Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Fumihiko Itoh

Tsutomu Kawase

Michiaki Shinotsuka

Masahiko Itoh

Tadanori Ryu

Yasuyuki Nakamura

Kei Inaba

An identification information transmitter encrypts identification information for identifying a person or an object using an encryption key, transmits the encrypted identification information, and, after receiving another encryption key, switches the encryption key from the encryption key to the other encryption key. A server receives the encrypted identification information from the identification information transmitter, determines whether the encryption key is to be switched, and, if the encryption key is to be switched, generates the other encryption key. Another server authenticates the identification information that an identification information receiver receives from the identification information transmitter, and, if authentication is successful, acquires the other encryption key from the server, and transmits the other encryption key to the identification information receiver. The identification information receiver, when receiving the other encryption key from the second server, transmits the other encryption key to the identification information transmitter.

Communications system and communications method

An information distribution system includes a sound wave transmitter, a mobile terminal, and an information distribution device. The sound wave transmitter transmits identification information to identify the sound wave transmitter. The mobile terminal receives the identification information and transmits the identification information to the information distribution device. The information distribution device is configured to transmit distribution information related to the identification information received from the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal. The information distribution device counts a number of the mobile terminal that transmits each identification information every predetermined period and identification information and transmits the distribution information to the mobile terminal that transmits the identification information in which the number of the mobile terminal reaches a predetermined number.

Information distribution system

A disclosed ink cartridge includes a primary ink room and at least one secondary ink room arranged adjacent to the primary ink room, which rooms are configured to store ink therein. An ink supplying needle is made to pierce through the secondary ink room in such a manner that at least a needle hole provided in the ink supplying needle reaches the primary ink room so as to suction the ink from the primary ink room through the needle hole and supply the ink to an inkjet recording head via an ink supplying path. As the ink supplying needle is pulled out from the primary ink room, the needle hole passes through the secondary ink room so that the ink supplying needle can suction the ink from the secondary ink room.

Growing community of inventors

Kanagawa, Japan

Fumihiko Itoh