink IN corresponding to the type number of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. These steps are performed in principle for the company's own genuine products, but depending on the contract with the other company, it may also be possible to identify genuine products from other companies. In step S353, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits a refill start signal to the refill device 100 to start the refill operation. Upon receiving the refill start signal, the timer 132 of the refill device 100 starts measuring the operating time of the refill operation in step S354. Upon receiving the refill start signal, the operation execution device 110 of the refill device 100 executes the refill operation in step S355. During the refill operation, the operation execution device 110 opens the valve of the ink container IS and fills the ink container IS with the type of ink IN identified by the component identification means 215 in the amount specified by the component identification means 215. When the refill operation is completed, the operation execution device 110 transmits a refill completion signal to the control device 200 in step S356, indicating the completion of the refill operation, along with the type and amount of ink IN used in the refill operation. When the refill operation is completed, the timer 132 stops measuring the operating time of the refill operation in step S357. In step S358, the timer 132 transmits the operating time of the refill operation to the control device 200. When the refill operation is completed, the counter 131 of the refill device 100 increments the number of refill operation executions by 1 in step S359. This addition may be limited to genuine parts only. In step S360, the counter 131 transmits the number of times the refill operation has been performed to the control device 200.In step S361, the operating status transmission means 217 of the control device 200 transmits to the management device 300 the number of times the refill operation was performed, the operating time, and the type and amount of ink IN used in the refill operation as the operating status of the refill operation. The performance management means 314 of the management device 300, having acquired the operating status of the refill operation, stores the operating status of the refill operation in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 in step S362. As a result, the performance management means 314 updates the product management table TP.

[0070] As shown in Figure 15, in step S363, the component identification means 215 of the control device 200 refers to the component table stored in the component storage means 233 to identify the type of accessory AS corresponding to the model number of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. This identification is based on the principle of using the company's own genuine parts. In step S364, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits an installation start signal to the refill device 100 to start the installation operation. This installation operation may include the operation of removing the accessory AS of the used ink container IS for replacement. Upon receiving the installation start signal, the timer 132 of the refill device 100 starts measuring the operating time of the installation operation in step S365. Upon receiving the installation start signal, the operation execution device 110 of the refill device 100 executes the installation operation in step S366. In the installation operation, the operation execution device 110 attaches the type of accessory AS identified by the component identification means 215 to a predetermined installation position. When the installation operation is completed, the operation execution device 110 transmits an installation completion signal to the control device 200 in step S367, along with the type and number of accessories AS used in the installation operation. When the installation operation is completed, the timer 132 terminates the measurement of the operation time of the installation operation in step S368. In step S369, the timer 132 transmits the operation time of the installation operation to the control device 200. When the installation operation is completed, the counter 131 of the refill device 100 increments the number of installation operations by one in step S370. In step S371, the counter 131 transmits the number of installation operations to the control device 200. In step S372, the operation status transmission means 217 of the control device 200 transmits the number of installation operations, the operation time, and the type and number of accessories AS used in the installation operation as the operation status of the installation operation to the management device 300. The performance management means 314 of the management device 300, which has acquired the operational status of the installation operation, stores the operational status of the installation operation in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 in step S373. As a result, the performance management means 314 updates the product management table TP.Furthermore, the installation procedure may only be performed if certain conditions are met, such as the degree of deterioration of the accessory AS and the period of continuous use.

[0071] As shown in Figure 16, in step S374, the component identification means 215 of the control device 200 refers to the component table stored in the component storage means 233 to identify the type of packaging material PM corresponding to the model number of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100. This identification is, in principle, based on the company's own genuine products. In step S375, the operation control means 216 of the control device 200 transmits a packaging start signal to the refill device 100 to start the packaging operation. Upon receiving the packaging start signal, the timer 132 of the refill device 100 starts measuring the operating time of the packaging operation in step S376. Upon receiving the packaging start signal, the operation execution device 110 of the refill device 100 executes the packaging operation in step S377. During the packaging operation, the operation execution device 110 packages the ink container IS using the type of packaging material PM identified by the component identification means 215 in a predetermined packaging method. The operation execution device 110, for example, seals the ink container IS in a bag as packaging material PM, and then packages the ink container IS sealed in the bag with an outer box as packaging material PM. When the packaging operation is completed, the operation execution device 110 sends a packaging completion signal to the control device 200 in step S378, indicating the completion of the packaging operation, along with the type and number of packaging materials PM used in the packaging operation. When the packaging operation is completed, the timer 132 stops measuring the operating time of the packaging operation in step S379. In step S380, the timer 132 transmits the operating time of the packaging operation to the control device 200. When the packaging operation is completed, the counter 131 of the refill device 100 increments the number of times the packaging operation has been performed by one in step S381. In step S382, the counter 131 transmits the number of times the packaging operation has been performed to the control device 200. In step S383, the operating status transmission means 217 of the control device 200 transmits to the management device 300 the number of times the packing operation was performed, the operating time, and the type and number of packing materials PM used in the packing operation as the operating status of the packing operation. The performance management means 314 of the management device 300, which has acquired the operating status of the packing operation, stores the operating status of the packing operation in the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 in step S384.Furthermore, the performance management means 314 adds one refill count to the serial number of the ink container IS that has been recycled as a refill product RP. As a result, the performance management means 314 updates the product management table TP.

[0072] Figure 17 is a flowchart detailing the performance management process in the first embodiment. The performance management process is initiated, for example, when the number of refill items RP produced reaches the planned production quantity. In step S391, the performance management means 314 of the management device 300 refers to the product management table TP stored in the performance storage means 335 and aggregates the number of refill operations performed, the operating time, and the quantity of material PT used. In step S392, the performance management means 314 generates a business operator management table TV by dividing the aggregated results into specific period groups.

[0073] Figure 18 is a flowchart detailing the quantity calculation process in the first embodiment. The quantity calculation process is started, for example, when the production process is completed. In step S401, the first quantity calculation means 315 of the management device 300 refers to the business management table TV stored in the performance storage means 335 to obtain the total number of refill operations performed during a specific period. In step S402, the first quantity calculation means 315 uses the total number of refill operations performed during the specific period to calculate the number of refill products RP produced, and sets this as the first production quantity. If the refill operations are performed only on the company's own genuine products, the first production quantity should be equal to the number of genuine product refills produced. In step S403, the second quantity calculation means 316 of the management device 300 refers to the business management table TV stored in the performance storage means 335 to obtain the total operating time of refill operations during a specific period. In step S404, the second quantity calculation means 316 calculates the number of refill items RP produced using the total operating time of the refill operation during a specific period, and sets this as the second production quantity. For example, if all operating time is spent on the company's own genuine refill items RP, the calculated number may be set as the second production quantity.

[0074] Figure 19 is a flowchart detailing the quantity identification process in the first embodiment. The quantity identification process is initiated, for example, when the production process is completed. In step S501, the quantity identification means 317 of the control device 300 accesses the correlation table stored in the required quantity storage means 334. In step S502, the quantity identification means 317 obtains the required quantity of each component PT corresponding to the operating status of the refill operation from the correlation table. This allows the quantity identification means 317 to identify the quantity of each component PT used when producing the refill product RP.

[0075] Figure 20 is a flowchart detailing the warning output process in the first embodiment. The warning output process is started, for example, when both the quantity calculation process and the quantity identification process are completed. In step S701, the warning output means 318 of the management device 300 calculates the difference between the first production quantity and the second production quantity. If step S702 is "Yes," that is, if the difference between the first production quantity and the second production quantity exceeds the acceptable range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the refill system 10, and step S703 is executed. In step S703, the warning output means 318 determines that there is a possibility that the cooperating business PA has committed fraud, such as using a third-party genuine product, a compatible product, or a counterfeit product refill that was not intended by the manufacturer MA, or that a problem has occurred, and outputs a warning via the notification device 370. The warning output by the notification device 370 is, for example, text information indicating that an abnormality has occurred. If step S702 is "No", that is, if the difference between the first production quantity and the second production quantity is within the acceptable range, the warning output means 318 will do the following. In this case, the warning output means 318 will determine that the state is normal and will terminate this flow without outputting a warning.

[0076] Figure 21 is a flowchart detailing the cost calculation process in the first embodiment. The cost calculation process begins, for example, when both the quantity calculation process and the quantity identification process are completed. Figure 21 illustrates a case where the cost calculation means 319 calculates the refill production cost RC, which includes the cost of the component PT supplied from the producer MA to the cooperating company PA and the usage fee for the equipment 100,200 leased from the producer MA to the cooperating company PA. In step S901, the cost calculation means 319 of the management device 300 calculates the cost of the component PT supplied from the producer MA to the cooperating company PA by substituting the quantity of component PT used, which was identified in the quantity identification process, into a predetermined calculation formula. In step S902, the cost calculation means 319 calculates the usage fee for the equipment 100,200 leased from the producer MA to the cooperating company PA by substituting the number of refill items RP produced, which was calculated in the quantity calculation process, into a predetermined calculation formula. In step S903, the cost calculation means 319 calculates the total amount of the cost of the component PT and the usage fee of the equipment 100,200 as the refill production cost RC.

[0077] According to the first embodiment described above, if the device identification information received from the control device 200 leased to the cooperating company PA matches the device identification information stored in the management device 300 owned by the production company MA, the following occurs. In this case, the refill operation of the refill device 100 leased to the cooperating company PA is permitted. In this configuration, production company MA can have cooperating company PA produce refill products RP only if cooperating company PA has concluded a cooperation agreement with production company MA. Therefore, production company MA can use networks N1 and N2 to have cooperating company PA produce refill products RP under the management of production company MA and then distribute them back into the market.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the cooperating company PA uses components PT supplied by the manufacturer MA to produce refill products RP using a refill device 100 leased from the manufacturer MA, employing the same manufacturing method as the manufacturer MA. In this configuration, the manufacturer MA can have the cooperating company PA produce refill products RP that have the same quality as the product NP produced by the manufacturer MA.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the management device 300 owned by the production company MA can manage the operation of the refill device 100 by communicating with the control device 200 lent to the cooperating company PA via the network N2. In this configuration, even when a cooperating company PA located far away, such as overseas, produces refill products RP, the production company MA can easily manage the production of refill products RP by the cooperating company PA. This makes it possible, for example, to widely disseminate the refill system 10 to areas other than the production bases of the production company MA, which are limited to a specific region.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the management device 300 owned by the manufacturer MA can communicate with the printing device 900 owned by the user U and the control device 200 leased to the cooperating company PA via networks N1 and N2. This allows the manufacturer MA to obtain various information from the user U, such as the usage status of the printing device 900, and various information from the cooperating company PA, such as the recovery status of the ink container IS. In this configuration, the manufacturer MA can determine the quantity and timing of refill products RP to be provided by the cooperating company PA to the user U based on the various information shared by the user U and the cooperating company PA, and create a production plan for refill products RP. This allows the manufacturer MA to supply the appropriate quantity of components PT to the cooperating company PA at the appropriate time according to the production plan. The cooperating company PA can also produce refill products RP according to the production plan obtained via network N2 and provide the user U with the quantity of refill products RP determined by the manufacturer MA at the provision time determined by the manufacturer MA. This allows the collaborating business PA to provide the user U with the appropriate number of refill items RP at the appropriate time.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, products NP and RP, to which product identification information is assigned, are distributed to the market. In this configuration, the product identification information of the ink container IS set in the refill device 100 can be used to identify the type of ink container IS, or to identify the configuration of the component PT according to the type of ink container IS.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the performance storage means 335 of the management device 300 stores the number of refills of the ink container IS in association with the product identification information. In this configuration, if the number of refills of the ink container IS reaches the upper limit, the management device 300 can stop the refill operation by the refill device 100 by sending a stop signal to the control device 200. This reduces the possibility that the ink container IS will be reused beyond the upper limit. The management device 300 may also output a warning if the number of refills of the ink container IS used when producing the refill product RP reaches the upper limit. Even in this configuration, the possibility that the ink container IS will be reused beyond the upper limit can be reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, in the refill system 10, the refill count may be increased by one after the final operation, the packaging operation, which is one of the multiple operations included in the refill operation. In this configuration, the refill count of ink containers IS that are discharged from the production line during production due to the cancellation of the refill operation is not increased. Therefore, even if an ink container IS is discharged from the production line during production, such as when an ink container IS with a cleanliness below a predetermined level is discharged, the refill count of the ink container IS can be managed more accurately. However, in this configuration, it is necessary to associate it with the serial number of each product NP and RP.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the refill system 10 can classify used ink containers IS into either the company's own genuine products, genuine products from other companies, or compatible products. In this configuration, the manufacturer MA can differentiate the processing when producing refill products RP according to the classification of the ink containers IS. For example, if a refill operation is planned for a compatible product, the management device 300 may cancel the refill operation for the compatible product by sending a cancellation signal to the control device 200. In this way, the manufacturer MA can prevent refill products RP that may be of lower quality than the product NP produced by the manufacturer MA from entering the market. Also, if a refill operation has already been performed for a compatible product, the management device 300 may do the following: In this case, the management device 300 may stop the shipment of refill products RP produced using compatible products by sending a shipment stop signal to the control device 200 to stop the shipment of refill products RP produced using compatible products. In this way, manufacturer MA can prevent refill products RP, which may be of lower quality than the product NP produced by manufacturer MA, from entering the market. Furthermore, if a refill operation is performed on a competitor's genuine product, the control device 300 may calculate the refill production cost RC, which includes additional costs depending on the operational status of the refill operation on the competitor's genuine product. In this way, manufacturer MA can protect the environment by continuing production of refill products RP without stopping, while offsetting the costs associated with the refill operation on the competitor's genuine product by receiving additional costs from cooperating company PA.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the operating status of the refill operation, including the number of times the refill operation is performed and the operating time of the refill operation, is monitored in the refill device 100 and transmitted to the management device 300 via the control device 200. In this configuration, the management device 300 can mechanically calculate the number of refill products RP produced using the operating status of the refill operation. As a result, the manufacturer MA can easily grasp the production results of refill products RP, such as the number of refill products RP produced, from the minimum necessary information of the operating status of the refill operation.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the first production quantity is the number of refill operations performed during a specific period, and is the number of refill products RP produced, calculated using the number of refill operations performed on the company's own genuine products. The second production quantity is the operating time of refill operations during the same period as when the first production quantity is calculated, and is the number of refill products RP produced, calculated using the operating time of refill operations on ink containers IS, including genuine and compatible products from other companies. Therefore, if there is a possibility that fraud has occurred or a problem has occurred at the cooperating company PA when producing refill products RP, a difference may occur between the first production quantity and the second production quantity. In response to this, if the difference between the first production quantity and the second production quantity exceeds the acceptable range, the management device 300 can automatically output a warning. With this configuration, the production company MA can quickly grasp the possibility that fraud has occurred or a problem has occurred at the cooperating company PA. This allows for processing according to the classification of the ink container IS, such as discontinuing refill operations for compatible products, stopping shipments of refill products RP using compatible products, and calculating additional costs for performing refill operations for genuine products from other companies.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the operating status of the refill operation, including at least one of the number of refill operations performed and the operating time of the refill operation, is monitored in the refill device 100 and transmitted to the management device 300 via the control device 200. The management device 300 stores the required quantity of materials for a specific period. In this configuration, the management device 300 can mechanically determine the quantity of material PT used when producing the refill product RP based on the operating status of the refill operation and the required quantity of materials. As a result, the production company MA can quickly grasp the quantity of material PT used in the production of the refill product RP without waiting for a declaration from the cooperating company PA. Therefore, the production company MA can supply the cooperating company PA with the appropriate quantity of material PT at the appropriate time.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, in the refill system 10, the operating status of the refill operation, including at least one of the number of refill operations performed and the operating time of the refill operation, is monitored in the refill device 100 and transmitted to the management device 300 via the control device 200. In this configuration, the management device 300 can calculate the refill production cost RC for a specific period based on a specific quantity correlated with the operating status of the refill operation. As a result, the manufacturer MA can charge the cooperating business PA for the calculated refill production cost RC and receive it from the cooperating business PA, thereby generating revenue and enabling charging based on the usage status of the devices 100 and 200 at the cooperating business PA. In particular, from the perspective of promoting the widespread adoption of environmental measures throughout society, the refill system 10 does not exclude genuine refills or compatible refills from other companies, and the cooperating business PA can continue its refill product RP business widely by paying the refill production cost RC for those refills to the manufacturer MA as a usage fee for the devices described later.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the cooperating company PA can lease or rent the refill equipment 100 and control device 200 from the manufacturer MA by paying the manufacturer MA a refill production cost RC that includes the usage fee for the equipment 100 and 200. In this form, the cooperating company PA can produce refill products RP without requiring capital investment to install the refill equipment 100 and control device 200. Moreover, if the equipment 100 and 200 are used for genuine refills from other companies, or even compatible refills, the cooperating company PA can conduct a broader refill business by paying the manufacturer MA a refill production cost RC that includes a usage fee different from the usage fee for its own genuine refills.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the cooperating business PA can receive the supply of component PT used when producing the refill product RP from the producer MA by paying the refill production cost RC, which includes the cost of component PT, to the producer MA. In this configuration, the cooperating business PA does not need to prepare the component PT used when producing the refill product RP. Therefore, the cooperating business PA can produce the refill product RP without requiring production equipment or materials for producing component PT or molds for molding accessories AS.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the cooperating business PA can produce refill products RP using the brand logo and patents of the manufacturer MA by paying the refill production costs RC, which include license fees, to the manufacturer MA, and sell them to the user U.

[0092] Furthermore, the refill system 10 only needs to have a function that allows the refill operation of the refill device 100 when the device identification information received from the control device 200 matches the device identification information stored in the management device 300; it is not necessary for it to have any other functions.

[0093] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 300a in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the memory 330a of the management device 300a further includes a supply quantity storage means 336. The supply quantity storage means 336 stores the quantity of component PT supplied from the producer MA to the cooperating company PA. Furthermore, the processor 310a of the management device 300a functions as a supply quantity calculation means 320 by executing a program stored in the program storage means 331a of the memory 330a. The supply quantity calculation means 320 calculates the quantity of component PT to be newly supplied to the cooperating company PA based on the quantity of component PT identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the supply quantity of component PT stored in the supply quantity storage means 336. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Components the same as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0094] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the production management method for refill product RP in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the supply quantity calculation step in step S6 is performed after the quantity calculation step and the quantity identification step. In the supply quantity calculation step, the quantity of component PT to be newly supplied to the cooperating business PA is calculated.

[0095] Figure 24 is a flowchart detailing the supply quantity calculation process in the second embodiment. The supply quantity calculation process is started, for example, when both the quantity calculation process and the quantity identification process are completed. In step S601, the supply quantity calculation means 320 of the management device 300a subtracts the quantity of material PT used, as identified by the quantity identification means 317, from the supply quantity of material PT stored in the supply quantity storage means 336. This allows the supply quantity calculation means 320 to identify the inventory quantity of material PT at the end of the first period. In step S602, the supply quantity calculation means 320 calculates the difference between the required material quantity according to the production plan for the second period following the first period and the inventory quantity of material PT at the end of the first period as the quantity of material PT to be newly supplied to the cooperating business PA.

[0096] According to the second embodiment described above, the quantity of component PT to be newly supplied to the cooperating company PA can be calculated from the minimum necessary information, such as the operating status of the refill operation. In other words, the transmission and reception functions of the refill device 100 can be minimized. This reduces the cost of the devices 100 and 200 lent to the cooperating company PA, thereby reducing the production cost of refill products RP. Furthermore, the production company MA can supply the appropriate quantity of component PT to the cooperating company PA at the appropriate time. Thus, the production company MA can continuously develop the cyclical refill business.

[0097] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 300b in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the processor 310b of the management device 300b functions as a warning output means 318b by executing a program stored in the program storage means 331b of the memory 330b. The other configurations are the same as in the second embodiment. Components the same as in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0098] If refill products RP are produced without fraud or trouble, the number of refill products RP produced will have a positive correlation with the operational status of the refill operation. Therefore, if fraud occurs or trouble occurs at the cooperating company PA, the following discrepancies may arise. In this case, there may be a discrepancy between the number of refill products RP produced during a specific period calculated by the quantity calculation means 315, 316 and the number of refill products RP produced during a specific period reported by the cooperating company PA via the input device 260, etc. Furthermore, if refill products RP are produced without fraud or trouble, the quantity of component PT used during a specific period will have a positive correlation with the operational status of the refill operation during that period. If refill products RP are produced without fraud or trouble, the inventory quantity of component PT during a specific period will have a negative correlation with the operational status of the refill operation during that period. Based on the above, even if the company's own genuine ink container IS is used, if the refill product RP is produced using a component other than the component PT supplied by the manufacturer MA, the following discrepancies may arise. In this case, there may be a difference between the quantity of component PT used during a specific period as identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the quantity of component PT used during a specific period as reported by the cooperating business PA to the production business MA via the input device 260, etc. There may also be a difference between the inventory quantity of component PT at the end of a specific period as identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the inventory quantity of component PT during a specific period as reported by the cooperating business PA to the production business MA via the input device 260, etc. Thus, if there is a difference of more than a predetermined amount between the specific quantity calculated by each functional unit 315-317,320 of the management device 300 and the quantity reported by the cooperating business PA regarding the quantity of component PT used, inventory quantity, or production number of refill product RP, the following possibilities exist. In this case, there is a possibility that fraudulent activity or trouble occurred at the cooperating business PA when producing the refill product RP. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the difference between the specific quantity calculated by each functional unit 315-317,320 of the management device 300b and the quantity declared by the cooperating business operator PA exceeds the permissible range, the warning output means 318b outputs a warning.

[0099] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing a first example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. In step S701a, the warning output means 318b of the management device 300b performs the following process. The warning output means 318b calculates the difference between the number of refill products RP produced during a specific period calculated by the quantity calculation means 315, 316 and the number of refill products RP produced during a specific period reported by the cooperating business PA. If step S702a is "Yes", that is, if the calculated difference exceeds the acceptable range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the refill system 10, and step S703a is executed. In step S703a, the warning output means 318b determines that there is a possibility that the cooperating business PA has committed fraud or that a problem has occurred, and outputs a warning via the notification device 370. If step S702a is "No", that is, if the calculated difference is within the acceptable range, the warning output means 318b does the following. In this case, the warning output means 318b determines that the situation is normal, i.e., that the possibility of fraud or trouble occurring at the cooperating service provider PA is low, and terminates this flow without issuing a warning.

[0100] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing a second example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. In step S701b, the warning output means 318b of the management device 300b performs the following process. The warning output means 318b calculates the difference between the quantity of material PT used during a specific period identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the quantity of material PT used during a specific period reported by the cooperating business PA to the production business MA. If step S702b is "Yes", that is, if the calculated difference exceeds the acceptable range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the refill system 10, and step S703b is executed. In step S703b, the warning output means 318b determines that there is a possibility that the cooperating business PA has committed fraud or that a problem has occurred, and outputs a warning via the notification device 370. If step S702b is "No", that is, if the calculated difference is within the acceptable range, the warning output means 318b does the following. In this case, the warning output means 318b determines that the situation is normal, i.e., that the possibility of fraud or trouble occurring at the cooperating service provider PA is low, and terminates this flow without issuing a warning.

[0101] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing a third example of the warning output process in the third embodiment. In step S701c, the warning output means 318b of the management device 300b performs the following process. The warning output means 318b calculates the difference between the inventory quantity of material PT at the end of a specific period identified by the supply quantity calculation means 320 and the inventory quantity of material PT at the end of a specific period declared by the cooperating business PA. If step S702c is "Yes", that is, if the calculated difference exceeds the acceptable range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the refill system 10, and step S703c is executed. In step S703c, the warning output means 318b determines that there is a possibility that the cooperating business PA has committed fraud or that a problem has occurred, and outputs a warning via the notification device 370. If step S702c is "No", that is, if the calculated difference is within the acceptable range, the warning output means 318c does the following. In this case, the warning output means 318c determines that the situation is normal, i.e., that the possibility of fraud or trouble occurring at the cooperating service provider PA is low, and terminates this flow without issuing a warning.

[0102] According to the third embodiment described above, the management device 300b can determine whether there is any fraud or trouble at the cooperating business PA by comparing the quantity declared by the cooperating business PA with a specific quantity calculated by the management device 300b, and can output a warning.

[0103] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 300c in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the processor 310c of the management device 300c functions as a warning output means 318c by executing a program stored in the program storage means 331c of the memory 330c. The other configurations are the same as in the second embodiment. Components the same as in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0104] The component PT used in the production of refill product RP is supplied from the manufacturer MA to the cooperating company PA according to the planned production quantity. The cooperating company PA then produces the number of refill product RP corresponding to the planned production quantity. Therefore, if refill product RP is produced without fraud or trouble, the quantity of component PT used during a specific period will roughly match the quantity of component PT supplied from the manufacturer MA to the cooperating company PA. Consequently, if fraud occurs or troubles occur at the cooperating company PA, the following discrepancies may arise. In this case, there may be a difference between the quantity of component PT used during a specific period as identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the quantity of component PT supplied from the manufacturer MA to the cooperating company PA according to the planned production quantity. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the difference between the quantity of component PT used during a specific period as identified by the quantity identification means 317 and the quantity of component PT supplied to the cooperating company PA for production during that period exceeds an acceptable range, the warning output means 318 outputs a warning.

[0105] Figure 30 is a flowchart detailing the warning output process in the fourth embodiment. In step S701d, the warning output means 318c of the management device 300c performs the following process. The warning output means 318c calculates the difference between the quantity of material PT used during a specific period, as identified by the quantity identification means 317, and the quantity of material PT supplied during that specific period, as stored in the supply quantity storage means 336. If step S702d is "Yes," that is, if the calculated difference exceeds the acceptable range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the refill system 10, and step S703d is executed. In step S703d, the warning output means 318c determines that there is a possibility that the cooperating business PA has committed fraud or that a problem has occurred, and outputs a warning via the notification device 370. If step S702d is "No," that is, if the calculated difference is within the acceptable range, the warning output means 318c does the following. In this case, the warning output means 318c determines that the possibility of fraud or trouble occurring at the cooperating company PA is low, and terminates this flow without issuing a warning.

[0106] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the management device 300c can determine whether there are any irregularities or troubles at the cooperating business PA by comparing the quantity of material PT used during a specific period with the quantity of material PT supplied during a specific period, and can output a warning.

[0107] E. Other embodiments: E-1. Other Embodiments 1: Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may identify the quality of the component PT used when producing the refill product RP, and may output a warning if the identified quality does not conform to a predetermined quality standard. For example, it may take any of the following forms (a) to (e).

[0108] (a) Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may obtain the expiration date of the ink IN used when producing the refill product RP, and may output a warning if the ink IN is expired. In this configuration, the possibility of refill products RP filled with expired ink IN being distributed to the market can be reduced.

[0109] (b) Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may obtain the amount of ink IN filled when the refill product RP is produced, and may output a warning if the difference between the obtained amount of ink IN filled and a predetermined amount of ink IN filled according to the product NP, RP exceeds an acceptable range. In this configuration, the possibility of refill product RP with an ink IN filling amount deviating from the specified amount being distributed to the market can be reduced.

[0110] (c) Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may obtain the type of ink IN used when producing the refill product RP, and may output a warning if the obtained type of ink IN does not match the type of ink IN predetermined according to the product NP, RP. In this form, the possibility of refill products RP filled with the wrong type of ink IN being distributed to the market can be reduced.

[0111] (d) Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may obtain the type of accessory AS used when producing the refill product RP, and may output a warning if the obtained type of accessory AS does not match the type of accessory AS predetermined according to the product NP, RP. In this form, the possibility of refill product RP with the wrong type of accessory AS being attached being distributed to the market can be reduced.

[0112] (e) Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may obtain the type of packaging material PM used when producing the refill product RP, and may do so as follows: Warning output means 318, 318b, 318c may output a warning if the obtained type of packaging material PM does not match the type of packaging material PM predetermined according to the product NP, RP. In this form, the possibility that refill product RP using the wrong type of packaging material PM will be distributed to the market can be reduced. This reduces the possibility that, for example, the type of product NP, RP displayed on the outer box, such as the applicable model of the printing device 900 or the ink color, may differ from the actual product, and that a product NP, RP different from the product NP, RP desired by the user U will be provided to the user U.

[0113] E-2. Other Embodiments 2: The management devices 300, 300a-300c may further include an anomaly detection means and an anomaly processing means. The anomaly detection means uses the monitoring results from the monitoring device 130 to detect when an anomaly has occurred in the operation of the refill device 100. The anomaly processing means executes processing for the anomaly when the anomaly detection means detects that an anomaly has occurred in the operation of the refill device 100. The anomaly processing means executes at least one of the following processes: a first process, a second process, and a third process. The first process is to notify at least one of the producer MA and the cooperating business PA that an anomaly may have occurred. In the first process, the anomaly processing means may also notify the content of the anomaly and the expected solution. The second process is to notify the producer MA that personnel need to be dispatched to the cooperating business PA's premises. In the second process, the anomaly processing means mechanically determines whether personnel dispatch is necessary according to the content of the anomaly. In the second process, the abnormality handling means may display an inquiry screen on the display device of the control device 200 to ask the cooperating business PA whether or not personnel dispatch is necessary, and may determine whether or not personnel dispatch is necessary based on the input content of the cooperating business PA via the input device 260. The third process is the process of calculating the amount of compensation to be paid to the cooperating business PA according to the losses incurred due to the abnormality. In the third process, the abnormality handling means calculates the compensation amount according to, for example, the downtime of the refill device 100 due to the abnormality. With this configuration, if an abnormality occurs in the operation of the refill device 100, the production business MA or the cooperating business PA can be made to execute a process to resolve the abnormality. The production business MA may resolve the abnormality by remotely operating the refill device 100 via the input device 260.

[0114] E-3. Other Embodiments 3: The management devices 300, 300a-300c may further include guidance means. The guidance means prompts the cooperating business PA to perform maintenance on the refill device 100 according to the operating status of the refill operation. For example, if the refill operation is performed continuously for more than a predetermined number of times, the guidance means displays a message prompting maintenance of the refill device 100 on the display device of the control device 200. If the refill operation is performed continuously for more than a predetermined time, the guidance means generates a buzzer sound from the voice generator of the control device 200 prompting maintenance of the refill device 100. With this configuration, the possibility of malfunction occurring in the refill device 100 can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the production efficiency of refill products RP due to malfunctions in the refill device 100.

[0115] E-4. Other Embodiments 4: The producer MA may provide incentives to the cooperating company PA regarding refill production costs RC, depending on the operating status of the refill operation. For example, the producer MA may set a higher discount rate on refill production costs RC the more refill items RP are produced. In this case, the cost calculation means 319 may calculate refill production costs RC by determining a coefficient according to the operating status of the refill operation over a specific period, and multiplying each term of the calculation formula by the determined coefficient. Alternatively, the producer MA may set a higher discount rate on refill production costs RC the longer the continuous use period of the leased equipment 100,200. In this case, the cost calculation means 319 may calculate refill production costs RC by obtaining the continuous use period of the leased equipment 100,200, determining a coefficient according to the obtained continuous use period, and multiplying each term of the calculation formula by the determined coefficient. Such a configuration can promote the production and sale of refill items RP.

[0116] E-5. Other Embodiments 5: The refill device 100 and control device 200 may be provided to the cooperating business PA by the production business MA through the purchase of the refill device 100 and control device 200. In this case, the cost calculation means 319 calculates the refill production cost RC, which includes the cost of the components PT supplied from the production business MA to the cooperating business PA, without including, for example, the usage fee for the devices 100 and 200 leased from the production business MA to the cooperating business PA. Even in this configuration, the production business MA can use the networks N1 and N2 to have the cooperating business PA produce the refill products RP under the management of the production business MA.

[0117] E-6. Other Embodiments 6: If the same operation is performed multiple times on the same ink container IS, the operation status transmission means 217 may transmit the number of refill operations to the management devices 300, 300a-300c along with supplementary information indicating that the same operation was performed multiple times. In this configuration, even if the same operation is performed multiple times on the same ink container IS, such as when a cleaning operation is performed multiple times on the same ink container IS depending on the cleanliness of the ink container IS, the management devices 300, 300a-300c can use the operation status of the refill operation to more accurately calculate or specify specific quantities such as the number of refill products RP produced and the quantity of materials PT used, as well as the refill production cost RC.

[0118] E-7. Other Embodiments 7: At least some of the functions of the refill device 100 may be implemented by the control device 200. At least some of the functions of the control device 200 may be implemented by the refill device 100, or by the management devices 300, 300a-300c. In this configuration, the configuration of the refill system 10 can be changed as appropriate.

[0119] E-8. Other Embodiments 8: The above technology is applicable not only to consumables associated with the use of a printing device 900, such as an ink container IS, but also to cases where refillable containers are collected, cleaned, and refilled with contents to produce refillable products RP. In other words, the contents contained in the container may not be ink IN, but may be, for example, detergent. When the application of the above technology is to a container other than an ink container IS, the expression "ink container" in this disclosure may be replaced with "container" as appropriate, and the expression "ink" may be replaced with "contents" as appropriate. In such a form, the versatility of the refill system 10 can be improved.

[0120] E-9. Other Embodiments 9: In the above embodiment, some of the configurations implemented by hardware may be replaced with software, and at least some of the configurations implemented by software may be implemented by hardware such as circuit configurations.

[0121] F. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

[0122] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refill system is provided. This refill system comprises a refill device that performs a refill operation on a container, a control device that controls the refill operation of the refill device, and a management device that manages the control device, wherein the control device and the management device are able to communicate via a network. According to this embodiment, the refill system can use the network to have other businesses produce refill products under the control of the manufacturer and then distribute them back into the market.

[0123] (2) In the above embodiment, the control device may include identification information transmission means for transmitting identification information to the management device, and the management device may include identification information storage means for storing the identification information of the control device in advance, and permission signal transmission means for granting permission to the control device to perform the refill operation of the refill device when the identification information received from the identification information transmission means matches the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. According to this embodiment, the refill system can grant permission to perform the refill operation of a refill device owned by another business operator when the identification information received from a control device owned by another business operator matches the identification information stored in the management device owned by the manufacturer. As a result, the refill system can use the network to have other businesses produce refill products under the control of the manufacturer and distribute them back into the market.

[0124] (3) In the above embodiment, the refill operation includes at least one of the following: an operation to inspect the appearance of the container; an operation to refill the container with contents; an operation to remove the accessories of the container for replacement; an operation to attach the accessories of the container; and an operation to package the container. The control device further includes an operation status transmission means for transmitting the operation status of the refill operation, including the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation, to the management device. The management device further includes a first quantity calculation means for calculating the number of refill products to be produced using the number of times the refill operation is performed received from the operation status transmission means; a second quantity calculation means for calculating the number of refill products to be produced using the operating time of the refill operation received from the operation status transmission means; and a warning output means for outputting a warning when the difference between the number of refill products to be produced calculated by the first quantity calculation means and the number of refill products to be produced calculated by the second quantity calculation means exceeds a predetermined range. In this configuration, the refill system can output a warning if the difference between the number of refills produced calculated by the first quantity calculation means and the number of refills produced calculated by the second quantity calculation means exceeds a predetermined range. This allows the refill system to inform other manufacturers of the possibility of fraud or problems occurring at other businesses producing refills.

[0125] (4) In the above embodiment, the refill operation includes at least one of the following: an operation to inspect the appearance of the container; an operation to refill the container with contents; an operation to remove the accessories of the container for replacement; an operation to attach the accessories of the container; and an operation to package the container. The control device further includes an operation status transmission means for transmitting the operation status of the refill operation to the management device, which includes at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation. The management device further includes a quantity storage means for storing a required number of components correlated with at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during the period and the operating time of the refill operation. The management device may further include a quantity storage means for storing a required number of components correlated with at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during the period and the operating time of the refill operation. A quantity identification means for identifying the quantity of components used when producing the refill product is determined based on the operation status received from the operation status transmission means and the required number of components stored in the quantity storage means. According to this embodiment, the refill system can identify the quantity of components used when producing the refill product. This allows the refill system to ensure that manufacturers supply the right quantity of components to other manufacturers of refills at the right time.

[0126] (5) In the above embodiment, the refill operation includes at least one of the following: an operation to inspect the appearance of the container; an operation to refill the container with contents; an operation to remove the accessories of the container for replacement; an operation to attach the accessories of the container; and an operation to package the container. The control device further includes an operation status transmission means for transmitting the operation status of the refill operation to the management device, which includes at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation. The management device further includes a cost calculation means for calculating the refill production cost during the period based on a specific quantity correlated with the operation status of the refill operation. According to this embodiment, the refill system can calculate the refill production cost based on a specific quantity correlated with the operation status of the refill operation.

[0127] Not all of the components of each form of the present disclosure described above are essential, and it is possible to modify, delete, replace with other new components, or delete some of the limitations of some of the components as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described herein. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine some or all of the technical features included in one form of the present disclosure described above with some or all of the technical features included in another form of the present disclosure described above to form an independent form of the present disclosure in order to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described herein.

[0128] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than a refill system. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a production management method for refill products using a refill system, a manufacturing method for a refill system, a control method for a refill system, a computer program that implements the control method, or a non-temporary storage medium that stores the computer program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1...Resource recycling system, 10...Refill system, 100...Refill device, 110...Operation execution device, 120...Reading device, 130...Monitoring device, 131...Counter, 132...Timer, 140...Communication device, 200...Control device, 210...Processor of control device, 211...Identification information transmission means, 212...Plan acquisition means, 213...Identification information acquisition means, 214...Type identification means, 215...Component identification means, 216...Operation control means, 217...Operating status 230...Memory of the control device, 231...Program storage means of the control device, 232...Type storage means, 233...Component storage means, 250...Communication device of the control device, 260...Input device of the control device, 270...Notification device of the control device, 300, 300a-300c...Management device, 310, 310a-310c...Processor of the management device, 311...Permission signal transmission means, 312...Plan transmission means, 313...Classification means, 314...Performance management means, 315 ...First quantity calculation means, 316...Second quantity calculation means, 317...Quantity identification means, 318, 318b, 318c...Warning output means, 319...Cost calculation means, 320...Supply quantity calculation means, 330, 330a-330c...Management device memory, 331, 331a-331c...Management device program storage means, 332...Identification information storage means, 333...Classification storage means, 334...Required quantity storage means, 335...Actual record storage means, 336...Supply quantity storage means, 3 50...Communication device for management device, 360...Input device for management device, 370...Notification device for management device, 900...Printing device, AS...Accessories, DG...Cleaning agent, IN...Ink, IS...Ink container, MA...Manufacturer, MO...Consideration, N1, N2...Network, NP...New product, PA...Cooperating company, PM...Packaging materials, PT...Components, RC...Refill production cost, RP...Refill item, TP...Product management table, TV...Business management table, U...User

Claims

1. It is a refill system, A refill device that performs a refill operation on a container, A control device for controlling the refill operation of the refill device, The system comprises a control device for managing the control device, A refill system characterized in that the control device and the management device can communicate with each other via a network.

2. A refill system according to claim 1, The control device includes identification information transmission means for transmitting identification information to the management device, The management device comprises an identification information storage means for storing identification information of the control device in advance, and a permission signal transmission means for authorizing the control device to perform the refill operation of the refill device when the identification information received from the identification information transmission means matches the identification information stored in the identification information storage means.

3. A refill system according to claim 1, The refill operation includes at least one of the following: inspecting the appearance of the container; refilling the container with contents; removing the accessories of the container for replacement; attaching the accessories of the container; and packaging the container. The control device further includes an operating status transmission means for transmitting the operating status of the refill operation, including the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation, to the management device. The aforementioned control device further, A first quantity calculation means calculates the number of refill items to be produced using the number of executions of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means, A second quantity calculation means calculates the number of refill items produced using the operating time of the refill operation received from the operating status transmission means, A refill system comprising: a warning output means that outputs a warning when the difference between the production quantity of the refill product calculated by the first quantity calculation means and the production quantity of the refill product calculated by the second quantity calculation means exceeds a predetermined range.

4. A refill system according to claim 1, The refill operation includes at least one of the following: inspecting the appearance of the container; refilling the container with contents; removing the accessories of the container for replacement; attaching the accessories of the container; and packaging the container. The control device further includes an operating status transmission means for transmitting to the management device the operating status of the refill operation, which includes at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation. The aforementioned control device further, A quantity storage means for storing the required number of members correlated with at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during the aforementioned period and the operating time of the refill operation, A refill system comprising: a quantity identification means for identifying the quantity of components used when producing a refill product, based on the operating status received from the operating status transmission means and the required component quantity stored in the quantity storage means.

5. A refill system according to claim 1, The refill operation includes at least one of the following: inspecting the appearance of the container; refilling the container with contents; removing the accessories of the container for replacement; attaching the accessories of the container; and packaging the container. The control device further includes an operating status transmission means for transmitting to the management device the operating status of the refill operation, which includes at least one of the number of times the refill operation is performed during a predetermined period and the operating time of the refill operation. The management device further comprises a cost calculation means for calculating the refill production cost during the period based on a specific quantity correlated with the operating status of the refill operation, in a refill system.

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