Recycling system and recycling method

(54) RECYCLING SYSTEM AND RECYCLING METHOD

(75) Inventors: Tatsuo Tani, Chiba (JP); Kiyoshi Sakai, Tokyo (JP); Yasushi Akiba, Tokyo (JP); Shohzoh Miyawaki, Saitama (JP); Teruzo Hasumi, Saitama (JP); Mitsuaki Urakawa, Kanagawa (JP); Tetsuo Yamaoka, Kanagawa (JP); Hisashi Ishijima, Kanagawa (JP); Hiroyasu Itou, Tokyo (JP)

(73) Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo (JP)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/460,763

(22) Filed: Dec. 14, 1999

(30) Foreign Application Priority Data

Dec. 15, 1998 (JP) 10-356816

(51) Int. CI.7 G06F 19/00

(52) U.S. CI 700/97; 700/95; 705/29

(58) Field of Search 700/95-97, 99-101,

700/103-106; 209/1-3; 703/1; 705/29

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

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5,880,959 A * 3/1999 Shah et al 700/97

5,965,858 A * 10/1999 Suzuki et al 209/630

6,006,045 A 12/1999 Miyawaki

A recycling system has a recycle information memory database for storing as recycle information, the information on all reutilizable products such as products produced or used under the management ol the system, products treated as wastes, and products currently being used in the market. A virtual recycle product designing section is provided for estimating times when the reutilizable products are recovered as products usable for recycling as well as their volumes, based on the recycle information stored in the recycle information memory database. A production scheduling section is provided for setting a production schedule of a recycle product using the reutilizable products based on the estimated times and volumes.

49 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets