Image formation system and image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation system which can easily maintain an image formable state.SOLUTION: An image formation system 100 includes: an image formation device 30 capable of forming images; and a server 20 capable of communicating with the image formation device 30. The server 20 includes a first acquisition part 212, a second acquisition part 213, a determination part 214, a third acquisition part 215, and a provision part 216. The first acquisition part 212 acquires first state information regarding a state of the image formation device 30. The second acquisition part 213 acquires second state information indicating a state of the image formation device 30 after the first state information is acquired. The determination part 214 determines, based on the first state information and the second state information, whether or not maintenance of the image formation device 30 is performed. The third acquisition part 215 acquires performer information regarding a person who performed the maintenance. The provision part 216 provides points to the performer information according to a type of the maintenance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The maintenance management system described in Patent Document 1 includes an image forming device and a management device that manages maintenance for the image forming device. The management device includes a receiving means for receiving log data transmitted from the image forming device, and a notifying means for notifying a user of the image forming device of the contents of operations performed on the image forming device in a maintenance mode based on the log data received by the receiving means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-92010 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the maintenance management system described in Patent Document 1 cannot prompt users other than the service personnel of the image forming device to perform maintenance on the image forming device, making it difficult to maintain the image forming device in a state where it can form images.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an image forming system and an image forming apparatus that can easily maintain a state in which an image can be formed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system includes an image forming device capable of forming an image, and a server capable of communicating with the image forming device. The server includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a determination unit, a third acquisition unit, and an assignment unit. The first acquisition unit acquires first status information relating to a status of the image forming device. The second acquisition unit acquires second status information indicating a status of the image forming device after the first status information is acquired. The determination unit determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming device has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information. The third acquisition unit acquires performer information relating to a person who performed the maintenance. The assignment unit assigns points to the performer information according to the type of maintenance.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a determination unit, a third acquisition unit, and an assignment unit. The first acquisition unit acquires first status information relating to a status of the image forming apparatus. The second acquisition unit acquires second status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus after the first status information is acquired. The determination unit determines whether maintenance of the image forming apparatus has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information. The third acquisition unit acquires performer information relating to a person who performed the maintenance. The assignment unit assigns points to the performer information according to the type of maintenance. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the image forming system and image forming apparatus of the present invention, a state in which an image can be formed can be easily maintained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart of a process executed by a server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a process executed by a terminal device of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus of a first modified example of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] An image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 100 includes a terminal device 10, a server 20, and an image forming device 30.

[0012] The image forming system 100 further includes a network 40 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the image forming device 30 are each connected to the network 40. The terminal device 10, the server 20, and the image forming device 30 are each capable of communicating with each other via the network 40.

[0013] The terminal device 10 communicates with the server 20 and notifies the user of information. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone. The terminal device 10 may also communicate with the image forming device 30 by short-range communication. The short-range communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0014] The server 20 is capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus 30. Specifically, the server 20 receives information related to the image forming apparatus 30 from the image forming apparatus 30. The server 20 is also capable of communicating with the terminal apparatus 10. Specifically, the server 20 transmits information to be notified to the terminal apparatus 10 based on the information related to the image forming apparatus 30.

[0015] The image forming device 30 is capable of forming an image.

[0016] Next, the image forming system 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming device 30 of this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 20 of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 10 of this embodiment.

[0017] 2, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a reception unit 302, a paper feed unit 303, a conveyance unit 304, a supply unit 305, an image forming unit 306, a discharge unit 307, a reading unit 308, a control unit 310, a communication unit 331, a storage unit 332, and a power supply unit 309. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 forms an image by a monochrome method.

[0018] The reception unit 302 receives an operation from a user. When an operation from a user is received, the reception unit 302 generates an operation signal indicating the content of the operation from the user. The reception unit 302 generates an operation signal while the user is performing an operation, and does not generate an operation signal while the user is not performing an operation.

[0019] The reception unit 302 includes a touch panel 321 and a plurality of operation keys 322. The touch panel 321 includes a display and a touch sensor. The touch panel 321 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit."

[0020] The display displays various screens. The various screens include images showing information related to maintenance. That is, the display displays images related to maintenance. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED).

[0021] The touch sensor detects a touch by a detectable object. The touch sensor outputs a position signal indicating a position where the touch by the detectable object is detected. The detectable object is, for example, a user's finger. The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive touch sensor. The multiple operation keys 322 include, for example, a numeric keypad, a start key, and a cancel key.

[0022] The paper feed unit 303 stores a plurality of recording media S and feeds the stored recording media S one by one.

[0023] The conveying unit 304 conveys the fed recording medium S to the discharge unit 307. In the conveying unit 304, the recording medium S may become clogged during the conveying. Removing the recording medium S that has become clogged in the conveying unit 304 corresponds to an example of "maintenance".

[0024] The supply unit 305 supplies consumables to the image forming unit 306. In this embodiment, the consumables are toner. The supply of toner to the supply unit 305 corresponds to an example of "maintenance". Moreover, replacement of the consumables corresponds to an example of "maintenance".

[0025] The image forming unit 306 executes an image forming process. More specifically, the image forming unit 306 uses consumables to form an image (toner image) on the recording medium S. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 306 includes an exposure device, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaning device, a transfer device, and a fixing device (not shown), and forms an image by an electrophotographic method.

[0026] The discharge unit 307 discharges the recording medium S on which the toner image has been fixed from inside the housing to a discharge tray through a discharge port. The recording medium S may become clogged at the discharge port of the discharge unit 307. Removing the recording medium S that has become clogged in the discharge unit 307 corresponds to an example of "maintenance".

[0027] The reading unit 308 reads the recording medium S. The reading unit 308 is, for example, a scanner. The reading unit 308 also reads an image formed on the recording medium S. The reading unit 308 includes a contact glass, a platen cover, a light-emitting unit, and an image sensor. The recording medium S is placed on the contact glass. The platen cover covers the contact glass. The light-emitting unit is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The image sensor reads information about the recording medium S. The reading unit 308 may not normally read the recording medium S due to, for example, dirt on the contact glass. Cleaning the dirt from the contact glass corresponds to an example of "maintenance".

[0028] The control unit 310 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 310 also includes an integrated circuit for image formation processing. The integrated circuit for image formation processing is configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 310 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 30 by executing a control program.

[0029] The control unit 310 judges whether or not maintenance of the image forming device 30 is necessary based on information on the state of the image forming device 30. The information on the state of the image forming device 30 includes information indicating the number of image formations, the period of use, the remaining amount, errors, and dirt. For example, the control unit 310 judges whether or not the number of image formations exceeds a threshold value. Also, for example, the control unit 310 judges whether or not the period of use of the supply unit 305 exceeds a predetermined period. Also, for example, the control unit 310 judges whether or not the amount of toner in the supply unit 305 is less than a threshold value. Also, for example, the control unit 310 judges whether or not a paper jam has occurred. Also, for example, the control unit 310 judges whether or not the reading unit 308 is dirty.

[0030] The control unit 310 includes a notification control unit 311. The control unit 310 executes a control program to function as the notification control unit 311. The notification control unit 311 controls the touch panel 321.

[0031] For example, the notification control unit 311 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is required. Specifically, when the control unit 310 determines that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is required, the notification control unit 311 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is required.

[0032] More specifically, when the control unit 310 determines that the number of image formations exceeds a threshold, the control unit 310 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that maintenance of the image forming unit 306 is required. When the control unit 310 determines that the period of use of the supply unit 305 exceeds a predetermined period, the control unit 310 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that maintenance of the supply unit 305 is required. That is, an image indicating that replacement of the supply unit 305 is required is displayed on the touch panel 321. When the control unit 310 determines that the amount of toner in the supply unit 305 is less than the threshold, the control unit 310 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that maintenance of the supply unit 305 is required. When the control unit 310 determines that a paper jam has occurred, the control unit 310 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that the jammed paper needs to be removed. When the control unit 310 determines that the reading unit 308 is dirty, the control unit 310 controls the touch panel 321 to display an image indicating that cleaning of the reading unit 308 is required.

[0033] The communication unit 331 communicates with the server 20 via the network 40. The communication unit 331 also communicates with the terminal device 10 via the network 40. The communication unit 331 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 331 may also be a communication module such as a LAN board.

[0034] Furthermore, the communication unit 331 may include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-distance wireless communication. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication with a communication distance of about several meters to several tens of meters. The short-distance wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard by Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or WiFi. The communication conforming to the communication standard by Bluetooth (registered trademark) is, for example, BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy).

[0035] Furthermore, the communication unit 331 may transmit the determination result of the control unit 330 to the terminal device 10. For example, the communication unit 331 transmits to the terminal device 10 information indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is necessary.

[0036] The storage unit 332 stores various types of data. The storage unit 332 is configured with a storage device and a semiconductor memory. The storage device is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a solid state drive (SSD). The semiconductor memory is configured with, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The storage unit 332 stores a control program.

[0037] The storage unit 332 stores information relating to the state of the image forming device 30 .

[0038] The information on the image forming device 30 includes, for example, information indicating the usage period of the supply unit 305. The information on the image forming device 30 includes, for example, information indicating the remaining amount of the supply unit 305. The information on the image forming device 30 also includes, for example, information indicating an error that occurs when the recording medium S becomes clogged in the paper feed unit 303, the conveyance unit 304, or the discharge unit 307. The image forming device 30 also includes, for example, information indicating dirt on the reading unit 308.

[0039] The information on the status of the image forming apparatus 30 includes first status information on the status of the image forming apparatus 30 and second status information on the status of the image forming apparatus 30. The storage unit 332 stores the first status information and the second status information at different times. The first status information is stored in the storage unit 332 before the second status information. Moreover, the second status information is stored in the storage unit 332 after the first status information.

[0040] The power supply unit 309 supplies power to at least some of the components constituting the image forming apparatus 30 .

[0041] Next, the terminal device 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. The terminal device 10 includes a control unit 110, a display unit 121, an audio output unit 122, a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, and an imaging unit 141.

[0042] The control unit 110 is configured by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 110 also includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured by, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit of the terminal device 10 by executing a control program.

[0043] The control unit 110 includes a notification control unit 111. The control unit 110 executes a control program to function as the notification control unit 111. The notification control unit 111 controls the display unit 121. The notification control unit 111 also controls the audio output unit 122.

[0044] For example, the notification control unit 111 controls the display unit 121 based on the determination result of the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 received by the communication unit 131. Specifically, when the determination result of the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 indicates that maintenance is required, the notification control unit 111 controls the display unit 121 so that the display unit 121 displays an image indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is required. In addition, when the determination result of the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 indicates that maintenance is required, the notification control unit 111 controls the audio output unit 122 so that the audio output unit 122 outputs audio indicating that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 is required.

[0045] The display unit 121 displays various screens. The various screens include images showing information related to maintenance. That is, the display displays images related to maintenance. The display unit 121 includes a display and a touch sensor. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The touch sensor detects a touch by a detection target. The display unit 121 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit."

[0046] The audio output unit 122 outputs audio. The audio output unit 122 is, for example, a speaker. The audio output unit 122 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit."

[0047] The communication unit 131 communicates with a communication unit 331 of the image forming apparatus 30 via the network 40. The communication unit 131 also communicates with a communication unit 231 of the server 20 via the network 40. The communication unit 131 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 131 may also include, for example, a wireless communication module that performs short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication is, for example, communication conforming to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or WiFi.

[0048] The storage unit 132 stores various data. The storage unit 132 is configured with a storage device and a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 132 stores a server control program.

[0049] The storage unit 132 stores information indicating the user of the terminal device 10 .

[0050] The imaging unit 141 captures an image of a subject. Specifically, the imaging unit 141 captures an image of the subject and generates imaging data indicating the result of the imaging. The subject is, for example, the image forming device 30. The imaging unit 141 is, for example, a camera. The imaging unit 141 captures an image of, for example, a part of the image forming device 30 that requires maintenance and generates imaging data indicating the result of the imaging. In other words, the imaging unit 141 generates third status information indicating the status of the part of the image forming device 30 that requires maintenance.

[0051] In this embodiment, when a user of the terminal device 10 performs maintenance on the image forming device 30, the user operates the terminal device 10 to transmit information to the server 20. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 controls the communication unit 131 to transmit, to the communication unit 231 of the server 20, information indicating the person who performed the maintenance on the image forming device 30, the maintenance method, and the time required for the maintenance.

[0052] Next, the server 20 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the server 20 includes a control unit 210, a communication unit 231, and a storage unit 232.

[0053] The communication unit 231 communicates with a communication unit 331 of the image forming apparatus 30 via a network. The communication unit 231 also communicates with the terminal device 10. The communication unit 231 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 331 may also be a communication module such as a LAN board.

[0054] The storage unit 232 stores various data. The storage unit 232 is configured with a storage device and a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 232 stores a server control program.

[0055] The storage unit 232 stores performer information and point information. The performer information indicates the person who performed the maintenance of the image forming device 30. The person who performed the maintenance indicated by the performer information is, for example, the same person as the user of the terminal device 10. In other words, the performer information and the information indicating the user of the terminal device 10 indicate the same person. The point information indicates points according to the type of maintenance of the image forming device 30.

[0056] The storage unit 232 stores an identification symbol indicating each of the multiple image forming devices 30. The identification symbol may be a symbol, a character string, or a QR code (registered trademark), and may be any symbol that can uniquely identify the image forming device 30. The identification symbol is associated with information indicating the status of the image forming device 30 transmitted from the image forming device 30. Thus, the status of the image forming device 30 can be individually identified.

[0057] The storage unit 232 stores the time required for maintenance for each maintenance method of the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the storage unit 232 stores the time required for replacing the supply unit 305, the time required for refilling the supply unit 305, the time required for removing a paper jam, and the time required for cleaning the reading unit 308. The time required for maintenance may be stored in the storage unit 232 in advance by the user.

[0058] The control unit 210 is configured by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 210 also includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured by, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 210 controls the operation of each part of the server 20 by executing a control program.

[0059] The control unit 210 includes a first acquisition unit 212, a second acquisition unit 213, a determination unit 214, a third acquisition unit 215, and an assignment unit 216. The control unit 210 executes a control program stored in the storage unit 232, thereby functioning as the first acquisition unit 212, the second acquisition unit 213, the determination unit 214, the third acquisition unit 215, and the assignment unit 216.

[0060] The first acquisition unit 212 acquires the first status information. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 212 acquires the first status information regarding the status of the image forming apparatus 30.

[0061] The second acquisition unit 213 acquires the second status information. Specifically, the second acquisition unit 213 acquires the second status information indicating the status of the image forming apparatus 30 after the first status information is acquired.

[0062] The determination unit 214 determines whether or not maintenance has been performed on the image forming device 30. Specifically, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not maintenance has been performed on the image forming device 30, based on the first status information and the second status information.

[0063] The third acquisition unit 215 acquires the performer information. Specifically, the third acquisition unit 215 acquires the performer information related to the person who performed the maintenance.

[0064] The granting unit 216 grants points. Specifically, the granting unit 216 grants points to the performer information according to the type of maintenance.

[0065] Therefore, it is possible to encourage users other than the service personnel of the image forming apparatus 30 to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30. As a result, the image forming apparatus 30 can be easily maintained in a state where it is capable of forming images.

[0066] The points given by the giving unit 216 may be points according to a predetermined type of maintenance, or points according to the time required for the maintenance.

[0067] Maintenance of image forming devices is performed by staff at the store where the image forming device is installed. However, the intervals at which maintenance is performed by staff are not based on the frequency with which the image forming device is used. This shortens the period during which the image forming device can maintain a state in which it is capable of forming images. In addition, the longer the intervals between maintenance, the more noticeable the dirt on the image forming device becomes.

[0068] To shorten the maintenance interval, someone needs to maintain the image forming device instead of the store clerk. However, there are few people who proactively maintain the image forming device instead of the store clerk. Therefore, points are awarded to those who perform maintenance. The awarding of points creates an incentive for customers to maintain the image forming device. In other words, it is possible to encourage customers to maintain the image forming device instead of the store clerk.

[0069] Therefore, by having the customer who uses the image forming device 30 perform the maintenance instead of the store clerk, the maintenance interval can be shortened. As a result, the period during which the image forming device 30 can maintain a state in which it can form images can be extended. Furthermore, by shortening the maintenance interval, dirt on the image forming device becomes less noticeable.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the communication unit 331 so that the communication unit 331 transmits the first status information to the communication unit 231 of the server 20. When the communication unit 231 receives the first status information, the first acquisition unit 212 acquires the first status information.

[0071] Furthermore, after communication unit 231 transmits the first status information, the person performing the maintenance performs maintenance on image forming device 30. The maintenance changes the status of image forming device 30. For example, the toner in replenishing unit 305 is replaced. As a result, memory unit 332 of image forming device 30 stores second status information indicating that the toner in replenishing unit 305 has been replaced. In other words, the second status information indicates that the error in image forming device 30 has been resolved. Then, control unit 310 of image forming device 30 controls communication unit 331 so that communication unit 331 transmits the second status information.

[0072] When the communication unit 231 receives the second status information, the second acquisition unit 213 acquires the second status information. Then, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming device 30 has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information.

[0073] Furthermore, the person who performed the maintenance operates the terminal device 10 to transmit information indicating the person who performed the maintenance to the server 20. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 controls the communication unit 131 to transmit performer information relating to the person who performed the maintenance.

[0074] When the communication unit 231 receives the performer information, the third acquisition unit 215 acquires the performer information. Then, the granting unit 216 grants points to the performer information according to the type of maintenance. Specifically, the granting unit 216 associates the points to be granted with the performer information stored in the storage unit 332. Thus, points are granted to the performer of the maintenance.

[0075] Furthermore, the person who will carry out the maintenance may register information about the person in advance in the storage unit 232 of the server 20, and the registered person may log in to the server 20, thereby identifying the person as the person who will carry out the maintenance. Furthermore, the server 20 may recognize the person as the person who will carry out the maintenance by reading a "QR code (registered trademark)" indicating the person with the imaging unit 141 of the terminal device 10 of the person who will carry out the maintenance. Furthermore, a point card may be issued in advance, and information about the person who will carry out the maintenance may be registered on the point card.

[0076] Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 212 may acquire the first status information from each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 30. The notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 controls the display unit 121 to notify the image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance based on the multiple pieces of first status information. Therefore, even if multiple image forming apparatuses 30 are in the same space, it is possible to identify the image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance. As a result, it is possible to notify the person performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance.

[0077] 4, the control unit 210 further includes a determination unit 217 and a calculation unit 218. The control unit 210 functions as the determination unit 217 and the calculation unit 218 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 232.

[0078] The determination unit 217 determines a maintenance method based on the first status information. The maintenance method includes, for example, at least one of replacement, replenishment, and cleaning.

[0079] The communication unit 231 transmits the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217 as maintenance information to the image forming apparatus 30 and the terminal device 10. The maintenance information includes the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217.

[0080] Then, the image forming apparatus 30 receives the maintenance information. Furthermore, the notification control unit 311 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the touch panel 321 to notify the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217. Therefore, the maintenance method can be notified to the person who will perform the maintenance. As a result, even the user of the image forming apparatus 30 can easily perform the maintenance.

[0081] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 receives the maintenance information. Furthermore, the notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 controls the display unit 121 to notify the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217. Therefore, the maintenance method can be notified to the person who will perform the maintenance. As a result, even the user of the image forming device 30 can easily perform the maintenance.

[0082] The calculation unit 218 calculates the time required for maintenance based on the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217.

[0083] The time required for maintenance calculated by the calculation unit 218 is transmitted as maintenance information by the communication unit 231 to the image forming apparatus 30 and the terminal device 10. The maintenance information includes the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217 and the time required for maintenance calculated by the calculation unit 218.

[0084] Then, the image forming apparatus 30 receives the maintenance information. Furthermore, the notification control unit 311 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the touch panel 321 to notify the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance. Therefore, the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance can be notified to the person who will perform the maintenance. As a result, even the user of the image forming apparatus 30 can easily perform the maintenance and know the time required for the maintenance.

[0085] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 receives the maintenance information. Furthermore, the notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 controls the display unit 121 to notify the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance. Therefore, the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance can be notified to the person who will perform the maintenance. As a result, even the user of the image forming device 30 can easily perform the maintenance and know the time required for the maintenance.

[0086] Specifically, the calculation unit 218 calculates the total time required for maintenance based on the maintenance method and the time required for maintenance stored in the storage unit 232. Furthermore, for example, the calculation unit 218 may calculate the total time required for maintenance based on the maintenance method and an image captured by the imaging unit 141 of the terminal device 10.

[0087] Furthermore, the calculation unit 218 may calculate the time required for maintenance based on the time related to the maintenance stored in the storage unit 232 and the work time transmitted by the person who implements the maintenance. Specifically, the calculation unit 218 determines whether or not the difference between the time required for maintenance stored in the storage unit 232 and the work time is within a predetermined range. If it is within the predetermined range, the calculation unit 218 outputs the time required for maintenance stored in the storage unit 232. If it is not within the predetermined range, the calculation unit 218 outputs the work time as the time required for maintenance. The time calculated by the calculation unit 218 is stored in the storage unit 232.

[0088] Next, the process executed by the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the server 20 of the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the process executed by the image forming device 30 of the present embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the process executed by the terminal device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0089] 5, the server 20 executes a process of giving points to a person who performs maintenance. The process executed by the server 20 includes steps S101 to S114.

[0090] In step S101, the control unit 210 of the server 20 controls the communication unit 231 so that the communication unit 231 receives the first status information. Step S101 is executed after step S202, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 5. The process proceeds to step S102.

[0091] In step S102, the first acquisition unit 212 acquires the first state information. The process proceeds to step S103.

[0092] In step S103, control unit 210 determines image forming apparatus 30 that requires maintenance. The process proceeds to step S104.

[0093] In step S104, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 to transmit information indicating that maintenance is required to the communication unit 331 of the image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 to transmit information indicating the image forming apparatus 30 that requires maintenance to the communication unit 131 of the terminal device 10. The process proceeds to step S105.

[0094] In step S105, the determination unit 217 determines a maintenance method based on the first state information. The process proceeds to step S107.

[0095] In step S107, the calculation unit 218 calculates the time required for maintenance based on the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217. The process proceeds to step S108.

[0096] In step S108, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 to transmit information indicating the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance to the communication unit 331 of the image forming apparatus 30. Furthermore, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 to transmit information indicating the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance to the communication unit 131 of the terminal device 10. The process proceeds to step S109.

[0097] In step S109, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 so that the communication unit 231 receives the second status information. Step S109 is executed after step S208 shown in Fig. 6. The process proceeds to step S110.

[0098] In step S110, the first acquisition unit 212 acquires the second state information. The process proceeds to step S111.

[0099] In step S111, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not maintenance has been performed on the image forming device 30 based on the first status information and the second status information. If maintenance has not been performed on the image forming device 30 (No in step S111), the process returns to step S104. If maintenance has been performed on the image forming device 30 (Yes in step S111), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0100] If the answer is Yes in step S111, in step S112, the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 231 so that the communication unit 231 receives the performer information. The process proceeds to step S113.

[0101] In step S113, the third acquisition unit 215 acquires the performer information. The process proceeds to step S114.

[0102] In step S114, the awarding unit awards points according to the type of maintenance based on the performer information, and the process ends.

[0103] Next, the process executed by the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the process executed by the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 includes steps S201 to S208.

[0104] In step S201, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the storage unit 332 to store the first status information. The process proceeds to step S202.

[0105] In step S202, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the communication unit 331 to transmit the first status information to the communication unit 231 of the server 20. The process proceeds to step S203.

[0106] In step S203, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the communication unit 331 to receive information indicating the image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance from the communication unit 231 of the server 20. Step 203 is executed after step S104 shown in Fig. 5. The process proceeds to step S204.

[0107] In step S204, notification control unit 311 of image forming apparatus 30 controls touch panel 321 to notify information indicating image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance. Processing proceeds to step S205. Also, a user of image forming apparatus 30 who sees touch panel 321 of image forming apparatus 30 can know which image forming apparatus 30 requires maintenance.

[0108] In step S205, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the communication unit 331 to receive information indicating the maintenance method and information indicating the maintenance time from the communication unit 231 of the server 20. The process proceeds to step S206.

[0109] In step S206, notification control unit 311 of image forming apparatus 30 controls touch panel 321 to notify information indicating the maintenance method and information indicating the maintenance time. Processing proceeds to step S207. That is, a user of image forming apparatus 30 who sees the information indicating the maintenance method and the maintenance time can know the maintenance method and the time required for image forming apparatus 30 that requires maintenance.

[0110] In step S207, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the storage unit 332 to store the second status information. The process proceeds to step S208.

[0111] In step S208, the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 controls the communication unit 331 to transmit the second status information to the communication unit 231 of the server 20. The process then ends.

[0112] In this embodiment, communication unit 331 receives information indicating image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance in step S203, but may receive information indicating image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance, information indicating the maintenance method, and information indicating the maintenance time in step S205. In this case, touch panel 321 notifies information indicating image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance in step S204, but touch panel 321 may notify information indicating image forming apparatus 30 requiring maintenance, information indicating the maintenance method, and information indicating the maintenance time in step S206.

[0113] Next, the process executed by the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the process executed by the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 includes steps S301 to S308.

[0114] In step S301, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 controls the communication unit 131 to receive information indicating the image forming device 30 requiring maintenance from the communication unit 231 of the server 20. Step 301 is executed after step S104 shown in Fig. 5. The process proceeds to step S302.

[0115] In step S302, the notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 controls the display unit 121 to notify information indicating the image forming device 30 that requires maintenance. The notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 also controls the audio output unit 122 to notify information indicating the image forming device 30 that requires maintenance. The process proceeds to step S305. Also, a user of the image forming device 30 who looks at the display unit 121 of the terminal device 10 can know which image forming device 30 requires maintenance. Also, a user of the image forming device 30 who hears the audio from the audio output unit 122 of the terminal device 10 can know which image forming device 30 requires maintenance.

[0116] In step S305, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 controls the communication unit 131 so as to receive information indicating the maintenance method and information indicating the maintenance time from the communication unit 231 of the server 20. The process proceeds to step S306.

[0117] In step S306, the notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 controls the display unit 121 to notify the information indicating the maintenance method and the information indicating the maintenance time. The notification control unit 111 of the terminal device 10 also controls the audio output unit 122 to notify the information indicating the maintenance method and the information indicating the maintenance time. The process proceeds to step S307. That is, a user of the image forming device 30 who has seen the information indicating the maintenance method and the information indicating the maintenance time can know the maintenance method and the time required for the image forming device 30 that requires maintenance.

[0118] In step S307, control unit 110 of terminal apparatus 10 controls storage unit 132 to store the inputted performer information. The performer information is inputted by the performer into terminal apparatus 10 after maintenance is performed on image forming apparatus 30. The process proceeds to step S308.

[0119] In step S308, the control unit 110 of the terminal device 10 controls the communication unit 131 to transmit the performer information to the communication unit 231 of the server 20. The process then ends.

[0120] [Variation 1] Next, a first modified example of the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the first modified example, the configuration of the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 is different from the configuration of the control unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 30 shown in Fig. 2. Below, the differences will be described, and overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 30 according to the first modification.

[0122] The image forming apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 8 includes a receiving unit 302, a paper feeding unit 303, a conveying unit 304, a supply unit 305, an image forming unit 306, a discharge unit 307, a reading unit 308, a control unit 310, a communication unit 331, a memory unit 332, and a power supply unit 309.

[0123] The control unit 210 includes a first acquisition unit 212, a second acquisition unit 213, a determination unit 214, a third acquisition unit 215, an assignment unit 216, a determination unit 217, and a calculation unit 218. The control unit 210 executes a control program stored in the storage unit 232 to function as the first acquisition unit 212, the second acquisition unit 213, the determination unit 214, the third acquisition unit 215, the assignment unit 216, the determination unit 217, and the calculation unit 218. The first acquisition unit 212, the second acquisition unit 213, the determination unit 214, the third acquisition unit 215, the assignment unit 216, the determination unit 217, and the calculation unit 218 have been described with reference to FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described here.

[0124] According to the first modification, the first acquisition unit 212 of the image forming device 30 can acquire first status information on the status of the image forming device 30. Then, the second acquisition unit 213 of the image forming device 30 can acquire second status information indicating the status of the image forming device 30 after the first status information is acquired. Then, the determination unit 214 of the image forming device 30 can determine whether or not maintenance of the image forming device 30 has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information. Then, the third acquisition unit 215 of the image forming device 30 acquires performer information on the person who performed the maintenance. Then, the granting unit 216 of the image forming device 30 can grant points according to the type of maintenance to the performer information. Therefore, it is possible to encourage users other than the service personnel of the image forming device 30 to perform maintenance of the image forming device 30. As a result, the image forming device 30 can be maintained in a state in which image formation is possible.

[0125] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0126] (1) In the present embodiment, the first status information and the second status information are acquired from the image forming apparatus 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the first status information and the second status information may be acquired from the terminal device 10. Specifically, the first status information is image data captured by the imaging unit 141 of the terminal device 10. The image data includes the reading unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 30. Moreover, the second status information is image data captured by the imaging unit 141 of the terminal device 10 after the image data included in the first status information.

[0127] Furthermore, when the first status information is image data captured by the imaging unit 141 of the terminal device 10, the calculation unit 218 may calculate the time required for maintenance based on the maintenance method determined by the determination unit 217 and the image data. Therefore, the time required for maintenance can be calculated according to the degree of dirt. As a result, the time required for maintenance can be calculated more accurately and notified to the person performing maintenance.

[0128] The determination unit 214 of the server 20 that has received the first status information and the second status information determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming device 30 has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information. For example, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not a dirty portion indicating dirt on the reading unit 308 in the image data included in the first status information is included in the image data included in the second status information. In other words, if the dirty portion is included in the second status information, the determination unit 214 determines that maintenance has not been performed. On the other hand, if the dirty portion is not included in the second status information, the determination unit 214 determines that maintenance has been performed.

[0129] Also, the first status information may be acquired from the terminal device 10, and the second status information may be acquired from the image forming device 30. When the first status information is acquired from the terminal device 10, the description is omitted since it is as described above. When the second status information is acquired from the image forming device 30, the image read by the reading unit 308 is set as the second status information. That is, the determination unit 214 determines whether or not a dirty portion indicating a dirty portion of the reading unit 308 in the image data included in the first status information is included in the image data included in the second status information. That is, when the dirty portion is included in the second status information, the determination unit 214 determines that maintenance has not been performed. When the second status information does not include a dirty portion, the determination unit 214 determines that maintenance has been performed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0130] The present invention provides an image forming system and an image forming apparatus, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 20: Server 30: Image forming device 100: Image forming system 111: Notification control unit 212:First acquisition part 213:Second acquisition part 214: Judgment section 215: Third acquisition part 216: Granting department 217: Decision section 218: Calculation section 311: Notification control unit

Claims

1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, and a server capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The server, a first acquisition unit that acquires first status information relating to a status of the image forming apparatus; a second acquisition unit that acquires second status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus after the first status information is acquired; a determination unit that determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming apparatus has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information; a third acquisition unit that acquires performer information related to a person who performed the maintenance; an assigning unit that assigns points to the performer information according to the type of the maintenance; An image forming system comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus includes: a notification unit that notifies information regarding the maintenance; a notification control unit that controls the notification unit; Equipped with The server further includes a determination unit that determines a method of the maintenance based on the first status information, The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the maintenance method determined by the determination unit.

3. the first acquisition unit acquires first status information from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the image forming device requiring maintenance based on a plurality of pieces of first status information.

4. The server further includes a calculation unit that calculates a time required for the maintenance based on the maintenance method determined by the determination unit, The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify the maintenance method and the time required for the maintenance.

5. a first acquisition unit that acquires first status information relating to a status of the image forming apparatus; a second acquisition unit that acquires second status information indicating a status of the image forming apparatus after the first status information is acquired; a determination unit that determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming apparatus has been performed based on the first status information and the second status information; A third acquisition unit that acquires performer information related to a person who performed the maintenance; an assigning unit that assigns points to the performer information according to the type of the maintenance; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images