Information processing system and program

Abstract

To suppress occurrence of downtime more, in comparison with a case where it is not notified that an image abnormality sensed by an image diagnosis gets worse.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises one or a plurality of processors. The one or the plurality of processors obtain a read-out image 30, read out by reading means, of an image for diagnosis of a recording medium outputted by image forming means, and when diagnosis of the obtained read-out image 30 shows that an image abnormality 32 occurs in the read-out image 30 and when the image abnormality 32 is a worsening abnormality whose degree gets worse due to change with time of the image forming means, outputs information 32b and 70 concerning the worsening abnormality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, every time the reading unit reads the test pattern output by the output unit, the storage control unit sequentially stores and controls the read test pattern data in the storage unit, and when performing read control of the stored test pattern data, the difference image generation unit generates a difference image between the test pattern stored in the storage unit and the test pattern read by the reading unit at the time of abnormality occurrence, and the analysis unit analyzes the difference image and discloses a configuration for specifying the cause of the abnormality based on the analysis result.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A diagnostic image of a recording medium is output by an image forming means, the reading means reads the output diagnostic image, and when there is an image abnormality in the read image in the diagnosis of the read image, measures are taken so that no image abnormality occurs in the output recording medium. Also, for those that are not image abnormalities that cause problems, they may be postponed without immediate action. By the way, among the image abnormalities detected by the diagnosis of the read image, there are those whose degree deteriorates due to the temporal change of the image forming means. If it is not notified that the image abnormality deteriorates, there is a risk of downtime occurring thereafter. An object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of downtime as compared with a case where it is not notified that an image abnormality detected by image diagnosis deteriorates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 is an information processing system including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors obtain a read image which is an image read by a reading unit from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming unit, and when there is an image abnormality in the obtained read image and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality whose degree deteriorates due to a change over time of the image forming unit, output information regarding the deterioration abnormality. The invention according to claim 2 outputs information regarding an abnormality other than the deterioration abnormality, and the information regarding the deterioration abnormality is output in a form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user than the information regarding the other abnormality. The information processing system according to claim 1 is characterized by this. The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user is to display with enhanced visibility. The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the deterioration abnormality includes a display for alerting about an event that may occur in the future. The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the display for alerting includes information indicating a countermeasure for the deterioration abnormality. The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the display for alerting includes information indicating a presumed state of the deterioration abnormality at a predetermined time. The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the display for alerting is included in the information regarding the deterioration abnormality when the next scheduled diagnosis date is specified and a condition predetermined for the deterioration abnormality is satisfied on the specified next scheduled diagnosis date. The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it determines whether the image abnormality is the deterioration abnormality according to the cause of the occurrence of the image abnormality. The invention according to claim 9 is a program for causing an information processing apparatus to realize an acquisition function of acquiring a read image, which is an image read by a reading unit from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming unit, and an output function of outputting information regarding the deterioration abnormality when, by diagnosing the read image acquired by the acquisition function, there is an image abnormality in the read image and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality whose degree deteriorates due to the change over time of the image forming unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, the occurrence of downtime can be suppressed as compared with the case where it is not notified that the image abnormality detected by image diagnosis deteriorates. According to the invention of claim 2, information regarding an abnormality other than the deterioration abnormality is output, and the information regarding the deterioration abnormality is output in a form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user than the information regarding other abnormalities. As compared with the case where such a configuration is not adopted, the user can more easily recognize the information regarding the deterioration abnormality. According to the invention of claim 3, the user can more easily visually recognize the information regarding the deterioration abnormality as compared with the case where a configuration in which the form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user is to enhance visibility for display is not adopted. According to the invention of claim 4, the information regarding the deterioration abnormality can prompt the user to take measures against an event that may occur in the future as compared with the case where a configuration in which the information regarding the deterioration abnormality does not include a display for calling attention to an event that may occur in the future is not adopted. According to the invention of claim 5, the display for calling attention makes it easier for the user to take measures against an event that may occur in the future as compared with the case where a configuration in which the display for calling attention does not include information indicating a response to the deterioration abnormality is not adopted. According to the invention of claim 6, compared with the case where the display for giving a warning does not adopt a configuration including information indicating a presumed deteriorated abnormal state at a predetermined time, it is possible to present to the user the timing for coping with an event that may occur in the future. According to the invention of claim 7, compared with the case where the display for giving a warning does not adopt a configuration included in the information regarding the deteriorated abnormality when the next scheduled diagnosis date is specified and the conditions predetermined for the deteriorated abnormality are satisfied on the specified next scheduled diagnosis date, it is possible to prevent the user from taking unnecessary countermeasures. According to the invention of claim 8, compared with the case where a configuration for determining whether an image abnormality is a deteriorated abnormality according to the cause of the image abnormality is not adopted, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether it is a deteriorated abnormality. According to the invention of claim 9, compared with the case where it is not notified that the image abnormality detected by the image diagnosis deteriorates, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of downtime.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnosis system 1. In the diagnosis system 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 and a server apparatus 200 connected to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 via a communication line 900 are provided. In the present embodiment, in the server apparatus 200 as an example of an information processing system and an example of an information processing apparatus, diagnosis of each of the image forming apparatuses 100 is performed. Furthermore, the diagnosis system 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a user terminal 300 connected to the server apparatus 200 and receiving operations from a user. Note that in FIG. 1, two of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 are shown.

[0009] The user terminal 300 is provided with a display device 310. The user terminal 300 is realized by a computer. Examples of the form of the user terminal 300 include a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A as an example of an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet which is an example of a recording medium. The formation of an image on the paper by the image forming unit 100A is performed using, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. Note that the formation of an image on the paper by the image forming unit 100A is not limited to the inkjet method or the electrophotographic method, and other methods may be used. The image forming apparatus 100 is further provided with an information processing unit 100B. The information processing unit 100B executes various processes performed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the server apparatus 200 and the information processing unit 100B provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The server apparatus 200 and the information processing unit 100B provided in the image forming apparatus 100 are realized by a computer. Each of the server apparatus 200 and the information processing unit 100B includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 12 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 12 is realized by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0011] The arithmetic processing unit 11 is provided with a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory of the CPU 11a and a ROM 11c that stores programs executed by the CPU 11a. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is configured to be rewritable and can hold data even when the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 11e that controls each unit such as a communication unit connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0012] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, an SRAM backed up by a battery or a flash memory. In addition to storing files, the secondary storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11. In this embodiment, each process is executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 reading the programs stored in the ROM 11c and the secondary storage unit 12.

[0013] The program executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B in a state of being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Also, the program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B using communication means such as the Internet.

[0014] In this specification, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense and includes a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Also, the operation of the processor may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating. Also, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to only the order described in this embodiment and may be changed.

[0015] Among the processes described below, the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 100 are performed by the CPU 11a as an example of a processor provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Also, among the processes described below, the processes performed by the server device 200 are performed by the CPU 11a as an example of a processor provided in the server device 200. In the processes described below, a server device 200, which is an example of an information processing system, performs the processes for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100. The information processing system that performs the processes for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100 may be implemented by one device such as one server device 200, or may be implemented by a plurality of devices.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A that forms an image on a sheet P, which is an example of a recording medium. In the present embodiment, when the sheet P passes through the image forming unit 100A, the sheet P passes through the image forming unit 100A with one surface of the sheet P facing the image forming unit 100A.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with an image reading device 130, which is an example of a reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording medium such as the sheet P. This image reading device 130 is a so-called scanner having a function of conveying the sheet P. The image reading device 130 includes a light source that emits light irradiated on the sheet P and a light receiving unit such as a CCD that receives the reflected light from the sheet P. In the present embodiment, reading image data described later is generated based on the reflected light received by this light receiving unit. A reading position of the image is preset in the image reading device 130, and the image reading device 130 reads the image of the portion located at this reading position among the sheets P conveyed in order. The image forming apparatus 100 also has an information transmission function of transmitting information to the server device 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 130 is provided above the image forming apparatus 100. The image reading device 130 sequentially reads sheets (not shown) set by the user. These sheets are not limited to the sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 100, and may also be sheets on which images have been formed by other image forming apparatuses. Note that the installation mode of the image reading device 130 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 3. The image reading device 130 may be provided inside the image forming device 100 and on the paper P conveyance path (see FIG. 4). In this case, the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 100A passes through this image reading device 130 in sequence, and when passing through this, each image of the paper P is read in sequence.

[0019] Also, in the present embodiment, the image reading device 130 is provided with a paper reversing mechanism, and it is possible to supply the paper after inverting the front and back with respect to the image reading position. Thereby, in the present embodiment, the paper on which the image formed on one surface is read can be inverted and supplied to the reading position again, and thereby, the images on the front and back surfaces of the paper can be read. In addition, when reading the image of the paper, the paper may be placed on a platen (not shown) composed of a plate-shaped glass or the like, and the paper placed on the platen may be read.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the image forming devices 100 is provided with an operation reception unit 132 that receives operations from the user. This operation reception unit 132 is configured by a so-called touch panel. In the operation reception unit 132, information is displayed to the user and operations performed by the user are received. Note that the display of information to the user and the reception of the user's operations are not limited to being performed by one operation reception unit 132 as in the present embodiment, and an operation reception unit and an information display unit may be provided separately.

[0021] In the present embodiment, when diagnosing the image forming device 100 (see FIG. 1), first, the image forming unit 100A is operated to form a chart image 61 on the paper. Thereby, as indicated by reference numeral 1A, a chart paper CP, which is a paper on which a chart image 61, which is an example of a diagnostic image, is formed, is generated. The chart image 61 is an image used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, a chart sheet CP, which is a sheet on which the chart image 61 used for this diagnosis is formed, is generated.

[0022] When the chart sheet CP is generated, as indicated by reference numeral 1B in FIG. 1, this chart sheet CP is installed in the image reading apparatus 130. Then, the image reading apparatus 130 is used to read this chart sheet CP on which the chart image 61 is formed. Thereby, the read image data obtained by reading the chart sheet CP is generated. And in the present embodiment, this read image data is transmitted to the server apparatus 200 and stored in the server apparatus 200. The server apparatus 200 diagnoses the image forming apparatus 100 based on this read image data. And in the present embodiment, a user who uses the diagnosis system 1 of the present embodiment, such as a maintenance person who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100, accesses the server apparatus 200 and refers to the result of the diagnosis by this server apparatus 200.

[0023] In each of the image forming apparatuses 100, in this way, the chart sheet CP is generated, and the chart sheet CP is read to generate the read image data. And this read image data is transmitted to the server apparatus 200. And as described above, in the present embodiment, the server apparatus 200 diagnoses the image forming apparatus 100.

[0024] The diagnostic process by the server apparatus 200 will be described. In the present embodiment, a CPU 11a (see FIG. 2), which is an example of a processor provided in the server apparatus 200, diagnoses the image forming apparatus 100 based on the above-described read image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100, and obtains a diagnostic result that is the result of the diagnosis. More specifically, the CPU 11a obtains a diagnosis result that is a diagnosis result regarding the chart image 61 which is an image formed on the above-described chart paper CP, and obtains a diagnosis result for each of a plurality of diagnosis items.

[0025] In the present embodiment, a plurality of diagnosis items are predetermined, and the CPU 11a of the server device 200 analyzes the chart image 61 included in the read image data, and obtains a diagnosis result for each of the plurality of diagnosis items. More specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 200 obtains a diagnosis result for each of the plurality of diagnosis items based on, for example, the difference between a reference value predetermined for each of the plurality of diagnosis items and the value obtained by analyzing the chart image 61. The CPU 11a of the server device 200 obtains a diagnosis result with a worse evaluation as the difference is larger.

[0026] Next, when a defect is determined to exist in the diagnosis result, a configuration for distinguishing whether the defect is caused by the image forming unit 100A (see FIG. 3) that forms an image on the paper or the image reading device 130 (see the same figure) that reads the image of the paper will be described. Such a configuration is realized by the image reading device 130 and the CPU 11a in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of performing image formation on the paper P in the image forming apparatus 100, and shows the case of the electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A and a paper conveyance unit 190. Further, the above-described image reading device 130 is disposed at the paper discharge position of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0028] The image forming unit 100A is provided with an image forming unit 140, an intermediate transfer belt 150, a secondary transfer unit 160, a fixing unit 170, and a post-processing unit 180. In this embodiment, as the image forming unit 140, four image forming units 140Y, 140M, 140C, and 140K corresponding to each of the four colors of toner, namely Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), are provided.

[0029] The image forming units 140Y, 140M, 140C, and 140K are arranged side by side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 150, and form a toner image by an electrophotographic method. Each of the image forming units 140Y, 140M, 140C, and 140K includes a photosensitive drum 141, a charging unit 142, an exposure unit 143, a developing unit 144, and a primary transfer unit 145. Each of the image forming units 140Y, 140M, 140C, and 140K forms a toner image of any one of the colors YMCK, and transfers this toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 150. As a result, a toner image in which the toner images of the respective colors YMCK are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 150.

[0030] The photosensitive drum 141 rotates in the direction of arrow A at a predetermined speed. Also, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141. The charging unit 142 charges the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141 to a predetermined potential. The exposure unit 143 irradiates light onto the circumferential surface of the charged photosensitive drum 141, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141. The developing unit 144 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141 to form a toner image.

[0031] The primary transfer unit 145 transfers the toner image formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141 onto the intermediate transfer belt 150. A voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 145. As a result, the toner image formed on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 141 is sequentially electrostatically attracted onto the intermediate transfer belt 150, and a color toner image that overlaps into one is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 150.

[0032] The intermediate transfer belt 150 is supported by a plurality of roll-shaped members. The intermediate transfer belt 150 is formed in an endless shape and circulates and moves in the direction of arrow B. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 150 includes an outer peripheral surface 154 and an inner peripheral surface 155. The intermediate transfer belt 150 is used for transporting the toner image. In the present embodiment, the toner image is formed on the outer peripheral surface 154 of the intermediate transfer belt 150, and this toner image is transported to the secondary transfer portion 160 by the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 150.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as a roll-shaped member disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 150, a driving roll 151 that is driven by a motor (not shown) and drives the intermediate transfer belt 150 is provided. Further, as roll-shaped members, an idle roll 153 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 150 and a backup roll 164 are provided. These roll-shaped members are rotatably provided and pressed against the inner peripheral surface 155 of the intermediate transfer belt 150.

[0034] The paper transport unit 190 includes a transport path 191 that takes out the paper P from a paper storage unit (not shown) and transports it to the secondary transfer unit 160, a reversing path 192 that branches between the fixing unit 170 and the post-processing unit 180 and reverses the paper P fixed by the fixing unit 170 to turn it over, and a transport path 193 that guides the paper P reversed in the reversing path 192 to the transport path 191. When performing double-sided printing, it is transported by the reversing path 192 and the transport path 193.

[0035] The transport path 191 is formed so that the paper P fixed by the fixing unit 170 is transported to the post-processing unit 180 and then discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. The paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 passes through the image reading apparatus 130. The post-processing unit 180 mentioned here is, for example, a device that performs processes such as binding a stack of sheets, folding a sheet, cutting a sheet, and bookbinding. In the case of the chart paper CP, it is discharged without post-processing, and the chart image 61 (see FIG. 1 for example) is read by the image reading device 130. The image reading device 130 includes a reading unit 131 located above the area through which the sheet passes and a reading unit 133 located below. In the case of single-sided printing, the image is read by the upper reading unit 131, and in the case of double-sided printing, the images on both sides are read at once by the upper reading unit 131 and the lower reading unit 133.

[0036] The secondary transfer unit 160 is provided with a secondary transfer conveyance belt 161 that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 154 of the intermediate transfer belt 150. The secondary transfer conveyance belt 161 is a semiconductive endless annular belt stretched by a driving roll (transfer roll) 162 made of metal, for example, SUS, and a driven roll 163 made of, for example, a rubber roll. The secondary transfer conveyance belt 161 is conveyed at a predetermined speed by the driving roll 162, and a predetermined tension is applied by the driving roll 162 and the driven roll 163. In addition, the secondary transfer unit 160 is provided with a backup roll 164 that is arranged on the inner peripheral surface 155 side of the intermediate transfer belt 150 and serves as a counter electrode for the secondary transfer conveyance belt 161, and a power supply roll 165 made of metal that applies a secondary transfer bias to the backup roll 164. The secondary transfer unit 160 configured in this way transfers the toner image conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 160 by the intermediate transfer belt 150 onto the conveyed sheet P.

[0037] The fixing device 170 is arranged on the downstream side of the secondary transfer unit 160 in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. The fixing device 170 is provided with a fixing roll having a heat source and a pressure roll provided to face the fixing roll. The fixing device 170 melts the unfixed toner image on the sheet P and fixes it on the sheet P. Thereby, an image composed of a toner image is formed on the sheet P.

[0038] Next, a method for identifying the cause of image abnormality will be described. FIG. 5 is a table for explaining a method for identifying the cause of image abnormality. (a) shows various image forming conditions when generating the chart paper CP (see FIG. 1), and (b) shows the identified causes. The table shown in FIG. 5(a) lists various image forming conditions when generating the chart paper CP in the image forming apparatus 100. The various image forming conditions are three conditions: (1) normal conditions, (2) no exposure conditions, and (3) no charging and no exposure conditions.

[0039] (1) In the case of normal conditions, in the image forming unit 140, charging of the photosensitive drum 141 by the charging unit 142, exposure by the exposure unit 143, and development by the developing unit 144 are performed. The image developed on the photosensitive drum 141 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 150 by the primary transfer unit 145. (2) In the case of no exposure conditions, transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 150 is performed without performing exposure by the exposure unit 143. (3) In the case of no charging and no exposure conditions, transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 150 is performed without performing charging by the charging unit 142 and exposure by the exposure unit 143.

[0040] The display shown in FIG. 5(b) describes the presence or absence of image abnormality occurrence in each of the cases of "(1) normal conditions", "(2) no exposure conditions", and "(3) no charging and no exposure conditions". Based on the combination of the presence or absence of image abnormality occurrence, it is determined whether the cause is exposure, drum, or development. The read image data obtained by reading the chart image 61 (see FIG. 1) of the chart paper CP according to the above (1) to (3) is used to identify the cause of the image abnormality, and is hereinafter sometimes referred to as a dedicated chart.

[0041] <When it is determined that the cause is exposure> When streaks appear under normal conditions, if the same streaks do not appear under non-exposure conditions or under non-charging and non-exposure conditions, it is determined that the cause of the streaks is the exposure by the exposure section 143. That is, they are exposure streaks.

[0042] <When it is determined that the cause is the drum> When streaks appear under normal conditions, if the same streaks appear under non-exposure conditions but do not appear under non-charging and non-exposure conditions, it is determined that the cause of the streaks is the surface deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 141. That is, they are drum streaks.

[0043] <When it is determined that the cause is development> When streaks appear under normal conditions, if the same streaks appear under non-exposure conditions and also under non-charging and non-exposure conditions, it is determined that the cause of the streaks is the development by the developing section 144. That is, they are development streaks.

[0044] Next, the functional configuration of the CPU 11a according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the CPU 11a provided in the server device 200, and also shows the image forming apparatus 100 and the user terminal 300 for convenience of explanation. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 11a includes a diagnosis result acquisition section 13 and a screen generation section 14.

[0045] <Diagnosis result acquisition section 13> The diagnosis result acquisition section 13 acquires a diagnosis result that is the result of diagnosis performed on the read image 30 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100. The diagnosis is performed for each of the diagnosis items predetermined according to the chart image 61 (see FIG. 1) included in the read image 30. Therefore, the diagnosis result acquisition section 13 acquires the diagnosis results for each of the predetermined diagnosis items and performs processing.

[0046] More specifically, the diagnosis result acquisition unit 13 according to the present embodiment acquires a diagnosis result regarding a streak-like image extending in one direction that is an image abnormality in the read image 30. The diagnosis result herein includes detection information on whether or not a streak-like image has occurred, and cause identification information indicating the cause identified when a streak-like image has occurred. Further, the diagnosis result includes increase amount information indicating the calculated grade increase amount, and prediction value information indicating the grade prediction value at the time of the next visit. Note that the streak-like image referred to here is a so-called printer streak that occurs during image formation.

[0047] As a configuration for the diagnosis result acquisition unit 13 to acquire a diagnosis result regarding a streak-like image by analyzing the read image 30, as shown in FIG. 6, it includes a profile calculation unit 13a, an image abnormality determination unit 13b, and a cause identification unit 13c. Further, the diagnosis result acquisition unit 13 includes an increase amount calculation unit 13d, a grade prediction unit 13e, and a determination unit 13f.

[0048] The profile calculation unit 13a calculates the averaged brightness profile of the read image 30. The image abnormality determination unit 13b uses the averaged brightness profile calculated by the profile calculation unit 13a to detect an image abnormality existing in the read image 30.

[0049] Note that the image abnormality determination unit 13b according to the present embodiment uses the averaged brightness profile calculated by the profile calculation unit 13a, but other methods, for example, output / reading of chart paper CP (see FIG. 1) with different conditions, and determining image abnormality based on the width and density of the streak, may also be considered. When such a method is adopted, the configuration is such that the profile calculation unit 13a is omitted.

[0050] The cause identification unit 13c identifies the cause of the detected image abnormality. Examples of such causes include cases where the cause is exposure by the exposure unit 143 (see FIG. 4), cases where the cause is development by the developing unit 144, and cases where the cause is surface deterioration of the photosensitive drum 141 (see the same figure).

[0051] The increment calculation unit 13d performs the grade increment calculation process (see S104 in FIG. 9) described later. The grade prediction unit 13e performs the muscle grade process at the next visit (see S105 in FIG. 9) described later.

[0052] The determination unit 13f determines whether there are growing muscles (see S103 in FIG. 9), and also determines whether the muscle grade at the next visit is equal to or greater than the threshold value (see S106 in the same figure). Note that, as described later, instead of determining whether the muscle grade is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a determination focusing on the increment of the muscle grade from this time to the next time may be made.

[0053] <Screen generation unit 14> The screen generation unit 14 generates a screen for notifying the user of the acquired diagnosis result. The generated screen, the generated screen 50, is transmitted from the server device 200 to the user terminal 300 and is displayed on the display device 310 of the user terminal 300 to notify the user.

[0054] <Secondary storage unit 12> The secondary storage unit 12 includes a past chart DB 121, an operation log DB 122, a reference value DB 123, and a visit history DB 124. Such DBs 121 to 124 are databases that store information used in the process of determining the display content of the result display screen (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

[0055] The past chart DB 121 is a dedicated chart used to identify the cause of image abnormalities and stores the dedicated charts used in past image diagnoses. Such dedicated charts are used to perform the muscle grade evaluation of the past charts (see step 202 in FIG. 10).

[0056] The operation log DB122 stores an operation log indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) to be diagnosed. The operation log herein includes information indicating the number of operating days or operating hours, and information indicating the cycle number indicating the number of times of image formation or output of the paper P. The operation log is used to specify the number of operating days and the cycle number (see step 204 in FIG. 10).

[0057] The reference value DB123 stores a reference value used for calculating the grade increase amount per day (see step 203 in FIG. 10), an average access interval reference value (see step 304 in FIG. 11), and a threshold value of the streak grade as an allowable grade in performance specifications (see step 106 in FIG. 9).

[0058] The access history DB124 stores an access history which is time information indicating the time when the user was accessed for past image diagnosis or the like. The access history is used to calculate the average access interval (see step 302 in FIG. 11).

[0059] Next, the processing of the diagnosis result acquisition unit 13 (see FIG. 6) will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing by the diagnosis result acquisition unit 13, where (a) shows the read image 30, (b) shows the averaged brightness profile, and (c) shows the diagnosis result. The processing of the profile calculation unit 13a will be described with reference to FIG. 7(a), the processing of the image abnormality determination unit 13b will be described with reference to FIG. 7(b), and the diagnosis result after the processing of the cause identification unit 13c will be described with reference to FIG. 7(c).

[0060] Regarding a part 30a of the read image 30 shown in FIG. 7(a), the profile calculation unit 13a (see FIG. 6) obtains a brightness profile. Such a brightness profile indicates the brightness variation in the arrow X direction. More specifically, the brightness profile is an averaged brightness profile 30b (see FIG. 7(b)) obtained by averaging the brightness in the arrow Y direction in the part 30a. As the calculation of the average, for example, simple average, square average, and weighted average can be considered. In the captured image 30 shown in FIG. 7(a), streaks 31, 32, and 33 that extend in the Y-arrow direction appear. The streaks 31 to 33 are an example of image abnormality.

[0061] For the averaged brightness profile 30b shown in FIG. 7(b), the image abnormality determination unit 13b (see FIG. 6) sets the average brightness 30c and a predetermined threshold 30d. In the averaged brightness profile 30b illustrated in FIG. 7(b), vertices 31a, 32a, and 33a exist. The vertex 31a corresponds to the streak 31, the vertex 32a corresponds to the streak 32, and the vertex 33a corresponds to the streak 33. All of the vertices 31a to 33a exceed the threshold 30d. Therefore, the image abnormality determination unit 13b determines that the vertices 31a to 33a are image abnormalities. The image abnormality is determined by focusing on the contrast.

[0062] By analyzing the captured image 30 shown in FIG. 7(a), the cause identification unit 13c identifies the cause of each of the streaks 31 to 33. Such identification is that the streak 31 is caused by development by the developing unit 144 (see FIG. 4), the streak 32 is caused by surface deterioration of the photosensitive drum 141 (see FIG. 4), and the streak 33 is caused by exposure by the exposure unit 143 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(c), on the result display screen 40 by the screen generation unit 14, corresponding to the streak 31 of the captured image 30, a triangular mark 31b indicating the position of the streak 31 and the character "development" indicating the cause are attached. Corresponding to the streak 32, a triangular mark 32b indicating the position and the character "drum" indicating the cause are attached. Corresponding to the streak 33, a triangular mark 33b indicating the position and the character "exposure" indicating the cause are attached. The result display screen 40 mentioned here is one of the generation screens 50 (see FIG. 6).

[0063] Here, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the difference between the vertex 31a and the average brightness 30c is the difference Δ31. The differences between the vertices 32a, 33a and the average brightness 30c are the differences Δ32, Δ33, respectively. Among the differences Δ31 to Δ33, the difference Δ33 at vertex 33a is the largest, and the difference Δ31 at vertex 31a is the smallest (Δ31 < Δ32 < Δ33). The larger the difference, the clearer the image abnormality appears in the read image 30, making it easier for the user to recognize. Therefore, the streak 31 corresponding to vertex 31a is difficult to confirm, while the streak 33 corresponding to vertex 33a is easy to confirm.

[0064] In such a case, for a repair technician who has received a repair request assuming that there is an image abnormality in the user's printed matter, if the streak 33 is causing trouble, the "exposure" that is the cause of the streak 33 is identified, and dealing with the streak 33 is prioritized. On the other hand, the finer streaks 31 and 32 compared to the streak 33 are likely to be overlooked even if detected by image diagnosis, and there is a risk that the countermeasures will be postponed. If the streaks 31 and 32 for which the countermeasures have been postponed are image quality abnormalities that may develop into trouble in the future, there is a risk of downtime due to the occurrence of image quality abnormalities in the printed matter.

[0065] Here, consider the case where the streak 32 is a finer streak than the streak 31. That is, the streak 32 is the finest among the streaks 31 to 33. The finer streak 32 caused by the surface deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 141 (see FIG. 4) deteriorates in degree due to the change over time of the image forming unit 100A (see the same figure). On the other hand, the streak 31 caused by the development by the developing unit 144 (see FIG. 4) does not deteriorate in degree due to the change over time.

[0066] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the streak 32 among the streaks 31 and 32 is an image quality abnormality that may develop into trouble in the future, on the result display screen 40, the finest streak 32 is displayed to notify the presence of the streak 32. In the present embodiment, depending on the cause of occurrence of the streaks 31 to 33, it is determined whether each of the streaks 31 to 33 is an image quality abnormality that may develop into trouble in the future. In other words, it is determined whether it is a deterioration abnormality depending on whether the streaks 31 to 33 grow over time. In the result display screen 40, the character 31c of "development" indicating the cause is displayed in association with the streak 31. Also, in the result display screen 40, the character 32c of "drum" indicating the cause is displayed in association with the streak 32, and the character 33c of "exposure" indicating the cause is displayed in association with the streak 33.

[0067] Next, the result display screens 41 and 42 displayed on the display device 310 of the user terminal 300 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the result display screens 41 and 42 displayed on the display device 310 of the user terminal 300. (a) shows the reading image 30 of the diagnosis target, (b) shows the result display screen 41 which is an example of the diagnosis result of the reading image 30, and (c) shows the result display screen 42 which is another example of the diagnosis result of the reading image 30. In the example of the reading image 30 shown in FIG. 8(a), the streak 33 that is the cause of the trouble and the streak 31 which is a fine streak appear.

[0068] The result display screen 41 shown in FIG. 8(b) includes the reading image 30, the triangular marks 31b and 33b corresponding to the streaks 31 and 33 in the reading image 30, and the diagnosis result which is the characters 31c and 33c indicating the cause. The character 31c of "development" indicating the cause is attached to the streak 31, and the character 33c of "exposure" indicating the cause is attached to the streak 33. The result display screen 41 includes an image showing the diagnosis result. Furthermore, the display forms of the triangular mark 31b and the character 31c of "development" corresponding to the streak 31, and the display forms of the triangular mark 33b and the character 33c of "exposure" corresponding to the streak 33 do not change.

[0069] It is assumed that the repairman who has confirmed the diagnosis result with such a result display screen 41 will take measures regarding the exposure which is the cause of the streak 33 in this trouble, and will not take measures regarding the development which is the cause of the streak 31 this time.

[0070] The result display screen 42 shown in Fig. 8(c) includes the read image 30, the triangular marks 31b to 33b corresponding to the streaks 31 to 33 in the read image 30, and the diagnostic results indicated by the characters 31c to 33c indicating the causes. The result display screen 42 includes an image showing the diagnostic results. The character 31c of "development" indicating the cause is attached to the streak 31, the character 32c of "drum" indicating the cause is attached to the streak 32, and the character 33c of "exposure" indicating the cause is attached to the streak 33.

[0071] More specifically, on the result display screen 42, the triangular mark 32b of the streak 32 and the character 32c of "drum" that are not included in the result display screen 41 shown in Fig. 8(b) are attached. The streak 32 is caused by the surface deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 141 (see Fig. 4). Therefore, although the streak 32 is a fine streak, it is likely to develop into a trouble in the future, so there is a risk of downtime if not addressed this time.

[0072] Therefore, the display forms of the triangular mark 32b and the character 32c of "drum" corresponding to the streak 32 are different from the display forms of the triangular mark 31b and the character 31c of "development" corresponding to the streak 31 and the display forms of the triangular mark 33b and the character 33c of "exposure" corresponding to the streak 33. In the example of the display form shown in Fig. 8(c), the triangular mark 32b of the streak 32 is white, and the character 32c of "drum" is in bold. In this way, the triangular mark 32b and the character 32c of the streak 32 are in a more emphasized display form than the triangular mark 31b and the character 31c of the streak 31 and the triangular mark 33b and the character 33c of the streak 33.

[0073] Furthermore, on the result display screen 42 shown in Fig. 8(c), a caution section 70 for the user or the repairer is included. The caution section 70 gives a caution about the streak 32. On the result display screen 42, there are a section 71 of "There are streaks that will deteriorate by the next visit." and a section 72 of "Countermeasure: Please replace the drum unit." The caution section 70 encourages countermeasures to prevent downtime. It becomes easier for the user or repair technician who has seen the attention - calling section 70 to take measures such as replacing the drum unit including the photoreceptor drum 141 (see FIG. 4) in addition to measures for exposing the cause of the streak 33 which is the current trouble as the current measure.

[0074] Such an attention - calling section 70 is a part that gives an alert about the streak 32 and is an example of a display that gives an alert about an event that may occur in the future. The part 71 of the attention - calling section 70 is an example of information indicating a speculated deteriorated abnormal state at a predetermined time, and the part 72 is an example of information indicating a response to the deteriorated abnormality. The information indicating the response to the streak 32 gives an alert with content according to the degree of deterioration at a timing other than during image diagnosis, and after image diagnosis, a display is shown or not shown depending on the degree of muscle deterioration.

[0075] Regarding the attention - calling section 70, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the parts 71 and 72 of the attention - calling section 70 are displayed larger than the characters 31c - 33c of the streaks 31 - 33. Also, it is conceivable to display only one of the parts 71 and 72 of the attention - calling section 70, and it is also conceivable to display only one of them larger than the other. Further, at least one of the parts 71 and 72 may be marked with a conspicuous symbol such as "!" or the like, or may be displayed in a color not used for other parts such as red.

[0076] In this way, on the result display screen 42 shown in FIG. 8(c), an emphasized display form of the triangular mark 32b and the character 32c of the streak 32 is adopted, and further, a mode of displaying the attention - calling section 70 is adopted. The diagnostic result is output in a form that enhances the degree of emphasis to the user. Thereby, it is ensured that the user will not forget to take measures against the deteriorated abnormality and will implement them, and the occurrence of troubles caused by the surface deterioration of the photoreceptor drum 141 is suppressed until the next visit.

[0077] Here, muscles 31 to 33 are an example of image abnormality. Among muscles 31 to 33, muscle 32 is an example of deterioration abnormality that deteriorates in degree due to the change over time of the image forming means. Further, the change over time of the image forming means may include those associated with the output of the recording medium and may also include those not associated with the output of the recording medium. Further, the change over time may be a case of improvement as well as a case of deterioration. In addition, the display of muscle 32 on the result display screen 40 (see Fig. 7(c)) and the result display screen 42 (see Fig. 8(c)) is an example of information regarding deterioration abnormality. In addition, the display of muscles 31 and 33 on the result display screens 40, 41, and 42 is an example of information regarding abnormalities other than deterioration abnormality.

[0078] Furthermore, the display of muscle 32 on the result display screen 42 and the attention calling unit 70 for muscle 32 are an example of a form in which the degree of emphasis on the user is increased as compared with other modes regarding abnormalities. The form in which the degree of emphasis on the user is increased refers to a form of notifying the user so as to be more noticeable than other matters, and includes not only notification by screen display but also notification by voice. In addition, the form in which the degree of emphasis on the user is increased includes, for example, a form in which visibility is enhanced more than other parts in terms of display color, display size, display position, etc.

[0079] Next, the process for determining the display content of the result display screen 40 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process for determining the display content of the result display screen 40. In the processing example shown in Fig. 9, the muscles in the read image 30 (for example, see Fig. 8(a)) are detected by the profile calculation unit 13a and the image abnormality determination unit 13b (see Fig. 6) (step 101), and the cause of each detected muscle is specified by the cause specification unit 13c (see Fig. 6) (step 102).

[0080] Based on the specified cause, it is determined whether there are growing muscles (step 103). If there are growing muscles (Yes in step 103), the grade increase amount calculation process described later is performed (step 104).

[0081] Next, muscle grading processing is performed at the time of the next visit (step 105). Then, it is determined whether the muscle grade at the time of the next visit by the muscle grading processing at the time of the next visit is equal to or higher than a threshold value (step 106). If the muscle grade at the time of the next visit is equal to or higher than the threshold value (Yes in step 106), highlighting is performed (step 107). That is, the result display screen 42 (see FIG. 8(c)) is displayed on the display device 310. The threshold value is obtained from the reference value DB123 (see FIG. 6).

[0082] If the muscle grade at the time of the next visit is not equal to or higher than the threshold value (No in step 106), the display is not changed (step 108). That is, the result display screen 41 (see FIG. 8(b)) is displayed on the display device 310, and the process ends. If there are no growing muscles (No in step 103), the process ends.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the above-described grade increase amount calculation processing (see step 104 in FIG. 9). First, the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see FIG. 6) checks whether a past dedicated chart exists in the past chart DB121 (see the same figure) of the secondary storage unit 12 (step 201). The dedicated chart referred to here is a chart for specifying the cause of the image abnormality as described above, and refers to the chart image 61 (see FIG. 1) of the chart paper CP read.

[0084] If there is a past dedicated chart (Yes in step 201), the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see FIG. 6) reads the past dedicated chart from the past chart DB121 (see the same figure). Then, the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see the same figure) evaluates the grade of the muscle at the same position in the read dedicated past chart (step 202), and calculates the grade increase amount per day (step 203).

[0085] When there is no past dedicated chart (No in step 201), the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see FIG. 6) acquires information indicating the number of operating days and the number of cycles from the operation log DB 122 (see the same figure) (step 204). Using such information and the reference value DB 123 (see the same figure), the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see the same figure) acquires the grade increase amount per cycle (step 205), proceeds to step 203, and calculates the grade increase amount per day. In this way, the increase amount calculation unit 13d (see FIG. 6) can acquire information on the grade increase amount per day not only when there is a dedicated chart in the past chart DB 121 (see the same figure) but also when there is no dedicated chart.

[0086] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the muscle grade process at the time of the next visit (see step 106 in FIG. 9) described above. The grade prediction unit 13e (see FIG. 6) first checks whether the visit history is in the visit history DB 124 (see the same figure) of the secondary storage unit 12 (step 301).

[0087] When there is a visit history (Yes in step 301), the grade prediction unit 13e (see FIG. 6) reads out the visit history from the visit history DB 124 (see the same figure). Then, the grade prediction unit 13e (see the same figure) calculates the average visit interval (step 302) and specifies the date of the next visit. Based on the specified date of the next visit and the grade increase amount per day calculated by the above-described grade increase amount calculation process (see FIG. 10), the muscle grade at the next visit is predicted (step 303).

[0088] When there is no visit history (No in step 301), the grade prediction unit 13e (see FIG. 6) acquires the average visit interval reference value from the reference value DB 123 (see the same figure), proceeds to step 303, and predicts the muscle grade at the next visit.

[0089] In this way, the cause of each of the muscles 31 to 33 is identified. For the muscle 32 whose identified cause is "drum" (refer to Yes in step 103 of FIG. 9), it is predicted whether the brightness on the next scheduled diagnosis date is equal to or higher than a threshold value. If it is equal to or higher than the threshold value (refer to Yes in step 106 of the same figure), while highlighting and notifying the presence of the muscle 32 (refer to step 107 of the same figure), if it is not equal to or higher than the threshold value (No in step 106 of the same figure), the presence of the muscle 32 is not notified (refer to step 108 of the same figure). The next scheduled diagnosis date mentioned here is an example of a predetermined time, and is not limited to the date of scheduled diagnosis, and may be, for example, the month of scheduled diagnosis.

[0090] Note that in this embodiment, determination is made using the threshold value of muscle grade (refer to step 106 of FIG. 9), but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to identify the next scheduled diagnosis date and perform determination focusing on the difference by predicting the difference in muscle grade (the difference Δ32 in FIG. 7(b)) that increases between the current diagnosis date and the next scheduled diagnosis date. The threshold value or difference in such determination is an example of predetermined conditions.

[0091] <Supplementary Note> (((1))) An information processing system including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors acquire a read image which is an image read by a reading means from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming means, and when there is an image abnormality in the acquired read image and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality whose degree deteriorates due to the change over time of the image forming means, output information regarding the deterioration abnormality, information processing system. (((2))) Output information regarding other abnormalities other than the deterioration abnormality, The information regarding the deterioration abnormality is output in a form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user than the information regarding the other abnormalities. The information processing system according to ((1)), characterized in that... (((3))) The form with enhanced emphasis on the user is to display with enhanced visibility. The information processing system according to ((2)), characterized in that... (((4))) The information regarding the deterioration abnormality includes a display for raising awareness about an event that may occur in the future. The information processing system according to any one of ((1)) to ((3)), characterized in that... (((5))) The display for raising awareness includes information indicating how to deal with the deterioration abnormality. The information processing system according to ((4)), characterized in that... (((6))) The display for raising awareness includes information indicating the speculated state of the deterioration abnormality at a predetermined time. The information processing system according to ((4)), characterized in that... (((7))) The display for raising awareness is included in the information regarding the deterioration abnormality when the next scheduled diagnosis date is specified and the predetermined conditions for the deterioration abnormality are met on the specified next scheduled diagnosis date. The information processing system according to ((4)), characterized in that... (((8))) Determine whether the image abnormality is the deterioration abnormality according to the cause of the occurrence of the image abnormality. The information processing system according to any one of ((1)) to ((7)), characterized in that... (((9))) In the information processing apparatus, An acquisition function for acquiring a read image, which is an image read by a reading means from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming means, When there is an image abnormality in the read image diagnosed by the acquisition function, and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality whose degree deteriorates due to the temporal change of the image forming means, an output function for outputting information regarding the deterioration abnormality; A program for realizing the above.

[0092] (((1))) According to the invention, the occurrence of downtime can be suppressed as compared with the case where it is not notified that the image abnormality detected by the image diagnosis deteriorates. (((2))) According to the invention, when a configuration is not adopted in which information regarding an abnormality other than the deterioration abnormality is output and the information regarding the deterioration abnormality is output in a form with a higher degree of emphasis on the user than the information regarding the other abnormality, the user can more easily recognize the information regarding the deterioration abnormality. (((3))) According to the invention, the user can more easily visually recognize the information regarding the deterioration abnormality as compared with the case where a configuration in which the form with a higher degree of emphasis on the user enhances the visibility for display is not adopted. (((4))) According to the invention, the information regarding the deterioration abnormality can prompt the user to take measures against an event that may occur in the future as compared with the case where a configuration in which the information regarding the deterioration abnormality does not include a display for giving a warning regarding an event that may occur in the future is not adopted. (((5))) According to the invention, the display for giving a warning makes it easier for the user to take measures against an event that may occur in the future as compared with the case where a configuration in which the display for giving a warning does not include information indicating a response to the deterioration abnormality is not adopted. (((6))) According to the invention, the display for giving a warning can present to the user the timing for taking measures against an event that may occur in the future as compared with the case where a configuration in which the display for giving a warning does not include information indicating the estimated state of the deterioration abnormality at a predetermined time is not adopted. (((7))) According to the invention, the display for giving a warning can prevent the user from taking unnecessary measures as compared with the case where a configuration in which the display for giving a warning is included in the information regarding the deterioration abnormality when the next scheduled diagnosis date is specified and the conditions predetermined for the deterioration abnormality are satisfied on the specified next scheduled diagnosis date is not adopted. According to the invention (((8))), the accuracy of determining whether an image abnormality is a worsening abnormality can be improved compared to when a configuration is not adopted that determines whether an image abnormality is a worsening abnormality depending on the cause of the image abnormality. According to the invention (((9))), downtime can be reduced compared to when an image abnormality detected by image diagnosis is not notified of its worsening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...diagnostic system, 11a...CPU, 13...diagnosis result acquisition unit, 14...image generation unit, 31, 32, 33...streaks, 30...read image, 31c...characters, 40, 41, 42, 43...result display screen, 61...chart image, 70...warning unit, 71, 72...part, 100A...image formation unit, 130...image reading device, 200...server device, 300...user terminal, 310...display device, CP...chart paper, P...paper

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors obtain a read image which is an image read by a reading means from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming means, and when there is an image abnormality in the obtained read image as a result of diagnosing the obtained read image, and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality in which the degree deteriorates due to a change over time of the image forming means, output information regarding the deterioration abnormality. An information processing system.

2. Output information regarding other abnormalities other than the deterioration abnormality, wherein the information regarding the deterioration abnormality is output in a form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user than the information regarding the other abnormalities. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The form with a higher degree of emphasis to the user is to display with enhanced visibility. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The information regarding the deterioration abnormality includes a display for alerting about an event that may occur in the future. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The display for alerting includes information indicating a countermeasure for the deterioration abnormality. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The display for alerting includes information indicating a speculated state of the deterioration abnormality at a predetermined time. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that.

7. The display for alerting is included in the information regarding the deterioration abnormality when the next scheduled diagnosis date is specified and the deterioration abnormality satisfies a condition predetermined for the next scheduled diagnosis date. The information processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that.

8. Determine whether the image abnormality is the deterioration abnormality according to the cause of occurrence of the image abnormality. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. In an information processing apparatus, an acquisition function for acquiring a read image which is an image read by a reading means from a diagnostic image of a recording medium output by an image forming means, and an output function for outputting information regarding a deterioration abnormality when there is an image abnormality in the read image obtained by the acquisition function and the image abnormality is a deterioration abnormality in which the degree deteriorates due to a change over time of the image forming means. A program for realizing the functions.

Images