JP2003039789A - Consumables order management system, image forming apparatus, management apparatus, program and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] In consumables order management, it is desirable to order a plurality of consumables as much as possible. An image forming apparatus outputs first detection information of a comparison result between a first parameter related to the remaining amount of consumables and a first set value, and further outputs a second parameter related to the remaining amount of consumables. Detecting means for outputting second detection information as a result of comparison between the second set value and the second set value, and transmitting the first order information indicating the order of the consumable part to the host computer based on the related information of the consumable part at the time of outputting the second detection information. Means for receiving a signal from the host computer and receiving an order for consumable parts from the host computer based on the first detection information and the related information.
Means for transmitting order information; a first input means for receiving the first order information; a second input for inquiring another image forming apparatus upon receiving the first order information and inputting second order information; Means for generating a consumable parts list from input information from the first and second input means and ordering via a network.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a consumable goods order management system, an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, a program and a medium, and more specifically, a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, a copying machine and a page printer. The present invention relates to a consumable goods order management system, an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, a program, and a medium used for facsimiles and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus used in a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile or the like, a developing container, a developing device for supplying toner or ink as a consumable item,
Alternatively, the user had to purchase a charging device, a photosensitive drum made of a material having excellent wear resistance such as a-Si, a process cartridge integrated with a developing device, etc. as needed. .

Therefore, in order to eliminate the procedure for the user to purchase these consumables, a system called an ordering system has been considered. For example, JP-A-7-23982
It has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-315052.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-239825 discloses a status notification method for detecting the status of a device and automatically executing an appropriate action for the detected status, and a network system using the status notification method. In addition, JP-A-8-
According to Japanese Patent No. 315052, when a terminal device is connected to a network and the consumables of the terminal device are exhausted, the product number and the product name of the consumable product that is lost are notified to the relay device via the network, and the relay device uses facsimile communication. By placing an order, the automatic ordering system is disclosed, which eliminates the user's part number search work and the like and reduces the ordering work.

In the above-described conventional example, when the image forming apparatus main body recognizes that the toner or ink which is a consumable item is running out, the image forming apparatus automatically places an order to the order receiving side through a facsimile connected to the network. However, since the Internet has become widespread these days, a method of ordering consumables by accessing a homepage of an ordering party on the Internet through a line has been considered.

According to this method, the user can order the consumables on the computer being used,
It is very useful in terms of usability, as you will not go out to the nearest consumables store in the past and never forget to buy it.

When the ordering system is activated, it is necessary to detect that the time for replacement of consumables is approaching. For example, as a means for detecting that the toner or the ink is running low, a means for detecting a change in the electrostatic capacity of the toner or a height of the toner in the developing container is detected by a light receiving sensor by transmitting light from an LED. Means, a means for detecting a torque change of the toner stirring means, and the like. Also,
There is also a means for estimating the consumption amount of toner and ink from the number of printed dots.

When the detection means detects that the toner or the ink is low, a warning (toner Low) is displayed on the image forming apparatus main body or on the screen of the personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus main body. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-239825).

[0009]

However, in an office or the like, a plurality of computers and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network, and a plurality of computers can access and output one image forming apparatus. There are many. For this reason, the amount of toner, ink, etc. consumed by the image forming apparatus is faster than the usage situation of individual users.
The frequency of exchanging consumables also tends to increase.

Therefore, if an order is placed by the ordering system for consumables of a plurality of image forming apparatuses for each individual image forming apparatus, the number of individual orders becomes one. In such an ordering form, transportation costs are inefficient for each consumable item, and since each consumable item is individually ordered from each department or the like, ordering and management of delivered consumable items are managed. There is a problem that it is difficult.

Further, when determining whether or not to place an order based on the remaining amount, if the remaining amount or the usable period is used even if it is less than the reference value, it is duplicated. There is a problem that orders may be placed and such a situation must be prevented. For example, even if the image forming apparatus recognizes that the remaining amount or usable period of the toner cartridge is lower than the reference value and once issues a signal instructing to place an order, the toner cartridge is removed and another image is displayed. When it is attached to the forming device, a situation may occur in which the remaining amount or the usable period is below the reference value and the order is placed again.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to place an order for a plurality of consumables as much as possible to suppress transportation costs and eliminate wasteful inventory management. An object of the present invention is to provide a consumable goods order management system, an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, a program, and a medium that can be accurately executed.

[0013]

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides a host computer connected to a network, and a plurality of images including consumables. In a consumables order management system including a forming device, the image forming device compares a first parameter representing information related to the remaining amount of the consumable product with a first preset value. First to show the result
Consumables detection means for outputting detection information of the second parameter, and further outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison between a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumables and a second preset value. A first order representing an order for the consumable part via the network to the host computer based on second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part;
Means for transmitting the order information, and second order information indicating the order of the consumable part to the host computer based on the first detection information and the related information upon receiving a signal from the host computer. Means for transmitting,
The host computer, when receiving the first ordering information from the image forming apparatus, receives the first ordering information, and when receiving the first ordering information, instructs the other image forming apparatus to output the second ordering information. Second input means for inputting order information, and a list of the consumable parts of each of the image forming apparatuses is generated based on the information input from the first and second input means.
An ordering means for making an order through the network is provided.

The invention described in claim 2 is the same as claim 1
In the consumable goods order management system described in the item (4), the image forming apparatus changes the related information when the order information is transmitted to the host computer.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1
The consumable item order management system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parameters are information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item, and the first and second set values are different, Second
The set value of 1 indicates that the remaining amount is smaller than the first set value.

The invention according to claim 4 is the same as claim 1
The consumable item order management system according to claim 1, wherein the first parameter is a date determined in consideration of a consumption condition of the consumable item, and the second parameter detects a remaining amount of the consumable item. The information obtained by the above is set so that the change of the second detection information is delayed later than the change of the first detection information.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as claim 1.
Alternatively, in the consumable goods order management system according to the second aspect, the host computer is connected to a server on the consumable goods ordering side through a network and transmits consumable goods order information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the consumable goods order management system including a host computer connected to a network and a plurality of image forming apparatuses having consumable goods, the image is provided. The forming device outputs first detection information indicating a result of comparison between a first parameter indicating information related to the use progress of the consumable item and a first set value determined in advance, and further uses the consumable item. Consumables detection means for outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison between a second parameter related to the progress and a second preset value, and the second detection information and the consumable part. Means for transmitting first ordering information representing an ordering of the consumable part to the host computer via the network based on related information, a signal from the host computer And a means for receiving second order information indicating an order for the consumable part to the host computer based on the first detection information and the related information, and the host computer is an image forming apparatus. Input means for receiving the first order information from the second input means, and a second input means for instructing another image forming apparatus to input the second order information when the first order information is received. Input means,
An ordering means for generating a list of the consumable parts of each of the image forming apparatuses based on the information input from the first and second input means and ordering through the network. is there.

The invention according to claim 7 is the same as claim 6
In the consumable goods order management system described in the item (4), the image forming apparatus changes the related information when the order information is transmitted to the host computer.

The invention according to claim 8 is the same as claim 6
The consumable item order management system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parameters are information regarding a due date, the first and second setting values are different, and the second setting value is the first setting. It is characterized by showing a date later than the value.

The invention according to claim 9 is the same as that of claim 6.
The consumable item order management system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parameters are information regarding operating time or the number of times of driving, the first and second set values are different, and the first detection information is It is set so that the change of the second detection information is delayed later than the change of.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the consumable goods order management system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the host computer is connected to the consumable goods order receiving side server through a network to order the consumable goods. It is characterized by transmitting information.

The invention according to claim 11 is an image forming apparatus connected to a network, wherein a first parameter representing information relating to the remaining amount of consumables and a first set value determined in advance. Output the first detection information indicating the comparison result with the second detection information indicating the comparison result between the second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item and the predetermined second set value. A consumable item detecting means for outputting; a means for outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; It also comprises means for receiving a signal from the network and outputting to the network second order information indicating an order of the consumable part based on the first detection information and the related information. It is.

The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the related information is order history information indicating whether or not the consumable item has been ordered. When the order history information indicates that an order has been placed, the first or second order information is not output.

The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the related information is changed when the order information is output to the network. It is a thing.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the first and second aspects are the same.
Parameter is information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item, the first and second setting values are different, and the second setting value indicates a remaining amount smaller than the first setting value. It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first parameter is a date determined in consideration of the consumption of the consumable item, The second parameter is information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item, and is set so that the change of the second detection information is delayed later than the change of the first detection information. It is characterized by being.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus for ordering processing via a predetermined communication line, and to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus. When inquiring whether to place an order from the management device collectively when the order instruction is issued, the remaining amount of consumables is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the order history information does not indicate that the order has been placed. In this case, the management device is provided with an output unit for outputting ordering information collectively instructing the ordering.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus connected to a network, wherein a first parameter representing information relating to a usage history of consumables and a first preset value set in advance. Output first detection information indicating a comparison result with the second detection information indicating a comparison result between a second parameter related to the use progress of the consumable and a second preset value. A consumable item detecting means for outputting; a means for outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; Receiving a signal from the network, outputting second ordering information indicating an ordering of the consumable part to the host computer based on the first detection information and the related information, to the network. It is characterized in further comprising a means.

The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the related information is order history information indicating whether or not the consumable item has been ordered. When the order history information indicates that an order has been placed, the first or second order information is not output.

The invention according to claim 19 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the related information is changed when the order information is output to the network. It is a thing.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the first and second image forming apparatuses are provided.
Parameter is information regarding a due date, the first and second set values are different, and the second set value indicates a later date than the first set value.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the first and second image forming apparatuses are the same.
Parameter is information regarding the operating time or the number of times of driving, and the first and second set values are different from each other.
The change in the second detection information is set to be delayed later than the change in the detection information.

Further, the invention according to claim 22 is an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus which performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus. In response to an inquiry from the management device regarding whether or not to collectively place an order when the order instruction is issued, the use progress of the inquired consumables has exceeded a predetermined elapsed period, and there is no order history. In this case, the management device is provided with an output unit for outputting ordering information collectively instructing the ordering.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Receiving a first parameter indicating information related to the remaining amount of the consumable item and outputting first detection information indicating a result of comparison with a predetermined first set value; and the remaining amount of the consumable item. Receiving a second parameter associated with the second detection information and outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a predetermined second set value, and the second detection information and the consumable part being associated with each other. A first output step of outputting first ordering information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network based on the related information; and a signal from the network for receiving the first detection information and the related information. And a second output step of outputting second order information indicating the order of the consumable part to the network based on the second order information.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus which performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, wherein the control method of another image forming apparatus is the same. A step of receiving an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when an order is given to the management device, and when the step is executed, the remaining amount of consumables is a predetermined amount or less, In addition, when the order history information does not indicate that the order has been placed, an output step of outputting order information collectively instructing the management device to the management device is provided.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a network,
Receiving a first parameter representing information related to the usage history of the consumable product, outputting first detection information representing a comparison result with a predetermined first set value, and the usage history of the consumable product. Receiving a second parameter related to
The second that represents the result of comparison with the second preset value
Outputting the detection information of, and based on the second detection information and the related information associated with the consumable part,
A first output step of outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network; a signal from the network; and a first output information of the consumable part based on the first detection information and the related information. A second output step of outputting second order information indicating an order to the network.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus which performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, wherein the control method of another image forming apparatus is the same. A step of receiving an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when an order is given to the management device; If there is no order history, the output step of outputting order information collectively instructing the management apparatus is provided.

The invention according to claim 27 is a management apparatus connected to a network, comprising first input means for receiving independent ordering information regarding consumables from each image forming apparatus, and the independent ordering. When the information is received, a second input unit that inquires of another image forming apparatus to receive the joint order information regarding the consumable item, and image formation based on the information input from the first and second input units. An ordering means for generating a list of the consumable parts of each apparatus and ordering via the network is provided.

The invention according to claim 28 is the management apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the independent ordering information is:
Even when the combined ordering information is not received by the second input unit, the ordering unit makes an order independently.

In the invention described in claim 29, the management device according to claim 27 or 28 places an order by the ordering means in a consumable item ordering server connected to the network via a network. Is transmitted.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, which is a program executed in the image forming apparatus connected to the network, the first parameter representing information relating to the remaining amount of the consumable item is received. A means for outputting first detection information indicating a result of comparison with a predetermined first set value, a second parameter set in advance for receiving a second parameter relating to the remaining amount of the consumable item Means for outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison with, based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part,
Means for outputting first ordering information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network, receiving a signal from the network, and indicating an order for the consumable part based on the first detection information and the related information It is characterized in that it functions as means for outputting the second order information to the network.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed in an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus for ordering processing via a predetermined communication line, which is another image forming apparatus. Means for accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when there is an order instruction to the management device, the remaining amount of consumables is a predetermined amount or less, and the order history information is an order. When it does not indicate that the order has been completed, the management apparatus is made to function as an output unit that outputs ordering information for instructing ordering collectively.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, which is a program executed in an image forming apparatus connected to a network, receiving a first parameter indicating information relating to a usage history of consumables, Predetermined first
Means for outputting the first detection information indicating the result of comparison with the set value of, and a second parameter related to the usage history of the consumable item, and indicates the result of comparison with the second set value determined in advance. Means for outputting second detection information, means for outputting first order information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part, Upon receiving a signal from the network, the host computer is caused to function as means for outputting to the network second order information indicating an order of the consumable part based on the first detection information and the related information. It is characterized by

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus for ordering processing via a predetermined communication line, the image forming apparatus comprising another image forming apparatus. Means for accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when an order is given to the management device, the usage history of consumables has passed a predetermined elapsed period, and the order history When there is no such order, the management device is made to function as an output unit that outputs ordering information collectively instructing an ordering.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, which is a program executed in a management device connected to a network, the first input for receiving individual order information regarding consumable items from each image forming apparatus. Means, when the first ordering information is received, second inputting means for instructing another image forming apparatus to receive the joint ordering information relating to the consumable item, and the first and second inputting means. A list of the consumable parts of each image forming apparatus is generated based on the information, and the list functions as an ordering unit for ordering through the network.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program relating to a remaining amount of a consumable item in an image forming apparatus connected to a network. Receiving a first parameter indicating information, outputting first detection information indicating a comparison result with a predetermined first set value, receiving a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item. And outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a second set value determined in advance, based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part Outputting first order information representing an order for consumable parts, receiving a signal from the network, and based on the first detection information and the related information, Step of outputting the second order information representing the order of the consumable component to the network, characterized in that the run.

The invention described in claim 36 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being communicable to a management device for ordering processing via a predetermined communication line. In the image forming apparatus, a step of accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management apparatus when an order is given to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus, the remaining amount of consumables is a predetermined amount. In the following, when the order history information does not indicate that the order has been placed, the step of outputting order information collectively instructing the order to the management device is executed.

The thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, wherein the program is information relating to the usage history of consumable items in an image forming apparatus connected to a network. Receiving a first parameter representing
Outputting the first detection information indicating the result of comparison with the set value of, and receiving the second parameter related to the usage history of the consumable item and indicating the result of comparison with the second set value determined in advance. Outputting second detection information, outputting first ordering information indicating an ordering of the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part, Receiving a signal from the network, and outputting to the network second order information indicating an order of the consumable part to the host computer based on the first detection information and the related information. It is characterized by

The invention described in claim 38 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being communicable to a management device for ordering processing via a predetermined communication line. In the image forming apparatus, a step of accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management apparatus when an order is given to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus, a use progress of consumables is predetermined. When the elapsed period has passed and there is no order history, a step of outputting order information collectively instructing an order to the management device is executed.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, wherein the program relates to a consumable item from each image forming apparatus in a management apparatus connected to a network. A first input step for receiving order information, a second input step for instructing another image forming apparatus to receive joint order information regarding a consumable item when the first order information is received; And an ordering step of generating a list of the consumable parts of each image forming apparatus based on the information input from the second input means and ordering via the network.

[0052]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) An electrophotographic apparatus will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

The overall structure of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus outputs a laser beam modulated according to an image signal from a scanner unit 101 including a laser and a polygon mirror correction system lens. Then, this laser light is reflected by the folding mirror 102 and is applied to the photosensitive drum 1 which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged in advance by a charging roller 2 which is a charging unit, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in response to the irradiation of laser light.

On the other hand, the developer (toner) 7 stored in the developer container 5 which is the developer accommodating portion of the developing device 51 is conveyed while the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 3 is being charged, and is developed on the developing sleeve 3. A possible toner layer is formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner layer and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the recording material 104, which is a recording medium contained in the cassette 103, is supplied by the paper feed roller 105 at the same time when the latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The recording material 104 is synchronized with the front end of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1, and is transferred to a roller-shaped transfer unit 10 via a conveyance unit 111.
7, the toner image is transferred onto the recording material 104 by the transfer means 107. The recording material 104 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 109, where the toner image is fixed to be a permanent image. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning unit 5 and stored in the cleaning container 53. In the present embodiment, two mounting means 112 for detachably mounting the process cartridge 100 are provided in the entire apparatus.

The process cartridge 100 shown in FIG.
Is a unit in which the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 51, the cleaning means 5 including an elastic cleaning blade, the cleaning container 53, and the cover 52 which partially covers these are unitized to have at least two parts. is there. These photosensitive drums 1 and the like are assembled in the process cartridge 100 in a predetermined mutual arrangement relationship, and the process cartridge 100 is inserted into a predetermined portion (mounting means 112) in the image forming apparatus main body in a predetermined manner. It is attached and, on the contrary, can be removed from the attachment body.

The developing device 51 is provided with a developing blade 8 that regulates the toner layer thickness on the developing sleeve 3 and detection members 9 and 10 that detect the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 5. A magnet is fixed inside the.

Here, as a means for detecting the transition of the remaining amount of toner in the developing device by repeating the above-mentioned image formation, there is a toner remaining amount sequential detecting means based on a change in the electrostatic capacity of the toner. As shown in FIG. 3, an antenna plate A9 and an antenna plate B1 are used as electrodes for detecting the remaining toner amount made of a metal plate.
0 was set in the vicinity of the developing sleeve 3. This antenna plate A
An AC voltage is applied from the power supply 36 between the antenna 9 and the antenna plate B10. A toner remaining amount detection circuit 28 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and toner remaining amount is caused by a change in electrostatic capacitance between the antenna plate A9 and the antenna plate B10 obtained by the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 32 of the detection circuit. You can read the change of quantity.

Further, in order to detect that the life of the toner is approaching, the capacitance between the antenna plate A9 and the antenna plate B10 and the static capacitance of the comparison capacitor 31 obtained by the capacitance detection circuit 33 are detected. The electric capacity is compared with the comparator 34. When the difference between the two electrostatic capacities compared by the comparator 34 is negative, it is determined that the remaining toner amount is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and the processing circuit 35 performs a predetermined process. For example, a warning (toner Low) may be displayed on the image forming apparatus main body or on the screen of a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Then, by adjusting the capacity of the comparison capacitor 31, the remaining toner amount to be detected can be set arbitrarily.

There is also means for estimating the remaining toner amount by integrating the number of dots on which latent images have been formed.

In FIG. 4, the controller 201 in the image forming apparatus main body has a function of converting print data transmitted from a host computer (not shown) into a printable signal. Further, the engine driver 202 has a function of controlling a sheet passing, an image forming sequence, or detecting a machine state such as an error.

The controller 201 is connected to the CPU 203 in the engine driver 202, and sends an image signal and an image control signal to the light control unit 205.
A control signal is transmitted from the CPU 203 to a drive motor for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum and the like, and a drive system high voltage control circuit 206 for charging and developing bias.

The image signal and the reference signal are further shown in FIG.
Will be described with reference to. The reference signal X is a signal output from the light control unit 205 when writing an image signal. The image signal Y is synchronized with the controller 2 so as to be synchronized with the reference signal X.
It is output from 01. Note that these are the counter unit 204
More counted.

It is assumed that the black pattern on the image is 1 in the image signal Y and the white pattern is 0. When the image signal Y is 1, the laser diode 207 is synchronized with the reference signal X.
Is turned on. Therefore, the count value of the reference signal X while the image signal Y is 1 is equal to the number of dots of the optical signal emitted from the laser diode 207.

The number of printed dots thus obtained is stored in the storage means 208 by the CPU 203 and accumulated. The storage means is a non-volatile storage means, and may be any means that can rewritably store and hold the signal information, such as an electric storage means such as a RAM or a rewritable ROM.

As another toner remaining amount sequential detection means, there is a means for detecting a torque change of the toner stirring means.
Although the effect of the present invention can be obtained by any of the detecting means, in the present embodiment, the toner Low due to the above-described electrostatic capacitance change is obtained.
A detection means was used.

Further, as another more preferable embodiment, although not shown, in the embodiment in which the process cartridge 100 is provided with a non-volatile storage means (also referred to as a cartridge memory), By storing the remaining amount of the consumables, the number of dots of the optical signal, and the like as described above, for example, when the process cartridge is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus and mounted in another image forming apparatus. Also, since the history used in the non-volatile storage means of the process cartridge itself can be stored, it is possible to construct a mechanism for more accurately and easily grasping the use history of the process cartridge. it can.

Next, the ordering of the consumables ordering system will be described.

Ordering by the consumables ordering system is performed by the host
In accordance with the user's input instruction from the keyboard etc. on the computer, the address, telephone number, fax number of the order receiving side, consumable part number, order number, and the address of the ordering side, telephone number, name of person in charge Screen is displayed,
What is output from the image forming apparatus is sent to the order receiving side by fax or the like.

Alternatively, the host computer can connect to the order receiving side server through the network to place an order.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing transmission / reception of information between the ordering side and the order receiving side.

The ordering side is composed of at least the image forming apparatus main body 500 and the host computer 501 which are connected, and the ordering side is composed of the ordering side server 503 for reading information. Both the ordering side and the ordering side are connected to the network 502 by the Internet protocol. The network 502 is a wide area network constructed using various lines.

After the toner Low is detected as described above, the CPU in the image forming apparatus main body 500 causes the host computer 501 connected to the image forming apparatus main body 500 to supply the product number of the image forming apparatus, the developing container, the process. Information on the part number of the cartridge is sent. The host computer is equipped with an ordering system, which starts up when receiving the signal, and receives the ordering server 503 from the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, or the homepage address of the agent, service center, or the like.
Access to and fill in the specified items on the order screen to place an order.

When the ordering is completed, the order-accepting server transmits the ordering completed information.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, one of the image forming apparatuses is at the time of exchanging consumables, and when the ordering system is activated, the consumables of other image forming apparatuses are not exchanged at a predetermined time. If the toner level is less than
Send to host computer to order consumables. In this way, by ordering consumables ahead of time for those whose consumables will reach the end of their lives earlier, it is possible to ship multiple consumables with a single shipping cost, and Since we are only ordering a large number, we can avoid over-ordering and reduce inventory space.

In this embodiment, a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum of an image forming apparatus, a charging device, a developing device and the like are integrated will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a host computer via a network.

The process cartridge of each image forming apparatus is provided with the above-mentioned toner remaining amount successive detection means, and the toner low detection for displaying the warning of the time to replace the process cartridge indicates the total toner amount. About 80
% Is consumed and the remaining capacity is detected to be about 20%.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

For example, the amount of toner remaining in the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 7 is low, and toner Low is detected (301).
When the image forming apparatus A detects the toner Low, a signal for activating the ordering system with the same consumable item before (hereinafter,
It is determined by reading and recognizing the history information stored in the non-volatile storage means in the image forming apparatus or the non-volatile storage means provided in the consumable item. (302). here,
If there is a history of transmitting the S signal, the S signal is not transmitted to the host computer (309). On the other hand, S in the past
If there is no history of signal transmission, the S signal is transmitted to the host computer (303). The host computer receives the S signal and the ordering system is activated (3
04).

When the ordering system is activated, the host computer sets an ordering standard corresponding to a certain amount of toner remaining even if the remaining toner amount is not detected in the toner Low in the plurality of image forming apparatuses managed by the host computer. A signal is transmitted (304) to confirm whether or not there is something below the value p. On the other hand, if there is an image forming apparatus having the order reference value p or less, the S signal is sent to the host computer (307). For example, if the image forming apparatuses that are lower than the order reference value p are B and E, the two apparatuses transmit the S signal, the host computer receives the S signal, and the number of received S signals. Consumables for a total of three units can be connected to the order receiving side server via the network and ordered (308).

Even if the order reference value p is lower than the order reference value p in step 307, as described above, the history of already placed orders is stored in the non-volatile storage means, and the stored information is confirmed. Is controlled so that the S signal is not transmitted to the host computer. As another preferred mode, if the S signal with order history information is transmitted to the host computer, the host computer that received the order instruction determines the history information with S signal. However, if it is determined whether or not the S signal is valid, it is possible to cause the host computer to perform the processing of step 302, and it is possible to reduce the load and cost of each image forming apparatus. Can be obtained. The same can be said for steps 407 and 402 of FIG. 10 described later.

When the S signal is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the host computer, the transmission history is stored in the non-volatile storage means in the image forming apparatus or the non-volatile storage means provided in the consumable item. The S signal transmission history of the consumable item can be confirmed, and it is possible to prevent duplicate transmission or non-transmission. In the latter case, for unused consumables, of course,
The S signal transmission history is in a deleted state. On the other hand, in the former case, the consumables used until then have been replaced, and there is, for example, an amount equal to or greater than a value (for example, a value equal to or greater than the order reference value p) predetermined by the toner remaining amount detection method described above. If it is detected that the S signal transmission history is deleted, or if the removal of a consumable item is detected and that fact is displayed on the operation panel, the removal indicates replacement of the consumable item. When the operation input is obtained, the S signal transmission history can be deleted. By doing so, the device can be made to correctly recognize the fact of the correct replacement of the consumable item.

However, when the fact of the replacement of the consumable item is obtained from the user's operation, it is necessary to take measures against the erroneous operation. For example, if the amount of toner is low and the amount of toner adhering to one side of the printed paper is small, remove the process cartridge, shake the toner inside the printer left and right evenly, and then reinstall it. Is done. In such a case, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the replacement.

As described above, the image forming apparatus B or E becomes
Even if the toner Low of the consumable item is detected thereafter, the S signal is not transmitted again.

Further, it is preferable that the order reference value p is larger than the toner remaining amount set value for detecting the toner Low and is set to about 50% or less of the total toner amount. Although this does not reach the detection of toner Low, it is necessary to order including consumables that need toner replacement in the near future, and because the inventory of consumables is minimized as much as possible. It is desirable to set the order reference value p when 50% to 80% of the life of the product has elapsed. This order reference value p
The setting value of can be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, information representing the set value of the order reference value p input from an input means such as an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus is stored in the nonvolatile storage means of the image forming apparatus main body.

The LBP-450, which is an image forming apparatus of 600 dpi, which uses the process cartridge having the above-mentioned structure and the toner life of 6000 sheets at the printing rate of A4 paper 5%.
(Manufactured by Canon) was used for verification.

Pixel count is used for the toner remaining amount sequential detection means.

The toner low detection is set to operate when it is calculated that the remaining toner amount is 15% of the initial toner amount. That is, when 5% printing is performed, the toner Low is detected when 5100 sheets worth of printout is output.

Here, the order reference value p is 360 with 5% printing.
Integrated value of pixel count equivalent to 0 (6,264,
(374,400 pixels), if the ordering reference value is exceeded, the ordering target is placed when the ordering system is activated by toner Low detection of another image forming apparatus.

In this verification, five LBP-450s and a host computer were connected by a network, and continuous output was performed at a different printing rate for each of the five.

Output conditions and results are shown in Table 1.

[0096]

[Table 1]

In the table, those exceeding the ordering standard, that is, those to be ordered, are marked with ◯, and those not exceeding the ordering standard are marked with x.

As shown in Table 1, when continuous output of each image forming apparatus was carried out at different printing rates of 2 to 7%, the fifth image forming apparatus showed the fastest toner number (3700 sheets) and toner Lo.
w detected. Upon detection of this toner Low, the host computer started the consumables ordering system according to the flowchart of FIG.

The host computer sends the order reference value (6,264, 6264) to the first to fourth image forming apparatuses at this time.
When a signal is sent to confirm whether the number exceeds 374,400 pixels), it is the third and fourth image forming apparatuses that exceed the order reference value.

Therefore, the host computer accessed the order accepting server for a total of three process cartridges and made an order request.

Further, after that, continuous output was performed at each printing rate in the first to fourth image forming apparatuses.
Even if the fourth image forming apparatus detects the toner low, the consumable goods ordering system does not start, and a situation in which duplicate orders are placed does not occur.

Up to now, the toner which is one of the consumables has been described, but other consumables such as ink,
The same applies to the photosensitive drum and the waste toner container. For example, in the case of the photosensitive drum, when the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum is scraped by rubbing of a transfer material, a cleaning blade, a contact charging member, etc., and becomes thin, the voltage drop becomes large and leaks. In such a situation, the original function of the photosensitive drum cannot be fulfilled, and it is necessary to replace it with a new one. The replacement timing can be detected by a change in the value of the current flowing from the contact charging member to the photosensitive drum or the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum. With respect to this photosensitive drum as well, it is possible to obtain the function and effect of the present invention by setting the order reference as the above current value and setting the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum.

Further, the toner not transferred on the photosensitive drum is collected in the waste toner container by the cleaning member. If waste toner is continuously collected in this waste toner container,
The waste toner container must be replaced because it is full. A warning indicating that it is time to replace the waste toner container can also be displayed by providing a full detection means. However, by setting a value that serves as an order reference, the operation and effect of the present invention described above can be obtained. be able to.

As described above, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are used, it is necessary to replace them in order to eliminate the inconvenience of ordering the consumables each time the replacement of the consumables of each image forming apparatus is detected. However, there is a certain ordering standard that allows ordering. Toner Low of an image forming apparatus
When detecting, check whether other image forming devices meet the ordering standard, and order the consumables that have reached the standard and the replacement time. It will be possible, the transportation cost will be suppressed, the inventory management will be easier, and the need for inventory management will be eliminated for a long time.

(Second Embodiment) When a plurality of image forming apparatuses are used in an office or the like, the degree of consumption of consumables often differs depending on the frequency of use of each image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the consumption speed of the consumable item of each image forming apparatus is calculated, the date and time when the consumable item reaches the end of life is estimated, and a certain period before that date and time is used as the order reference.

FIG. 9 shows the toner consumption with respect to time of the two image forming apparatuses A and B.

The image forming apparatus A, which is frequently used, has a higher toner consumption rate (inclination a in the figure) than the image forming apparatus B, which is not frequently used. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner is the same, the image forming apparatus A takes a shorter time to reach the life of the toner.

In this embodiment, the toner consumption speeds a and b are
Calculated time to toner life t_La, T_LbAnd ask
A certain time t from the time₀Reference value from previous time point
(T_A, T _B). In this way,
Ordering consumables by using a certain period before
Even if the replacement period can be reached within a certain period,
Therefore, the replacement period will be considerably delayed and inventory management will continue until then.
It doesn't happen.

As the means for determining the toner consumption speed, for example, the toner remaining amount sequential detection means such as the pixel count described in the first embodiment can be used.

In the case of pixel count, the number of days to reach the toner life is determined from the pixel count that becomes the toner life and the average pixel count per day.
The ordering standard may be a certain period before that date.

In this case, the average pixel count value per day changes depending on the day, but the latest data at the time when a signal is sent from the host computer to confirm whether it falls within the order reference range is used. Is good.

The user can arbitrarily set a certain period before the toner life as the ordering standard.

The operation after the toner Low is detected by the image forming apparatus A of the plurality of image forming apparatuses A to E having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatuses A to
Of E, C and D started to use consumables at the same time, but B and E started to use later than C and D. Also,
The toner consumption speeds are all different because the usage frequency of each image forming apparatus is different.

The image forming apparatus A detects the toner low (40
1) Then, with the same mechanism as described in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not there is a history of S signal transmission in the past (402),
When it is determined that the S signal has not been transmitted in the past, the S signal is transmitted to the host computer (403).
The host computer, to which the S signal is sent, sends a signal to the other image forming apparatuses B to F to confirm whether or not it is after the order reference date t _{B to} t _E (404). Receiving this signal, each image forming apparatus calculates the toner consumption speed of each image forming apparatus, and estimates the toner expiration date. FIG. 11 shows the toner consumption with respect to time of the image forming apparatuses B to E at this time. The date when the toner life of each image forming apparatus becomes the life is estimated from the graph, and a certain period t ₀
The preceding is the order reference date (t _{B to} t _E ), and it is determined whether the present time is after the order reference date. From FIG. 11, the current point (black triangle in the figure) is after the order reference date is C
And E image forming apparatus (407). At the same time as the S signal is transmitted from the image forming apparatuses C and E to the host computer, the history of the S signal transmission is stored in its own storage means.

From these, the host computer received the S signal for a total of three image forming apparatuses A, C, and E, and the consumables for these three units were connected to the network from the host computer ordering system. An order request is transmitted to the order receiving side via the server (408).

In the present embodiment, the toner is given as an example of the consumable item, but the same effect can be obtained for other consumable items such as the photosensitive drum and the waste toner container, and the present invention can be applied. it can.

As described above, by setting the ordering standard for consumables to a certain period before the life of the consumables, there is no wasteful inventory management that is managed long after the ordering, and
Multiple consumables can be ordered, and transportation costs can be reduced.

The present invention has been described with reference to the first and second embodiments as examples, but will be further described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In addition, FIG. 13 is a case where the processing flow of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is further developed and applied to a case of a replacement part (consumable product) such as a photosensitive drum that does not include a consumable material such as toner. The processing flow of is shown. In addition, FIG.
The processing flow of the host computer in this invention is shown, and each step of each flowchart is as follows.
The central processing unit (CPU) provided in the device
It is assumed that the program code stored in the non-volatile storage means provided in the device itself is read, and the processing is performed according to the processing based on the read program code.

In FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus normally repeats step S1201 and step S1205. When the image forming apparatus receives a command from the network, steps S1201 to S1 are performed.
The process proceeds to 202, where it is checked whether the command reception is an inquiry from the host regarding a consumable item (consumable component). If not, the process proceeds to step S1203, and the process corresponding to the command is executed. In step S1203, if the host makes an inquiry about consumables (consumable parts), the process advances to step S1204,
Here, the remaining amount of the consumable item is checked. At this time, if it is not detected that the consumables remaining amount is lower than the preset order reference value p, step S120.
5, and then returns to the first step S1201.

When toner low is detected in step S1205, the flow advances to step S1211, and it is checked whether or not an order has already been placed for this consumable item (consumable part). If the order has been placed, the process returns to step S1201 and the above-described processing is repeated.

If it is detected in step S1204 that the remaining amount of consumables is lower than the preset order reference value p, the flow advances to step S1211.

If it is determined in step S1211 that the order has not been placed, the flow advances to step S1212 to send an order signal to the host computer via the network.
At the same time, the ordering is set for the consumables (consumable parts) corresponding to the transmitted ordering signal.

As described above, when the toner low is detected, the order signal is sent at the discretion of the image forming apparatus unless the order has been placed. On the other hand, the ordering with the remaining amount of the consumables <the ordering reference value p is executed only when the host computer makes an inquiry. In either case, after the ordering signal is transmitted, the ordering setting is made for the consumable item (consumable part) corresponding to the ordering signal. It is obvious that steps 1204 to S1212 are provided corresponding to each of a plurality of consumable parts. Here, when a consumable item (consumable part) is newly replaced,
Not ordered.

As described above, FIG. 13 shows a processing flow of the image forming apparatus when a replacement part such as a photosensitive drum that does not include a consumable material such as toner is used. The idea is the same as in the case of the process cartridge shown in FIG. In the case of the photosensitive drum, the order reference date p predicted from the actual usage results up to that point is used for the order reference value p in the case of the process cartridge. And toner lo
The parameter corresponding to w can be a life date set later than the order reference date. Alternatively, the parameter may not be a mere date, but may be a parameter relating to the operating time of the photosensitive drum, the rotation speed, or the like.

The basic flow of the processing shown in FIG.
Similar to FIG. 12, steps S1304 and S1305
, "Whether the remaining amount of consumables <order reference value p?" Is "whether the order reference date has passed?", And "toner low detection?" Is "life date or life time". ? "
It is only. Therefore, description of FIG. 13 is omitted.

The processing on the host computer side in the consumable goods order management system of the present invention is performed in step S of FIG.
1402, S1411, and S1412 are representative. In step S1401, it waits for command reception. When the command is received, the content of the command is confirmed, and when it is not the order signal from the image forming apparatus, the process according to the command is executed. In step S1402,
In the case of an order signal for a consumable item (consumable part) from the image forming apparatus, the order signal is stored, and step S141
In step 1, an inquiry about consumables is made to another image forming apparatus. At this time, the image forming apparatus confirms, as described above, "remaining expendables <order reference value p?" Or "whether the order reference date has passed?" The order signal is transmitted to the host computer as described above.

Upon receiving the order signal from each image forming apparatus, the process proceeds to step S1412, an order list is created based on each order signal, and the list is sent to the order receiving side server shown in FIG. 6 via the network. Send it.
Then, the order history is stored, and a guidance display indicating that the order has been placed is displayed, for example, for a specific host.
It is done in any suitable way. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 8, in the creation of the order list, the order history is included in the order signal, and it is determined whether or not the order history is included in the order list depending on whether the order history has been ordered. It is also conceivable that the host computer performs various processes. Specifically, when the order history indicates that the order has already been placed, the corresponding consumable item can be excluded from the order list.

In the above description, it is desirable that the S signal, that is, the order signal, includes the part number, model number, etc. for ordering consumables.

As described above, the main point of the present invention is that when ordering a consumable item, the ordering condition is unconditionally ordered and the order is unconditionally ordered by another image forming apparatus. It will be appreciated that we have established two criteria, a joint ordering standard for ordering together. It will be understood that, as a parameter for these criteria, for example, when a consumable material such as toner is included, an amount related to the remaining amount thereof, a due date, an elapsed operating time, or the like can be used. Needless to say, set values or real time clocks for comparison and comparison are prepared according to the above-mentioned parameters.

According to the present invention, a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus is supplied.
It is needless to say that it can be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape non-volatile memory. -A card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS or the like running on the computer is executed based on the instruction of the program code. Part or all of the actual processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by that processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is instructed. Based on this, a CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing can also realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

The present invention is also applicable to the case where the program is delivered to a requester from a storage medium recording the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication. It goes without saying that it can be applied.

[0137]

As described above, according to the consumable goods order management system of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses equipped with a consumable goods remaining amount detecting means capable of detecting the remaining amount of consumable goods, In a consumables order management system that is connected to a host computer via a network and manages the ordering status of consumables for the image forming apparatus provided in the host computer, In addition to the detection that informs the user that the remaining amount is low, there is an order reference remaining amount that determines the necessity of ordering consumables. When it is detected that the remaining amount of the product is low, it is possible to order the total number of consumables of the image forming device and other image forming devices that exceed the order reference remaining amount. That. Therefore, it is possible to realize an efficient ordering without having to make another order for a single product immediately after the order for a single product. Then, the image forming apparatus that has ordered the consumable item due to exceeding the order standard remaining amount detects that the consumable item in use is low in the consumable item remaining amount detecting means. However, we do not order consumables.

With the above configuration, by placing not only the consumables with a small remaining amount but also the order reference remaining amount and the consumables exceeding the ordering standard remaining amount, it is possible to reduce the number of single-item orders. This makes it possible to reduce transportation costs and easily manage inventory of consumables.

In addition to the detection by the consumable item remaining amount detecting means to inform the user that the remaining amount of the consumable item is low, the order reference date for determining the necessity of ordering the consumable item is set for each image forming apparatus. Since any one of the image forming apparatuses detects that the consumable item remaining amount detecting means has run short of the remaining amount of the consumable item, the image forming apparatus and another image exceeding the order reference date are provided. The total number of consumables with the forming device can be ordered. Therefore, even when the remaining amount detecting means can detect only a small amount of remaining power, it can be easily realized when the internal real time clock is included. In addition, the image forming apparatus that has ordered the consumable item due to exceeding the order reference date detects that the consumable item in use is running low by the consumable item remaining amount detection means. Does not order consumables.

The order reference date is set on the basis of the estimated life of a consumable item, which is the life of the consumable item, and a predetermined period before the life of the consumable item is estimated.

With the above configuration, by setting the ordering standard to a certain period before the life of the consumable item, inventory management can be completed within a certain period, and long-term management can be dispensed with.

Also, for replacement parts that do not have consumables but are treated as consumables, an order reference date for determining the necessity of ordering consumables and a deadline for unconditionally placing an order are provided. Similarly, efficient orders can be placed for consumables that do not include the consumables.

By placing an order for a plurality of consumable supplies from the host computer to the order receiving side through the network, the ordering procedure can be performed only on the host computer, and the order can be easily completed.

Further, the image forming apparatus or the program thereof, the server or the program thereof, or the medium capable of obtaining the same effects as described above can be used.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross section of a process cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toner remaining amount detecting means.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a pixel count.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an image signal and a reference signal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of network connection between an ordering side and an order receiving side.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configurations of an image forming apparatus and a host computer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a consumable goods order management system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a toner consumption amount of an image forming apparatus, time, and an order reference value.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a consumable goods order management system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between a toner consumption amount and time of the image forming apparatuses B to E according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow when the process flow of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is further developed and applied to a case of a replacement part that does not include a consumable item such as a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a host computer in the consumable goods order management system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 photosensitive drum 2 charging roller 3 Development sleeve 5 developer container 6 Cleaning means 7 Developer (toner) 8 Development blade 9 Antenna plate A 10 Antenna plate B 28 Toner level detection circuit 31 Comparison Capacitor 32 Capacitance detection circuit 33 Capacitance detection circuit 34 Comparator 35 processing circuit 36 power supply 51 developing device 53 Cleaning container 100 process cartridges 101 scanner unit 102 folding mirror 103 cassettes 104 recording material 105 paper feed roller 107 transfer roller 109 fixing device 111 transport means 112 mounting means 201 controller 202 engine driver 203 CPU 204 counting section 205 Light control unit 206 Drive system high voltage control circuit 207 Laser diode 208 storage means 500 Image forming apparatus main body 501 host computer 502 network 503 Ordering server 1

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/60 318 G06F 17/60 318G (72) Inventor Takayuki Namiki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Canon F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 BB10 HH03 HJ08 HK11 HN05 HN15 2H027 EJ08 EJ09 EJ15 HB01 HB17 ZA07 5B021 AA01 NN00

Claims (39)

[Claims] 1. A consumables order management system comprising a host computer connected to a network and a plurality of image forming apparatuses provided with consumables, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises Outputting first detection information indicating a result of comparison between a first parameter indicating information related to the amount and a first set value determined in advance, and further outputting a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item. Consumables detection means for outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a predetermined second set value, the host computer based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part. Means for transmitting first ordering information representing an ordering of the consumable part via the network, receiving a signal from the host computer, and transmitting the first detection information and the first detection information. Means for transmitting second order information indicating an order for the consumable part to the host computer based on serial information, the host computer receiving the first order information from the image forming apparatus. First
Inputting means for inputting the second ordering information to the other image forming apparatus when receiving the first ordering information, from the first and second inputting means A consumables order management system, comprising: an ordering unit that generates a list of the consumable parts of each of the image forming apparatuses based on the input information and orders through the network. 2. The consumables order management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus changes the related information when the order information is transmitted to the host computer. 3. The first and second parameters are information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item, the first and second set values are different, and the second set value is the first set value. The consumables order management system according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount is less than the set value of 1. 4. The first parameter is a date determined in consideration of the consumption of the consumable item, and the second parameter is information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item. The consumables order management system according to claim 1, wherein the change of the second detection information is set to be delayed later than the change of the first detection information. 5. The consumables order management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the host computer is connected to a consumables order receiving server through a network and transmits consumables order information. Consumables order management system. 6. A consumables order management system including a host computer connected to a network and a plurality of image forming apparatuses including consumables, wherein the image forming apparatus uses the consumables. Outputting first detection information indicating a result of comparison between a first parameter indicating information related to the progress and a first set value determined in advance, and further outputting a second parameter related to the use progress of the consumable item. Consumables detection means for outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a predetermined second set value, the host computer based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part. Means for transmitting first ordering information representing an ordering of the consumable parts via the network to the first detection information in response to a signal from the host computer. And means for transmitting to the host computer second order information indicating an order for the consumable part based on the related information, the host computer sending the first order information from the image forming apparatus. First to receive
Inputting means for inputting the second ordering information to another image forming apparatus when the first ordering information is received, from the first and second inputting means A consumables order management system, comprising: an ordering means for generating a list of the consumable parts of each of the image forming apparatuses based on the input information and ordering through the network. 7. The consumable goods order management system according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus changes the related information when the order information is transmitted to the host computer. 8. The first and second parameters are information regarding a due date, the first and second set values are different, and the second set value indicates a later date than the first set value. 7. The consumable goods order management system according to claim 6, wherein: 9. The first and second parameters are information relating to operating time or the number of times of driving, the first and second set values are different, and the second parameter is more important than the change of the first detection information. 7. The consumables order management system according to claim 6, wherein the change of the detection information of is set so as to be delayed with time. 10. The consumable goods order management system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the host computer is connected to a server on the consumable goods ordering side through a network and transmits consumable goods order information. Consumables order management system. 11. An image forming apparatus connected to a network, the first parameter indicating a result of comparison between a first parameter indicating information related to the remaining amount of a consumable item and a predetermined first setting value.
Consumables detection means for outputting detection information of the second parameter, and further outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison between a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable and a second preset value. Means for outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; and receiving a signal from the network, An image forming apparatus comprising: a unit that outputs second order information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network based on the first detection information and the related information. 12. The related information is order history information indicating whether or not the consumable item has been ordered. When the order history information indicates ordered, the first or second order is placed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein information is not output. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the related information is changed when the order information is output to the network. 14. The first and second parameters are information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item, the first and second set values are different, and the second set value is the first set value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the remaining amount is less than the set value of 1. 15. The first parameter is a date determined in consideration of the consumption of the consumable item, and the second parameter is information obtained by detecting the remaining amount of the consumable item. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the change of the second detection information is set to be delayed later than the change of the first detection information. 16. An image forming apparatus which is communicable to a management apparatus which performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, and when the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus receives an order instruction from the management apparatus. In response to an inquiry from the management device as to whether or not to place an order collectively, when the remaining amount of consumables is less than or equal to a predetermined amount and the order history information does not indicate that the order has been placed, the management device places an order collectively. An image forming apparatus having an output unit for outputting ordering information for instructing. 17. An image forming apparatus connected to a network, comprising: a first parameter indicating a result of comparison between a first parameter indicating information relating to a usage history of a consumable item and a first preset value. Consumable item detecting means for outputting detection information, and further for outputting second detection information indicating a result of comparison between a second parameter related to the use history of the consumable item and a second preset value, Means for outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; and a means for receiving a signal from the network, Means for outputting to the network second order information indicating an order of the consumable part to the host computer based on first detection information and the related information. Image forming apparatus. 18. The related information is order history information indicating whether or not the consumable item has been ordered. When the order history information indicates ordered, the first or second order is placed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein information is not output. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the related information is changed when the order information is output to the network. 20. The first and second parameters are information regarding a due date, the first and second set values are different, and the second set value indicates a later date than the first set value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: 21. The first and second parameters are information regarding operating time or the number of times of driving, and the first parameter
The second set value is different from the second set value, and the change of the second detection information is set to be delayed later than the change of the first detection information. Image forming apparatus. 22. An image forming apparatus that is communicable to a management apparatus that performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, when the ordering instruction is issued to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus. In response to an inquiry from the management device as to whether or not to place an order collectively, if the inquired consumables have been used for a predetermined period of time and there is no order history, the management device collectively places an order. An image forming apparatus having an output unit for outputting ordering information for instructing. 23. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a network, which receives a first parameter indicating information related to the remaining amount of a consumable item and compares the first parameter with a predetermined first set value. Outputting first detection information indicating a result, and second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a second set value determined in advance by receiving a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item. And a first output step of outputting first ordering information indicating an ordering of the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part, A second output step of receiving a signal from the network and outputting second order information indicating an order of the consumable part to the network based on the first detection information and the related information. Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by obtaining. 24. A control method for a communicable image forming apparatus, wherein a management apparatus which performs an ordering process through a predetermined communication line receives an ordering instruction to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus. At the time of receiving an inquiry from the management device as to whether or not to collectively place an order, when the step is executed, the remaining amount of consumables is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, and the order history information indicates that the order has been placed. And an output step of outputting ordering information collectively instructing the management apparatus when not displaying the ordering information, the method of controlling the image forming apparatus. 25. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a network, which receives a first parameter indicating information related to a usage history of a consumable item and compares the first parameter with a predetermined first set value. Outputting first detection information indicating a result, and second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a second set value determined in advance by receiving a second parameter related to the usage history of the consumable item. And a first output step of outputting first ordering information indicating an ordering of the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part, A second output step that receives a signal from the network and outputs second order information indicating an order of the consumable part to the network based on the first detection information and the related information. Method of controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising a flop. 26. A method of controlling a communicable image forming apparatus, wherein a management apparatus for ordering processing is instructed via a predetermined communication line, and an order is issued to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus. At the time of receiving an inquiry from the management device as to whether or not to collectively place an order, when the step is executed, the consumption of consumables has passed a predetermined elapsed period and there is no order history. In this case, an output step of outputting ordering information for collectively instructing an order to the management apparatus is provided. 27. A management device connected to a network, comprising: first input means for receiving individual ordering information relating to consumables from each image forming apparatus; and another unit when receiving the individual ordering information. Second input means for making an inquiry to the image forming apparatus to receive joint ordering information regarding consumables, and a list of the consumable parts for each image forming apparatus based on the information inputted from the first and second input means. A management apparatus, comprising: an ordering unit that generates and orders via the network. 28. The independent ordering information is independently ordered by the ordering unit even when the joint ordering information is not received by the second input unit. Management device described. 29. The management apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the ordering means sends the ordering information of the consumable item to a server on the ordering side of the consumable item connected through a network. 30. A program executed in an image forming apparatus connected to a network, which receives a first parameter indicating information related to a remaining amount of a consumable item and has a first set value determined in advance. Means for outputting first detection information indicating a result of comparison with the second parameter indicating a result of comparison with a second set value determined in advance by receiving a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item. A unit for outputting detection information; a unit for outputting first ordering information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; To output a second order information indicating an order of the consumable part to the network based on the first detection information and the related information. Consumable order management program. 31. A program executed in an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus that performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, and an ordering instruction to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus is issued. A means for accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when there is a consumable item, the management when the remaining amount of consumables is less than or equal to a predetermined amount and the order history information does not indicate that an order has been placed. A consumables order management program that functions as an output unit that outputs order information that collectively instructs the apparatus to place an order. 32. A program executed in an image forming apparatus connected to a network, which receives a first parameter indicating information related to a usage history of a consumable item and has a first set value determined in advance. Means for outputting first detection information indicating a comparison result of the second detection, and a second detection indicating a comparison result with a second set value determined in advance by receiving a second parameter related to the use progress of the consumable item. Means for outputting information; means for outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; In response to the signal, based on the first detection information and the related information, second order information indicating an order for the consumable part is issued to the network from the host computer. Consumable order management program for causing the means function as, for. 33. A program executed by an image forming apparatus communicable to a management apparatus that performs an ordering process via a predetermined communication line, wherein an ordering instruction to the management apparatus of another image forming apparatus is issued. A means for accepting an inquiry as to whether or not to collectively place an order from the management device when there is a consumable item, and the management device collects when the usage history of consumables has passed a predetermined elapsed time and there is no order history. A consumables order management program that functions as an output unit that outputs order information that instructs the ordering. 34. A program executed in a management device connected to a network, the first input means receiving independent ordering information relating to consumables from each image forming apparatus, and the first ordering information. Secondly, when receiving the second order, the other image forming apparatus is instructed to receive the joint order information regarding the consumable item.
Input means, an ordering means for generating a list of the consumable parts of each image forming apparatus based on the information input from the first and second input means, and ordering through the network. Product order management program. 35. An image forming apparatus connected to a network receives a first parameter indicating information relating to a remaining amount of a consumable item, and represents a result of comparison with a predetermined first set value. Outputting a first detection information, receiving a second parameter related to the remaining amount of the consumable item, and outputting a second detection information indicating a result of comparison with a second preset value. Outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on the second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part; receiving a signal from the network; Storing a program for executing, based on the first detection information and the related information, outputting second order information indicating an order for the consumable part to the network. Computer readable storage medium. 36. The management device when an ordering process is performed via a predetermined communication line, when an ordering instruction is issued to the management device of another image forming device in the communicable image forming device. From the management device when the remaining amount of consumables is less than or equal to a predetermined amount and the order history information does not indicate that the order has been placed. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the step of outputting order information. 37. An image forming apparatus connected to a network receives a first parameter indicating information relating to a usage history of a consumable item, and represents a first comparison value with a first preset value. Outputting the detection information of the second parameter, receiving the second parameter related to the usage history of the consumable item, and outputting the second detection information indicating the result of comparison with the second preset value. Outputting first ordering information representing an order for the consumable part to the network based on second detection information and related information associated with the consumable part, receiving a signal from the network, and receiving the signal from the network. Outputting second ordering information representing an ordering of the consumable part to the host computer based on the detection information 1 and the related information, to the network. Computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed. 38. The management device when an ordering process is made via a predetermined communication line to a management device that performs an ordering process when an order is issued to the management device of another image forming device in a communicable image forming device. Order to receive an inquiry about whether or not to place an order collectively from the management device, order information that collectively instructs the management device to place an order when the usage history of consumables has passed a predetermined elapsed time and there is no order history A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the step of outputting. 39. A first input step of receiving independent ordering information relating to consumables from each image forming apparatus in a management apparatus connected to a network, and another image when receiving the first ordering information. Second, instructing the forming device to receive the joint order information regarding the consumables
And an ordering step of generating a list of the consumable parts of each image forming apparatus based on the information input from the first and second input means and placing an order through the network. Computer readable storage medium.