Operational information generation device and operational information generation method

Abstract

To enable users to determine the appropriate timing for performing maintenance on an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An operation information generation device 2 includes an operation log acquisition unit 21 that acquires historical information on the operation status of the image forming apparatus and historical information on maintenance performed on an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, an operation information generation unit 22 that generates operation information in which the historical information on the operation status of the image forming apparatus and the historical information on the maintenance performed are displayed on a timeline, and an operation information output unit 23 that outputs the operation information to a terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation information generation device and an operation information generation method.

Background Art

[0002] In an inkjet type image forming apparatus, due to the characteristic of ejecting ink from a head, ink splashes, residual droplets, ink mist formed during ejection, etc. are likely to adhere to the nozzle surface. Since the adhered ink mist, droplets, etc. block the nozzle surface and cause ejection failure, it is necessary to periodically clean the nozzle surface. On the other hand, excessive cleaning can be a factor in accelerating the deterioration of the nozzle surface. When the nozzle surface deteriorates, it is necessary to replace the head itself, resulting in unnecessary expenses such as the purchase of an expensive head.

[0003] There are cases where an inkjet type image forming apparatus uses UV (ultraviolet) ink. In this case, due to leakage light from the UV curing lamp or light entering from outside the image forming apparatus, the curing of the ink adhering to the nozzle surface progresses over time. Since the removal of the cured ink is more difficult than the removal of aqueous ink, in an image forming apparatus using UV ink, it is required to perform cleaning at a more appropriate timing.

[0004] In conventional operations, education is provided to the operator of the image forming apparatus regarding the implementation timing, corresponding content, etc. The operator performed maintenance such as cleaning the nozzle surface based on the content of the education. However, when such operations are performed, there is a possibility of human errors such as omission of maintenance execution.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer control device that urges a user to perform maintenance when an appropriate implementation time is reached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-092224 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] By the way, Patent Document 1 describes that the appropriate timing for maintenance is set based on a predetermined maintenance interval. However, the appropriate timing for maintenance also varies depending on the operating state of the image forming apparatus, such as the number of printed sheets and the storage time.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user to determine an appropriate timing for performing maintenance on an image forming apparatus. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] To solve the above problems, an operation information generation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a history information acquisition unit that acquires history information on an operating state of an image forming apparatus and history information on maintenance execution for an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus; an operation information generation unit that generates operation information in which the history information on the operating state of the image forming apparatus and the history information on maintenance execution acquired by the history information acquisition unit are shown on a timeline; and an operation information output unit that outputs the operation information generated by the operation information generation unit to a terminal device. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, based on the information on the operating state of the image forming apparatus and the history information on maintenance execution, a user can determine an appropriate timing for performing maintenance. Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description of the components will be omitted.

[0013] <Configuration of the Operation Information Visualization System> First, the overall configuration of the operation information visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation information visualization system 100. Note that FIG. 1 shows elements necessary for the description of the present invention or related elements thereof, and the operation information visualization system of the present invention is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation information visualization system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1, an operation information generation apparatus 2, and a terminal apparatus 3. These apparatuses constituting the operation information visualization system 100 are communicably connected via a network (not shown), respectively.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 1 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as a sheet or cloth based on a print job input from a printer controller (not shown) or the like. In a storage unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, information indicating the operation state (status) of the image forming apparatus 1 and maintenance history information of the implementation are stored as an operation log.

[0016] The operation information generation apparatus 2 is installed in, for example, a cloud environment and acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1. Then, the operation information generation apparatus 2 generates operation information to be displayed on a dashboard (not shown) and uploads the operation information to the dashboard. The operation information generation apparatus 2 generates operation information. The operation information is information including both the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the maintenance history information of the implementation performed on a nozzle (an example of an image forming unit, not shown) or the like of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0017] The terminal device 3 is arranged, for example, within a company where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. The terminal device 3 accesses the operation information generation device 2 based on an operation by a user. Then, the terminal device 3 causes a display unit 53 (see FIG. 3) to display an operation information display screen provided by the dashboard.

[0018] <Functional Configuration of Operation Information Visualization Device> Next, the functional configuration of the operation information generation device 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the operation information generation device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation information generation device 2 includes an operation log acquisition unit 21, an operation information generation unit 22, and an operation information output unit 23.

[0019] The operation log acquisition unit 21 (an example of a history information acquisition unit) acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 and stores it in a bucket (not shown) on the cloud or the like. The function of the operation log acquisition unit 21 can be realized using a technology such as WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning).

[0020] The operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information using the operation log stored in the bucket and stores it in the bucket. The operation information includes both the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the implementation history information of maintenance performed on nozzles or the like of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation information output unit 23 reads out the operation information stored in the bucket and outputs it to the dashboard.

[0021] (Configuration of the Control System of the Operation Information Visualization System) Next, the control system configurations of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation information generation device 2, and the terminal device 3 included in the operation information visualization system 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each device constituting the operation information visualization system 100. The computer 50 shown in FIG. 3 is hardware used as a so-called computer.

[0022] The computer 50 includes a control unit 51, a non-volatile storage 52, a display unit 53, an operation input unit 54, and a communication I / F (Interface) 55, which are respectively connected to the bus B.

[0023] The control unit 51 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 511, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 512, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 513.

[0024] The CPU 511 reads the program code of the software that realizes each function according to the present embodiment from the ROM 512, expands it in the RAM 513, and executes it. Variables, parameters, etc. generated during the arithmetic processing by the CPU 511 are temporarily written into the RAM 513.

[0025] Note that the control unit 51 may include a processing device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) instead of the CPU 511. Also, in the control unit 51, the CPU and the MPU may be used in combination. Further, the control unit 51 may be configured by an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0026] As the non-volatile storage 52, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical disk, a non-volatile memory card, etc. are used. The function of the storage unit that stores the operation log of the image forming apparatus 1 is realized by the non-volatile storage 52. Similarly, the function of the bucket that stores the operation log acquired by the operation information generation apparatus 2 and the operation information generated by the operation information generation apparatus 2 is realized by the non-volatile storage 52.

[0027] In this non-volatile storage 52, in addition to the OS (Operating System) and various parameters, programs of software that realizes each function according to this embodiment are recorded. Note that the program may be stored in the ROM 512.

[0028] The program is stored in the form of computer-readable program codes, and the CPU 511 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes. That is, the ROM 512 or the non-volatile storage 52 is used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program to be executed by a computer.

[0029] The display unit 53 is, for example, a monitor configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. Operation information and the like are displayed on the display unit 53 of the terminal device 3.

[0030] The operation input unit 54 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and generates an operation signal according to an operation by the user and supplies it to the CPU 511. Note that the display unit 53 and the operation input unit 54 may be integrally configured as a touch panel device.

[0031] For the communication I / F 55, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like is used. The communication I / F 55 can transmit and receive various data to and from an external device via a network or a communication line.

[0032] <Example 1> Next, Example 1 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Example 1, the operation information generation device 2 generates operation information In1. The operation information In1 is information in which both the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the maintenance execution history information are shown on the same time line.

[0033] [Example of Display of Operation Information] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation information In1 displayed on the screen of the display unit 53 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 3. In FIG. 4, the operation information In1 is shown in the form of a timeline. Each item of the operation state information and the cleaning execution history information of the image forming apparatus 1 is arranged on the vertical axis of the operation information In1. The horizontal axis indicates the time (0:00 to 24:00) on the timeline.

[0034] A date is shown in the upper left of the operation information In1. Below the date, each item of "Daily printed Pages" and "Error status" is displayed. The item of "Daily printed Pages" indicates the number of printed pages in one day in the image forming apparatus 1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is "13,834 (sheets)".

[0035] The item of "Error status" indicates the number of occurrences of errors in the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of errors include the occurrence of jams. In the example shown in FIG. 4, in the item of "Error status", the number of occurrences of errors in one day is "22 (times)". In this way, the number of printed pages in one day and the number of occurrences of jams are displayed. When the number of printed pages and / or the number of occurrences of jams is more than usual, the user can make a judgment such as "it is better to perform maintenance".

[0036] In the upper right of the operation information In1, each item of "Wipe cleaning" and "Strong cleaning" is displayed. The item of "Wipe cleaning" indicates the number of executions of wipe cleaning for wiping the nozzle surface with a cloth in one day. Wipe cleaning is usually performed all at once for all colors of Y (Yellow), M (Magenta), C (Cyan), and K (Black). In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is shown that the number of executions of wipe cleaning is "3 (times)".

[0037] The item "Strong cleaning" indicates the number of times of strong cleaning performed in a day when image defects or the like occur. Strong cleaning is a cleaning performed on the nozzles in which ejection defects or the like are detected. In strong cleaning, ink injection inside the nozzles and wipe cleaning of the nozzle surfaces are performed.

[0038] On the vertical axis of the operation information In1 shown in FIG. 4, the items "Actual print" and "Error status" are displayed as operation status information. The item "Actual print" indicates the printing time (hour) of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the time during which printing was performed. FIG. 4 shows that the printing time of the image forming apparatus 1 is 4.2 hours. Further, on the timeline, the length of the printing time in the image forming apparatus 1 is indicated by a circular or connected circular mark. Also, on the timeline, the time (hour) at which printing was performed is indicated by the arrangement position of the mark. In other statuses such as "Wipe cleaning" hereinafter, the occurrence time (hour) and the duration of each status are indicated by a circular or connected circular mark.

[0039] The item "Error status" indicates the time (hour) during which an error has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 shows that an error has occurred from around 8 o'clock to around 10 o'clock and from around 13 o'clock to around 14 o'clock in the item "Error status".

[0040] Note that the operation status information included in the operation information In1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. For example, the operation status information may include other information such as information indicating a period of an idling state such as during preparation of a printed image or during head temperature adjustment.

[0041] Below the item "Error status", the items "Wipe cleaning" and "Strong cleaning" are displayed as cleaning execution history information. The item "Wipe cleaning" indicates the time (hour) when wipe cleaning was performed. Figure 4 shows that wipe cleaning was performed around 11 o'clock, around 14 o'clock, and around 17 o'clock. The item "Strong cleaning" indicates the time (hour) when strong cleaning was performed. Strong cleaning is a cleaning that is individually performed on nozzles for which ejection failures or the like have been detected. For this reason, the item of strong cleaning is provided corresponding to each of the colors Y, M, C, and K. Figure 4 shows that strong cleaning was not performed on this day.

[0042] Note that the type of cleaning in the cleaning execution history information included in the operation information In1 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4. For example, the operation information may include the execution history information of other cleaning such as normal cleaning. Normal cleaning is a cleaning that is periodically performed at the timing when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0043] Furthermore, under the item "Strong cleaning", an item "Non-operational status" is displayed. The item "Non-operational status" indicates the time when the image forming apparatus 1 was in a non-operational state. The time when the image forming apparatus 1 is in a non-operational state includes, for example, setup time, standby time, power-off time, and the like. Figure 4 shows that the time when the image forming apparatus 1 was in a non-operational state was 15.2 hours.

[0044] [Generation process of operation information] Next, the generation process of operation information by the operation information generation apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the generation process of operation information by the operation information generation apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] First, the operation log acquisition unit 21 (see FIG. 2) of the operation information generation device 2 acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S1). In the following description, the notation "step" in "step S" may be omitted. Next, the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information based on the operation log acquired in step S1 (S2). The operation information is information in which the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the maintenance history information performed on the image forming apparatus 1 are shown on the same time line.

[0046] Next, the operation information output unit 23 outputs the operation information to the terminal device 3 (S3). The output of the operation information to the terminal device 3 is performed by the operation information output unit 23 uploading the operation information to the dashboard. After the process of step S3, the operation information generation process according to the first embodiment ends.

[0047] According to the first embodiment, the operation state information such as the printing time of the image forming apparatus 1 and the information on the maintenance history performed on the image forming apparatus 1 are shown on the same time line. The user can determine the appropriate timing (time) for the next maintenance in consideration of the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 and the past maintenance implementation status.

[0048] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, since it is shown that the wipe cleaning has been performed every 3 hours in the past, the user can determine that the wipe cleaning should be performed at around 20:00 next time.

[0049] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation information generation device 2 displays on the screen of the terminal device 3 a time line indicating the operation information and the cumulative discharge amount (an example of the cumulative usage amount) of each ink (an example of an image forming medium) in the image forming apparatus 1 at each time (time) on the time line.

[0050] [Example of Display of Operation Information] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation information In2 displayed on the screen of the display unit 53 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 3. The operation information In2 includes a timeline indicating the operation information and a bar graph. This bar graph represents the cumulative discharge amount (an example of the cumulative printing amount) of each ink of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time on the timeline. The horizontal axis of the bar graph indicates each time on the timeline, and the vertical axis indicates the cumulative discharge amount (ml) of the ink. Note that the graph showing the cumulative discharge amount of each ink of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a bar graph, and may be shown by another graph such as a line graph.

[0051] Since the timeline shown in the upper part of FIG. 6 is the same as the timeline in the operation information In1 shown in FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted. The operation information generation unit 22 (see FIG. 2) of the operation information generation apparatus 2 calculates the cumulative discharge amount of each ink at each time shown on the timeline. Then, when the execution of wipe cleaning or strong cleaning is detected, the operation information generation unit 22 resets the calculated cumulative discharge amount. Wipe cleaning is performed all at once for all colors of Y, M, C, and K. Therefore, when the execution of wipe cleaning is detected, the operation information generation unit 22 resets the cumulative discharge amount of all-color inks. On the other hand, strong cleaning is performed on nozzles or the like of the color in which ink discharge failure or the like has occurred. Therefore, the execution timing of strong cleaning is different for each color. Accordingly, when the execution of strong cleaning is detected, the operation information generation unit 22 resets the cumulative discharge amount of the ink of the color for which strong cleaning has been performed.

[0052] The implementation interval of the wipe cleaning is generally managed in association with the cumulative ink discharge amount, the cumulative number of printed sheets, or the like. In this embodiment, an example in which the implementation interval of the wipe cleaning is associated with the cumulative ink discharge amount will be given. An optimal value determined based on experiments or the like is preset for the cumulative ink discharge amount associated with the implementation interval of the wipe cleaning. For example, assume that the cumulative ink discharge amount associated with the implementation interval of the wipe cleaning is 1200 ml. In this case, the user checks the timeline and graph shown in FIG. 6. By this check, the user can determine the timing when the cumulative ink discharge amount reaches around 1200 ml as the timing for the next implementation of the wipe cleaning.

[0053] [Generation Process of Operation Information] Next, the generation process of operation information by the operation information generation device 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the generation process of operation information by the operation information generation device 2 according to Embodiment 2.

[0054] First, the operation log acquisition unit 21 of the operation information generation device 2 acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 (S11). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 calculates the cumulative ink discharge amount of each color of the image forming apparatus 1 (S12). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information based on the operation log acquired in step S11 and the cumulative ink discharge amount of each color calculated in step S12 (S13).

[0055] The operation information generated by the operation information generation unit 22 in step S13 is, for example, the operation information In2 shown in FIG. 6. The operation information In2 includes a timeline showing the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the implementation history information of cleaning, and a bar graph showing the cumulative ink discharge amount of each color at each time on the timeline. Next, the operation information output unit 23 outputs the operation information to the terminal device 3 (S14). After the process of step S14, the generation process of the operation information according to Embodiment 2 ends.

[0056] According to Example 2, the user checks the information on the cleaning implementation history information shown in the operation information In2 and the cumulative ink discharge amount for each color of the image forming apparatus 1. By this check, the user can determine the optimal timing for the next cleaning to be performed.

[0057] <Example 3> Next, Example 3 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Example 3, the operation information generation device 2 displays a timeline indicating operation information and the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time on the timeline on the screen of the terminal device 3.

[0058] [Example of Display of Operation Information] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation information In3 displayed on the screen of the display unit 53 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 3. In the operation information In3, below the timeline indicating the operation information, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time (time) on the timeline is shown by a bar graph. The horizontal axis of the bar graph indicates each time on the timeline, and the vertical axis indicates the cumulative number of printed sheets (sheets) of the image forming apparatus 1. The cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 is converted into the number of printed sheets on a sheet of B2 paper size. Since the timeline shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 is the same as the timeline shown by the operation information In1 shown in FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted.

[0059] The operation information generation unit 22 (see FIG. 2) of the operation information generation device 2 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time shown on the timeline. Then, when the detection of the execution of the wipe cleaning or the strong cleaning is detected, the operation information generation unit 22 resets the calculated cumulative number of printed sheets.

[0060] It is assumed that an optimal value determined based on experiments or the like is preset for the cumulative number of printed sheets associated with the interval between wipe cleanings. Suppose the cumulative number of printed sheets associated with the interval between wipe cleanings is, for example, 10,000 sheets. In this case, the user checks the timeline and graph shown in FIG. 8. By this check, the timing when the cumulative number of printed sheets reaches around 10,000 sheets can be determined as the timing for the next wipe cleaning.

[0061] [Operation Information Generation Process] Next, the operation information generation process by the operation information generation device 2 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the operation information generation process by the operation information generation device 2 according to the third embodiment.

[0062] First, the operation log acquisition unit 21 of the operation information generation device 2 acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 (S21). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets of each color ink of the image forming apparatus 1 (S22). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information based on the operation log acquired in step S21 and the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated in step S22 (S23).

[0063] The operation information generated by the operation information generation unit 22 in step S23 is, for example, the operation information In3 shown in FIG. 8. The operation information In3 is operation information including a timeline showing the operation state information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the cleaning execution history information, and a bar graph showing the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time on the timeline. Next, the operation information output unit 23 outputs the operation information to the terminal device 3 (S24). After the process of step S24, the operation information generation process according to the third embodiment ends.

[0064] According to the third embodiment, the user can determine the optimal execution timing of the next cleaning based on the information of the cleaning execution history information shown in the operation information In2 and the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0065] <Example 4> Next, Example 4 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Example 4, the operation information generation device 2 highlights the timing when maintenance was not performed on the timeline included in the operation information.

[0066] [Example of Display of Operation Information] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation information In4 displayed on the screen of the display unit 53 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 3. Similar to the operation information In3 according to Example 3, in the operation information In4, below the timeline indicating the operation information, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time on the timeline is shown by a bar graph. In the operation information In4, a mark Mk1 indicating the timing when maintenance was not performed is displayed on the timeline. The mark Mk1 is composed of an exclamation mark surrounded by a triangle. The mark Mk1 is arranged at a position corresponding to around 11 o'clock on the timeline indicating the execution timing of the wipe cleaning.

[0067] Also, in the bar graph of the operation information In4, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 from around 10 o'clock to around 13:30 is shown. For example, the bar graph shows that the cumulative number of printed sheets associated with the maintenance execution timing exceeds 10,000 sheets.

[0068] By viewing the operation information In4 shown in FIG. 10, the user grasps that the wipe cleaning that should have been performed around 11 o'clock was not performed. Therefore, the user can take measures such as checking the quality of the printed materials printed from 11 o'clock until around 14 o'clock when the next wipe cleaning was performed. Also, by viewing the operation information In4 shown in FIG. 10, the user can determine the optimal execution timing of the next cleaning, similar to Example 3.

[0069] Note that, in FIG. 10, an example is given in which a mark Mk1 is shown on the operation information In3 according to Example 3, that is, the operation information In3 including a bar graph showing the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the display form of the operation information In3 according to Example 3. The mark Mk1 indicating the timing when maintenance was not performed may be shown in the operation information In2 according to Example 2, that is, the operation information including a bar graph showing the cumulative discharge amount of ink of each color of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0070] [Operation Information Generation Process] Next, the operation information generation process by the operation information generation apparatus 2 according to Example 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the operation information generation process by the operation information generation apparatus 2 according to Example 4.

[0071] First, the operation log acquisition unit 21 of the operation information generation apparatus 2 acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 (S31). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets of ink of each color of the image forming apparatus 1 (S32). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 determines whether there is a timing when maintenance was not performed based on the operation log acquired in step S31 (S33). If it is determined that there is a timing when maintenance was not performed (S33 is NO), the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information based on the following information. For example, the operation information is generated based on the operation log acquired in S31, the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated in S32, and the timing when maintenance was not performed (S34).

[0072] The operation information generated by the operation information generation unit 22 in step S34 is, for example, the operation information In4 shown in FIG. 10. The operation information In4 is operation information including a timeline in which the timing when maintenance should have been performed is highlighted by a mark Mk1 and a bar graph showing the cumulative number of printed sheets at each time on the timeline.

[0073] On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no timing at which maintenance was not performed in step S33 (S33 is NO), the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information based on the following information. For example, the operation information is generated based on the operation log acquired in S31 and the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated in S32 (S35). After the processing of step S34 or step S35, the operation information output unit 23 outputs the operation information to the terminal device 3 (S36). After the processing of step S36, the operation information generation process according to the fourth embodiment ends.

[0074] According to the fourth embodiment, the user can determine the optimal timing for the next cleaning to be performed. For this determination, the cleaning history information shown in the operation information In4, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1, and the information of the mark Mk1 are used. Further, according to the fourth embodiment, the user can take measures such as checking the quality of the printed matter printed during a predetermined period based on the display position of the mark Mk1. The predetermined period is the period from the timing when maintenance was not appropriately performed to the timing when maintenance was next performed.

[0075] <Embodiment 5> Next, Embodiment 5 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 5, the operation information generation device 2 highlights the optimal timing for the next maintenance to be performed on the timeline included in the operation information.

[0076] [Example of display of operation information] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of operation information In5 displayed on the screen of the display unit 53 (see FIG. 2) of the terminal device 3. Similar to the operation information In3 according to the third embodiment, in the operation information In5, below the time line indicating the operation information, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 at each time of the time line is shown by a bar graph. Further, in the operation information In5, a mark Mk2 indicating the optimal execution timing of the next maintenance to be performed is displayed on the time line. The mark Mk2 is composed of a mark of a hand holding a tool and is arranged at a position corresponding to around 21:00 on the time line indicating the execution timing of wipe cleaning.

[0077] Further, in the operation information In5 shown in FIG. 12, a pop-up screen Pu for notifying the recommended execution timing of the next cleaning is displayed in the vicinity of the mark Mk2. The pop-up screen Pu displays a message "[Recommend] To maintain image quality, it is recommended to perform wipe cleaning 4h later".

[0078] By viewing the operation information In5 shown in FIG. 12, the user can grasp that it is necessary to perform wipe cleaning to maintain image quality. Further, the user can grasp that the recommended execution timing of wipe cleaning is 21:00, which is 4 hours from now.

[0079] [Operation Information Generation Process] Next, the operation information generation process according to the fifth embodiment by the operation information generation device 2 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the operation information generation process according to the fifth embodiment by the operation information generation device 2.

[0080] First, the operation log acquisition unit 21 of the operation information generation device 2 acquires an operation log from the image forming apparatus 1 (S41). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1 (S42). Next, the operation information generation unit 22 calculates the appropriate execution timing of the next maintenance based on the operation log acquired in step S41 (S43).

[0081] Next, the operation information generation unit 22 generates operation information. This operation information is generated based on the operation log acquired in S41, the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated in S42, and the information on the appropriate timing for the next maintenance calculated in S43 (S44).

[0082] The operation information generated by the operation information generation unit 22 in step S44 is, for example, the operation information In5 shown in FIG. 12. The operation information In5 includes a timeline in which the appropriate timing for the next maintenance to be performed is highlighted by the mark Mk2, and a bar graph showing the cumulative number of printed sheets at each time on the timeline.

[0083] After the process of step S44, the operation information output unit 23 outputs the operation information to the terminal device 3 (S45). After the process of step S45, the generation process of the operation information according to the fifth embodiment ends.

[0084] According to the fifth embodiment, the user can grasp the optimal timing for the next cleaning based on the cleaning history information shown in the operation information In5, the cumulative number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 1, and the information of the mark Mk2.

[0085] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other application examples and modification examples can be taken without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the image forming apparatus from which the operation information generation apparatus 2 of the present invention acquires the operation log is an inkjet type image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the image forming apparatus in which maintenance for maintaining the quality of the image formed on the paper is performed at a predetermined cycle, an image forming apparatus of another image forming method may be applied to the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1... Image forming apparatus, 2... Operation information generation device, 3... Terminal device, 21... Operation log acquisition unit, 22... Operation information generation unit, 23... Operation information output unit, 100... Operation information visualization system

Claims

1. A history information acquisition unit that acquires history information on the operating state of an image forming apparatus and history information on maintenance implementation for an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus; An operation information generation unit that generates operation information in which the history information on the operating state of the image forming apparatus and the history information on maintenance implementation acquired by the history information acquisition unit are shown on a timeline; An operation information output unit that outputs the operation information generated by the operation information generation unit to a terminal device, and comprising An operation information generation device.

2. The maintenance to be included in the operation information by the operation information generation unit is recommended to be executed at a predetermined cycle The operation information generation device according to claim 1.

3. The operating state of the image forming apparatus to be included in the operation information by the operation information generation unit includes a state in which the image forming apparatus is performing image formation The operation information generation device according to claim 2.

4. The operation information generation unit includes, in the operation information, information on the cumulative usage amount of an image forming medium used for image formation by the image forming unit at a predetermined point on the timeline. The operation information generation device according to claim 3.

5. The operation information generation unit includes, in the operation information, information on the cumulative number of printed sheets by the image forming unit at a predetermined point on the timeline. The operation information generation device according to claim 3.

6. The operation information generation unit includes, in the operation information, information on a mark indicating the past timing at which the maintenance should have been performed. The operation information generation device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The operation information generation unit includes, in the operation information, information on a mark indicating the recommended implementation timing at which the maintenance is recommended to be performed next. The operation information generation device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. A history information acquisition procedure for acquiring history information on the operating state of an image forming apparatus and history information on maintenance implementation for an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus; An operation information generation procedure for generating operation information in which the history information on the operating state of the image forming apparatus and the history information on maintenance implementation acquired by the history information acquisition procedure are shown on a timeline; An operation information output procedure for outputting the operation information generated by the operation information generation procedure to a terminal device, and including An operation information generation method.

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