Image forming system

Abstract

To optimize issuance timing of a maintenance notification more than before.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus transmits an operation history to a server device. The server device analyzes the operation history and input information and generates an analysis result. When the analysis result satisfies a notification condition, the server device issues a maintenance notification. The server device determines reliability of the analysis result on the basis of the operation history and transmits a message for requesting additional input information when the reliability is less than a request threshold. The image forming apparatus or a terminal device receives the message and transmits a response to the message to the server device. The server device controls the notification condition on the basis of the input information acquired as a response to the message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a server device, a program, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a server analyzes the maintenance history or operation history of an image forming device and issues a notification to prompt maintenance at an appropriate timing based on the analysis results (Patent Documents 1 and 2). This allows users to use the image forming device smoothly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-049759 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-071657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is assumed that the server can collect sufficient maintenance history or operation history. Conversely, if the server cannot obtain sufficient maintenance history, the timing of issuing a maintenance notification may not be appropriate. For example, in order to optimize the timing of a maintenance notification for a fixing unit, a maintenance history indicating when maintenance of the fixing unit was last performed is necessary. However, if the maintenance person forgets to input or transmit the maintenance history, the server cannot store the correct maintenance history. In this case, the server will issue a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance is required even for a fixing unit that has recently been maintained. Therefore, the present invention aims to optimize the timing of issuing a maintenance notification more than before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to, for example, a first analysis means for analyzing an operation history of an image forming apparatus and input information input from the image forming apparatus or a terminal device; an issuing means for issuing a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus is required when the analysis result of the first analysis means satisfies a notification condition; a second analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus and determining a reliability of the analysis result of the first analysis means; a transmitting means for transmitting a message requesting input of further input information to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device when the reliability is less than a threshold value; a control means for controlling the notification condition based on the input information acquired as a response to the message; An image forming system having the following features is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the timing of issuing a maintenance notification can be made more appropriate than before. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printer. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining functions of the image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first analysis unit. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining a parts list, an analysis result, and a correction table. [Figure 7] A diagram explaining the UI. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second analysis unit. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating an operation history. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an analysis method. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing how notifications and UI are displayed. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining functions of the image forming system. [Figure 14] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining analysis history, replacement information, maintenance information, and determination rules. [Figure 15] A diagram explaining the UI. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second analysis unit. [Figure 17] A diagram explaining the UI. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first analysis unit. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating an exchange history. [Figure 20] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an analysis method. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first analysis unit. [Figure 22] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an abnormal noise analysis result and a method for determining a reliability. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second analysis unit. [Figure 24] A diagram explaining the UI. [Diagram 25] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <Example 1> [Image forming device] As shown in Fig. 1, the printer 100 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the electrophotographic method is merely an example, and other recording methods such as an inkjet recording method and a thermal transfer method may be adopted. The printer 100 outputs a color image by overlapping four color toners, namely, yellow "Y", magenta "M", cyan "C", and black "K". In Fig. 1, the letters YMCK are added to the end of the reference numbers, but when matters common to the four colors are explained, the letters YMCK are omitted from the reference numbers.

[0010] The process cartridge 5 has a toner container 6 that contains toner. The process cartridge 5 also has a photosensitive drum 1 that is an image carrier. The process cartridge 5 also has a charging roller 2, a developing roller 3, a cleaning blade 4, and a waste toner container 7.

[0011] The photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow. A predetermined negative voltage (charging voltage) is applied to the charging roller 2, which charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to a predetermined negative potential. A laser unit 8 is disposed below the process cartridge 5. The laser unit 8 is an exposure device or optical scanning device that irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with light based on an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 3 adheres toner supplied from a toner container 6 to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. A predetermined negative voltage (developing voltage) is applied to the developing roller 3.

[0012] The intermediate transfer unit is composed of an intermediate transfer body 11, a drive roller 12, a tension roller 13, and an opposing roller 15. The intermediate transfer body 11 is, for example, an endless belt. The drive roller 12 is a roller that rotates the intermediate transfer body 11. The tension roller 13 and the opposing roller 15 are rollers that rotate following the intermediate transfer body 11.

[0013] A primary transfer roller 10 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer body 11, facing the photosensitive drum 1. A transfer voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 10. As the photosensitive drum 1 rotates, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transported to the primary transfer nip. The primary transfer nip is a position where the photosensitive drum 1 and the primary transfer roller 10 face each other. The primary transfer roller 10 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer body 11. As a result, the YMCK toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer body 11 to form a full-color image. The cleaning blade 4 is a cleaning member that cleans the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 and collects it in the waste toner container 7. The feeding unit 20 is composed of a feeding cassette 21, a feeding roller 22, a conveying roller 23, a separation roller 24, and the like. The feeding cassette 21 stores a plurality of sheets S. The feeding roller 22 feeds the sheet S from the feeding cassette 21 to the conveying path. The conveying roller 23 conveys the sheet S further downstream on the conveying path. The separation roller 24 separates one sheet S from the multiple sheets S.

[0014] The registration roller pair 25 is disposed further downstream of the feeding unit 20 on the conveying path. The registration roller pair 25 corrects skew of the sheet S conveyed from the feeding unit 20 and conveys the sheet further downstream. A sheet sensor 27 is disposed downstream of the registration roller pair 25. The sheet sensor 27 detects the arrival of the leading edge of the sheet S and the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet S passes by.

[0015] A secondary transfer roller 14 is provided further downstream of the pair of registration rollers 25. The secondary transfer roller 14 is disposed to face an opposing roller 15, and forms a secondary transfer nip in cooperation with the intermediate transfer body 11. The secondary transfer roller 14 transfers a toner image from the intermediate transfer body 11 to the sheet S. To promote the transfer of the toner image, a positive voltage (secondary transfer voltage) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 14.

[0016] A fixing unit 30 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer nip. The fixing unit 30 has a fixing film 31 and a pressure roller 32, and applies heat and pressure to the sheet S and the toner image, thereby fixing the toner image onto the sheet S. A pair of discharge rollers 33 is provided downstream of the fixing unit 30. The pair of discharge rollers 33 discharges the sheet S to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

[0017] The detection result of the sheet sensor 27 is used to determine whether the sheet S has arrived early or late. An early arrival means that the sheet S arrives at the sheet sensor 27 earlier than the scheduled timing. A late arrival means that the sheet S arrives at the sheet sensor 27 later than the scheduled timing. These phenomena may be called a conveyance error. If the sheet sensor 27 cannot detect the sheet S even after the feeding roller 22 retries feeding, it is determined that a jam of the sheet S has occurred.

[0018] The sound collector 71 has, for example, a microphone that receives sound waves. The sound collector 71 is disposed between the sheet sensor 27 and the secondary transfer roller 14. The sound collector 71 may have a MEMS microphone. MEMS is an abbreviation for Micro Electro Mechanical System. The MEMS microphone is a converter that converts vibration of a diaphragm caused by pressure into a voltage change. Note that the sound collector 71 may be a microphone of another type, such as a condenser microphone, as long as it is capable of receiving sound waves.

[0019] [Image formation system] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware of the printer 100, the server device 200, and the client device 250. The server device 200 is capable of communicating with one or more printers 100 and one or more client devices 250 via a network such as the Internet. The server device 200 is a computer (information processing device) responsible for the maintenance and management of one or more printers 100. The client device 250 is a computer capable of communicating with the server device 200 via the network, and can be operated, for example, by a maintenance person at a dealer or an administrator of the printer 100. The dealer is, for example, a company that sells the printer 100 and a company that maintains the printer 100.

[0020] The printer 100 has a video controller 211, an operation unit 212, and a printer engine 213. The video controller 211 is an integrated circuit or a control circuit board including a communication circuit that receives image data from a host computer or an image scanner, an image processing circuit that converts the image data to generate an image signal for the printer engine 213, and a CPU. CPU is an abbreviation for central processing unit. The video controller 211 can communicate with the server device 200 via the communication circuit. The operation unit 212 includes a display device that displays information to the user, and an input device that accepts input of instructions from the user. The input device may be realized by a touch panel sensor that detects the touch of the user. Therefore, the operation unit 212 may be called an operation panel. The input device may also include a power switch and an operation button. The video controller 211 transmits an image signal and a print instruction to the printer engine 213. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. EL is an abbreviation for electroluminescence.

[0021] The printer engine 213 includes an engine control unit 216, a system bus 214, and an IO port 215. IO is an abbreviation for input / output. The engine control unit 216 includes a CPU 80, a storage device 81, and a timer 82. The storage device 81 includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM area of ​​the storage device 81 stores programs and various data. The RAM area is used as a working area. The timer 82 may include a real-time clock (RTC), a counter circuit, etc.

[0022] The CPU 80 executes a program to realize various functions. The CPU 80 receives the detection result of the sheet sensor 27 or the sound collector 71 via the system bus 214 and the IO port 215, and supplies drive signals to the motors M1-M4. A drive circuit that generates drive currents for the motors M1-M4 may be provided between the IO port 215 and the motors M1-M4. The motor M1 is a motor that drives the feed roller 22. The motor M2 is a motor that drives the photoconductor drum 1K. The motor M3 is a motor that drives the photoconductor drums 1Y, 1M, and 1C. The motor M4 is a motor that drives the pressure roller 32 and the fixing unit 30 (fixing film 31). The CPU 80 can access replaceable parts (e.g., the process cartridge 5 and the fixing unit 30) via the IO port 215 and read the serial IDs stored in the memory 35 of the parts. In this way, the CPU 80 monitors whether the parts have been replaced.

[0023] The server device 200 has a server control unit 201. The server control unit 201 is a control board including a CPU 85, a storage device 86, a communication circuit 202, and a timer 203. The CPU 85 executes a program stored in the storage device 86 and reads and writes various data. The CPU 85 includes a CPU core and a GPU core. GPU is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The storage device 86 includes a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). The CPU 85 may realize a virtual environment according to a program, and the server may be implemented by this virtual environment. The server control unit 201 can exchange information with the engine control unit 216 via a video controller 211. The server control unit 201 exchanges information with a monitoring tool 260 realized by a client device 250 through a network such as the Internet. The communication circuit 202 includes a circuit for communicating with the printer 100 and the client device 250. The timer 203 may include a real-time clock (RTC), a counter circuit, and the like.

[0024] The client device 250 is a computer having a CPU 87, a storage device 88, an operation unit 89, and a communication circuit 252. The client device 250 may be any of a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. The CPU 87 is a processor that functions as a monitoring tool 260 by executing a program stored in the storage device 88. The storage device 88 may include a RAM, a ROM, a HDD, and an SSD. The operation unit 89 includes a display device (liquid crystal display) and an input device (keyboard, mouse, touch detection sensor, etc.). The communication circuit 252 includes a circuit for communicating with the server device 200. The monitoring tool 260 receives information from the server control unit 201 and displays the received information on the operation unit 89. The monitoring tool 260 may be realized by a PC or a server computer, or may be implemented in a virtual environment such as a virtual machine. The monitoring tool 260 may refer to the program itself executed by the CPU 87, may refer to an instance of the program, or may refer to the client device 250 itself.

[0025] [Function of Example 1] 3 shows an example of functions implemented in the engine control unit 216, the server control unit 201, and the monitoring tool 260. The functions of the engine control unit 216 are realized by the CPU 80 executing a program stored in the ROM area of ​​the storage device 81. The functions of the server control unit 201 are realized by the CPU 85 executing a program stored in the storage device 86. The functions of the monitoring tool 260 are realized by the CPU 87 executing a program stored in the storage device 88.

[0026] When the engine control unit 216 receives a print instruction from the video controller 211, it outputs a drive instruction for the motors M1-M4 to the drive unit 311. The drive unit 311 drives the motors M1-M4 according to the drive instruction. The drive unit 311 specifies the drive target based on the drive instruction, and acquires the drive date and time when the drive target is driven from the timer 82. The drive unit 311 outputs the drive target and the drive date and time to the creation unit 312, or stores them in the storage device 81. The drive unit 311 drives the motor M1 to rotate the feed roller 22, the conveyance roller 23, and the registration roller pair 25. The motor M2 drives the drive roller 12 to rotate the intermediate transfer body 11. The motor M2 also rotates the photosensitive drum 1K. The motor M3 rotates the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, and 1C. The motor M 4 drives the pressure roller 32 , the fixing film 31 of the fixing unit 30 , and the pair of discharge rollers 33 .

[0027] The sound collector 71 outputs a sound signal corresponding to the volume of the collected sound to the conversion unit 313. The conversion unit 313 converts the input sound signal into a sound level indicating the volume of the sound. The conversion unit 313 may include an amplifier circuit that amplifies the sound signal and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0028] The creation unit 312 collects the sound level and information indicating the driving state of each of the motors M1-M4 (hereinafter, actuator information) and creates an operation history. The creation unit 312 may obtain the date and time when the sound level was measured (hereinafter, measurement date and time) from the timer 82 and include it in the operation history. The creation unit 312 also refers to the driving date and time included in the actuator information, and includes actuator information having a driving date and time corresponding to the measurement date and time in the operation history. If there is no actuator that was operating at the measurement date and time, there is no actuator information having a driving date and time that matches the measurement date and time. In this case, the creation unit 312 saves "none" in the operation history. The operation history is temporarily stored in the RAM area of ​​the storage device 81.

[0029] The transmission unit 314 collects the operation history from the creation unit 312 or the storage device 81 and transmits it to the video controller 211. The communication processing unit 315 of the video controller 211 transfers the operation history to the server control unit 201.

[0030] 4 shows an example of the operation history. The server control unit 201 saves the operation history in the storage device 86. The operation history includes the measurement date and time, the name of the actuator that was operating at the measurement date and time, and the sound level measured at the measurement date and time.

[0031] When a sufficient amount of operation history has been accumulated in the storage device 86, the first analysis unit 301 analyzes the presence or absence of abnormal sounds based on the operation history. For example, the first analysis unit 301 may determine an abnormal sound threshold (notification threshold T) based on input information provided from the input processing unit 303, and analyze whether a sound level (abnormal sound level N) determined from the operation history is equal to or higher than the abnormal sound threshold. The notification unit 305 transmits the analysis result of the first analysis unit 301 to the monitoring tool 260 or the printer 100.

[0032] The second analysis unit 302 analyzes whether the analysis result of the first analysis unit 301 is reliable. For example, the second analysis unit 302 may calculate the reliability C of the analysis result based on the operation history and the input information. If the reliability C is low (for example, if the reliability C is less than a threshold), the request unit 304 transmits a message to the monitoring tool 260 or the printer 100 requesting re-input or supplement of the input information.

[0033] The display control unit 361 of the monitoring tool 260 displays the analysis results and a message on the display device of the operation unit 89. The reply unit 362 accepts input of information required to set the notification threshold T through the input device of the operation unit 89, and displays the input information on the input processing unit 303.

[0034] The input processing unit 303 stores the input information in the storage device 86, and provides the input information to the first analysis unit 301 and the second analysis unit 302. The first analysis unit 301 updates the notification threshold T based on the new input information, and re-analyzes the operation history based on the updated notification threshold T.

[0035] 5 shows details of the first analysis unit 301. In the first embodiment, the inside of the printer 100 is logically divided into a plurality of areas and managed. An area is a spatial region or range set for identifying the source of an abnormal sound.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 6(A), the multiple areas include, for example, a feeding area, a printing area, and a fixing area. The feeding area is an area where rotating bodies (e.g., feeding roller, transport roller, registration roller) driven by motor M1 are arranged. The printing area is an area where rotating bodies (e.g., photoconductor drums 1K, 1Y, 1M, 1C) driven by motors M2 and M3 are arranged. The fixing area is an area where rotating bodies (e.g., pressure roller, fixing unit) driven by motor M4 are arranged.

[0037] The area discrimination unit 501 refers to the actuator information registered in the operation history and determines in which area the actuator was operating. For example, the area discrimination unit 501 outputs an area ID that is identification information of the area in which the actuator is operating. In the following, the area ID is represented by a variable I. Based on the area ID, it becomes possible to distinguish the sound level acquired when the actuator is operating independently.

[0038] The reference calculation unit 502 obtains a reference level R(I) used to obtain the abnormal sound level N for each area based on the operation history. For example, the reference calculation unit 502 may obtain the reference level R(I) as an average value of X sound levels obtained at the start of measurement. For example, X=5. The reference level R(I) is stored in the storage device 86. The start of measurement may be, for example, when the printer 100 is installed in the user environment, when the notification threshold T is set, or when the first record is obtained in the operation history. The reference level R(I) is obtained from a sound level measured when an actuator arranged in the Ith area among the multiple areas is operating independently.

[0039] The abnormal sound acquisition unit 503 acquires an abnormal sound level N(I) based on the sound level measurement result S(I) and the reference level R(I). The measurement result S(I) may be an average value of the most recently measured Y sound levels. For example, Y=5. The measurement result S(I) is obtained from a sound level measured when an actuator arranged in the Ith area among the multiple areas is operating independently. The abnormal sound level N(I) in the Ith area is calculated, for example, by the following formula.

[0040] N(I) = S(I) - R(I) (1) 6B shows an example of calculation of the reference level R(I) and the abnormal noise level N(I), which are calculated for each area from the operation history shown in FIG.

[0041] The abnormal sound determination unit 505 determines the presence or absence of an abnormal sound for each area based on the calculated abnormal sound level N(I) and the notification threshold T set by the threshold setting unit 504. If the abnormal sound level N(I) is equal to or greater than the notification threshold T, the abnormal sound determination unit 505 determines that an abnormal sound is occurring in the Ith area. If the abnormal sound level N(I) is less than the notification threshold T, the abnormal sound determination unit 505 determines that no abnormal sound is occurring in the Ith area.

[0042] The notification unit 305 may transmit a message (analysis result) indicating the source of the abnormal sound to the monitoring tool 260. The message may include a statement urging the manager or the like to check the area identified as the source of the abnormal sound. For example, the message may include the statement "An abnormal sound may be occurring in the fixing area." In order to eliminate the abnormal sound, it may be necessary to replace a part. In this case, the manager or the like may recognize the part that needs to be replaced from the message displayed on the operation unit 89 and place an order for the part.

[0043] The threshold setting unit 504 determines the notification threshold T based on the initial threshold Td and the input information. For example, Td=80. The input information is acquired by the reply unit 362 and the input processing unit 303.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows an example of a UI700 displayed on the operation unit 89. UI is an abbreviation of user interface. The UI700 is displayed when the printer 100 is installed and when the reliability of the analysis result is low. The UI700 includes a message inquiring of a user (e.g., an administrator) about the operation sound of the printer 100. The answer may be input in a multiple-choice format. The radio button 701 is a button for selecting the user's opinion (e.g., bothersome, normal, not bothersome) regarding the volume of the operation sound. The answer button 702 is a button for instructing that the answer selected by the user is sent to the server control unit 201 as input information. Here, the operation sound of the printer 100 is adopted, but the input information may be generated about the environmental sound in the installation environment of the printer 100.

[0045] FIG. 6C is a table showing the relationship between input information and threshold correction value b. This table is stored in storage device 86. If the input information is "annoying", correction value b is -5. If the input information is "normal", correction value b is 0. If the input information is "not annoying", correction value b is +5. In this way, if the environment in which printer 100 is installed is one in which the operating noise is annoying to the user, it is an environment in which abnormal noises are noticeable. Therefore, the notification threshold T is corrected or updated so that the occurrence of abnormal noises is notified early.

[0046] T = Td + b (2) When the initial threshold Td is 80 and the correction value b is −5 (worried), the threshold T is 75. Therefore, a maintenance notification is issued earlier.

[0047] Fig. 8 shows the details of the second analysis unit 302. The second analysis unit 302 calculates the reliability C of the analysis result output from the first analysis unit 301. The environmental sound acquisition unit 801 acquires the sound level acquired when all actuators are not operating from the operation history as the current environmental sound level E1. In the operation history shown in Fig. 4, the sound level of a record in which "None" is written in the actuator column is acquired as the environmental sound level E1. Note that the environmental sound level E1 may be the average value of Y environmental sound levels acquired in the most recent period.

[0048] The initial value acquisition unit 802 acquires an initial value E0 of the environmental sound level acquired when the printer 100 is installed from the operation history. The initial value E0 may be an average value of X environmental sound levels acquired when the printer 100 is installed. The initial value E0 may be the environmental sound level acquired when the input information is input. In this manner, the initial value E0 may be updated.

[0049] A difference unit 803 calculates the difference Ed between the current environmental sound level E1 and the initial value E0.

[0050] Ed = E1 - E0 (3) The reliability C may be calculated, for example, from the following formula:

[0051] C = 1 / Ed (4) The larger the difference Ed, the greater the change in the environmental sound level. In other words, the higher the possibility that the installation environment has changed. For example, the printer 100 may have been moved from a noisy environment to a quiet environment. This suggests that the degree to which the operating sound was bothersome at the time the input information was collected is different from the degree to which the operating sound is bothersome at present. If the first analysis unit 301 were to obtain an analysis result using the previous notification threshold value T, the analysis result would not reflect the degree to which the operating sound is bothersome at present. Therefore, the reliability C of the analysis result would decrease, and a maintenance notification would be issued at an inappropriate time.

[0052] Therefore, if the difference Ed is equal to or greater than the environmental threshold value Eth, the change determination unit (reliability determination unit) 804 determines that the reliability C of the analysis result is low. That is, if the reliability C is less than the reliability threshold value Cth, the change determination unit 804 determines that the reliability C is low. If the difference Ed is less than the environmental threshold value Eth, the change determination unit 804 determines that the reliability C is high. That is, if the reliability C is equal to or greater than the reliability threshold value Cth, the change determination unit 804 determines that the reliability of the analysis result is high. Note that the environmental threshold value Eth is set to, for example, 80.

[0053] In this way, in the first embodiment, the occurrence of a contradiction between the input information indicating the degree to which the operation sound is bothersome and the measurement result of the environmental sound may be defined as a "decrease in reliability" of the analysis result. In the first embodiment, if the difference Ed is equal to or greater than the environmental threshold Eth and the environment in which the user previously answered "worried" has changed to a noisier environment, the notification threshold T may be inappropriate. Therefore, the second analysis unit 302 may determine that the analysis result is "unreliable." If the reliability C is low, the request unit 304 sends a message to the monitoring tool 260 requesting input of the input information. As a result, the input information is updated and the notification threshold T is corrected to an appropriate value.

[0054] For example, if the input information is "I don't mind," the correction value b is determined to be +5, as shown in FIG. 6(C). Therefore, the notification threshold T after correction becomes 85. In other words, the notification threshold T suited to the current installation environment is set in the first analysis unit 301. As a result, the timing of issuing maintenance notifications will be optimized, and parts will be replaced at the appropriate time. Furthermore, unnecessary service dispatches will also be suppressed.

[0055] [flowchart] (1) Printer 100 9 is a flowchart showing a control method executed by the CPU 80 of the engine control unit 216. When the CPU 80 receives a print instruction, it executes the following processes according to a program.

[0056] In S901, the CPU 80 (drive unit 311) drives the motors M1-M4 in accordance with a print instruction to start feeding the sheet S. The drive unit 311 creates actuator information and stores it in the storage device 81.

[0057] In S902, the CPU 80 (conversion unit 313) measures sound waves by controlling the sound collector 71. The conversion unit 313 creates measurement information including the measurement date and time and the sound wave level, and stores it in the storage device 81.

[0058] In S903, the CPU 80 (creation unit 312) creates an operation history based on the actuator information and the measurement information. As shown in Fig. 4, the operation history includes the measurement date and time, the actuator, and the sound level.

[0059] In S904, the CPU 80 (transmission unit 314) transmits the operation history to the server device 200. The operation history is transmitted when a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied. The transmission condition may be any of a request from the server device, an operation history record being obtained, a predetermined time being reached, and the like.

[0060] In S905, the CPU 80 determines whether printing is complete. When image formation on all sheets S based on the print instruction is completed, the CPU 80 determines that printing is complete. If printing is not completed, the CPU 80 advances the process to S901.

[0061] (2) Server device 200 FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing an abnormal sound notification method (first analysis method) executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200 in accordance with a program.

[0062] In S1001, the CPU 85 stores the operation history transmitted from the engine control unit 216 in the storage device 86.

[0063] In S1002, the CPU 85 (first analysis unit 301) determines whether the operation history can be analyzed. For example, the first analysis unit 301 determines whether the number of operation histories stored in the storage device 86 is equal to or greater than an analyzable number (e.g., 5). If analysis is not possible, the CPU 85 advances the process to S1001. If analysis is possible, the CPU 85 advances the process to S1003.

[0064] In S1003, the CPU 85 (first analysis unit 301) reads the operation history from the storage device 86, and analyzes the abnormal sound based on the operation history. For example, the first analysis unit 301 determines the presence or absence of an abnormal sound by obtaining an abnormal sound level N(I) and comparing the abnormal sound level N(I) with a notification threshold T. If the notification threshold T is 75 and the abnormal sound level N(I) is 80, the CPU 85 determines that an abnormal sound is present.

[0065] In S1004, the CPU 85 (first analysis unit 301 or notification unit 305) determines whether the notification condition is satisfied based on the analysis result. If the analysis result suggests the occurrence of an abnormal sound, the CPU 85 determines that the notification condition is satisfied. If the analysis result does not suggest the occurrence of an abnormal sound, the CPU 85 determines that the notification condition is not satisfied. If the notification condition is satisfied, the CPU 85 advances the process to S1005. If the notification condition is not satisfied, the CPU 85 skips S1005.

[0066] In S1005, the CPU 85 (notification unit 305) issues a notification to the client device 250 and the monitoring tool 260. The notification may include, for example, a statement that "an abnormal noise may be occurring in the fixing area." The notification may include, for example, a statement that "the fixing unit needs to be replaced." The notification may include, for example, a statement that "maintenance is required for the pressure roller." These notifications may be referred to as maintenance notifications.

[0067] 10B is a flowchart showing a method for correcting notification conditions (second analysis method) executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200 according to a program. Note that the method for correcting notification conditions and the method for notifying abnormal sounds do not need to be executed synchronously. For example, the correction method may be executed every time an operation history is received.

[0068] In S1011, the CPU 85 (second analysis unit 302) calculates the reliability C (difference Ed) of the analysis result based on the operation history and the like.

[0069] In S1012, the CPU 85 (second analysis unit 302) determines whether the reliability C is low. If the reliability C is less than the threshold Cth, the second analysis unit 302 determines that the reliability C is low. If the reliability C is equal to or greater than the threshold Cth, the second analysis unit 302 determines that the reliability C is high. If the reliability C is low, the CPU 85 advances the process to S1013. If the reliability C is high, the CPU 85 ends the correction method.

[0070] In S1013, the CPU 85 (request unit 304) requests input information from the monitoring tool 260. As a result, the monitoring tool 260 displays the UI 700.

[0071] In S1014, the CPU 85 (input processing unit 303) acquires input information from the monitoring tool 260. That is, the answer input through the UI 700 is acquired.

[0072] In S1015, the CPU 85 (threshold setting unit 504) corrects the notification condition based on the newly acquired input information. For example, the threshold setting unit 504 corrects the notification threshold T, which is one of the notification conditions, by using a correction value b corresponding to the newly acquired input information.

[0073] (3) Monitoring Tools 260 11 is a flow chart showing the display of notifications and the transmission of input information executed by the CPU 87 of the client device 250 according to a program.

[0074] In S1101, the CPU 87 (display control unit 361) determines whether or not a notification has been received from the server device 200. If a notification has been received, the CPU 87 advances the process to S1102. If a notification has not been received, the CPU 87 advances the process to S1103.

[0075] In S1102, the CPU 87 (display control unit 361) displays the notification received from the server device 200 on the display device of the operation unit 89.

[0076] In S1103, the CPU 87 (display control unit 361) determines whether or not input information has been requested from the server device 200. If input information has been requested, the CPU 87 advances the process to S1104. If input information has not been requested, the CPU 87 ends the method shown in FIG.

[0077] In S1104, the CPU 87 (display control unit 361) displays the UI 700 on the display device of the operation unit 89.

[0078] In S1105, the CPU 87 (answer unit 362) accepts input information input via the UI 700. The answer unit 362 creates input information depending on which of the three radio buttons 701 has been pressed.

[0079] In S1106, the CPU 87 (answer unit 362) transmits the input information to the server device 200. When the reply button 702 is pressed, the reply unit 362 transmits the input information.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the printer 100 is divided into a plurality of areas (feed area, print area, fixing area). The sound level when the actuator installed in each area operates independently is acquired. The abnormal sound level is obtained from the sound level. When the abnormal sound level in a certain area exceeds the notification threshold, it is determined that an abnormal sound is occurring in that area and maintenance is required. The notification threshold may be determined according to the conspicuousness of the operation sound of the printer 100 (the operation sound is bothersome / neither bothersome / not bothersome) input by an inputter (e.g., a user or an administrator). The inputter inputs the conspicuousness of the operation sound when installing the printer 100, etc. In other words, the conspicuousness of the operation sound at the time of determining the notification threshold is input.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the reliability C of the analysis result is obtained. When the reliability C becomes low, the CPU 85 makes the user input the conspicuousness of the operation sound and updates the notification threshold. Specifically, in the first embodiment, in order to determine the reliability C, the environmental sound is measured when none of the actuators are operating. The current level of the environmental sound may be significantly different from the level of the environmental sound at the time of installation (when the threshold was set). In this case, it is estimated that a large environmental change has occurred. In other words, it is estimated that the reliability C of the notification threshold T on which the analysis is based has decreased. Therefore, the CPU 85 inquires the user again about the conspicuousness of the operation sound, and updates the notification threshold T based on the inquiry result. This makes it possible to more appropriately issue the maintenance notification at the right time.

[0082] The analysis target is not limited to abnormal noises, as long as it is an operation history. For example, the timing at which the sheet S is detected by the sheet sensor 27 may be analyzed. In this case, the sheet sensor 27 is provided for each area.

[0083] 12, the display control unit 361 and the answering unit 362 may be implemented in the video controller 211 of the printer 100. In this case, the display control unit 361 displays the maintenance notification and the UI 700 on the display device of the operation unit 212. The answering unit 362 also receives input information through the touch panel of the operation unit 212. <Example 2> When the administrator performs maintenance on the printer 100, the parts that were maintained and the maintenance date and time are manually input to the server device 200 through the monitoring tool 260 or the like. In a certain area, if there is a large difference between two sound levels acquired in the most recent period but no maintenance history remains, there is a possibility that the administrator has neglected to input the maintenance history. In this case, the reliability C of the analysis result is low. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the reliability C becomes low, the server device 200 prompts the administrator to input the maintenance history, thereby optimizing the timing of issuing the maintenance notification. Note that the maintenance history may be information required to narrow down the cause of the abnormal sound. In the second embodiment, the same reference symbols are given to matters common to the first embodiment, and the explanations thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] [Function of Example 2] 13 shows functions of the engine control unit 216, the video controller 211, the server control unit 201, and the monitoring tool 260 in the second embodiment. The server control unit 201 additionally includes a collection unit 1301.

[0085] The collection unit 1301 stores the abnormal noise level N(I) for each area analyzed by the first analysis unit 301 in the storage device 86 in association with the calculation date and time and the area ID (or the area name). Fig. 14(A) shows the analysis history of the abnormal noise level N(I) stored in the storage device 86.

[0086] The replacement detection unit 1311 of the printer 100 can detect replacement of a part by reading the serial ID from the memory 35 of each part. For example, the replacement detection unit 1311 determines that a part has been replaced when the serial ID previously read and stored in the storage device 81 does not match the serial ID read from the memory 35. The creation unit 312 creates replacement information including the name of the replaced part and the date and time of replacement (the date and time when the replacement was detected), and transmits the information to the collection unit 1301 via the transmission unit 314 and the video controller 211.

[0087] 14B shows an example of the replacement information. In this example, the fixing device 30 and the photoconductor drums 1Y, 1M, and 1C have been replaced. The collection unit 1301 stores the replacement information in the storage device 81.

[0088] The input processing unit 303 collects maintenance information (maintenance work history) of the administrator. The discharge roller pair 33 and the like are parts that cannot transmit serial IDs to the engine control unit 216. Therefore, the collection unit 1301 collects maintenance information manually input by the administrator through the input processing unit 303. The maintenance information may include the name of the part replaced by the administrator and the date and time of replacement. The maintenance information may include the content of the maintenance work (e.g., applying more grease to the part, cleaning the part) and the date and time when the maintenance work was performed.

[0089] FIG. 15 shows a UI 1500 displayed on the operation unit 89. When the administrator performs maintenance, the administrator calls the UI 1500, inputs maintenance information, and transmits it to the server device 200. The radio button 1501 is a button for answering whether or not a part has been replaced. The radio button 1502 is a button that becomes operable when a part has been replaced, and is a button for answering the replaced part. The radio button 1503 is a button for answering whether or not maintenance of the part has been performed. The radio button 1504 is a button that becomes operable when a part has been maintained, and is a button for answering the maintained part. When the answer button 702 is pressed, the CPU 87 (answering unit 362) creates input information including the maintenance information input through the UI 1500, and transmits it to the server device 200. The answering unit 362 may add a maintenance date and time to the maintenance information.

[0090] The input processing unit 303 and the collection unit 1301 store the maintenance information as a maintenance work history in the storage device 86. FIG. 14(C) shows an example of a maintenance work history including maintenance information. In this example, it is shown that the feeding unit 20 has been maintained. Note that the maintenance date and time may not be included in the maintenance information. In this case, the input processing unit 303 may obtain the date and time when the maintenance information was received from the timer 203 and add it to the maintenance information.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the first analysis unit 301 analyzes the abnormal noise based on the operation history in the same manner as in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14A, the first analysis unit 301 determines that the abnormal noise occurred in the "print area" on June 4th.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the area where the abnormal noise is occurring is identified, but the part that is the source of the abnormal noise is not identified. Therefore, in the first embodiment, multiple parts located in the area where the abnormal noise is occurring are targeted for replacement. If the part that is generating the abnormal noise is identified, the number of parts to be replaced can be reduced, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0093] Therefore, the second analysis unit 302 identifies parts that are subject to maintenance based on the analysis results, the replacement information, and the maintenance information. In general, parts that have been maintained are unlikely to be the source of abnormal noise. It is assumed that a first part that has been maintained, a second part that has been replaced, and a third part that has not been maintained or replaced are present in the area where the abnormal noise is occurring. In this case, the second analysis unit 302 identifies the third part as the source of the abnormal noise.

[0094] For example, from the analysis results shown in FIG. 14(A), the replacement information shown in FIG. 14(B), and the maintenance information shown in FIG. 14(C), photoconductor drum 1K is identified as the source of the abnormal noise.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 14(D), the storage device 86 may store a rule regarding the maintenance date and time used to identify the source of the abnormal noise. According to this rule, if maintenance is performed on a certain part within one month from the date on which the abnormal noise occurs, the possibility that the part is the source of the abnormal noise is low. On the other hand, if maintenance is not performed on a certain part within one month from the date on which the abnormal noise occurs, the possibility that the part is the source of the abnormal noise is high. In other words, the second analysis unit 302 may determine whether the period from the date on which maintenance was performed or the date on which the abnormal noise occurred to the date on which the abnormal noise occurred is one month or more.

[0096] In this way, if the maintenance history (maintenance information, replacement information) is correctly transmitted to the server device 200, the server device 200 can identify the source of the abnormal sound. On the other hand, if the maintenance history is not correctly transmitted to the server device 200, the server device 200 may not be able to identify the source of the abnormal sound. Since the transmission of the maintenance information out of the maintenance history is performed manually by an administrator, it is easy for the maintenance information to be left out of transmission.

[0097] Therefore, the second analysis unit 302 determines the reliability C of the analysis result based on the analysis history, maintenance information, and replacement information collected by the collection unit 1301. For example, according to the analysis history shown in Fig. 14(A), there is a large difference Nd(I) between the abnormal noise level N1(I) on June 8 and the most recent abnormal noise level N2(I) on June 4. In this case, there is a high possibility that maintenance (e.g., replacement of parts or application of additional grease) has been performed in the Ith area. Nd(I) = N2(I) - N1(I) ····(4) If the difference Nd(I) is equal to or greater than the determination threshold Ndth, the second analysis unit 302 determines that maintenance has been performed. Furthermore, the second analysis unit 302 determines whether there is a maintenance history (replacement or reapplication of grease) for the part during the period from May 9th to June 8th. If there is no maintenance history during that period, the second analysis unit 302 determines that the reliability of the analysis result is low. If there is a maintenance history during that period, the second analysis unit 302 determines that the reliability of the analysis result is high.

[0098] 16 shows details of the second analysis unit 302 of the embodiment 2. The second analysis unit 302 executes the following process every time a record (analysis result) is added to the analysis history.

[0099] The area designation unit 1601 designates the area ID to be analyzed to the data acquisition unit 1602. Multiple areas are designated in order, or an area is identified from an added record. The data acquisition unit 1602 acquires the two most recent allophone levels N1(I) and N2(I) for the designated area from the analysis history. The difference unit 1603 calculates the difference Nd(I) based on equation (4).

[0100] The reliability calculation unit 1604 calculates the reliability C from the difference Nd(I). For example, the reliability C may be the inverse of the difference Nd(I). In this case, the greater the difference Nd(I), the lower the reliability C. The smaller the difference Nd(I), the higher the reliability C.

[0101] The history analysis unit 1606 analyzes the replacement history and maintenance history, and determines whether or not maintenance has been performed within one month prior to the day on which the abnormal noise level N1(I) was measured.

[0102] The reliability determination unit 1605 determines whether the reliability C is equal to or greater than the reliability threshold Cth. This is equivalent to determining whether the difference Nd(I) is equal to or less than the threshold Ndth. If the reliability C is less than the reliability threshold Cth and no maintenance has been performed within one month, the reliability determination unit 1605 determines that the reliability C is low. In other words, the reliability determination unit 1605 determines that there is an omission in the input of maintenance information.

[0103] If the reliability C is low, the request unit 304 requests input of maintenance information from the monitoring tool 260. The display control unit 361 displays an input screen on the operation unit 89 in response to this request.

[0104] 17 shows a UI 1700 for inputting maintenance information. The UI 1700 is almost the same as the UI 1500, but is a UI that prompts for input of maintenance information for the past month. In this example, "grease was added to the pressure roller" is selected as the answer. The input processing unit 303 adds the maintenance information input through the UI 1700 to the maintenance history.

[0105] FIG. 18 shows the first analysis unit 301 of the second embodiment. When an abnormal sound is detected in the fixing area, the source identification unit 1801 identifies the source of the abnormal sound based on the updated maintenance history (replacement information, maintenance information). The fixing area has a fixing unit 30 including a pressure roller 32, and a pair of discharge rollers 33. According to the replacement history in FIG. 14(B), it can be seen that the fixing unit 30 has been replaced. The maintenance information of the pressure roller 32 is registered in the updated maintenance work history. Therefore, the source identification unit 1801 identifies the pair of discharge rollers 33 as the source of the abnormal sound. Based on the analysis result, the notification unit 305 creates a maintenance notification including a message encouraging replacement of the discharge rollers 33.

[0106] [Flowchart of Example 2] (1) Printer 100 19 shows a method of transmitting a replacement history which is executed according to a program by the CPU 80 of the engine control unit 216. The following process is executed for each part that supports replacement detection.

[0107] In S1901, the CPU 80 (replacement detection unit 1311) acquires the serial ID (unique identification information) from the memory 35 of each component.

[0108] In S1902, the CPU 80 (replacement detection unit 1311) determines whether a part has been replaced based on the serial ID acquired from memory 35. For example, if the serial ID stored in the storage device 81 matches the serial ID acquired from memory 35, the replacement detection unit 1311 determines that a part has not been replaced. If the serial ID stored in the storage device 81 does not match the serial ID acquired from memory 35, the replacement detection unit 1311 determines that a part has been replaced. If a part has not been replaced, the CPU 80 ends the transmission method. If a part has been replaced, the CPU 80 advances the process to S1903.

[0109] In S1903, the CPU 80 (creation unit 312) creates a replacement history. The creation unit 312 obtains the replacement date and time from the timer 82, and creates the replacement history by associating the replacement date and time with the identification information of the replaced part.

[0110] In S1904, the CPU 80 (transmission unit 314) transmits the exchange history to the server device 200. The collection unit 1301 stores the exchange history in the storage device 86.

[0111] (2) Server device 200 Fig. 20(A) shows a method for analyzing abnormal sounds executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200. The same reference numerals are given to steps common to those in Fig. 10(A), and the explanations thereof are incorporated herein by reference. S2001 and S2002 are inserted between S1003 and S1004.

[0112] In S2001, the CPU 85 (source identification unit 1801) identifies the source (part) of the abnormal noise based on a list of parts located in the area where the abnormal noise occurs and the maintenance history (replacement information and maintenance information). For example, the source identification unit 1801 identifies, as the source, one part among multiple parts located in the area where the abnormal noise occurs that has not been replaced in the most recent period (e.g., one month) and has not undergone maintenance work. The name of the identified part will be included in the maintenance notification.

[0113] In S2002, the CPU 85 (collection unit 1301) saves the analysis results in the storage device 86. As a result, the analysis results are added to the analysis history, and the analysis results become available for reference from the second analysis unit 302.

[0114] FIG. 20B shows a method of analyzing the reliability executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200.

[0115] In S2011, the CPU 85 (second analysis unit 302) calculates the reliability C of the analysis result based on the analysis history. The difference unit 1603 of the second analysis unit 302 calculates the reliability C from the difference Nd(I) between the two most recent abnormal sound levels in the area where the abnormal sound occurs.

[0116] In S2012, the CPU 85 (the reliability determination unit 1605) determines whether the reliability C is low. If the reliability C is low, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2013. In S2012, the CPU 85 (the reliability determination unit 1605 and the history analysis unit 1606) determines whether or not maintenance has been performed within a predetermined period. For example, the history analysis unit 1606 analyzes the maintenance history (the replacement history and the maintenance work history) and determines whether or not maintenance has been performed within one month prior to the day the abnormal noise level N1(I) was measured. If maintenance has been performed, the difference Nd(I) becomes large and the reliability C temporarily drops. Therefore, the CPU 85 skips S2014 to S2016. On the other hand, if there is no maintenance information or replacement information registered within the predetermined period in the maintenance history, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2014.

[0117] In S2014, the CPU 85 (request unit 304) requests the monitoring tool 260 to provide input information (maintenance information).

[0118] In S2015, the CPU 85 (collection unit 1301) acquires input information (maintenance information) from the response unit 362 of the monitoring tool 260.

[0119] In S2016, the CPU 85 (collection unit 1301) updates the maintenance history based on the maintenance information, so that the omitted maintenance information is reflected in the maintenance history.

[0120] (3) Monitoring Tools 260 The processing of the monitoring tool 260 is as shown in Fig. 11. That is, the UI 1700 is displayed in S1104, and maintenance information is acquired as input information in S1105. In S1106, the maintenance information is passed from the reply unit 362 through the input processing unit 303 to the collection unit 1301, and is added to the maintenance history.

[0121] In this way, in the second embodiment, by inferring that maintenance information has been omitted, it is possible to prompt the administrator of the printer 100 to enter maintenance information. This improves the reliability of the analysis results. Omission of maintenance information can be inferred from the fact that there is a large difference between the two abnormal sound levels in the most recent period and that there is no maintenance history in the most recent period.

[0122] Incidentally, when the source identification unit 1801 cannot narrow down the source of the abnormal sound to one part, the CPU 85 may infer that there is an omission in the input of maintenance information. In this case, too, the reliability C of the analysis result is low, so that the input of maintenance information is requested.

[0123] 12, in the second embodiment, the answer unit 362 and the display control unit 361 may be implemented in the printer 100. That is, the maintenance notification and the UI 1700 may be displayed on the operation unit 212 of the printer 100, and the maintenance information may be input through the operation unit 212.

[0124] <Example 3> In the third embodiment, the server device 200 prompts the administrator or the like to input maintenance information before the abnormal sound level N(I) exceeds the notification threshold T. For example, when the abnormal sound level N(I) exceeds the advance notice threshold TP, the CPU 85 determines whether the source of the abnormal sound can be identified. The advance notice threshold TP suggests that an abnormal sound is to be advanced, and is smaller than the initial threshold Td. If the source cannot be identified, the CPU 85 determines that maintenance information is missing or insufficient, and prompts the administrator or the like to input maintenance information. When the contents of the third embodiment overlap with those of the first or second embodiment, the same reference symbols are given to those contents, and the descriptions thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] [Function in Example 3] 21 shows the first analysis unit 301 in the third embodiment. The advance notice determination unit 2101 compares the abnormal sound level N(I) with the advance notice threshold value TP, and outputs the comparison result (determination result). If the abnormal sound level N(I) is equal to or greater than the advance notice threshold value TP, it is predicted that an abnormal sound will soon occur in the Ith area. The determination result is supplied to the second analysis unit 302. The determination result triggers the second analysis unit 302 to execute an analysis method.

[0126] 22A shows the analysis result of the abnormal noise. The abnormal noise level in the fixed area is 78. When the advance notice threshold value TP is 75, the advance notice determination unit 2101 determines that an abnormal noise will soon occur in the fixed area.

[0127] 23 shows the second analysis unit 302 of the third embodiment. The generation source identification unit 1801 is provided in the first analysis unit 301, but may also be provided in the second analysis unit 302. It is sufficient that the first analysis unit 301 and the second analysis unit 302 can share the result of identifying the generation source. Therefore, the generation source identification unit 1801 may be implemented in at least one of the first analysis unit 301 and the second analysis unit 302.

[0128] The source identifying unit 1801 identifies the source of the abnormal sound based on the analysis results of the abnormal sound (the area ID indicating the area where the abnormal sound occurs, the parts list shown in FIG. 6(A) and the maintenance history (the replacement information in FIG. 14(B) and the maintenance information in FIG. 14(C)). As described above, if there is a gap in the maintenance history, the source identifying unit 1801 cannot identify the source of the abnormal sound as a single part. For example, if an abnormal sound is predicted to occur in the fixing area, it is difficult to identify a single part based on the replacement information shown in FIG. 14(B) and the maintenance information shown in FIG. 14(C). It is not possible to identify the source of the abnormal noise. According to the parts list, it is known that the fixing area includes the fixing unit 30, the pressure roller 32, and the pair of discharge rollers 33. According to the replacement information, it is known that the fixing unit 30 has been replaced in the most recent period. Therefore, the candidates for the source of the abnormal noise are the pressure roller 32 and the pair of discharge rollers 33. However, there is no maintenance history (replacement information and maintenance information) for the pressure roller 32 and the pair of discharge rollers 33 in the most recent period. Therefore, the source identification unit 1801 is unable to narrow down the source of the abnormal noise to one component.

[0129] Therefore, the reliability determination unit 2301 obtains the reliability C according to the determination rule shown in FIG. 22(B). For example, when the generation source identification unit 1801 can narrow down to one part, the reliability determination unit 2301 determines the reliability C to be high. For example, when the generation source identification unit 1801 cannot narrow down to one part, the reliability determination unit 2301 determines the reliability C to be low. Note that, when the generation source identification unit 1801 can narrow down to one part, the reliability calculation unit 1604 described above may assign a high numerical value to the reliability C. When the generation source identification unit 1801 cannot narrow down to one part, the reliability calculation unit 1604 may assign a low numerical value to the reliability C. Thereby, the reliability determination unit 2301 may determine whether the reliability C is low based on the reliability C and the reliability threshold Cth.

[0130] 24 shows a UI 1700 displayed on the operation unit 89 by the request unit 304 and the display control unit 361 when the reliability C is low. In this example, the administrator inputs a response indicating that "the discharge roller has been replaced" through the operation unit 89. The response unit 362 transmits the response result (replacement information) to the input processing unit 303. The input processing unit 303 or the collection unit 1301 adds the replacement information to the maintenance history stored in the storage device 86. This allows the source identification unit 1801 to identify the source of the abnormal noise as one part (e.g., the pressure roller 32) by referring to the updated maintenance history.

[0131] [Flowchart of Example 3] 25(A) shows a method for analyzing abnormal sounds executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200. The same reference numerals are given to the processes already described, and the description thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Here, S2501 and S2502 are inserted between S2002 and S1004.

[0132] In step S2501, the CPU 85 (notice determination unit 2101) determines whether or not an abnormal sound is predicted to occur. For example, the notice determination unit 2101 determines whether or not an abnormal sound is predicted to occur based on the abnormal sound level N(I) and the notice threshold value TP. If an abnormal sound is not predicted to occur, the CPU 85 advances the process to S1004. If an abnormal sound is predicted to occur, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2502.

[0133] In S2502, the CPU 85 (notice determination unit 2101) triggers the second analysis (analysis of reliability) by the second analysis unit 302. This allows the second analysis unit 302 to start analyzing the reliability.

[0134] Fig. 25(B) shows a reliability analysis method executed by the CPU 85 of the server device 200. Comparing Fig. 20(B) with Fig. 25(B), S2001 to S2013 are replaced with S2511 to S2514. When triggered by the advance notice determination unit 2101, the CPU 85 (second analysis unit 302) starts the reliability analysis method.

[0135] In S2501, the CPU 85 (reliability determination unit 2301) determines whether or not the source of the abnormal sound can be identified based on the identification result of the source identification unit 1801. For example, the reliability determination unit 2301 determines whether or not the source identification unit 1801 can identify one component as the source of the abnormal sound from multiple components arranged in an area where the abnormal sound is expected to occur. If the source of the abnormal sound can be identified, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2512. In S2512 (reliability determination unit 2301), a high value CH is set for the reliability C. Here, the value CH may be any value higher than the determination threshold Cth.

[0136] If the source of the abnormal sound cannot be identified, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2513. In S2512 (the reliability determination unit 2301), a low value CL is set to the reliability C. The value CL may be any value as long as it is lower than the determination threshold value Cth.

[0137] In S2514, the CPU 85 (the reliability determination unit 2301) determines whether the reliability C is low. For example, the reliability determination unit 2301 determines whether the reliability C is less than the determination threshold Cth. If the reliability C is low, the CPU 85 advances the process to S2014. As a result, input information is requested from the monitoring tool 260. If the reliability C is high, the CPU 85 ends the analysis method without requesting input information from the monitoring tool 260.

[0138] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to request an administrator or the like to supplement input information required for issuing a maintenance notification before issuing the maintenance notification. As a result, sufficient input information is accumulated in the server device 200 when issuing the maintenance notification. In addition, the timing of issuing the maintenance notification is optimized.

[0139] 12, the answer unit 362 and the display control unit 361 of the third embodiment may be implemented in the printer 100. That is, the maintenance notification and the UI 1700 may be displayed on the operation unit 212 of the printer 100, and maintenance information may be input via the operation unit 212.

[0140] <Technical ideas derived from examples> [Item 1] a first analysis means for analyzing an operation history of an image forming apparatus and input information input from the image forming apparatus or a terminal device; an issuing means for issuing a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus is required when the analysis result of the first analysis means satisfies a notification condition; a second analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus and determining a reliability of the analysis result of the first analysis means; a transmitting means for transmitting a message requesting input of further input information to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device when the reliability is less than a threshold value; a control means for controlling the notification condition based on the input information acquired as a response to the message; An image forming system comprising:

[0141] [Item 1'] a first analysis means for analyzing a sound collected by a sound collection means of an image forming apparatus and input information input from the image forming apparatus or a terminal device; an issuing means for issuing a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus is required when the analysis result of the first analysis means satisfies a notification condition; a second analysis means for analyzing the sound collected by the sound collection means of the image forming apparatus and determining the reliability of the analysis result; a transmitting means for transmitting a message requesting input of further input information to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device when the reliability is less than a threshold value; a control means for controlling the notification condition based on the input information acquired as a response to the message; An image forming system comprising:

[0142] The CPU 85 and the first analysis unit 301 are an example of a first analysis means. The CPU 85 and the notification unit 305 are an example of an issuing means. The CPU 85 and the second analysis unit 302 are an example of a second analysis means. The CPU 85, the communication circuit 202, and the request unit 304 are an example of a sending means. The CPU 85 and the threshold setting unit 504 are an example of a control means. In this way, when information required to create the analysis result is insufficient or outdated, the timing of issuing the maintenance notification becomes inappropriate. According to the first to third embodiments, since the information required to create the analysis result is additionally obtained, the timing of issuing the maintenance notification will be more appropriate than before.

[0143] [Item 2] 2. The image forming system according to item 1, wherein the operation history includes information about sounds collected by a sound collection unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0144] [Item 3] a storage unit that stores an initial level of the environmental sound collected by the sound collecting unit of the image forming apparatus when the threshold value is set, The first analysis means analyzes an operation sound of the image forming apparatus included in the operation history, The image forming system described in item 2, wherein the second analysis means calculates the reliability based on the level of the environmental sound collected by the sound collection means of the image forming device and the level of the initial environmental sound stored in the memory means.

[0145] The initial value E0 stored in the storage device 86 is an example of an initial environmental sound level. The environmental sound level E1 is an example of an environmental sound level collected by the sound collection means. In this manner, the reliability C may be calculated and analyzed based on the environmental sound.

[0146] [Item 4] The image forming system described in item 3, wherein the second analysis means determines that the reliability has decreased when the amount of change (e.g., difference Ed) between the level of the environmental sound collected by the sound collection means of the image forming device and the initial environmental sound level stored in the memory means exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., environmental threshold Eth).

[0147] The notification conditions set in the first period may be inappropriate in the second period. A good example of this is when the environmental sounds in the first period are significantly different from those in the second period. Therefore, if a large environmental change is detected, the reliability of the analysis results will be reduced.

[0148] [Item 5] the image forming apparatus has a plurality of actuators involved in forming an image on a sheet; 5. The image forming system according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the sound collection means collects the environmental sound when all of the actuators are stopped.

[0149] The motors M1-M4 are an example of a plurality of actuators. By collecting the environmental sound when all of the plurality of actuators are stopped, the environmental sound may be measured more accurately.

[0150] [Item 6] The image forming apparatus includes: a supply means for acquiring the presence or absence of operation of the actuators and the level of the sound collected by the sound collecting means to create an operation history, and supplying the operation history to the first analysis means and the second analysis means, 6. The image forming system according to item 5, wherein the second analysis means uses, based on the operation history, sounds collected when all of the plurality of actuators are stopped as the environmental sounds.

[0151] The CPU 80 and engine control unit 216 of the printer 100 are an example of a supplying means. As shown in Fig. 4, the operation history includes information indicating whether the actuators are operating and the sound level. Therefore, the CPU 85 can easily identify the level of the environmental sound collected when all of the actuators are stopped.

[0152] [Item 7] The image forming system according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the first analysis means obtains an analysis result by analyzing a sound (e.g., abnormal sound level N(I)) collected by the sound collection means when the actuator to be analyzed is operating independently based on the operation history, and determines whether the analysis result satisfies the notification condition.

[0153] Analysing the sounds collected while the actuator is operating alone in this way will likely improve the accuracy of the analysis.

[0154] [Item 8] The image forming apparatus further includes a storage unit for storing a reference level (e.g., reference level R(I)) determined from the operation sound of the image forming apparatus collected in advance by the sound collecting unit, 8. The image forming system according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the first analysis means determines an abnormal sound level based on a difference between the level of the operation sound collected by the sound collection means and the reference level, and analyzes whether the abnormal sound level satisfies the notification condition.

[0155] By determining the reference level of the installation environment in this manner, the influence of noise originating from the installation environment in which the image forming apparatus is set up can be reduced.

[0156] [Item 9] the input information input from the image forming apparatus or the terminal device includes a subjective level of an operation sound of the image forming apparatus by a person inputting the input information, 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the control means is configured to set the notification condition based on the subjective level.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 7, a subjective level of the operation sound may be input. Whether the inputter finds the operation sound annoying or not depends on the level of the environmental sound. The volume of the operation sound is known by design. Therefore, the subjective level of the operation sound suggests the level of the environmental sound. Therefore, by setting notification conditions according to the subjective level, a maintenance notification will be issued at an appropriate timing for the environment.

[0158] [Item 10] 10. The image forming system according to item 9, wherein the control means is configured to set a notification threshold, which is one of the notification conditions, based on the subjective level, and which is compared with the abnormal sound level.

[0159] As described in the first embodiment, the notification threshold T may be determined based on a subjective level. This will allow the maintenance notification to be issued at an appropriate timing depending on the installation environment.

[0160] [Item 11] Item 11. The image forming system according to item 10, wherein the control means sets the notification threshold by adding or subtracting a correction value based on the subjective level to or from an initial threshold.

[0161] As described in the first embodiment, the notification threshold T may be corrected in response to changes in the environment. This will allow the maintenance notification to be issued at an appropriate timing that depends on the installation environment.

[0162] [Item 12] The image forming apparatus includes: a first motor arranged in a first area and configured to drive a plurality of roller pairs that feed and transport a sheet; a second motor arranged in a second area and driving a first image carrier for forming an image on the sheet; a third motor that is disposed in the second area and drives a second image carrier that forms an image on the sheet; a fourth motor that is disposed in a third area and drives a pressure roller that presses the sheet, a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the sheet, and a pair of discharge rollers that discharge the sheet; 11. The image forming system according to any one of items 2 to 10, wherein the first analysis means analyzes the operation sounds of the image forming device collected by the sound collection means for each of the first area, the second area, and the third area, and identifies an area where an abnormal sound is occurring.

[0163] 6A, the actuators arranged in each area in the printer 100 may be managed in a list, which makes it possible to identify the area where the abnormal noise is occurring.

[0164] [Item 13] Item 13. The image forming system according to item 12, wherein the first analysis means acquires from the image forming apparatus or the terminal device a maintenance history indicating the content of maintenance and the time when the maintenance was performed for the plurality of roller pairs, the first image carrier, the second image carrier, the pressure roller, the fixing means, and the discharge roller pair, and narrows down the components generating the abnormal noise in the area where the abnormal noise occurs based on the maintenance history.

[0165] As explained with reference to Figures 14(A) to 14(D), the area where the abnormal noise is occurring may be identified in the first stage, and the part generating the abnormal noise may be identified in the second stage. In this case, if the type of maintenance (e.g., replacement, addition of grease) and the timing are known, it will be easier to identify the part generating the abnormal noise.

[0166] [Item 14] Item 14. The image forming system according to item 13, wherein the first analysis means identifies, among a plurality of parts installed in the occurrence area, a part for which the maintenance history indicates that maintenance has not been performed, as the part generating the abnormal noise.

[0167] Generally, the lifespan of a part that is not maintained is shorter than that of a part that is maintained, and therefore there is a high probability that a part that is not maintained is a part that generates abnormal noise.

[0168] [Item 15] the second analysis means determines a reliability of the analysis result based on the maintenance history and the level of the operation sound of the image forming apparatus collected by the sound collection means; When the reliability is less than a threshold, the sending unit sends a message to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device to prompt the user to input the omitted maintenance history. Item 15. The image forming system according to item 14, wherein the first analysis means identifies the part generating the abnormal noise based on the maintenance history, which is a response to the message, and the level of the operating noise of the image forming apparatus collected by the sound collection means.

[0169] The maintenance history may include, for example, replacement information indicating the replaced parts and the time of replacement, and maintenance information indicating the content of the maintenance work and the time of its implementation. Therefore, if there is any information missing from the maintenance history, the reliability of the analysis results will decrease. By prompting the person inputting the missing maintenance history, the maintenance history will be supplemented and more accurate analysis results will be obtained. Note that one of the notification conditions is that a noticeable abnormal noise occurs in a certain area and there is no maintenance history for the parts located in that area. Supplementing the maintenance history corresponds to updating the notification conditions.

[0170] [Item 16] Item 16. The image forming system according to item 15, wherein the second analysis means determines that the reliability is less than the threshold value when a difference between a level of the operation sound of the image forming device collected by the sound collection means at a first time point and a level of the operation sound of the image forming device collected by the sound collection means at a second time point after the first time point is equal to or greater than a specified value, and when maintenance performed in an area where the abnormal sound occurs during the period from the first time point to the second time point is not registered in the maintenance history.

[0171] In this way, if there is a discrepancy between the sound measurement results and the maintenance history, the reliability of the analysis results will decrease. For example, if there is missing information in the maintenance history, the reliability of the analysis results will decrease. By prompting the person entering the missing maintenance history, the maintenance history will be filled in, and more accurate analysis results will be obtained.

[0172] [Item 17] Item 15. The image forming system according to item 14, wherein the sending means sends a message to the image forming device or the terminal device prompting the user to enter maintenance history that has been omitted when the level of the abnormal noise is not equal to or greater than a first threshold, which is the notification condition, but is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0173] As in the third embodiment, the abnormal sound level N(I) may not be equal to or higher than the notification threshold T, but may be equal to or higher than the advance notice threshold TP. This suggests that a noticeable abnormal sound will soon occur. Therefore, by supplementing the information required for analysis in advance, the reliability of the analysis results can be improved.

[0174] [Item 18] Item 15. The image forming system according to item 14, wherein the transmission means transmits a message to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device prompting input of a maintenance history that has been omitted if the source of the abnormal noise cannot be identified.

[0175] As described in the third embodiment, if the source of the abnormal noise cannot be identified due to an insufficient maintenance history, the user may be required to input the maintenance history. By supplementing the information required for the analysis in advance, the reliability of the analysis results is improved.

[0176] [Item 19] The image forming apparatus or the terminal apparatus A display means for displaying the message; an input means for inputting a response corresponding to the message; 19. The imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0177] The maintenance notice, UI700, and UI1700 may be displayed on the operation unit 212 of the printer 100, or may be displayed on the operation unit 89 of the client device 250. The maintenance notice may be displayed on the operation unit 212 of the printer 100, and the UI700 and UI1700 may be displayed on the operation unit 89 of the client device 250. Conversely, the maintenance notice may be displayed on the operation unit 89 of the client device 250, and the UI700 and UI1700 may be displayed on the operation unit 212 of the printer 100. In particular, it is assumed that the monitoring tool 260 is operated by an administrator or the like of the printer 100. Therefore, information necessary for analyzing the abnormal sound will be accurately supplemented by the administrator or the like.

[0178] [Item 20] a first analysis means for analyzing an operation history of an image forming apparatus and input information input from the image forming apparatus or a terminal device; an issuing means for issuing a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus is required when the analysis result of the first analysis means satisfies a notification condition; a second analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus and determining a reliability of the analysis result of the first analysis means; a transmitting means for transmitting a message requesting input of further input information to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device when the reliability is less than a threshold value; a control means for controlling the notification condition based on the input information acquired as a response to the message; A server device having the above configuration.

[0179] The server device 200 is generally implemented in a computer. However, the server device 200 may be implemented in a virtual environment. The server device 200 may also be implemented in the printer 100.

[0180] [Item 21] a first analysis means for analyzing an operation history of an image forming apparatus and input information input from the image forming apparatus or a terminal device; an issuing means for issuing a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus is required when the analysis result of the first analysis means satisfies a notification condition; a second analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus and determining a reliability of the analysis result of the first analysis means; a transmitting means for transmitting a message requesting input of further input information to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device when the reliability is less than a threshold value; A program that causes a computer to function as a control unit that controls the notification condition based on the input information acquired as a response to the message.

[0181] The control program stored in the storage device 86 and executed by the CPU 85 is an example of a program in item 20 .

[0182] [Item 22] an image forming apparatus transmitting an operation history of the image forming apparatus to a server apparatus; the server device analyzes the operation history and input information input from the image forming device or the terminal device to generate an analysis result; the server device issues a maintenance notification indicating that maintenance of the image forming device is required when the analysis result satisfies a notification condition; the image forming apparatus or the terminal device displays the maintenance notification; and the server device analyzes the operation history of the image forming device and obtains a reliability of the analysis result; If the reliability is less than a required threshold, sending a message to the image forming apparatus or the terminal device requesting input of further input information; the image forming apparatus or the terminal device receives the message and transmits a response to the message to the server device; the server device controls the notification condition based on the input information acquired as the response to the message; A control method for an image forming system having the above-mentioned features.

[0183] According to the first to third embodiments, a control method executed by an image forming system is provided.

[0184] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 100: printer, 200: server device, 250: client device

Claims

1. A sound collecting means configured to receive sound waves; one or more display means capable of displaying information; an operating means for inputting information; a first display operation of displaying request information for requesting input of information on the one or more display means when the sound collecting means receives sound waves exceeding a predetermined intensity; a second display operation of displaying a diagnosis result on the one or more display means based on the sound waves received by the sound collecting means and the input information from the operation means; and a control means for executing the above. The input information is information input from the operation means as a response to the request information displayed on the one or more display means by the first display operation.

2. An image forming system as described in Claim 1, wherein the request information is information indicating a request for information regarding maintenance.

3. An image forming system as described in claim 1, wherein the first display operation is performed when the source of the abnormal sound cannot be identified as a single source, and is not performed when the source of the abnormal sound can be identified as a single source.

4. Further comprising a plurality of actuators involved in forming an image on the sheet, 4. An image forming system according to claim 1, wherein in the second display operation, the one or more display means displays the diagnostic result based on information on whether the actuators are operating or not, information on the date and time when the sound collecting means received the sound waves, and the input information.

5. An image forming system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diagnostic result is information indicating the location where the abnormal noise is occurring or information prompting maintenance of a part.

Images