JP2002019147A - Ink cartridge recovery device and residual ink property redemption system for ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When one color of a cartridge provided with a plurality of ink tanks becomes empty, a user is reimbursed for the goods price according to the remaining ink, and thereby the ink cartridge is collected.・ Promote recycling. SOLUTION: At least a cartridge recognizing means 12 for specifying a maker of the ink cartridge 14, a cartridge separating means (1321, 1322) for separating the ink cartridge 14 according to the maker, and a separated ink cartridge 14 are housed. It is characterized by having a collection container (1331 to 1335) for performing the collection.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink cartridge recovery device for an ink-jet printer and a residual ink reimbursement system, and more particularly to a replenishment system in which one color of a cartridge having a plurality of ink tanks is emptied. In some cases, the user may be reimbursed for the price of the remaining ink, and thereby collect and recover the ink cartridge.
Further, the present invention relates to the above-mentioned collection device and goods price repayment system capable of promoting recycling.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink cartridges used in ink jet printers have components that can be recycled (reused). For example, recently, some ink cartridges are provided with an IC memory (with an integrated circuit such as a memory attached), which is recyclable. Some ink cartridges include ink tanks of a plurality of colors. In this type of ink cartridge, when a certain color ink tank becomes empty, it becomes unusable, but the ink remaining in the empty tank is recyclable. In addition, the plastic parts of the ink cartridges
By processing such as shaping, it can be used in other industrial fields (for example, used as a building structure).

[0003] Accordingly, it is desired to promote the collection of used ink cartridges from the viewpoint of recycling. Recently, a recovery box for disposing of used ink cartridges is provided at a store or the like, and an infrastructure for collecting the ink cartridges is also being improved.

[0004]

In the case where the collection box of the ink cartridge is provided for each maker, the user sometimes puts the ink cartridge into a collection box of a different maker by mistake. If there is no collection box corresponding to the ink cartridge to be discarded, the user cannot stop and
In some cases, an ink cartridge is put into a collection box of a different manufacturer. For this reason, it becomes difficult to separate the ink cartridges for each manufacturer, and the promotion of the above-mentioned various recycling is hindered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge collecting apparatus for an ink jet cartridge and a goods reimbursement system capable of separating and collecting ink cartridges for each manufacturer. And

[0006] The present invention is also directed to a case where one color of a cartridge having a plurality of ink tanks becomes empty.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the above-mentioned collection device and the above-mentioned goods price redemption system which can redeem the goods price according to the remaining ink to the user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide the above-mentioned collection device and the above-mentioned goods reimbursement system which can promote the collection and recycling of the ink cartridge.

[0008]

The ink cartridge collecting apparatus of the present invention is generally used for collecting used ink cartridges, and requires at least a manufacturer of ink cartridges (hereinafter referred to as "cartridges"). It is characterized by having a cartridge recognizing means for specifying, at least a cartridge separating means for separating the cartridge according to a maker, and a storage means for storing the separated ink cartridge.

According to the present invention, there can be further provided a cartridge setting means for setting a used cartridge. In this case, the cartridge recognition means can be a shape recognition means provided with a camera. Techniques for this shape recognition means include object rotation and rotation.
A well-known pattern recognition method such as movement, enlargement, or reduction can be used.

The cartridge recovery device of the present invention is also applicable to a device for recovering a cartridge (a cartridge having one or more ink tanks) provided with an IC memory capable of recording at least the remaining amount of ink.

The characteristics of this cartridge recovery device are as follows.
(1) cartridge recognition means for specifying a maker and type of a cartridge; (2) cartridge data acquisition means for acquiring at least ink remaining amount data from an IC memory; When it is acquired, the property value information recording means (point card information reading / writing device) for recording the ink remaining amount data or property value data corresponding to the ink remaining amount on a recording target such as a point card as property value information. Etc.), (4) at least a cartridge separating means for separating the cartridges according to the manufacturer, and (5) a storing means for storing the separated ink cartridges.

In the case of a color cartridge, the remaining ink data recorded on the recording target can be one data for all colors, or two data of black and color. it can.

[0013] In the cartridge collection device of the present invention, the goods price information recording means can write the goods price information concerning a plurality of cartridges as accumulated points on the point card.

Further, the cartridge collecting apparatus of the present invention may further include a means for issuing a securities corresponding to the above-mentioned property value information, for example, a securities issuing means (a securities issuing printer, etc.).

Further, in the cartridge collection device of the present invention, instead of providing the valuable issue means for issuing the valuable securities, it is also possible not to provide the goods price information recording means.

In addition, in the cartridge collecting apparatus of the present invention, the cartridge sorting means can sort the cartridge by a user according to a maker. In this case, I can record the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge.
When the C memory is provided, the cartridge recognizing means may specify the maker of the cartridge depending on whether or not the IC memory can be accessed. Further, the storage means can be constituted by, for example, a box, a bucket, a basket, a bag, or the like for collecting by each maker.

[0017] The remaining ink goods redemption system of the present invention comprises:
This is a system in which a plurality of cartridge recovery devices are connected to a host device via a network, and redeems a good price corresponding to the remaining ink amount to a user who enjoys the redemption profit according to the remaining ink amount of the cartridge.

The features of the residual ink property reimbursement system of the present invention are as follows: (1) The cartridge collection device does not require the property price information recording means as an essential component, and the property collection information transfer means does not. Requirements. When the cartridge data acquisition unit acquires the remaining ink data, the wealth information transfer unit transfers the ink remaining amount data or the wealth data corresponding to the remaining ink amount to the host device as the wealth information. (2) the host device has a price information receiving means and a database, and the price information receiving means receives the price information from the price information transfer means of the cartridge collection device, and receives the price information. Sometimes, this is recorded in a database for each recipient of the redemption profit.

[0019] In the residual ink goods redemption system of the present invention, a user terminal computer may be connected to the network. The user of the redemption profit accesses the database of the host device from the user terminal computer,
Refers to its own price information and issues securities (usually,
Issue by mail or the like).

[0020]

1A to 1C are explanatory views showing a first embodiment of a cartridge recovery apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the cartridge collection device 1 (FIG. 1)
(The whole is shown only in (C)).
Setting means (set opening 1)
1) It has a cartridge recognizing means 12 for specifying a maker and a type of the cartridge 14, and a cartridge separating and collecting means 13 for separating the cartridge 14 according to the maker. In the present embodiment, the cartridge recognition unit 12
Is composed of a camera 121, a shape recognizing unit 122, and a shape / dimension database 123. Further, the cartridge sorting and collecting means 13 includes a rotating mechanism 1321 and a baffle plate 132.
2, which constitute the cartridge sorting means of the present invention. Further, the cartridge sorting and collecting means 13
Are collection containers 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334
And these constitute the accommodating means of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, when the cartridge 14 is set in the setting slot 11, as shown in the cartridge setting process of FIG.
2 starts. As a result, as shown in the cartridge recognition process of FIG. 1B, the camera 121 captures an image of the cartridge 14 and the captured data is stored in the shape recognition unit 12.
2 is sent. The shape recognizing unit 122 compares the image data with the shape / dimension data stored in the shape / dimension database 123 and specifies the type of the cartridge 14 (this also specifies the manufacturer except in the case of OEM). .

The setting of the cartridge 14 into the setting port 11 is performed in various modes as exemplified in FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (C). 2A to 2C, the imaging direction of the camera 121 is indicated by a white arrow α. Silhouettes having a plurality of shapes and dimensions exemplified in FIGS. 3A to 3C are registered in the shape and size database 123, and the type of the cartridge 14 can be specified by a well-known shape recognition method. .

When the type of the cartridge is specified in this way, as shown in the cartridge separation and recovery process of FIG. 1C, the corresponding manufacturer (Company E, Company X, Company Y)
, 1332, 133
3, 1334, and when the type of the cartridge is not specified (that is, when the maker is not recognized), the cartridge is distributed and collected in the collection container 1335 for non-recognized maker. In FIG. 1C, the baffle plate 1322 is
The cartridge 14 is configured to be distributed to predetermined collection containers by appropriately rotating each of the cartridges 21.

4 (A), (B), FIG. 5 (A)-
(D), FIGS. 6, 7 (A), (B), and FIG. 8 are views showing a second embodiment of the cartridge recovery device of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge collection device 2 includes a cartridge setting unit (a setting port 2).
1), display section 22, point card reading / writing means ("goods information recording means" or "information reading / writing device for information written in the storage area of the point card" in the present invention) 23, cartridge return port 24, cartridge set Confirm button 251, Data write confirm button 25
2. It has a return button 253 and a collection button 254. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge collecting device 2 includes a cartridge recognizing unit 26, a cartridge data acquiring unit 27, and a cartridge sorting unit as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E. (Here, the handler 28).

As shown in FIG. 4B, the cartridge 6 used in this embodiment is provided with an IC memory 61 capable of recording the remaining amount of ink, and a plurality of ink tanks (here, four color ink tanks). Ink tanks 621 to 624)
It has.

Hereinafter, the operation of the cartridge recovery device 2 will be described with reference to the process diagrams of FIGS. 5A to 5E and the flowchart of FIG.

First, as shown in the cartridge setting process of FIG. 5A, the cartridge 6 is set in the setting port 21. When the cartridge setting confirmation button 251 shown in FIG. 5A is pressed, the cartridge recognizing means 26 is activated, and the cartridge recognizing process shown in FIG. 5B is executed (see step S101 in FIG. 6). The cartridge recognition unit 26 includes a camera 261 and a shape recognition unit 2
62 and a shape / size database 263. As in the first embodiment, the camera 261 captures an image of the cartridge 6, and the captured data is transmitted to the shape recognition unit 262.
Sent to The shape recognizing means 262 compares the imaging data with the shape / dimension data stored in the shape / dimension database 263, and specifies the type of the cartridge 6.
In addition, the cartridge 6 by the cartridge recognizing means 26 is used.
The specific method of the type is the same as the method performed by the cartridge recognizing means 12 in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description is omitted. In the present embodiment, the shape recognition unit 262
Has also acquired information on the direction in which the cartridge 6 is set in the setting port 21.

When the type of the cartridge 6 is recognized,
The cartridge recognition information C_ACK is sent to the handler 28, and the cartridge data acquisition process shown in FIG. 5C is executed (see step S103 in FIG. 6). In addition,
The processing differs depending on whether the type of the cartridge 6 is recognized or not (see step S102 in FIG. 6), and the case where the type is not recognized will be described later (see steps S108 to S110 in FIG. 6). In the cartridge data acquisition process, a handler 28 as shown in FIG. 5C is used.

The handler 28 includes a handler control unit 28
1 and a robot hand 282. Upon receiving the cartridge recognition information C_ACK described above, the handler control unit 281 sends the cartridge 6 to the robot hand 282.
The part where the IC memory 61 is not provided is gripped. Since the cartridge recognition information C_ACK contains information on the direction in which the cartridge 6 is set in the setting port 21, the robot hand 282
Can hold a portion where the IC memory 61 is not provided.
Is set in the cartridge data reading bank 4, and the IC memory 61 is brought into contact with the contact terminal 271 of the IC memory. The robot hand 282
Insert the cartridge 6 into the cartridge data reading bank 4
7A is a side view of FIG. 7A and FIG.
This is shown in the plan view of FIG.

The cartridge data C_DATA from the contact terminal 271 is supplied to the cartridge data reading circuit 2
Read by 72. The contact terminal section 271 and the cartridge data reading circuit 272 constitute the cartridge data obtaining means 27. Cartridge data C_
DATA includes ink remaining amount information for each color. The cartridge data reading circuit 272 determines whether or not the cartridge data C_DATA has been obtained (see step S104 in FIG. 6). Here, “when the cartridge data C_DATA has been acquired” means, for example, that at least one of the plurality of ink tanks 621 to 624 (see FIG. 4B) is empty (the ink remaining amount is zero or zero). If close to zero). Conversely, if the cartridge data C_DATA cannot be obtained
Means that the cartridge data reading circuit 272 is completely
If the C memory 61 cannot be accessed or, for example, none of the plurality of ink tanks 621 to 624 (see FIG. 4B) is empty, the cartridge data C_DATA is acquired by the cartridge data reading circuit. 272 is refused.

The cartridge data reading circuit 272 includes:
When the cartridge data C_DATA is obtained,
A back point (goods price information) is calculated from the remaining ink data in C_DATA (see step S105 in FIG. 6).

The calculation result, that is, the back point information BP_INF is sent to the point card reading / writing means (goods information recording means) 23, and the goods price information writing process shown in FIG. 5D is executed. In the price information writing process, the back point information BP_INF to the point card 7 by the point card reading / writing means 23 is written.
Is written (see step S106 in FIG. 6). The ink remaining amount data or the goods price data recorded on the point card 7 may be one data for all colors, for example, may be different data for each color, and further, the first color and the second color may be different. One data, 3
The first color and the fourth color may be another one data, or the first color may be one data and the second to fourth colors may be one data.

The point card 7 is, as shown in FIG.
The ID number, name data, collection date / time, acquired point data, back point total value, and the like are written. The back point information BP_INF is written as collection date / time, acquired point data, and the back point total value is updated.

On the other hand, the cartridge data C_DATA includes maker information Maker_INF. The maker information MAKER_INF is sent from the cartridge data reading circuit 272 to the handler control unit 281 of the handler 28. Thus, the cartridge collection process shown in FIG. The handler control unit 281 sends the cartridge 6 to the robot hand 282.
Is collected in a predetermined collection container (indicated by reference numeral 8 in FIG. 5E) (see step S107 in FIG. 6).

(1) If the type of the cartridge 6 is not recognized in step S102, (2) step S
At 104, the cartridge data reading circuit 272
However, if the cartridge data C_DATA has not been obtained, the following processing is performed. First, FIG.
A message as to whether or not to return the cartridge 6 is displayed on the display unit 22 in (A) (step S108 in FIG. 6).
reference). When the user operates the return button 253,
The subsequent processing is different from the case where the collection button 254 is operated (see step S109 in FIG. 6). When the user operates the return button 253, the cartridge 6 is returned to the cartridge return port 24 (step S in FIG. 6).
When the user operates the collection button 254, the cartridge 6 is collected in a collection container (not shown) for which the manufacturer has not been recognized (see step S107 in FIG. 6).

In the second embodiment, the cartridge collection device 2 is provided with a point card reading / writing means 23. In the second embodiment, the cartridge collection device 2
The point card read / write means 23 can be omitted. In this case, the cartridge collection device is provided with a printer that issues, for example, valuable securities of an amount corresponding to the goods price data.

FIGS. 9 to 12, FIGS. 13A to 13D, and FIGS. 14 to 16 show a third embodiment of the cartridge collecting apparatus of the present invention.
It is a figure showing an embodiment. In the present embodiment, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge collection device 5 includes a cartridge setting unit (setting unit 51), a contact terminal unit 52, a display unit 53, and a point card reading / writing unit (“goods information recording unit” or “point card Device for reading and writing information written in storage area ") 5
4. First collection box B, second collection box C (FIG. 14)
16, shutters 551 and 552 are provided), a first lamp button switch 561, a second lamp button switch 562, and a cartridge data reading circuit 57. Note that, in the present embodiment, the two collection boxes B and C are the “storage means” in the present invention.
It is.

The cartridge 6 used in this embodiment is
As with the cartridge 6 used in the second embodiment, an IC memory 61 capable of recording the remaining amount of ink is provided, and a plurality of ink tanks (the four color ink tanks 621 to 624 shown in FIG. Have.

A contact terminal section 52 is formed on the inner side surface of the set section 51, and the contact terminal section 52 is connected to a cartridge data reading circuit 57. When a cartridge 6 conforming to the setting section 51 is set in the setting section 51, the IC memory 61 contacts the contact terminal section 52 and can read the remaining ink amount data recorded in the IC memory 61.

Various kinds of displays such as a back point display and operation instructions to the user are displayed on the display unit 53. Further, the point card reading / writing means 54 can read user information, point information, and the like from the point card 7 and can newly write point information and the like.

Only when the first lamp button switch 561 is lit, the shutter 5 of the first collection box B
51 can be opened and closed. When the second lamp button switch 562 is turned off or lit,
The shutter 552 of the second collection box C can be opened. The second lamp button switch 562 is turned on only when the shutter 5 of the second collection box C is turned on.
52 can be closed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the cartridge recovery device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, a process diagram of FIG. 13, and flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15.

When the cartridge 6 has not been set in the setting section 51 (specified by the character of A), as shown in FIG. Please set it with the mouth facing down. If you cannot set it, press the button of C. "is displayed.

When the user sets the cartridge 6 in the setting section 51 as shown in FIG. 10 according to the above display (see the user action A01 and FIG. 13A),
Access to the IC memory 61 is performed (S201).

When this access is made, a cartridge data acquisition process (see FIG. 13B) is executed,
The cartridge data reading circuit 57 reads the cartridge data C_DATA from the IC memory 61, and stores the back point information BP_INF and the maker information Maker.
_INF is output to a CPU (not shown).

That is, first, it is determined whether or not the access to the IC memory 61 is possible (S202). If the access is successful, the display unit 53 prompts the user to insert the point card 7 by saying "insert a point card". please do it."
Is displayed (S203). When the user inserts the point card 7 into the point card reading / writing means 54 (user action A02), a back point (goods price information) is calculated (S204), and when the back point is displayed this time (S205), the first ramp button is displayed. The switch 561 is turned on to instruct the user to turn on (S20).
6).

Next, the cartridge collection process (FIG. 13)
(See (C)). That is, when the user turns on the first lamp button switch 561 (user action A03), the shutter 551 of the first collection box B opens as shown in FIG. 11 (S207). Then, the display unit 53 prompts the user to instruct the discarding of the cartridge 8 and to turn on the first lamp button switch 561. “Take out the cartridge from the set port of A, put it in the collection box of B, and press the button of B. Is displayed (S208).

Next, the goods price information recording process (FIG. 13)
(Refer to (D)). That is, the user discards the cartridge 6 and sets the first lamp button switch 561 to O.
When N (user action A04), the shutter 551 of the first collection box B is closed (S209), and point data is written to the point card 7 (S210).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. "Please take out the point card. This time, back point xxx, back point total yyy. Thank you."

On the other hand, when the user turns on the second lamp button switch 562 in accordance with the display on the display unit 53 shown in FIG. 9, the shutter of the second collection box C is opened (S211). Also, in step S202, the shutter of the second collection box C is opened even when the IC memory 61 cannot be accessed (S211). Although not shown, the display unit 53 displays the cartridge 7
For discarding, and the second lamp button switch 562
Is displayed to instruct the user to turn on (S21)
2). When the user discards the cartridge 7 and turns on the second lamp button switch 561 (user action A05), the shutter 552 of the second discard box B closes (S213), and the process ends.

In this embodiment, the maker information MAKER_INF and the like are obtained from the IC memory 61. However, the maker information and the like can be obtained by using another method. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a bar code 61 'is attached to a cartridge 6' (composed of a plurality of ink tanks 621 'to 624'), and maker information MAKER_INF or the like is described in the bar code 612 '. You can also put it. In this case, cartridge setting means (setting unit 5)
A bar code reader 52 'is provided in 1').

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of a system for reimbursing the residual ink value of a cartridge according to the present invention.
The remaining ink property reimbursement system 9 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of cartridge collection devices 91, a host device 92, and a plurality of user terminal computers 93 connected to a network 100.
It is configured to be connected to. Cartridge recovery device 9
As shown in FIG. 18A, reference numeral 1 denotes a goods price information transfer unit 91 in place of the point card read / write unit 23 in the above-described cartridge collection device 2 (see FIGS. 4 to 7).
1 is added. Therefore, the details of the cartridge collection device 91 will not be described. In addition, the host device 92 includes a goods price information receiving unit 921 and a database 922, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cartridge collection device 91, and FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the host device 92. Steps S301 to S304 in FIG.
Steps S307 and S307 are performed in step S2 in the second embodiment of the cartridge recovery apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG.
Steps S308 to S3 in FIG. 19 are the same as steps 101 to S104 and S107.
The processes up to 10 are performed in step S108 in the second embodiment of the cartridge recovery device of the present invention shown in FIG.
This is the same as the processes up to S110.

In this embodiment, in step S304, cartridge data acquisition means (see FIG. 5C)
When the cartridge data C_DATA is obtained (when the remaining ink data is obtained from the remaining ink data), the price information transfer unit 911 transmits the ink remaining data or the price corresponding to the remaining ink amount. The data (goods information) is transferred to the host device 92 (S305).

The host device 92, as shown in FIG.
When the goods price information is received from the goods price information transfer means 911 of the cartridge collection device 91 via the goods price information receiving means 921 (S401), a back point is calculated from this (S402), and the user of the goods redemption profit is received. Is recorded in the database 922 (S403). This database 9
In 22, a back point is written as an accumulated point over a plurality of cartridges.

In addition, according to the accumulated points of the price information,
The securities are issued by mail or the like to the beneficiaries of the property price redemption.

In the residual ink property redemption system 9 shown in FIG. 17, the user who operates the user terminal computer 93 accesses the database 922 of the host device 92 from the user terminal computer 93 and receives his or her own price. You can refer to information.

[0058]

(1) The cartridges can be sorted and collected for each manufacturer.

(2) When the tank of a single-color (monochrome) ink cartridge becomes empty, or when one of a plurality of ink tanks of a color ink cartridge becomes empty, the user is notified of the remaining ink. The corresponding goods can be redeemed.

(3) The collection and recycling of the cartridge can be promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are explanatory views showing a first embodiment of a cartridge collection device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A shows a cartridge setting process, FIG. 1B shows a cartridge recognition process, and FIG. It is a figure showing a collection process.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating various modes of setting a cartridge into a setting port.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams showing silhouettes used when specifying the type of a cartridge. FIGS.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the cartridge recovery device of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a cartridge used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a process diagram in a second embodiment,
(A) is a diagram showing a cartridge setting process, (B)
FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a cartridge recognition process, FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a cartridge data acquisition process, FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a goods price information writing process, and FIG. 4E is a diagram showing a cartridge collection process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the cartridge collection device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a side view showing a state in which the robot hand sets a cartridge in a cartridge data reading bank, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a loyalty card used in a second embodiment and recorded contents thereof.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state before a cartridge is set in a setting section in a third embodiment of the cartridge recovery device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a cartridge is set in a setting unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shutter of a first collection box is opened by a user turning on a first lamp button switch in a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a back point is displayed on a display unit and a cartridge collection process is completed in the third embodiment.

13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a cartridge collection process according to the third embodiment, wherein FIG. 13A illustrates a cartridge setting process, FIG. 13B illustrates a cartridge data acquisition process, and FIG. 13C illustrates a cartridge collection process. (D) is a diagram showing a goods price information recording process.

FIG. 14 is a partial flowchart of a cartridge collection process according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining part of the cartridge collection process according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of acquiring maker information and the like using a barcode instead of the IC memory in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a residual ink property redemption system for a cartridge according to the present invention.

18A is a diagram schematically illustrating the cartridge collection device in FIG. 17; FIG. 18B is a diagram schematically illustrating the host device in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the cartridge collection device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the host device of FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 5 cartridge collection device 4 cartridge data reading bank 6, 6 ', 14 cartridge 7 point card 8 collection container 9 remaining ink goods redemption system 11, 21 set port 12 cartridge recognition means 13 cartridge separation collection means 22 display Unit 23 Point card read / write means 24 Cartridge return port 26 Cartridge recognition means 27 Cartridge data acquisition means 28 Handler (cartridge separation means) 51, 51 'Set part 52 Contact terminal part 52' Barcode reader 53 Display part 54 Point card read / write means 57 Cartridge data reading circuit 61 IC memory 62 'Barcode 91 Cartridge collection device 92 Host device 93 User terminal computer 100 Network 121 Camera 122 Shape Identification means 123 Shape / dimension database 251 Cartridge set confirmation button 252 Data write confirmation button 253 Return button 254 Collection button 261 Camera 262 Shape recognition means 263 Shape / dimension database 271 Contact terminal section 272 Cartridge data reading circuit 281 Handler control section 282 Robot hand 551 First shutter 552 Second shutter 561 First lamp button switch 562 Second lamp button switch 621 to 624, 621 'to 624' Ink tank 911 Value information transfer means 921 Value information reception means 922 Database 1321 Rotating mechanism 1322 Baffles 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334, 1335
Collection container

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. At least a cartridge recognizing means for specifying a maker of an ink cartridge, at least a cartridge separating means for separating the ink cartridge according to a maker, and a storing means for storing the separated ink cartridge. An ink cartridge collection device, characterized in that: 2. The ink cartridge collecting device according to claim 1, further comprising cartridge setting means for setting an ink cartridge, wherein the cartridge recognizing means is a shape recognizing means provided with a camera. 3. An IC capable of recording at least a remaining amount of ink.
An ink cartridge collection device provided with a memory, a cartridge recognizing unit for specifying a maker and a type of the ink cartridge, a cartridge data obtaining unit for obtaining at least ink remaining amount data from the IC memory, the cartridge data obtaining Means for recording, when the ink remaining amount data is obtained, the ink remaining amount data or property value data corresponding to the ink remaining amount in a recording target as property value information, at least the ink An ink cartridge recovery device, comprising: cartridge separation means for separating a cartridge according to a maker; and storage means for storing the separated ink cartridge. 4. The ink cartridge recovery device according to claim 3, further comprising cartridge setting means for setting an ink cartridge, wherein said cartridge recognition means is a shape recognition means provided with a camera. 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the recording object is a point card, and the goods price information recording means is a device for reading and writing information written in a storage area of the point card. Or the ink cartridge recovery device according to 4. 6. A method according to claim 3, wherein said goods price information recording means writes said goods price information concerning a plurality of ink cartridges as accumulated points on said point card. Ink cartridge recovery device. 7. The system according to claim 5, further comprising a securities issuing means for issuing securities corresponding to the goods price information written on the point card.
3. The ink cartridge recovery device according to claim 1. 8. An IC capable of recording at least the remaining amount of ink
An ink cartridge recovery device provided with a memory, a cartridge recognizing means for specifying a maker and a type of the ink cartridge, a cartridge data obtaining means for obtaining at least ink remaining amount data from the IC memory, the cartridge data When the obtaining means obtains the remaining ink data, the value of the remaining ink data or the value of the price corresponding to the remaining ink amount is a value-issuing means for issuing valuable securities; An ink cartridge recovery device, comprising: cartridge separation means for separating a cartridge according to a manufacturer; and storage means for storing the separated ink cartridge. 9. The ink cartridge collecting device according to claim 8, further comprising cartridge setting means for setting an ink cartridge, wherein said cartridge recognizing means is a shape recognizing means provided with a camera. 10. At least cartridge recognizing means for specifying a maker of the ink cartridge, at least cartridge separating means for separating the ink cartridge by a user according to the maker, and storing means for storing the separated ink cartridge. An ink cartridge recovery device comprising: 11. The ink cartridge is provided with an IC memory, and the cartridge recognizing means includes an IC memory.
2. A manufacturer of the ink cartridge is specified based on whether or not the C memory can be accessed.
0. The ink cartridge recovery device according to 0. 12. An ink cartridge recovery device provided with an IC memory, which is connected to a host device via a network, and according to the remaining ink amount of the ink cartridge, a price corresponding to the remaining ink amount is provided. A system for redeeming a product price redemption benefit receiver, wherein the ink cartridge collecting device obtains at least ink remaining amount data from the IC memory, cartridge recognition means for specifying a maker and a type of the ink cartridge. Cartridge data obtaining means, at least, cartridge separating means for separating the ink cartridge according to a manufacturer, and when the cartridge data obtaining means obtains ink remaining amount data, the ink remaining amount data or the ink remaining amount The price data according to the A price information transfer unit configured to transfer the price information to the host device, wherein the host device receives the price information from the price information transfer unit of the ink cartridge collection device; And a database for recording the information for each of the goods reimbursement profit recipients when the information is received. 13. An ink cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising cartridge setting means for setting an ink cartridge, wherein said cartridge recognition means is a shape recognition means provided with a camera. Redemption system. 14. The ink price reimbursement system for ink cartridges according to claim 12, wherein the price information on a plurality of ink cartridges is written as accumulated points in the database. . 15. The redemption of the remaining ink property of the ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the security is issued to the receiver of the redemption profit according to the accumulated points of the price information. system. 16. The user terminal computer is connected to the network, and the user of the redemption profit accesses the database of the host device from the user terminal computer, and receives his / her own price information. 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the reference is issued and the securities are issued.