Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To restrict output of state information under a prescribed condition when a defect in an image occurs in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 executing a job to output an image comprises: a receiving unit 35 that receives input of defect information indicating that the execution of the job causes the occurrence of a defect; an acquisition unit 42 that acquires information D12 on the state of the inside of the apparatus when the receiving unit 35 receives the input of the defect information; an output unit 45 that outputs the state information D12 for defect analysis; and an output control unit 41. When the input of the defect information is received, the output control unit 41 determines whether a predetermined event occurs within a period from when the latest job is executed until when the defect information is input, and when the predetermined event occurs, restricts the output of the state information D12 by the output unit 45.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) executes various jobs such as a scan job, a print job, a copy job, etc. When such jobs are executed in an image processing apparatus, a defective image may be output.

[0003] Conventionally, in this type of image forming device, when a defective image is output, a device is known that reprints the output setting information and image data designated by the user on paper and outputs the reprinted image (for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional technology, the reprinted paper is sent to the manufacturer by the FAX function of the image forming device and is used to identify the cause of the defect, etc.

[0004] However, even if a defective image is output, the image forming device often does not recognize the occurrence of the trouble. For example, if dirt is attached to the platen glass of the scanner unit, the dirt will cause noise in the output image. However, if the dirt on the platen glass is not detected, the image forming device will not detect the occurrence of the trouble even if noise occurs in the output image.

[0005] That is, when there is a problem with an image output by an image forming apparatus, it is often the user who recognizes the problem. When the user recognizes the problem with the image, the user indicates the occurrence of the problem on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus transmits the information input by the user and the internal status information of the apparatus to a service center, and requests the identification of the cause of the problem. At the service center, an operator performs a problem analysis while referring to the information input by the user and the status information of the image forming apparatus, and identifies the cause of the problem. That is, the status information of the image forming apparatus is useful for identifying the state of the apparatus at the time of the problem occurrence. Then, when the cause of the problem is identified, the operator guides the user on a solution to the problem, such as replacing parts or cleaning the platen glass. The operator may also dispatch a serviceman to the location where the image forming apparatus is installed to perform the work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-97227 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if an image output by an image forming apparatus contains a defect, the user may change the settings of the image forming apparatus in an attempt to resolve the defect himself / herself. If the defect cannot be resolved even after changing the settings several times, the user may send status information of the image forming apparatus to a service center. In this case, the status information of the image forming apparatus has already been changed from the information at the time the defect occurred. Information that has been changed from the information at the time the defect occurred becomes an obstacle to accurately identifying the cause of the defect. Therefore, even if the operator analyzes the status information obtained from the image forming apparatus, it is difficult to efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect.

[0008] In addition, after an image is output by the image forming apparatus, a user may notice a defect in the output image some time later. In this case, by the time the user notices the defect, the status information of the image forming apparatus may have already been changed by another user. In addition, when an image stabilization process or the like is automatically executed in the image forming apparatus, the status information inside the apparatus may have been changed by the automatically executed process. Furthermore, the internal temperature and humidity of the image forming apparatus may have already changed since the defect occurred. Therefore, even if the user transmits the status information inside the apparatus to the service center at the time when the user notices the defect in the image, it may be difficult for the operator to efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect.

[0009] Therefore, among the information included in the status information of the image forming apparatus, information that has been changed since the time when the problem occurred should be excluded from information that is referred to when identifying the cause of the problem.

[0010] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method, and a program that limit the output of status information under specified conditions when an image defect occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus that executes a job and outputs an image, comprising: a reception unit that accepts input of defect information indicating that a defect has occurred due to the execution of a job; an information acquisition unit that acquires status information inside the apparatus when the input of the defect information is accepted by the reception unit; an output unit that outputs the status information for defect analysis; and a control unit that, when the input of the defect information is accepted by the reception unit, determines whether a specified event has occurred during the period from the execution of the most recent job to the input of the defect information, and, if the specified event has occurred, restricts the output of the status information by the output unit.

[0012] The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 1, the control unit prohibits the output unit from outputting the status information when the specified event occurs.

[0013] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of claim 1, the control unit invalidates at least a portion of the multiple pieces of information contained in the status information when the specified event occurs and causes the output unit to output the information.

[0014] The invention of claim 4 is an image forming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of an image including a defect, and the output unit is configured to output the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit together with the status information.

[0015] The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 4, it further includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, and the image acquisition unit acquires image data of the image read by the image reading unit as image data including defects.

[0016] The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined event is a change in an internal setting state.

[0017] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the predetermined event is a process that is automatically executed to stabilize an image.

[0018] The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of any of claims 1 to 3, the specified event is a transition to a logged-in state by a user other than the user who executed the most recent job.

[0019] The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined event is the lapse of a predetermined time from the execution of the most recent job.

[0020] The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined event is power off.

[0021] The invention of claim 11 is an image forming apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a memory unit for storing image data acquired by execution of at least the most recent job, and an image acquisition unit for acquiring image data of an image including a defect, wherein the control unit determines whether the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit is an image output by execution of the most recent job by comparing the image data stored in the memory unit with the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit, and if the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit is not an image output by execution of the most recent job, further restricts the output of the status information by the output unit.

[0022] The invention of claim 12 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 11, the memory unit accumulates and stores image data each time a job is executed, and the image acquisition unit acquires image data specified by a user from among the multiple image data stored in the memory unit as image data including defects.

[0023] The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 11, characterized in that the output unit outputs the status information to an external device via a network.

[0024] The invention of claim 14 is characterized in that, in the image forming device of claim 1, 2, 3, or 11, it further comprises an operation unit that accepts input operation of detailed defect information by a user, and the output unit outputs the detailed defect information input from the operation unit.

[0025] The invention of claim 15 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 14, the control unit prohibits the execution of a process that is automatically executed to stabilize an image when the operation unit is accepting the input operation.

[0026] The invention of claim 16 is a control method when a malfunction occurs in an image forming device that executes a job and outputs an image, comprising a first step of accepting input of malfunction information indicating that a malfunction has occurred due to the execution of a job, a second step of acquiring internal status information of the image forming device as the input of the malfunction information is accepted, a third step of outputting the status information for malfunction analysis, and a fourth step of determining, when the input of the malfunction information is accepted, whether a specified event has occurred during the period from the execution of the most recent job to the input of the malfunction information, and restricting the output of the status information by the third step if the specified event has occurred.

[0027] The invention of claim 17 is a program executed in an image forming device that executes a job and outputs an image, and is configured to cause the image forming device to execute a first step of accepting input of defect information indicating that a defect has occurred due to the execution of a job, a second step of acquiring internal status information of the image forming device upon acceptance of the input of the defect information, a third step of outputting the status information for defect analysis, and a fourth step of determining, when the input of the defect information is accepted, whether a specified event has occurred during the period from the execution of the most recent job to the input of the defect information, and restricting the output of the status information by the third step if the specified event has occurred. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, when an image defect occurs, it is possible to restrict the output of information included in the status information of the image forming apparatus that has been changed since the time the defect occurred. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cause of the defect from being erroneously identified based on information that has been changed since the defect occurred. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control unit; [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of history information recorded by an event recording unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between detailed defect information and the cause of the defect. FIG. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of defect analysis data output from an image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that informs a user of a solution to a problem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, elements common to each other are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus called an MFP or the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is installed in an office or the like and used by a user. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 20 and a printer unit 21, and is capable of executing various jobs such as a print job, a scan job, and a copy job. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an operation panel 13. The image forming apparatus 1 executes a job designated by a user via the operation panel 13. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a FAX function, and is capable of executing a FAX sending job and a FAX receiving job.

[0032] This image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a network 2 including a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet. The image forming apparatus 1 is capable of executing jobs received via the network 2. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job via the network 2, it executes the print job and prints it out.

[0033] An information processing device 3 at a service center is connected to the network 2. The image forming device 1 can communicate with the information processing device 3 via the network 2. The information processing device 3 is used by an operator stationed at the service center. For example, when a malfunction occurs in the image forming device 1, the information processing device 3 acquires malfunction analysis data D10 output from the image forming device 1. The operator analyzes the malfunction analysis data D10 to identify the cause of the malfunction that occurred in the image forming device 1, and provides the user of the image forming device 1 with information on how to resolve the malfunction, etc.

[0034] Image forming apparatus 1 may cause defects in an image output by executing a job. Examples of defects that may occur in an output image include streak-like noise and dot-like noise. Even if a defect occurs in an output image, image forming apparatus 1 often does not recognize it as a problem. Therefore, image forming apparatus 1 detects that a defect has occurred in the output image when a user inputs defect information indicating that a defect has occurred into operation panel 13.

[0035] When the user inputs defect information, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 and outputs the defect analysis data D10. The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment transmits the defect analysis data D10 to an information processing device 3 at a service center. An operator displays information contained in the defect analysis data D10 on the information processing device 3 and identifies the cause of the defect that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the defect analysis data D10 includes image data D11 including the defect and status information D12 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] When defect information is input by a user, the image forming apparatus 1 acquires image data D11 including the defect based on the user's instructions. For example, if a printed image output by executing a print job includes a defect, the image forming apparatus 1 drives the scanner unit 20 to read the image printed on the paper and generates image data D11. Also, if a scanned image output by executing a scan job includes a defect, the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the scanned image from the storage area where the scanned image was output and saved, and generates image data D11.

[0037] Furthermore, when the user inputs defect information, the image forming apparatus 1 acquires internal status information D12 of the image forming apparatus 1. The status information D12 includes various setting information stored in the image forming apparatus 1, environmental information within the apparatus, and the like.

[0038] The setting information includes setting values ​​applied when various jobs are executed, as well as image processing parameters applied when processing an image and control parameters applied when reading an image or forming an image. The setting values ​​applied when various jobs are executed are information that can be changed by the user. In contrast, image processing parameters and control parameters are information that cannot be changed by the user. However, image processing parameters and control parameters are information that are changed as appropriate by automatic processing such as image stabilization processing that is automatically executed periodically or irregularly in the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 acquires the above-mentioned setting information at the timing when defect information is input by the user.

[0039] The environmental information includes information such as the temperature and humidity inside the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor inside. The image forming apparatus 1 acquires the environmental information from these sensors when a user inputs defect information. Note that the environmental information may include information other than the temperature and humidity.

[0040] Then, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 including image data D11 and status information D12, and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 3. However, if the user does not notice that the output image contains a defect immediately after the image forming apparatus 1 executes a job, the status information D12 of the image forming apparatus 1 may have changed from the information immediately after the job was executed. In that case, even if the operator analyzes the status information D12 provided by the image forming apparatus 1, it is difficult for the operator to accurately and efficiently identify the cause of the defect. Rather, the status information D12 provided by the image forming apparatus 1 becomes information that causes confusion in the operator's judgment when identifying the cause of the defect.

[0041] Therefore, when outputting the defect analysis data D10, the image forming device 1 of the present embodiment judges whether the status information D12 is information at the time of defect occurrence. If the result of the judgment is that the status information D12 is information different from the information at the time of defect occurrence, the image forming device 1 restricts the output of the status information D12. Such an image forming device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0042] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation panel 13, a storage unit 16, a scanner unit 20, a printer unit 21, a FAX unit 22, and a communication interface 23.

[0043] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a hardware processor 11 and a memory 12. The hardware processor 11 reads and executes a program 17 stored in a storage unit 16. The memory 12 stores temporary data and the like that is generated when the hardware processor 11 executes the program 17. For example, the memory 12 is a volatile storage device.

[0044] The operation panel 13 is a user interface when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 13 includes a display unit 14 that displays various operation screens that the user can operate, and an operation unit 15 that accepts operations from the user. The display unit 14 is configured, for example, as a color liquid crystal display. The operation unit 15 is configured, for example, as touch panel keys arranged on the screen of the display unit 14.

[0045] The storage unit 16 is a non-volatile storage device configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 16 stores in advance a program 17 to be executed by the hardware processor 11. The storage unit 16 also stores image data 18 acquired with the execution of a job. For example, in the case of a print job, the storage unit 16 stores image data 18 acquired as a print target. In the case of a scan job or copy job, the storage unit 16 stores image data 18 generated by a scanner unit 20.

[0046] It is sufficient that at least one image data 18 obtained in the most recent job is stored in the storage unit 16. However, this is not limited to this. The storage unit 16 may accumulate and store image data 18 obtained in each of a plurality of jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 16 also stores various information other than the program 17 and the image data 18.

[0047] The scanner unit 20 operates when a scan job or a copy job is executed. The scanner unit 20 includes an image reading unit 24. The image reading unit 24 optically reads an image of a document set by a user and generates image data. For example, the image reading unit 24 optically reads a document placed on a platen glass. The scanner unit 20 may also include an automatic document feeder (ADF). The image reading unit 24 reads an image of a document that is continuously and automatically fed by the automatic document feeder when the document passes the position of the slit glass and generates image data.

[0048] The printer unit 21 operates when a print job or a copy job is executed. The printer unit 21 includes an image forming unit 25. The image forming unit 25 forms an image on a sheet such as printing paper based on image data to be printed, and prints out the image. For example, the image forming unit 25 forms an image on the sheet by an electrophotographic method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming unit 25 may form an image on the sheet by an inkjet method.

[0049] FAX unit 22 transmits and receives FAX data via the public telephone network. When FAX unit 22 receives FAX data, it outputs image data included in the FAX data to printer unit 21. When FAX unit 22 obtains image data to be transmitted from scanner unit 20, it converts the image data into FAX data and transmits it to a specified transmission destination.

[0050] The communication interface 23 connects the image forming apparatus 1 to the network 2. The communication interface 23 communicates with external devices such as the information processing apparatus 3 via the network 2.

[0051] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 10. When the hardware processor 11 executes the program 17, the control unit 10 functions as a normal operation control unit 30 and a malfunction control unit 40. The normal operation control unit 30 functions when the image forming apparatus 1 is in a normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the image forming apparatus 1 can execute a job. The malfunction control unit 40 operates when the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the normal operation mode to the malfunction mode. For example, when input of malfunction information by a user is accepted in the normal operation mode, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the normal operation mode to the malfunction mode.

[0052] The normal operation control unit 30 includes a panel control unit 31, a device state management unit 32, a job control unit 33, and an image stabilization processing unit .

[0053] Panel control unit 31 controls operation panel 13 in the normal operation mode. That is, panel control unit 31 displays an operation screen that can be operated by the user on display unit 14, and accepts user operations on the operation screen. For example, when panel control unit 31 accepts a job setting operation by the user in the normal operation mode, it outputs a setting value based on the setting operation to device status management unit 32. Furthermore, when panel control unit 31 accepts an instruction to execute a job by the user, it instructs job control unit 33 to start executing the job.

[0054] The panel control unit 31 includes a reception unit 35. The reception unit 35 receives input of malfunction information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the normal operation mode. For example, an operation button that the user operates when a malfunction occurs is displayed on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 14 in the normal operation mode. When the operation button is operated by the user, the reception unit 35 receives the user's operation as malfunction information. When the reception unit 35 receives the malfunction information, it transitions the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the malfunction mode, and causes the malfunction control unit 40 to function.

[0055] The device status management unit 32 manages the status of the image forming device 1. The device status management unit 32 records and manages the status of the image forming device 1 in status information D12. The device status management unit 32 updates the status information D12 whenever the status of the image forming device 1 changes. Therefore, the status information D12 is information that represents the internal status of the image forming device 1 in real time. This status information D12 includes various setting information, internal device environmental information, and the like, as described above.

[0056] For example, when device status management unit 32 receives job setting values ​​from panel control unit 31, it updates the setting information included in status information D12. When an instruction to execute a job from a user is accepted, device status management unit 32 outputs information required to execute the job from status information D12 to job control unit 33. This enables job control unit 33 to execute the job in a state in which the job setting values ​​specified by the user are reflected.

[0057] The device status management unit 32 includes an event recording unit 36. The event recording unit 36 ​​detects an event that occurs in the image forming device 1, and records the occurrence history of the event in the history information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the history information recorded by the event recording unit 36. As shown in FIG. 4, the history information records histories such as power-on, user login, change of setting value, job execution, processing automatically executed in the image forming device 1 such as image stabilization processing, user logout, and power-off. The event recording unit 36 ​​also detects changes in the internal environment (temperature and humidity) of the image forming device 1 as events, and records the changes in the internal environment in the history information. The history information is managed in a state where it is stored in the storage unit 16, for example.

[0058] The job control unit 33 controls the execution of jobs in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, in the case of a scan job, the job control unit 33 drives the scanner unit 20 based on a job execution instruction from the user, and controls the image reading operation of the document set by the user. In the case of a print job, the job control unit 33 drives the printer unit 21, and forms and outputs an image on a sheet based on image data to be printed. In the case of a copy job, the job control unit 33 drives the scanner unit 20 and the printer unit 21, and prints out an image that is a copy of the image read by the scanner unit 20.

[0059] The job control unit 33 outputs image data 18 acquired in conjunction with the execution of a job to the storage unit 16, and stores the image data 18 in the storage unit 16. For example, in the case of a print job, the job control unit 33 stores the image data 18 to be printed in the storage unit 16. In addition, in the case of a scan job or copy job, the job control unit 33 stores the image data 18 generated by the scanner unit 20 in the storage unit 16.

[0060] The image stabilization processor 34 operates periodically or irregularly in the normal operation control unit 30. The image stabilization processor 34 executes processing for stabilizing an image output by the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the image stabilization processor 34 drives the printer unit 21 and automatically executes processing for maintaining the color reproducibility of a printed image in a constant state. When the image stabilization processor 34 executes image stabilization processing, the control parameters applied during image formation are changed. Accordingly, the state information D12 is updated.

[0061] Image forming apparatus 1 may automatically execute processes other than the image stabilization process. In that case, status information D12 may also be updated.

[0062] The defect control unit 40 includes an output control unit 41 , an acquisition unit 42 , an image acquisition unit 43 , a detailed information generation unit 44 , and an output unit 45 .

[0063] The output control unit 41 controls the output of the failure analysis data D10 in the failure mode. When the output control unit 41 transitions to the failure mode, it causes the acquisition unit 42 to function. Furthermore, when the output control unit 41 transitions to the failure mode, it prohibits the automatic execution of image stabilization processing and the like. Therefore, in the failure mode, the state information D12 is not automatically rewritten by the image stabilization processing and the like.

[0064] The acquisition unit 42 acquires the state information D12 managed by the device state management unit 32. That is, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the state information D12 at the timing of transition to the malfunction mode. Upon acquiring the state information D12, the acquisition unit 42 outputs the state information D12 to the output unit 45.

[0065] The output control unit 41 includes a determination unit 46. The determination unit 46 determines whether or not a predetermined event has occurred during the period from when the most recent job was executed until the defect information was input. The determination unit 46 refers to history information managed by the event recording unit 36. The determination unit 46 determines whether or not a predetermined event has occurred after the most recent job was executed in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the history information.

[0066] A predetermined event is an event that may cause the state information D12 to change. Such events include an event that changes the internal setting state of the image forming device 1. For example, predetermined events include an event that transitions to a login state by a user different from the user who executed the most recent job, an event that executes image stabilization processing, and the like. In addition, when a predetermined time has passed since the most recent job was executed, the setting value of the job changed by the user returns to the default value. Therefore, the passage of a predetermined time since the most recent job was executed is also included in the predetermined event. In addition, turning the image forming device 1 off or on is also included in the predetermined event. Furthermore, changes in the temperature, humidity, and the like inside the image forming device 1 are also included in the predetermined event.

[0067] If a specific event has not occurred after the most recent job was executed, the output control unit 41 does not restrict the output of the status information D12 by the output unit 45. In contrast, if a specific event has occurred after the most recent job was executed, the output control unit 41 restricts the output of the status information D12 by the output unit 45.

[0068] One aspect of the output restriction is to prohibit the output of the status information D12. In this case, the output control unit 41 prohibits the output unit 45 from outputting the defect analysis data D10 including the status information D12. The output control unit 41 may also control so that an analysis process for identifying the cause of the defect is not performed.

[0069] Another mode of output restriction is to invalidate at least a part of the information included in the status information D12 and have the output unit 45 output the invalidated information. For example, the output control unit 41 identifies information included in the status information D12 that has been changed by an event that occurred after the most recent job was executed. Then, the output control unit 41 instructs the output unit 45 to invalidate the information that has been changed by the occurrence of the event.

[0070] For example, the output control unit 41 is preset with either of the above two modes to limit the output. In this case, if a specific event occurs during the period from the execution of the most recent job to the input of defect information, the output control unit 41 limits the output of the status information D12 in a preset mode. However, the mode is not limited to this.

[0071] The image acquisition unit 43 acquires image data D11 of an image including a defect. For example, when a user instructs the image acquisition unit 43 to acquire an image including a defect, the image acquisition unit 43 drives the scanner unit 20. Then, the image acquisition unit 43 acquires image data of an image read by the image reading unit 24 of the scanner unit 20 as image data D11 including a defect. Furthermore, when an image including a defect is output by a scan job, the image acquisition unit 43 reads out the image data 18 generated by the most recent job from the storage unit 16 and acquires it as image data D11 including a defect. When the image acquisition unit 43 acquires the image data D11 including a defect, it outputs the image data D11 to the output unit 45.

[0072] The detailed information generating unit 44 functions when a user instructs input of detailed information at the time of occurrence of a malfunction. The detailed information generating unit 44 displays an operation screen on the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13, where the user can input detailed information. When the operation unit 15 of the operation panel 13 accepts an input operation of detailed malfunction information by the user, the detailed information generating unit 44 generates detailed malfunction information based on the input operation. After generating detailed malfunction information, the detailed information generating unit 44 outputs the detailed malfunction information to the output unit 45.

[0073] The output unit 45 outputs the defect analysis data D10. The output of the defect analysis data D10 by the output unit 45 is controlled by the output control unit 41. For example, when the output control unit 41 prohibits the output of the defect analysis data D10 including the state information D12, the output unit 45 generates the defect analysis data D10 not including the state information D12. That is, the output unit 45 generates the defect analysis data D10 including the image data D11 output from the image acquisition unit 43. At this time, if the output unit 45 has acquired defect detailed information from the detailed information generation unit 44, it generates the defect analysis data D10 including the image data D11 and the defect detailed information. Then, the output unit 45 transmits the defect analysis data D10 to the information processing device 3 via the communication interface 23.

[0074] Furthermore, when the output control unit 41 instructs the output unit 45 to invalidate at least a part of the multiple pieces of information included in the state information D12, the output unit 45 deletes the information instructed to be invalidated from the state information D12 output from the acquisition unit 42. The output unit 45 then generates defect analysis data D10 including the image data D11 and the state information D12 with some of the information invalidated. At this time, if the output unit 45 has acquired defect detailed information from the detailed information generation unit 44, it generates defect analysis data D10 including the defect detailed information. The output unit 45 then transmits the defect analysis data D10 to the information processing device 3 via the communication interface 23.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 1. This processing is mainly performed by the defect control unit 40. The image forming apparatus 1 waits until it receives input of defect information by the user (step S10). For example, in the normal operation mode, the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13 displays an operation screen G1 as shown in FIG. 6. This operation screen G1 includes an operation button B1 for the user to input defect information. When the operation button B1 is operated by the user, the image forming apparatus 1 receives the operation as input of defect information.

[0076] When the input of the defect information is accepted (YES in step S10), the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the defect mode. When the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the defect mode, it displays an operation screen G2 as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13. This operation screen G2 is a screen that asks the user whether or not to read the image in which the defect has occurred. The user can give an instruction to read the image by operating the operation screen G2.

[0077] When the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the defect mode, it determines whether or not the user has issued an instruction to read an image (step S11). If an instruction to read an image has been issued (YES in step S11), the image forming apparatus 1 drives the scanner unit 20 to read the image of the document (step S12) and acquires image data D11 of the image including the defect (step S13). In addition to reading the image of the document, the image forming apparatus 1 may also acquire image data D11 of the image including the defect from the image data 18 stored in the storage unit 16. If the user has not issued an instruction to read an image (NO in step S11), the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to acquire the image including the defect.

[0078] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 acquires status information D12 indicating the current status of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S14). Here, the acquiring unit 42 acquires the status information D12 managed by the apparatus status managing unit 32.

[0079] Next, image forming apparatus 1 determines whether a predetermined event has occurred during the period from the execution of the most recent job to the present time (step S15). That is, image forming apparatus 1 determines whether an event that may change status information D12 has occurred after the execution of the most recent job. As a result, if the predetermined event has not occurred (NO in step S15), the status information D12 read in step S14 is the same as the information immediately after the execution of the most recent job. Therefore, if the predetermined event has not occurred (NO in step S15), the processing of steps S16 to S18 is skipped.

[0080] On the other hand, if a predetermined event has occurred (YES in step S15), the status information D12 read in step S14 may have been changed after the most recent job was executed, so image forming apparatus 1 restricts the output of the status information D12 obtained in step S14 (steps S16 to S18).

[0081] If a predetermined event has occurred (YES in step S15), the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not to prohibit reference to the status information D12 (step S16). For example, if reference to the status information D12 has been prohibited in advance (YES in step S16), the image forming apparatus 1 prohibits output of the status information D12 acquired in step S14 (step S17). In this case, the defect analysis data D10 output from the image forming apparatus 1 does not include the status information D12.

[0082] Furthermore, if referring to the status information D12 is not prohibited (NO in step S16), the image forming device 1 performs a process of invalidating at least a part of the information in the status information D12 acquired in step S14 (step S18). That is, the image forming device 1 identifies information that has been changed by an event that occurred after the most recent job was executed, from among the information included in the status information D12. Then, the image forming device 1 deletes the identified information from the status information D12. As a result, the status information D12 does not include information that has been changed by the occurrence of an event.

[0083] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 judges whether or not the input of detailed information on the defect by the user has been accepted (step S19). For example, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen G3 as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13. This operation screen G3 is a screen for inquiring of the user as to whether or not to input detailed information on the defect. When the user instructs to input detailed information, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen G4 as shown in FIG. 4. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 accepts the input operation of the defect by the user. In the example of FIG. 4, the screen allows the user to select from among a defect in which lines included in the output image have become faint, a defect in which streaky stains have appeared in the output image, and a defect that has been erroneously judged in the automatic color judgment. The user can input a defect occurring in the output image by operating the operation screen G4.

[0084] When the user inputs the defect, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen G5 as shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13. The operation screen G5 is a screen that queries the user about the type of job in which the defect occurred. When the user specifies the type of job, the image forming apparatus 1 displays an operation screen G6 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 14 of the operation panel 13. The operation screen G6 is a screen that queries the user about specific symptoms of the defect. When the user inputs the symptoms of the defect, the image forming apparatus 1 generates detailed defect information based on the information input by the user.

[0085] The defect detail information input by the user is useful for narrowing down the cause of the defect. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the defect detail information and the cause of the defect. As shown in FIG. 12, the cause of the defect varies depending on the combination of defect detail information input by the user. Therefore, if the defect analysis data D10 includes the defect detail information, the cause of the defect can be efficiently identified.

[0086] In addition, while the user is inputting detailed defect information, automatic execution of image stabilization processing and the like is prohibited. Therefore, while the user is inputting detailed defect information, the status information D12 is not rewritten.

[0087] 5, when the image forming apparatus 1 receives detailed information on the malfunction from the user (YES in step S19), the image forming apparatus 1 generates detailed information on the malfunction based on the information input by the user (step S20). When the image forming apparatus 1 does not receive detailed information on the malfunction from the user (NO in step S19), the image forming apparatus 1 does not generate detailed information on the malfunction.

[0088] Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 generates and outputs defect analysis data D10 (step S21). For example, if image data D11 of an image including a defect is acquired in step S13, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 including the image data D11. If the processes of steps S16 to S18 are not performed, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 including the status information D12 acquired in step S14. In contrast, if the processes of steps S16 to S18 are performed and the output of the status information D12 is restricted, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 in which the output of the status information D12 is restricted. Specifically, if the output of the status information D12 is prohibited, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 that does not include the status information D12. If some information included in the status information D12 is invalidated, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 including the status information D12 in which some information is invalidated. Furthermore, when the process of step S20 is performed and the defect detail information is generated, the image forming apparatus 1 generates defect analysis data D10 including the defect detail information. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect analysis data D10 to the information processing apparatus 3 via the communication interface 23.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of failure analysis data D10 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 3. FIG. 13(a) shows the failure analysis data D10 output when a specified event has not occurred after the execution of the most recent job. When a specified event has not occurred, the output of the status information D12 is not restricted. Therefore, the failure analysis data D10 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 3 includes the status information D12 representing the internal status of the image forming apparatus 1 as is. In this case, the operator can efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the failure based on the status information D12 included in the failure analysis data D10.

[0090] 13(b) and (c) show the defect analysis data D10 output when a predetermined event occurs after the execution of the most recent job. When a predetermined event occurs after the execution of the most recent job, the image forming device 1 outputs the defect analysis data D10 including the restricted state information D12, for example, as shown in FIG. 13(b). The restricted state information D12 is information in which at least a part of a plurality of pieces of information representing the internal state of the image forming device 1 is invalidated. The invalidated information is information that has been changed by the predetermined event. Therefore, when the operator identifies the cause of the defect, he or she will not be confused by the information that has been changed by the predetermined event. Therefore, the operator can efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect based on the information included in the defect analysis data D10.

[0091] 13(c), the image forming apparatus 1 may output the defect analysis data D10 that does not include the status information D12. In this case, the operator is not confused by information changed by a predetermined event when identifying the cause of the defect. Therefore, the operator can efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect based on the information included in the defect analysis data D10.

[0092] As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment accepts the input of defect information by the user, it judges whether or not a specific event has occurred during the period from the execution of the most recent job until the defect information is input. As a result, if it is judged that a specific event has occurred, the image forming apparatus 1 restricts the output of the status information D12 indicating the internal status of the apparatus. Therefore, when identifying the cause of the defect, it is possible to exclude information that has been rewritten by an event after the defect has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of time from being spent on identifying the cause of the defect, and it is possible to identify the cause of the defect efficiently and accurately.

[0093] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which it is assumed that the job in which a defect has occurred is the most recent job executed in the image forming device 1, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined event has occurred after the most recent job has been executed. However, after the image forming device 1 outputs an image with a defect, a certain amount of time may pass without the user noticing the defect. In that case, after the job in which the image with the defect has been output is executed, the image forming device 1 may execute another job. When another job is executed in the image forming device 1, the internal state of the image forming device 1 becomes completely different from the state when the defect occurred. Therefore, in this embodiment, one form of the image forming device 1 that determines whether or not the job in which a defect has occurred is the most recent job will be described. The configuration of the image forming device 1 in this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0094] 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. This processing is mainly performed by the defect control unit 40. The image forming apparatus 1 waits until it receives input of defect information from a user (step S30). When it receives input of defect information (YES in step S30), the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to a defect mode.

[0095] When the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the defect mode, it determines whether or not a user has issued an instruction to read an image (step S31). If an instruction to read an image has been issued (YES in step S31), the image forming apparatus 1 drives the scanner unit 20 to read the image of the document (step S32) and obtains image data D11 of the image including the defect (step S33). In addition to reading the image of the document, the image forming apparatus 1 may also obtain image data D11 of the image including the defect from the image data 18 stored in the storage unit 16.

[0096] When the image forming apparatus 1 acquires the image data D11 of the image including the defect, it reads out the image data acquired by the most recent job from the storage unit 16 (step S34). The image forming apparatus 1 compares the image data D11 including the defect with the image data acquired by the most recent job (step S35). By comparing the two image data, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the two image data are the same image data. For example, if the similarity between the two image data is higher than a predetermined value, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the two image data are the same image data.

[0097] As a result of the image comparison, the image forming apparatus 1 judges whether the defect included in the image data D11 acquired in step S33 is a defect caused by the most recent job (step S36). If the defect included in the image data D11 is a defect caused by the most recent job (YES in step S36), the image forming apparatus 1 acquires status information D12 (step S37). After acquiring the status information D12, the process by the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 15, and executes the processes of steps S38 to S41. The processes of steps S38 to S41 are the same as the processes of steps S15 to S18 shown in FIG. 5. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 judges whether a predetermined event has occurred after the execution of the most recent job (step S38). As a result, if a predetermined event has occurred (YES in step S38), the image forming apparatus 1 restricts the output of the status information D12 acquired in step S37 (steps S39 to S41). If the predetermined event has not occurred (NO in step S38), image forming apparatus 1 does not restrict the output of status information D12 and allows it to be output as is. After that, the process by image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to step S42.

[0098] On the other hand, if the defect contained in the image data D11 is not a defect caused by the most recent job (NO in step S36), the image forming apparatus 1 does not acquire the status information D12. This is because the status information D12 has already been changed from the information at the time the defect occurred. In this case, the process by the image forming apparatus 1 proceeds to step S42. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 restricts the output of the status information D12 without acquiring the status information D12.

[0099] Next, the image forming apparatus 1 judges whether or not it has received detailed defect information input by the user (step S42). If the image forming apparatus 1 receives detailed defect information input by the user (YES in step S42), it generates detailed defect information based on the information input by the user (step S43). If the image forming apparatus 1 does not receive detailed defect information input by the user (NO in step S42), it does not generate detailed defect information. After that, the image forming apparatus 1 generates and outputs defect analysis data D10 (step S44).

[0100] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment stores in the storage unit 16 image data 18 acquired by at least executing the most recent job. When the image forming apparatus 1 acquires image data D11 of an image including a defect, it compares the image data 18 stored in the storage unit 16 with the image data D11 to determine whether the image data D11 is an image output by executing the most recent job. If the image data D11 is not an image output by executing the most recent job, the image forming apparatus 1 restricts the output of the status information D12. This makes it possible to prevent a large amount of time from being spent on identifying the cause of the defect in the image forming apparatus 1, and to identify the cause of the defect efficiently and accurately.

[0101] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-mentioned points are similar to those described in the first embodiment.

[0102] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which an image forming apparatus 1 includes a defect analysis unit 47 therein will be described.

[0103] 16 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control unit 10 in the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 of this embodiment includes a defect analysis unit 47 that operates in a defect mode. The defect analysis unit 47 is a processing unit that analyzes a defect and identifies the cause of the defect based on defect analysis data D10. The output unit 45 of this embodiment outputs the defect analysis data D10 to the defect analysis unit 47. The defect analysis unit 47 functions when the defect analysis data D10 is output from the output unit 45, and analyzes a defect that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0104] When the user inputs defect detail information, the defect detail information is included in the defect analysis data D10. When the defect analysis unit 47 acquires the defect analysis data D10, the defect analysis unit 47 extracts the defect detail information from the defect analysis data D10 and narrows down and identifies the cause of the defect based on the defect detail information. When identifying the cause of the defect, the defect analysis unit 47 refers to the image data D11 and the state information D12 included in the defect analysis data D10 to identify the cause of the defect. At this time, as in the first and second embodiments, if the information included in the state information D12 has been changed since the defect occurred, the changed information is excluded. Therefore, the defect analysis unit 47 can efficiently and accurately identify the cause of the defect.

[0105] FIG. 17 shows an operation screen displayed when the user selects the automatic color misjudgment on the operation screen G4 shown in FIG. 9. For example, the operation screen G7 shown in FIG. 17(a) is a screen that asks the user whether the image output due to the misjudgment is a color image or a monochrome image. When the operation screen G7 is displayed and the user selects a color image, the operation screen G8 shown in FIG. 17(b) is further displayed. The operation screen G8 is a screen that asks the user whether the ADF or the platen glass was used when scanning the document. By inputting detailed information about the malfunction by the user in this way, the malfunction analysis unit 47 can identify the cause of the malfunction and can guide the user to a solution to the malfunction.

[0106] Fig. 18 shows an example of a screen that guides the user to a solution to the problem. For example, if a color image is output due to an erroneous judgment of the automatic color and the user specifies that the document was read using the ADF, a guide screen G9 as shown in Fig. 18(a) is displayed on the display unit 14. This guide screen G9 guides the user to clean the slit glass.

[0107] Also, for example, if a color image is output due to an erroneous judgment of the automatic color and the user specifies that the document was read using the platen glass, a guide screen G10 as shown in Fig. 18(b) is displayed on the display unit 14. This guide screen G10 advises the user to clean the platen glass.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, when it is specified that a monochrome image has been output due to an erroneous automatic color determination, a guide screen G11 as shown in Fig. 18(c) is displayed on the display unit 14. This guide screen G11 guides the user to change the color determination level.

[0109] 18 shows an example in which the user can solve the problem by himself / herself. However, depending on the analysis result by the problem analysis unit 47, the user may not be able to solve the problem by himself / herself. In such a case, the problem analysis unit 47 may display a guide screen on the display unit 14 to prompt the user to call a serviceman.

[0110] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the failure analysis unit 47 is implemented in the image forming apparatus 1 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the failure analysis unit 47 may be provided as an external device of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the failure analysis unit 47 provided as an external device automatically identifies the cause of the occurrence of the failure.

[0111] Moreover, the configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-mentioned points are similar to those described in the first or second embodiment.

[0112] (Modification) The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the user of the image forming apparatus 1 inputs defect information via the operation panel 13, thereby shifting the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 to the defect mode. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 can also input defect information from an external information processing apparatus 3. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to shift to the defect mode even when defect information is input from the external information processing apparatus 3. For example, the information processing apparatus 3 may transmit defect information to the image forming apparatus 1 based on an instruction from an operator, and shift the image forming apparatus 1 to the defect mode, thereby acquiring the defect analysis data D10.

[0114] Also, the program 17 described in the above embodiment is exemplified as being pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 1. However, the program 17 is not limited to being pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the program 17 may be a transaction target by itself. In this case, the program 17 may be provided in a downloadable form via the network 2 such as the Internet. Also, the program 17 may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a USB memory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Image forming device 10 Control section 13 Operation Panel 14 Display section 15 Control section 16 Memory section 17 Programs 35 Reception 41 Output control section 42 Acquisition Department 43 Image acquisition unit 44 Detailed information generation section 45 Output section 46 Judgment Department 47 Defect Analysis Department D10 Data for defect analysis D11 Image data D12 Status Information

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that executes a job and outputs an image, a reception unit that receives input of defect information indicating that a defect has occurred due to execution of a job; an information acquisition unit that acquires internal state information of the device when the input of the defect information is accepted by the accepting unit; an output unit that outputs the status information for failure analysis; a control unit that, when the input of the defect information is accepted by the accepting unit, determines whether or not a predetermined event has occurred during a period from when a most recent job was executed until the defect information is input, and, if the predetermined event has occurred, restricts the output of the status information by the output unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit inhibits the output unit from outputting the status information when the predetermined event occurs.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the specified event occurs, the control unit invalidates at least a portion of the multiple pieces of information included in the status information and causes the output unit to output the information.

4. an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of an image including a defect; Further comprising:

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit together with the status information.

5. an image reading unit that reads an image of a document; Further comprising:

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image acquisition section acquires image data of the image read by the image reading section as image data including defects.

6. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is a change in an internal setting state.

7. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is a process that is automatically executed to stabilize an image.

8. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is a transition to a logged-in state by a user different from a user who has executed an immediately preceding job.

9. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is the lapse of a predetermined time from the execution of a most recent job.

10. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is a power off.

11. a storage unit that stores image data acquired by executing at least the most recent job; an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of an image including a defect; Further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit determines whether the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit is an image output by execution of the most recent job by comparing the image data stored in the memory unit with the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit, and if the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit is not an image output by execution of the most recent job, further restricts the output of the status information by the output unit.

12. The storage unit accumulates and stores image data each time a job is executed, 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires image data designated by a user from among the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit as image data including defects.

13. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the status information to an external device via a network.

14. an operation unit for accepting input of detailed defect information by a user; Further comprising:

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the defect detailed information inputted from the operation unit.

15. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unit prohibits execution of a process that is automatically executed to stabilize an image when the operation unit is accepting the input operation.

16. A control method for when a malfunction occurs in an image forming apparatus that executes a job and outputs an image, comprising: A first step of accepting input of defect information indicating that a defect has occurred due to execution of a job; a second step of acquiring internal status information of the image forming apparatus in response to the input of the defect information being accepted; a third step of outputting the status information for failure analysis; a fourth step of determining whether or not a predetermined event has occurred during a period from when the most recent job is executed until the input of the defect information is accepted, when the input of the defect information is accepted, and restricting the output of the status information by the third step if the predetermined event has occurred; A control method comprising the steps of:

17. A program executed in an image forming apparatus for executing a job and outputting an image, comprising: A first step of accepting input of defect information indicating that a defect has occurred due to execution of a job; a second step of acquiring internal status information of the image forming apparatus in response to the input of the defect information being accepted; a third step of outputting the status information for failure analysis; a fourth step of determining whether or not a predetermined event has occurred during a period from when the most recent job is executed until the input of the defect information is accepted, when the input of the defect information is accepted, and restricting the output of the status information by the third step if the predetermined event has occurred; A program characterized by executing the above.

Images