Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience of analysis work of accurately identifying causes of a failure.SOLUTION: An information processing device for diagnosing a failure of an image forming device comprises: acquisition means for acquiring a scan image obtained by reading a printed material having a chart image for image diagnosis formed thereon, output by the image forming device; diagnosis means for diagnosing presence or absence of a failure of the image forming device using the acquired scan image; storage means for storing the scan image used for the diagnosis; and transmission means for externally transmitting diagnostic information including the scan image used for the diagnosis and a result of the diagnosis when the diagnosis means diagnoses that there is a failure. The diagnostic information includes scan images that were used for diagnoses conducted prior to the time when the failure was diagnosed among the scan images stored by the storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to diagnostic imaging techniques in imaging. [Background technology]

[0002] A printing system has a function of scanning a printout of a diagnostic chart image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus using a sensor and performing image diagnosis using the resulting scanned image. In a printing system with image diagnosis functionality, if a diagnostic result is obtained that the user cannot resolve, a service notification is sent to request a service technician who maintains the printing system to take action. Upon receiving the service notification, the service technician dispatches to the site to check the status of the image forming apparatus, identify the cause of the problem, and take action to resolve the problem. Even if the service technician identifies the cause of the problem and determines that a part needs to be replaced, if the replacement part is not available at the time of dispatch, the problem cannot be resolved on the spot. This requires a second dispatch or on-site re-inspection, which prolongs downtime until the problem is resolved and reduces productivity. Regarding this issue, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for externally transmitting the scanned image used when an image quality problem is detected during image diagnosis. This allows the service technician to perform analysis to identify the cause of the problem simply by obtaining the externally transmitted scanned image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-46595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The image diagnostic function detects a wide variety of defects, with a wide range of causes and solutions. Even if a similar defect is identified, the cause may be different. For example, vertical streaks could be caused by multiple possible causes, such as dirt on the dustproof glass, deterioration or scratches on the charging roller or charging drum, or dirt on the scanner of the reading device. Thus, even if the defect symptom is the same, different causes can lead to different solutions. Accurately identifying the cause of the defect requires more information. Therefore, even if the technology described in Patent Document 1 is adopted, a service technician can only obtain the externally transmitted scanned image used when the image quality problem was detected, potentially preventing the technician from accurately identifying the cause of the defect from multiple possible causes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device for diagnosing a malfunction in an image forming device, and includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printed matter on which a chart image for image diagnosis has been formed, output by the image forming device; a diagnostic means for diagnosing whether or not there is a malfunction in the image forming device using the acquired scanned image; a storage means for saving the scanned image used for the diagnosis; and a transmission means for, if a malfunction is diagnosed by the diagnostic means, externally transmitting diagnostic information including the scanned image used for the diagnosis and the results of the diagnosis, wherein the diagnostic information includes, from among the scanned images saved by the storage means, scanned images used for a diagnosis prior to the time the malfunction was diagnosed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of the analysis work for accurately identifying the cause of a failure in an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network configuration including a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus, an external controller, a client PC, and a data server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining image diagnosis. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image diagnosis result screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed screen of an image diagnosis result. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service notification screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of image diagnosis processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a response content determination list. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which an image defect occurs. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which an image defect occurs. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for saving a read image. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for saving a read image. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission information selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the technology of the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the technology of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] In the following explanation, the external controller may also be called an image processing controller, digital front end, print server, DFE, etc. The image forming device may also be called a multifunction device, multifunction peripheral, or MFP. Each process (step) in the flowchart is represented by an "S" in front of it.

[0010] <<Embodiment 1>> In this embodiment, all image diagnosis results and all scanned images used for the diagnosis are saved, and diagnostic information including the image diagnosis results and scanned images is transmitted to an external device. The printing system according to this embodiment is equipped with an image diagnosis function and is capable of issuing a service notification to request a service technician who performs maintenance on the printing system to handle the problem.

[0011] (Printing System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. Because the printing system according to this embodiment processes images, it can also be considered an image processing system. The printing system 100 according to this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is communicatively connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN 104. The client PC 103 can issue print instructions to the external controller 102 via the external LAN 104. The external controller 102 is also communicatively connected to a data server 120 installed in a remote location via the external LAN 104. The external controller 102 can transmit generated data to the data server 120 via the external LAN 104.

[0012] A printer driver is installed in the client PC 103, and has the function of converting image data to be printed into a page description language (PDL) that can be processed by the external controller 102. A user who wishes to print can issue a print instruction via the printer driver from various applications installed on the client PC 103 by operating the client PC 103. The printer driver transmits PDL data, which is print data, to the external controller 102 based on the print instruction from the user. Upon receiving the PDL data from the client PC 103, the external controller 102 performs PDL analysis and rasterization processing to generate print data (hereinafter also referred to as a "print job") that can be processed by the image forming apparatus 101. The external controller 102 then issues a print instruction by submitting a print job to the image forming apparatus 101. Note that the description will be given taking the client PC 103 as an example of an external device, but this is not limiting. For example, the external device may be an information processing apparatus capable of installing a printer driver, such as a tablet, smartphone, or PDA terminal. The external LAN 104 may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0013] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101 is connected to a plurality of devices with different functions and is configured to be capable of complex printing processes such as bookbinding. The image forming apparatus 101 has a printing module 107, an inserter 108, an image diagnosis module 109, a stacker 110, and a finisher 111. Each module will be described below.

[0014] The printing module 107 forms an image using toner as a recording medium on a sheet conveyed from a paper feed unit 230 located below the printing module 107 in accordance with a print job. While a sheet is used as an example here, other recording media may be used. The configuration and operating principle of the printing module 107 are as follows: A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to the image specified in the print job is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror or other such mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by the laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet attached to a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for each of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, forming a full-color image on the sheet. The sheet on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed thereon is transported to a fuser. The fuser includes rollers, belts, and the like, and the rollers incorporate a heat source, such as a halogen heater, to fuse the toner on the sheet forming the full-color image to the sheet using heat and pressure.

[0015] The inserter 108 is a device that inserts, for example, a partition sheet for separating the sheets at an arbitrary position into a group of sheets that have been printed by the printing module 107 and conveyed.

[0016] The image diagnosis module 109 reads the image of the conveyed printed sheet and compares the generated image data with a pre-registered correct image (also called a "reference image") to determine whether there are any image abnormalities on the printed sheet. A detailed explanation will be given later. If it is determined that there is an image abnormality, the abnormality is analyzed and the cause of the abnormality within the image forming device and the countermeasure to eliminate the cause are identified.

[0017] The stacker 110 is a large-capacity collecting device that can stack printed sheets. The finisher 111 is a post-processing device that has various finishing processing functions such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching. It applies pre-selected and set finishing processing to the conveyed printed sheets. After finishing processing, the sheets are discharged to a paper discharge tray.

[0018] The data server 120 is a server for collecting and storing a huge amount of data in a cloud environment. The data server 120 is usually referred to as a data center or the like and is centrally managed in a remote location. The data server 120 stores data transmitted from the external controller 102 as needed. The data stored in the data server 120 is used by a call center or service personnel. The data server 120 manages data transmitted from each of a plurality of systems for each system. In other words, the data server 120 can store image diagnosis results, which will be described in detail later, and the scanned images used for the diagnosis, and can also be said to be a server device from which service personnel of the printing system (image forming apparatus 101) can obtain data.

[0019] In the printing system described in FIG. 1, the external controller 102 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101. However, for example, the external controller 102 may be omitted. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and a client PC 103 may transmit processable print data, such as PDL data, to the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the image forming apparatus 101 performs data analysis, such as PDL analysis, and rasterization processing to generate a print job, and then executes the print processing. In the example of FIG. 1, the external controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. However, any other configuration may be used as long as they can transmit and receive the data required for printing. For example, they may be connected via only one of the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106.

[0020] <Internal configuration of the printing system> 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, external controller 102, client PC 103, and data server 120 that make up the printing system 100. Each will be explained below in order.

[0021] (Internal structure of the printing module) The internal configuration of print module 107 of image forming apparatus 101 will be described. Print module 107 has, as components mainly related to control, a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. Furthermore, print module 107 has, as components mainly related to image formation, a document reading unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creating unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feeding unit 230. Each of these components is connected via a system bus 231.

[0022] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the image diagnostic module 109, the stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 255, and communicates with each device to control them. The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and transmits and receives print data and the like. The video I / F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via a video cable 106, and transmits and receives rasterized image data and the like. The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The CPU 222 loads the programs stored in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executes the programs to comprehensively control image processing and printing. The memory 223 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores programs and image data required for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and functions as a work area.

[0023] The operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 225 is a display device that displays setting information of the image processing device, the processing status of a print job, etc. The document reading unit 226 is a scanner device that optically reads a document when using the copy function or scan function. The image on the document is optically read by shining an exposure lamp on a sheet placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera, thereby generating image data.

[0024] The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light in order to transfer a toner image. The laser exposure unit 227 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 228 is a device that transfers toner to a sheet. The image creation unit 228 is composed of a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc. (not shown), and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the sheet.

[0025] The developing unit transfers negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. The transfer unit applies a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt (primary transfer), and applies a positive potential to the secondary transfer outer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to a sheet (secondary transfer). The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the sheet to the sheet using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. (not shown). The paper feed unit 230 is a device that feeds sheets to be used in the printing process. The paper feed unit 230 performs sheet feeding and transport operations using rollers and various sensors (not shown).

[0026] (Internal structure of the inserter) The internal configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The inserter 108 is composed of a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 235 and performs communication necessary for sheet insertion control. The CPU 233 controls the entire inserter 108 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. Based on instructions from the CPU 232, the paper feed control unit 235 controls rollers and sensors (not shown) to take in sheets placed on the inserter tray 321 of FIG. 3, and controls paper feeding from a paper feed unit (not shown) and conveyance of sheets conveyed from the print module 107.

[0027] (Internal structure of the image diagnosis module) The following describes the internal configuration of the image diagnosis module 109 of the image forming apparatus 101. The image diagnosis module 109 is composed of a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an imaging unit 240, a display unit 241, an operation unit 242, and an HDD 260, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 243.

[0028] The communication I / F 237 is connected to the printing module 107 via a communication cable 255, and performs communication necessary for control such as inspection of printed sheets. The communication I / F 237 also receives reference images used for diagnosis from the printing module 107 via the communication cable 255. The CPU 238 controls the entire image diagnosis module 109. For example, the CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for image diagnosis according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The CPU 238 also performs display control to display a screen on the display unit 241.

[0029] The memory 239 is a storage device that stores various setting information and image data in addition to the control program. The reception and storage of the reference image is not limited to this, and for example, the image diagnosis module 109 may have a LAN I / F and communicate with the external controller 102 via an internal LAN. In this case, the image diagnosis module 109 can receive the reference image from the external controller 102 via the LAN I / F and store it in the HDD 256, thereby enabling the same operation.

[0030] The photographing unit 240 photographs and reads the image on the conveyed printed sheet based on instructions from the CPU 238. In other words, the photographing unit 240 can also be called a scanner of a reading device.

[0031] The CPU 238 compares the photographed image (also referred to as an inspection image) to be inspected obtained by the photographing unit 240 with a correct image (also referred to as a reference image) previously stored in the HDD 260, and determines whether or not there are any image abnormalities in the print result. The display unit 241 displays a screen including image diagnosis results and setting information. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and receives instructions such as changing the settings of the image diagnosis module 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 260 stores the reference image received from the print module 107 via the communication cable 255. Note that if the HDD 260 is not provided, the reference image may be stored in the HDD 221, and the reference image may be read from the HDD 221 into the memory 239 and used when determining whether or not there are any image abnormalities in the print result.

[0032] Furthermore, the processing executed by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis module 109 may be executed by an independent external information processing device.

[0033] (Internal structure of the stacker) The internal configuration of the stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The stacker 110 is composed of a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 255, and performs communication necessary for sheet accumulation and paper discharge control. The CPU 245 controls the entire stacker 110 according to a control program stored in the memory 246. In other words, the CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper discharge. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of conveyed sheets to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0034] (Internal structure of the finisher) The internal configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described. The finisher 111 is composed of a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 254. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the print module 107 via a communication cable 255 and performs communication necessary for controlling the finishing process. The CPU 250 controls the entire finisher 111 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls sheet transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 performs processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

[0035] (Internal configuration of external controller) The internal configuration of the external controller 102, which is an information processing device, will be described. The external controller 102 is composed of a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LAN I / F 213, a LAN I / F 214, and a video I / F 215, which are connected via a system bus 216.

[0036] The CPU 208 receives print data such as PDL data from the client PC 103 based on programs and data stored in the HDD 210. The CPU 208 also performs processes such as RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing and sending a print job to the image forming apparatus 101.

[0037] The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as PDL analysis and RIP processing. The keyboard 211 is an input device through which a user inputs various operations and instructions to the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as applications currently being executed by the external controller 102 and the processing status of submitted print jobs as still images or moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104 and receives PDL data. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105 and transmits print jobs. The external controller 102 can exchange various data with the printing module 107, inserter 108, image diagnosis module 109, stacker 110, and finisher 111 via the internal LAN 105 and a communication cable 255.

[0038] The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs transmission and reception of rasterized image data.

[0039] (Internal configuration of client PC) The internal configuration of a client PC 103, an information processing device, will be described. The client PC 103 is composed of a CPU 201, a memory 202, a HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I / F 206, all of which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates image data to be printed and issues print instructions based on a document creation program stored on the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 207. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes and functions as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is an input device that allows a user to input various operations and instructions to the client PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications currently running on the client PC 103 as still images or moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104 and is used to transmit PDL data.

[0040] (Internal structure of the data server) The internal configuration of the data server 120 will be described. The data server 120 has a CPU 261, a memory 262, an HDD 263, and a LAN I / F 264, which are connected via a system bus 265. The CPU 261 controls management of data received by the data server 120. The memory 262 stores programs and data required for the CPU 261 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 263 operates as an area for accumulating data received from the outside as a data server. The LAN I / F 264 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and receives data transmitted from the client PC 103. The data server 120 may be configured to include, for example, a plurality of connected storage devices called a data center in a cloud environment.

[0041] 2 may be any storage device for holding (saving) data and programs, and may be replaced with, for example, a volatile RAM, a non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0042] (Transport system of image forming device) A description will be given of a conveying system of the image forming apparatus 101. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus 101. The following description will be made with reference to Fig. 3.

[0043] The printing module 107 is a module that forms an image to be printed on a sheet. The printing module 107 includes paper feed decks 301 and 302, developing stations 304 to 307, an intermediate transfer belt 308, a display 225, a fixing unit 311, and a second fixing unit 313. The printing module 107 also includes sheet transport paths 303, 312, 314, and 315, a sheet reversing path 316, and a double-sided transport path 317 as paths for transporting sheets.

[0044] Each of the paper feed decks 301 and 302 can accommodate various types of sheets. Information about the accommodated sheets (sheet size, sheet type) can be set in the paper feed decks 301 and 302 via the operation unit 224 of the print module 107. The paper feed decks 301 and 302 separate only the topmost sheet from the accommodated sheets and transport it to a sheet transport path 303. The development stations 304 to 307 form toner images using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) color toners, respectively, to form a color image. The formed toner image is first transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308 (primary transfer). The intermediate transfer belt 308 then rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 308 is transferred to a sheet transported from the sheet transport path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309.

[0045] The display 225 displays the print job processing status and information for various settings. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. The sheet passes between these rollers to melt and press the toner, thereby fixing the toner image to the sheet. After passing through the fixing unit 311, the sheet is transported to sheet transport path 315 via sheet transport path 312. If the sheet type requires further melting and pressing for fixing, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 311 and is transported to second fixing unit 313 via sheet transport path 312' above sheet transport path 312. After the additional melting and pressing in second fixing unit 313, the sheet is transported to sheet transport path 314 via sheet transport path 315. If the print mode is set to double-sided printing, the sheet is transported to sheet inversion path 316, inverted, and then transported to double-sided transport path 317. The image on the second side is then transferred to secondary transfer position 309.

[0046] The inserter 108 is a device that inserts sheets. The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321 and a sheet transport path 322. When the number of sheets transported to the inserter 108 via the sheet transport path 315 reaches a predetermined number, the inserter 108 merges a partition sheet, which is fed from the inserter tray 321 via the sheet transport path 322, into the transport path. This makes it possible to insert a partition sheet at any timing into a series of sheets transported from the printing module 107 and transport them to a subsequent device. The sheets that have passed through the inserter 108 are transported to the imaging diagnostic module 109.

[0047] The image diagnosis module 109 has a first camera 331 and a second camera 332 arranged opposite each other across a sheet transport path 333. The first camera 331 photographs the upper surface of the sheet, and the second camera 332 photographs the lower surface of the sheet. When the sheet transported along the sheet transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the image diagnosis module 109 uses the first camera 331 and the second camera 332 to read images of both sides of the sheet and inspects the scanned image of the inspection target surface for defects. The image diagnosis module 109 also performs image diagnosis processing. This image diagnosis processing determines whether there is an image abnormality, and if there is an abnormality, determines whether there is an apparatus abnormality, and identifies the cause of the abnormality and how to deal with it. The display unit 241 displays a screen including the image diagnosis results performed by the image diagnosis module 109. After inspection, the sheet is transported to the stacker 110.

[0048] The stacker 110 is a device capable of stacking a large amount of sheets and has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking sheets that have been determined to have no quality abnormalities by image diagnosis by the image diagnosis module 109.

[0049] The sheet that has passed through the image diagnosis module 109 is transported to the stacker 110 via a sheet transport path 344. The sheet that has been transported from the sheet transport path 344 via a sheet transport path 345 is stacked on a stack tray 341. The stacker 110 also has an escape tray 346 as a paper discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a paper discharge tray for discharging sheets that have been determined to have a quality abnormality by image diagnosis by the image diagnosis module 109. When discharging a sheet to the escape tray 346, the sheet is transported from the sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via a sheet transport path 347.

[0050] When a sheet is to be conveyed to the finisher 111 subsequent to the stacker 110, the sheet is conveyed via a sheet conveying path 348. The inverting unit 349 inverts the sheet. This inverting unit 349 is used when stacking the sheet on the stack tray 341. When stacking the sheet on the stack tray 341, the sheet is inverted once in the inverting unit 349 so that the orientation of the input sheet and the orientation of the sheet at the time of output are the same. When conveying the sheet to the escape tray 346 or a subsequent post-processing device, the sheet is discharged as is without being flipped when stacked, and therefore the inverting operation in the inverting unit 349 is not performed.

[0051] The finisher 111 is a device that applies a finishing process specified by the user to the conveyed sheets. The finisher 111 has paper output trays 351 and 352, sheet transport paths 353, 354, and 357, a first processing mechanism 355, a second processing mechanism 356, and a saddle stitch binding tray 358. The finisher 111 performs finishing processes such as stapling (one-point binding or two-point binding), punching (two-hole punching or three-hole punching), and saddle stitch binding on the conveyed sheets. Sheets conveyed via the sheet transport path 353 are discharged to the paper output tray 351. However, finishing processes such as stapling cannot be performed via the sheet transport path 353. When a finishing process such as stapling is to be performed, the sheets are conveyed to the first processing mechanism 355 via the sheet transport path 354. Then, the first processing mechanism 355 performs the finishing function specified by the user, and then discharges the sheets to the paper output tray 352.

[0052] The paper output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered. It is also possible to lower the paper output tray 351 so that sheets that have been subjected to finishing processing by the first processing mechanism 355 are stacked on the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitching is specified as one of the finishing functions, the second processing mechanism 356 staples the center of the sheet, folds the sheet in half, and discharges the sheet to a saddle stitching tray 358 via a sheet transport path 357. The saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the sheet stack (saddle stitched stack) stacked on the saddle stitching tray 358 is transported to the left.

[0053] (Image diagnosis setting screen) FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining image diagnosis. FIG. 4(a) shows an example of an image diagnosis setting screen 400. The image diagnosis setting screen 400 is a screen for setting and instructing execution of an image diagnosis. The image diagnosis setting screen 400 is displayed on the display unit 241 of the image diagnosis module 109, but is not limited to this. The image diagnosis setting screen 400 may be displayed on an external device of the image diagnosis module 109, such as the display 225 of the print module 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. The image diagnosis setting screen 400 has target items 401 to 403 for image diagnosis, a "sheet setting" button 404, a "diagnosis execution" button 405, and a "back" button 406. The image diagnosis setting screen 400 is displayed based on a user's instruction from the operation screen at any timing, such as before execution of a print job.

[0054] The target items 401 to 403 are displays for specifying the target factors for which image diagnosis is to be performed. The target item 401 allows the user to set whether or not to perform image diagnosis for the positional deviation factor as the image diagnosis target. The target item 402 allows the user to set whether or not to perform image diagnosis for the stain (streak) factor as the image diagnosis target setting. The target item 403 allows the user to set whether or not to perform image diagnosis for the stain (spot) factor as the image diagnosis target setting. It is possible to set whether or not to diagnose each item individually. Here, pressing the item button sets the item to "diagnose," and pressing it again deselects it. When each image diagnosis target setting is set to "diagnose," the user can further set the color of the target to be diagnosed. As a detailed setting, the colors used in image formation can be individually set. Here, each toner color—cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K)—can be individually set. Pressing each toner color once selects it, and pressing it again deselects it.

[0055] When the "Sheet Settings" button 404 is pressed, a sheet settings screen (not shown) is opened, and the selection of the sheet to be used for the image diagnosis is accepted and set. Here, an example is shown in which tray and size information is displayed next to the "Sheet Settings" button 404 as the set sheet information. The displayed information is not limited to this, and sheet name and type information may also be displayed. The "Execute Diagnosis" button 405 instructs that the image diagnosis items set in the target items 401 to 403 be executed using the sheet set by the "Sheet Settings" button 404. The processing flow of the image diagnosis will be described later. Note that when the "Back" button 406 is pressed, for example, when an attempt to execute an image diagnosis is made but the user wishes to cancel and return, the image diagnosis setting screen 400 is closed.

[0056] (Image diagnosis chart) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a scanned image of a printed matter on which a chart image for diagnosing misalignment is formed. In the scanned image 410, chart images (not shown) for detecting misalignment in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are formed within areas surrounded by crosses near the four corners of the sheet. That is, thin lines (not shown) extending straight and without distortion in the vertical or horizontal direction are formed. For example, if distortion exceeding a predetermined threshold is confirmed, misalignment has occurred, and the image diagnosis result is determined to be NG.

[0057] FIG. 4(c) shows an example of a scanned image of a printed matter on which a chart image for diagnosing stains (streaks) or stains (dots) is formed. The scanned image 420 corresponds to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and images of uniform density are formed overall. That is, a chart image for detecting streak-like defects or circular defects is formed. For example, if a stain (streak) or stain (dot) larger than a predetermined threshold is found, the presence of a stain (streak) or stain (dot) is detected, and the image diagnosis result is determined to be NG.

[0058] (Image diagnosis results screen) 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the image diagnosis results. The image diagnosis results screen 500 is displayed on the display unit 241 of the image diagnosis module 109, but is not limited to this. The image diagnosis results screen 500 may be displayed on an external device of the image diagnosis module 109, such as the display 225 of the printing module 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. The image diagnosis results screen 500 is displayed when the image diagnosis is completed according to the flow described below. The image diagnosis results screen 500 includes diagnosis date and time information 501, a diagnosis result list 502, a "Details" button 503, and an "OK" button 504.

[0059] Diagnosis date and time information 501 displays information indicating the date and time when an image diagnosis was performed using a scanned image that read the chart image and the results were confirmed. Diagnosis result list 502 displays a list of the image diagnosis results that were performed. Here, all items that were diagnosed, their contents, and the diagnosis results are displayed. The displayed items are not limited to this, and for example, only items in which an abnormality was detected may be displayed. When the "Details" button 503 is pressed, a detailed diagnosis result screen that displays detailed information about the diagnosis results is displayed. When the "OK" button 504 is pressed, the screen 500 is closed.

[0060] In the diagnosis result list 502, "vertical" and "horizontal" are displayed for misalignment, "vertical streaks" and "horizontal streaks" are displayed for stains (streaks), and "white spots," "colored spots," "black spots," and "white spots" are displayed for stains (dots).

[0061] For both "vertical" and "horizontal" misalignment, no misalignment exceeding the preset threshold was detected as an image diagnosis result, indicating that the image is normal.For "vertical streaks" and "horizontal streaks" stains (streaks), no stains (streaks) exceeding the preset threshold were detected as an image diagnosis result, indicating that the image is normal.

[0062] The stains (dots) "white dots," "black dots," and "white dots" all indicate that no stains (dots) exceeding a preset threshold were detected as image diagnostic results, which is normal. The stains (dots) "colored dots" indicate that stains (streaks) exceeding a preset threshold were detected as image diagnostic results, which is abnormal.

[0063] (Details screen of image diagnosis results) 6(a) to 6(e) are diagrams showing example detailed screens of diagnostic imaging results. The detailed screens 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 of diagnostic imaging results are each displayed on the display unit 241 of the diagnostic imaging module 109, but are not limited to this. The detailed screens 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 of diagnostic imaging results may be displayed on an external device of the diagnostic imaging module 109, such as the display 225 of the printing module 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. The detailed screens 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 of diagnostic imaging results are displayed in response to diagnostic imaging results when the "Details" button 503 is pressed on the diagnostic imaging results screen 500. The screen displayed when the "Details" button 503 is pressed is not limited to the detailed image diagnosis result screens 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650, but may include screens that present information such as the type of abnormality, countermeasures, and service response, as shown in Figure 10 described below.

[0064] The image diagnosis result details screen 610 shown in Fig. 6(a) is an example of a screen displayed when no problems are detected by the image diagnosis. The image diagnosis result details screen 610 displays a message 611 indicating that no abnormalities were found and a "Close" button 612. When the "Close" button 612 is pressed, the image diagnosis result details screen 610 is closed. The message 611 is highlighted and underlined.

[0065] The detailed image diagnosis result screens 620 and 630 shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c) are example screens that are displayed when a problem is detected in the image diagnosis results, but the cause of the problem and a solution to the problem are identified by the processing flow described below, and the solution can be operated by the user.

[0066] The image diagnosis result details screen 620 displays a message 621 to inform the user that the detected problem is a stain (streak), that the content is a vertical streak, and that the color is black. The image diagnosis result details screen 620 displays a message 622 urging the user to clean the dustproof glass as a solution. The image diagnosis result details screen 620 also displays a "Close" button 623. When the "Close" button 623 is pressed, the image diagnosis result details screen 620 is closed. Note that the message 621 is highlighted and underlined.

[0067] The image diagnosis result details screen 630 displays a message 631 to inform the user that the detected problem is misalignment and that the color is cyan. Furthermore, the image diagnosis result details screen 630 displays a message 632 urging the user to perform misalignment adjustment as a solution. The image diagnosis result details screen 630 also displays an "Adjust" button 633 and a "Close" button 634. Pressing the "Adjust" button 633 may display a screen (not shown) for setting and executing misalignment adjustment. This allows the user to perform the necessary misalignment adjustment without hesitation. The image diagnosis result details screen 630 displays a "Close" button 634. Pressing the "Close" button 634 closes the image diagnosis result details screen 630. The message 631 is highlighted and underlined.

[0068] The detailed image diagnosis result screen 640 shown in Figure 6(d) is an example of a screen that appears when a problem is detected based on the image diagnosis result, the cause of the problem and how to deal with it are identified using the processing flow described below, and the solution requires the dispatch and work of a service technician.

[0069] The image diagnosis result details screen 640 displays a message 641 to inform the user that the detected problem is dirt (dots), which are black spots. Furthermore, the image diagnosis result details screen 640 displays a message 642 indicating that a service technician needs to clean or replace the charging roller as a solution. The image diagnosis result details screen 640 displays a "Service Notification" button 643 and a "Close" button 634. When the "Service Notification" button 643 is pressed, a service notification screen, which will be described later, is displayed. When the "Close" button 634 is pressed, the image diagnosis result details screen 640 is closed. Note that the message 641 is underlined and highlighted.

[0070] The image diagnosis result details screen 650 shown in FIG. 6( e) is an example of a screen displayed when a problem is detected in the image diagnosis results, but the cause and solution cannot be identified using the processing flow described below, and a service technician must confirm and determine the solution. The image diagnosis result details screen 650 displays a message 651 indicating that the cause of the error cannot be identified. Furthermore, the image diagnosis result details screen 650 displays a message 652 indicating that inspection by a service technician is required as a solution. The image diagnosis result details screen 650 displays a “Service Notification” button 653 and a “Close” button 655. Pressing the “Service Notification” button 653 displays a service notification screen described below. Pressing the “Close” button 655 closes the image diagnosis result details screen 650. The message 651 is highlighted and underlined.

[0071] (Service notification screen) 7 is a diagram showing an example of a service notification screen. The service notification screen 700 is an example of a screen for executing a service notification. It is assumed that the address of the data server 120 to which the image diagnosis results and the scan images used for the image diagnosis are sent, and the address of the service center to which the service notification is sent, are registered in advance.

[0072] The service notification screen 700 is displayed on the display unit 241 of the imaging diagnosis module 109, but is not limited to this. The service notification screen 700 may be displayed on an external device of the imaging diagnosis module 109, such as the display 225 of the printing module 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. The service notification screen 700 is displayed when the "Service Notification" button 643 on the imaging diagnosis result details screen 640 or the "Service Notification" button 654 on the imaging diagnosis result details screen 650 is pressed.

[0073] The service notification screen 700 displays a message 701 indicating that the service center will be notified, and a message 702 indicating that the image diagnosis results and saved scanned images will be sent externally. The service notification screen 700 also displays a "Service Notification" button 703 and a "Close" button 704. When the "Service Notification" button 703 is pressed, a notification is sent to the service center. When the "Close" button 704 is pressed, the service notification screen 700 is closed. Note that the message 701 is highlighted and underlined.

[0074] The service center is located outside the printing system at a base including the image forming apparatus 101 and the external controller 102, and refers to a serviceman in charge of maintaining the printing system, the service base, a management center, etc.

[0075] As a notification method, for example, the CPU 222 of the printing module 107 and the CPU 208 of the external controller 102, upon receiving an instruction from the image diagnosis module 109, may make the following contact: That is, a method of contacting a personal computer or server at a service base or management center (not shown), or a mobile terminal or the like, which is a communication terminal carried by a service technician, via the external LAN 104. The contact method may be customer management software installed on a device on the service center side, email, or a means by which the user directly speaks with a service center staff member using a public telephone line (not shown). The service center staff member who receives the notification performs the necessary work by referring to the image diagnosis result group information and the scanned image data group information stored in the data server 120.

[0076] (Printing system processing) The image diagnosis process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the printing system. The image diagnosis process is executed by a printing system consisting of an image forming apparatus 101 including an image diagnosis module 109 and an external controller 102. This image diagnosis process is executed by the image diagnosis module 109. The address of the data server 120 to which the image diagnosis results and the scanned images used for the image diagnosis are sent, and the address of the service center to which service notifications are sent, are assumed to be registered in advance. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are realized by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis module 109 loading a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flow starts when the "Execute Diagnosis" button 405 on the image diagnosis setting screen 400 is pressed.

[0077] In S801, the CPU 238 executes image diagnosis processing in accordance with the content of the instruction to be executed on the image diagnosis setting screen 400. Details of the image diagnosis processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] (Details of image diagnosis processing) 9 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed flow of the image diagnosis processing (S801). The series of processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis module 109 loading a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flowchart starts when the processing proceeds to S801.

[0079] In S901, the CPU 238 issues a print instruction for a chart image (test chart) for diagnostic imaging to the print module 107. In response to this instruction, the chart image (test chart) for diagnostic imaging is printed on a sheet.

[0080] In S902, the CPU 238 instructs the photographing unit 240 to read the chart image for diagnostic imaging in accordance with the timing of conveyance of the sheet on which the chart image for diagnostic imaging is printed. As a result, scan image data (also referred to as a scan image) that is data of the read image obtained by reading the chart image for diagnostic imaging is acquired. The acquired scan image data is recorded in the memory 239.

[0081] In S903, the CPU 238 determines whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality in the scanned image data acquired in S902. If the CPU 238 searches for an apparatus abnormality and determines that there is an apparatus abnormality (YES in S903), the process proceeds to S904. If the CPU 238 determines that there is no apparatus abnormality (NO in S903), the process proceeds to S911.

[0082] In S904, the CPU 238 identifies the type of device abnormality that has occurred. The type of device abnormality corresponds to, for example, the items shown in FIG. 5 , and is one of misalignment (vertical or horizontal), stains (streaks) (vertical or horizontal), and stains (dots) (white dots, colored dots, black dots, or colored dots). The method for identifying the type of device abnormality may be a method of checking whether the characteristics of each device abnormality have occurred in the scanned image data. Alternatively, the method for identifying the type of device abnormality may be a method of comparing the image data of the test chart document stored in the HDD 256 of the image diagnosis module 109 with the scanned image data obtained in S902. The presence or absence of the identified device abnormality is recorded in the memory 239 for each type of abnormality. There may also be cases where an abnormality is detected but the type cannot be identified. If the abnormality cannot be identified, a message to that effect is recorded in the memory 239.

[0083] In S905, the CPU 238 determines whether or not the type of abnormality was identified in S904. If the determination result indicates that the type of abnormality was identified (YES in S905), the process proceeds to S906. If the determination result indicates that the type of abnormality was not identified (NO in S905), the process proceeds to S911.

[0084] In S906, the CPU 238 extracts a feature quantity determined for each type of apparatus abnormality identified. Here, the feature quantity includes, for example, the position, width, number, and period of the vertical streaks when the type of apparatus abnormality is vertical streaks. The extracted feature quantity is stored in the memory 239. For example, with regard to positional misalignment (vertical / horizontal), the feature quantity may be the direction, width, and color of the misalignment. With regard to stains (horizontal streaks), the feature quantity may be the position, width, number, and period of the streaks. With regard to stains (dots), the feature quantity may be the color (determined according to the type of dot, such as single color, multi-color, whiteout, or black) and the size (width, height, and center of gravity) of the stain.

[0085] In S907, the CPU 238 analyzes the period of the apparatus abnormality from the type of apparatus abnormality identified in S904 and the feature amount extracted in S906. For example, if the type of apparatus abnormality is horizontal streaks, the CPU 238 analyzes the period of occurrence of the streaks by comparing the positions and number of the streaks with periodic width information of each roller of the developing stations 304 to 307 or the fixing unit 311 that is recorded in advance in the HDD 256. The analyzed period is stored in the memory 239.

[0086] In S908, the CPU 238 identifies the cause of the apparatus abnormality from the type of apparatus abnormality identified in S904, the feature amount extracted in S906, and the cycle analyzed in S907. The cause of the apparatus abnormality is identified, for example, by storing a table of causes that indicates the correspondence between the feature amount of the apparatus abnormality and the corresponding cause of the apparatus abnormality and applying the feature amount extracted in S906 to the table. The table of causes will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10. The identified cause of the apparatus abnormality is recorded in the memory 239. There are also cases where the cause of the apparatus abnormality cannot be identified. If the cause of the apparatus abnormality cannot be identified, a message to that effect is recorded in the memory 239.

[0087] In S909, the CPU 238 determines whether the cause of the occurrence was identified in S908. If the determination result indicates that the cause of the occurrence was identified (YES in S909), the process proceeds to S910. If the determination result indicates that the cause of the occurrence was not identified (NO in S909), the process proceeds to S911.

[0088] In S910, the CPU 238 determines a countermeasure for the cause of the problem identified and stored in S908. This countermeasure is determined by, for example, storing a table showing the causes of the problem and the corresponding countermeasures, and applying the countermeasure to the cause of the problem identified in S908. Examples of countermeasures include executing an image adjustment function, replacing parts, or cleaning parts. The table storing the countermeasures will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 10. The determined countermeasure is recorded in the memory 239. There may also be cases where a countermeasure cannot be identified. If a countermeasure cannot be identified, a message to that effect is recorded in the memory 239.

[0089] (Countermeasure decision list) The determination of a countermeasure based on image diagnosis in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table for identifying the cause of occurrence in this embodiment. This table is stored in the HDD 256, and the CPU 238 uses it by expanding it on the memory 239.

[0090] The response content determination list 1000 includes a type 1001 , a feature 1002 , a cause of occurrence 1003 , a response content 1004 , and a service response 1005 .

[0091] Type 1001 indicates the type of abnormality identified in S904. Features 1002 indicate the feature quantities and period analysis results extracted in S906 and S907. Cause of occurrence 1003 indicates the cause of occurrence identified in S908. Response details 1004 indicate the response method. Furthermore, service response 1005 indicates, for each item, whether the response details are work that requires the dispatch of a service technician via a service call.

[0092] The items listed here are just examples, and there are many more causes and countermeasures depending on the type and feature. Also, even for the same type or feature, there is not necessarily only one cause. There are many cases where there are multiple candidate causes, and where there may also be multiple candidate countermeasures. Furthermore, as determined in S905 and S909, there are also cases where the type of abnormality and the cause of occurrence cannot be identified.

[0093] In S911, the CPU 238 stores the scanned image data read in S902 in the HDD 256.

[0094] In S912, the CPU 238 associates the image diagnosis result data (diagnosis result information) obtained by performing the image diagnosis in S901 to S910 with the scanned image data saved in S911, for example, using the implementation date and time of the image diagnosis or the assigned ID, and saves the linked data in the HDD 256. Then, when the process of S912 is completed, the flow shown in Fig. 9 ends.

[0095] This flow enables the image diagnosis module 109 to determine whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality from the scanned image of the sheet printed by the print module 107, and if there is an apparatus abnormality, the type, cause, and how to deal with it. Furthermore, if the type of abnormality, cause, and how to deal with it cannot be identified for each specific location, this fact can be recorded. Furthermore, the scanned image data of the chart read in the image diagnosis flow can be linked to the information on the image diagnosis results and saved in the HDD 256. In other words, the flow shown in FIG. 9 simply identifies the cause of the abnormality, and potential causes of the abnormality are identified.

[0096] Returning to the description of Fig. 8, in S802, the CPU 238 displays a diagnostic result list 502, which is an image generated based on the diagnostic imaging results executed in S801, as a diagnostic imaging result screen 500.

[0097] In S803, the CPU 238 determines whether or not an abnormality was detected in the image diagnosis executed in S801. Specifically, the CPU 238 checks the result of determining whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality. If the diagnosis result indicates that there is no abnormality (YES in S803), the flow shown in FIG. 8 ends. In this embodiment, if the diagnosis result indicates that there is no abnormality, the details of the image diagnosis result are presented to the user by displaying, for example, the above-mentioned FIG. 6(a). On the other hand, if the diagnosis result indicates that there is an abnormality (NO in S803), the process proceeds to S804.

[0098] In S804, the CPU 238 determines whether the determined abnormality is an abnormality that requires a service notification. Specifically, if a corrective action is identified in S910, it determines whether the corrective action requires work by a service technician. If the corrective action can be performed by the user, it determines that a service notification is not required, and if the corrective action requires work by a service technician, it determines that a service notification is required. Furthermore, if each item cannot be identified in S904, S908, and S910, it determines that a service notification is required. If the determination result is that a service notification is not required (NO in S804), the process proceeds to S805. If the determination result is that a service notification is required (YES in S804), the process proceeds to S806.

[0099] In S805, the CPU 238 instructs the user to take the identified countermeasure. In this embodiment, the details of the image diagnosis result are presented to the user in accordance with the content of the countermeasure, for example, by displaying the image diagnosis result detail screens 620 and 630 shown in Figs. 6(b) and 6(c).

[0100] In S806, the CPU 238 instructs the user that a service notification is required. In this embodiment, the details of the image diagnosis result are presented to the user by displaying, for example, image diagnosis result detail screens 640 and 650 shown in FIGS. 6(d) and 6(e) depending on the content of the diagnosis result. Furthermore, when the "Service Notification" button 643 or the "Service Notification" button 654 is pressed, the CPU 238 presents the details to the user by displaying, for example, the service notification screen 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0101] In S807, the CPU 238 externally transmits the image diagnosis result data group saved in the HDD 256 in S912 to the data server 120. The image diagnosis result data group includes a positional deviation result data group, a stain (streak) result data group, and a stain (dot) result data group for each of CMYK. The transmitted image diagnosis result data group is saved in the data server 120.

[0102] In S808, the CPU 238 externally transmits the scan image data group stored in the HDD 256 in S911 to the data server 120. The scan image group includes scan image groups used for image diagnosis of misalignment, stains (streaks), and stains (dots). The transmitted scan image data group is stored in the data server 120 in a manner similar to when it was stored in the image diagnosis module 109, linked to the image diagnosis result data group using, for example, the date and time of the image diagnosis or an assigned ID.

[0103] In S809, the CPU 238 executes a service notification. In this embodiment, when the "Service Notification" button 703 on the service notification screen 700 is pressed, the CPU 238 uses the communication I / F 237 to notify the service center.

[0104] This allows staff at the service center to instruct a service technician to dispatch a service technician. Furthermore, the service technician who has received the instruction to dispatch a service technician can access the data server 120 and refer to the group of image diagnosis results sent from the corresponding system and stored in the data server 120, as well as the group of multiple scan images used in the group of image diagnosis results. As a result, the service technician can more accurately identify a solution (replacement part) and perform work in accordance with the identified solution, compared to when the service technician refers only to the scan images used when the image diagnosis result is NG.

[0105] <Image defect (stain (vertical streak)) occurrence process> Using Figure 11, we will explain an example in which a group of scanned image data is useful for identifying the cause of a problem and determining how to deal with it. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram that shows the chronological sequence of how stains (vertical streaks) occur as an example of an image problem. Note that Diagnosis (s1), (s2), (s3), and (s4) represent the scanned images used in the chronological image diagnosis from the oldest to the most recent. That is, Diagnosis (s1) represents the scanned image used in the oldest image diagnosis, Diagnosis (s2) represents the scanned image used in the next oldest image diagnosis after Diagnosis (s1), Diagnosis (s3) represents the scanned image used in the next oldest image diagnosis after Diagnosis (s2), and Diagnosis (s4) represents the scanned image used in the most recent image diagnosis.

[0106] In the diagnosis (s4), a vertical streak 1133 is detected in the scanned image 1114 of the test chart used in the latest image diagnosis, resulting in a diagnosis failure. As mentioned above, if feature amounts are extracted from only this result in S906 and an attempt is made to identify the cause in S908, only the following multiple candidates can be determined: namely, contamination of the dustproof glass, deterioration or damage to the charging roller or charging drum inside the development stations 304 to 307, or contamination of the imaging unit (scanner of the reading device) 240.

[0107] On the other hand, the diagnosis (s4) provides scanned images 1111 to 1113 of the test charts used in the previous diagnoses (s1) to (s3), and these scanned images 1111 to 1113 can be compared with the scanned image 1114 of the diagnosis (d). This makes it easier to narrow down the causes.

[0108] For example, in case 1, a thin vertical streak 1131 appears in diagnosis (s2), and the thickness of the streak increases as shown in diagnosis (s3) as vertical streak 1132 and diagnosis (s4) as vertical streak 1133. In this case, deterioration or damage to the charging roller or charging drum can be identified as the cause, and it can be determined that the most effective solution is to have a service technician replace the affected part.

[0109] Also, for example, in Case 2, it can be confirmed that no vertical streaks have occurred at all in the scanned images 1121 to 1123 of the test chart used in the previous diagnoses (s1) to (s3) prior to the diagnosis (s4). In this case, it can be identified that the cause may be dirt that has become attached to the imaging unit (scanner of the reading device) 240 between the diagnoses (s3) and (s4), and it can be determined that an effective solution is to instruct the user to clean the scanner.

[0110] <Image defect (stain (dot)) occurrence process> Using Figure 12, we will explain an example in which a group of scanned image data is useful for identifying the cause of a problem and determining how to deal with it. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram that shows the chronological order of how stains (dots) occur as an example of an image problem. Note that Diagnosis (p1) (p2) (p3) (p4) indicate the scanned images used in the chronological image diagnosis from the oldest to the most recent. That is, Diagnosis (p1) indicates the scanned image used in the oldest image diagnosis, Diagnosis (p2) indicates the scanned image used in the next oldest image diagnosis after Diagnosis (p1), Diagnosis (p3) indicates the scanned image used in the next oldest image diagnosis after Diagnosis (p2), and Diagnosis (p4) indicates the scanned image used in the most recent image diagnosis.

[0111] In diagnosis (p4), a stain (dot) 1233 that is determined to be a diagnosis NG is detected in the scanned image 1214 of the test chart used in the latest image diagnosis. As mentioned above, if feature amounts are extracted from this result alone in S906 and an attempt is made to identify the cause of the problem in S908, only a number of candidates can be determined, such as stains on the charging rollers inside the development stations 304 to 307, stains on the secondary transfer belt, and stains on the sheet.

[0112] On the other hand, diagnosis (p4) has scanned images 1211 to 1213 of the test charts used in previous diagnoses (p1) to (p3), and these scanned images 1211 to 1213 can be compared with the scanned image 1214 of diagnosis (p4). This makes it easier to narrow down the causes.

[0113] For example, in case 3, it can be confirmed that a small stain (dot) 1231 appears in diagnosis (p2), and its size increases to stain (dot) 1232 in diagnosis (p3), and stain (dot) 1233 in diagnosis (p4). In this case, it can be identified that the cause is deterioration or damage to the charging roller or secondary transfer belt, and it can be determined that the effective solution is to have a service technician replace or clean the affected parts.

[0114] Also, for example, in case 4, it can be confirmed that no stains (dots) have occurred in the scanned images 1221 to 1223 of the test chart used in the past diagnoses (p1) to (p3) prior to diagnosis (p4). In this case, it can be determined that the problem is due to stains on the sheet or the characteristics of the sheet itself, and it can be determined that the effective solution is to instruct the user to change the secondary transfer voltage setting.

[0115] As described above, in this embodiment, scan image data is saved in the device each time image diagnosis processing is performed. Then, when the image diagnosis results in a malfunction that cannot be resolved by the user and a service notification is determined to be necessary, the saved scan image data group is sent externally to a data server or the like. When the service center receives the service notification, staff at the service center instruct a service technician to dispatch to the site. The instructed service technician can then acquire and refer to the scan image data group received by the data server, even from a remote location, to perform an analysis that accurately identifies the cause of the malfunction (failure) occurring in the image forming apparatus and determine an appropriate solution.

[0116] That is, when a fault that should be notified to a service technician and cannot be resolved by the user is diagnosed, the scanned images of the multiple chart images that had been accumulated up to that point are transmitted to and stored in a data server. Therefore, even in a remote location, the service technician can check the scanned images used when the fault was diagnosed, the results of that diagnosis, and scanned images used in previous diagnoses before the fault, all stored in the data server. This allows the service technician to perform analysis work to more accurately identify the cause of the fault in the image forming apparatus compared to when the service technician refers to the scanned images used when the fault was diagnosed and the results of that diagnosis. The service technician can then determine an appropriate solution based on the analysis results. As a result, downtime caused by service technician misjudgment can be reduced, and productivity can be prevented from declining.

[0117] Although the above describes a mode in which the diagnostic result information group and the scanned image group are transmitted separately to the outside, this is not a limitation. Diagnostic information including the diagnostic result information group and the scanned image group may also be transmitted to the outside. Furthermore, although the above describes a mode in which the diagnostic result information group and the scanned image group are transmitted to the outside to the data server, this is not a limitation. The diagnostic result information group and the scanned image group may be transmitted separately, or diagnostic information including the diagnostic result information group and the scanned image group may be transmitted to a communication terminal held by a service technician.

[0118] <<Embodiment 2>> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a scanned image that is not different from an already saved scanned image is not saved.

[0119] (Details of the scanned image saving process) 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the process (S911) for saving a scanned image (read image) after image diagnosis processing is executed. The series of processes shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis module 109 loading a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flowchart starts when processing proceeds to S911 in the first embodiment. The processes other than those shown in the flow in FIG. 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In S1301, the CPU 238 determines whether any difference has been detected between the scanned image used in the current image diagnosis and a scanned image that has been used in a previous image diagnosis and that has already been saved. It is assumed that thresholds for detecting differences are set in advance for misalignment, stains (streaks), and stains (dots). If the determination result indicates that no difference has been detected (NO in S1301), the flow shown in FIG. 13 ends. In other words, a scanned image that does not differ from an already saved scanned image will not be saved. If the determination result indicates that a difference has been detected (YES in S1301), the process proceeds to S1302.

[0121] In S1302, the CPU 238 associates the scanned image with the image diagnosis result data group using, for example, the implementation date and time of the image diagnosis or the assigned ID, and stores the scanned image in the HDD 256. When the processing of S1302 is completed, the flow shown in Fig. 13 is terminated. After the flow shown in Fig. 13 is terminated, the processing proceeds to S912 in the first embodiment.

[0122] As described above, in this embodiment, scanned images that are different in some way from scanned images used in past image diagnoses are stored in the HDD 256. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of space consumed by the HDD 256 compared to when all scanned images used in all image diagnoses are stored.

[0123] In this embodiment, the mode of saving only the scanned image when a difference is found between the scanned image and the already saved scanned image has been described, but the scanned image may be saved even if it is not determined to be a difference, if there is a possibility that it may become a difference in the future. For example, the scanned image may be saved when a difference equal to or less than the threshold for determining a difference is detected.

[0124] <<Embodiment 3>> In this embodiment, an aspect will be described in which the number of times a scanned image is saved is limited in consideration of the capacity of the HDD 256.

[0125] (Details of the scanned image saving process) 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the process (S911) of saving the scan (read image) after the image diagnosis process is executed. The series of processes shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis module 109 loading a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flowchart starts when the process moves to S911 in the first embodiment. The processes other than those shown in the flow in FIG. 14 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] In S1401, the CPU 238 acquires a stored setting value for the number of times imaging diagnosis is to be performed (hereinafter also referred to as a saved number setting value). The setting value for the number of times imaging diagnosis is to be performed may be a predetermined number indicating a numerical value that is stored in advance in the HDD 256 according to the capacity of the HDD 256 at the time of product shipment. In other words, it may be set based on the amount of data that can be stored in the HDD 256. Alternatively, the setting value for the number of times imaging diagnosis is to be performed may be a predetermined number indicating a numerical value that is accepted as a setting value by a user operation via a UI (not shown). The setting value may be set to an upper limit of, for example, 1000 scanned images.

[0127] In S1402, the CPU 238 acquires the number of times that the scan image has been saved in image diagnosis (hereinafter also referred to as the number of times that the save has been executed).

[0128] In S1403, CPU 238 compares the save count setting value acquired in S1401 with the save execution count acquired in S1402 to determine whether the save execution count has reached the upper limit of the save count setting value. That is, CPU 238 determines whether the save execution count has reached the upper limit of the save count setting value. If the determination result indicates that the save execution count has reached the upper limit of the save count setting value (YES in S1403), the process proceeds to S1404. If the determination result indicates that the save execution count has not yet reached the upper limit of the save count setting value (NO in S1403), the process proceeds to S1405.

[0129] In S1404, the CPU 238 deletes the scan image used in the oldest image diagnosis from among the multiple saved scan images, in order to save the scan image used in the newly executed image diagnosis.

[0130] In S1405, the CPU 238 associates the scanned image used in the currently executed image diagnosis with the currently executed image diagnosis using, for example, the execution date and time of the image diagnosis or the assigned ID, and stores the scanned image used in the currently executed image diagnosis in the HDD 256. When the processing of S1405 ends, the flow shown in Fig. 14 ends. After the end, the processing proceeds to S912 in the first embodiment.

[0131] As described above, in this embodiment, only the most recent specified number of scan images for the number of image diagnosis executions is always saved in the HDD 256. That is, the scan images to be saved in the HDD 256 are switched according to conditions. This allows the number of scan images that can be saved reliably to be set according to the capacity of the HDD 256, thereby preventing insufficient capacity and enabling flexible response according to the system scale.

[0132] <<Embodiment 4>> In this embodiment, rather than switching whether or not to save the scanned image when performing image diagnosis, we will describe an aspect in which the user is allowed to select the diagnostic results to be sent externally from the diagnostic results already saved when a service notification is made.

[0133] (Image diagnosis result selection screen) 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting an image diagnosis result to be sent. The image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 to be sent is displayed on the display unit 241 of the image diagnosis module 109, but is not limited to this. The image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 may be displayed on an external device of the image diagnosis module 109, such as the display 225 of the print module 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. In this embodiment, for example, the service notification screen 700 is configured to have a transmission information selection button, and the image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 to be sent is displayed when the transmission information selection button is pressed. The image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 has a message 1501, an information list 1502 of image diagnosis results, a check box list 1503, and an "OK" button 1504.

[0134] A message 1501 is a message that prompts the user to select information to be sent to the outside. Note that the message 1501 is highlighted by being underlined.

[0135] The information list 1502 is a list of information on the image diagnosis results stored in the HDD 256 after image diagnosis has been performed. Specifically, the information list 1502 is created based on the diagnosis results stored in S912 and displayed on the screen. The information list 1502 is shown in a table in which information on the diagnosis date and time, diagnosis results, and items are associated with each other. Note that the items show information corresponding to items for which the diagnosis results were NG.

[0136] A check box list 1503 is a check box list that accepts a user operation for selecting an image diagnosis result to be transmitted externally. When an "OK" button 1504 is pressed, the selection on the image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 to be transmitted is confirmed and the image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 to be transmitted is closed.

[0137] Based on the information selected on the image diagnosis result selection screen 1500 to be transmitted, the image diagnosis result group to be transmitted in S807 and the scan image group to be transmitted in S808 are determined.

[0138] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to externally transmit only diagnostic information including the diagnostic result selected by a user operation at the time of service notification and the scan image used for the selected diagnosis, from among the diagnostic results already stored in HDD 256. This reduces the load associated with data communication by externally transmitting only some of the diagnostic results selected by a user operation at the time of transmission and the scan image used for the selected diagnosis, rather than externally transmitting all of the diagnostic results and the scan image used for the diagnosis.

[0139] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0140] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples. (Configuration 1) An information processing device for diagnosing a failure in an image forming device, an acquisition unit for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printout on which a chart image for image diagnosis is formed, the printout having been output by the image forming device; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing whether or not the image forming apparatus has a malfunction using the acquired scanned image; a storage means for storing the scanned image used for the diagnosis; a transmitting means for transmitting, when the diagnosing means diagnoses a malfunction, diagnostic information including the scanned image used for the diagnosis and the result of the diagnosis to an external device; and The diagnostic information includes, among the scan images stored in the storage means, scan images used for a diagnosis prior to when the malfunction was diagnosed. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) The storage means does not store scanned images that are different from previously stored scanned images. 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, (Configuration 3) 3. The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the storage means stores the scanned images used for the diagnosis until a predetermined number of times is reached. (Configuration 4) When the predetermined number of scans is reached, the storage means deletes the oldest scan image from among the plurality of scan images that have already been stored, and then stores the scan image used for the current diagnosis. 4. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The predetermined number of times is set based on the amount of data that can be stored in the storage means. 5. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The storage means stores the results of the diagnosis. 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The transmitting means transmits to the outside diagnostic information including a selected diagnostic result from among the already stored diagnostic results and the scan image used for the selected diagnostic result. 7. The information processing device according to configuration 6. (Configuration 8) Further, the display control means displays a screen on the display unit, The transmitting means transmits to the outside diagnostic information including the result of the diagnosis selected by the user operation via the displayed screen and the scanned image used for the diagnosis. 8. The information processing device according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) Further, the display control means displays a screen on the display unit, The display control means displays a screen corresponding to the result of the diagnosis. 8. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 10) The transmitting means transmits the information to an external device when instructed by a user operation via the screen. 10. The information processing device according to configuration 9. (Configuration 11) The chart image for image diagnosis is an image for detecting misalignment, streak defects, or circular defects. 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) The transmitting unit transmits the data to a server device from which a serviceman who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus can obtain the data, or to a communication terminal carried by the serviceman. 12. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Configuration 13) The transmitting means transmits the information to an external device when the diagnosing means diagnoses that there is a fault that cannot be solved by the user. 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. (Configuration 14) The scan image is linked to the results of the diagnosis. 14. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. (Configuration 15) 1. An information processing method for diagnosing a failure in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printout on which a chart image for image diagnosis is formed, the printout having been output by the image forming device; a diagnostic step of diagnosing whether or not the image forming apparatus has a malfunction using the acquired scanned image; a storage step of storing the scanned image used for the diagnosis; a transmitting step of externally transmitting, when a fault is diagnosed in the diagnosing step, diagnostic information including the scanned image used for the diagnosis and the result of the diagnosis; and The diagnostic information includes, among the scanned images stored in the storing step, scanned images used for a diagnosis prior to when the malfunction was diagnosed. An information processing method comprising: (Configuration 16) 16. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to claim 15.

Claims

1. An information processing device for diagnosing a failure in an image forming device, an acquisition unit for acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printout on which a chart image for image diagnosis is formed, the printout having been output by the image forming device; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing whether or not the image forming apparatus has a malfunction using the acquired scanned image; a storage means for storing the scanned image used for the diagnosis; a transmitting means for transmitting, when the diagnosing means diagnoses a malfunction, diagnostic information including the scanned image used for the diagnosis and the result of the diagnosis to an external device; and The diagnostic information includes, among the scan images stored in the storage means, scan images used for a diagnosis prior to when the malfunction was diagnosed.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. The storage means does not store scanned images that are different from previously stored scanned images.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores the scanned images used for the diagnosis until a predetermined number of times is reached.

4. When the predetermined number of scans is reached, the storage means deletes the oldest scan image from among the plurality of scan images that have already been stored, and then stores the scan image used for the current diagnosis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The predetermined number of times is set based on the amount of data that can be stored in the storage means.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

6. The storage means stores the results of the diagnosis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The transmitting means transmits to the outside diagnostic information including a selected diagnostic result from among the already stored diagnostic results and the scan image used for the selected diagnostic result.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. Further, the display control means displays a screen on the display unit, The transmitting means transmits to the outside diagnostic information including the result of the diagnosis selected by the user operation via the displayed screen and the scanned image used for the diagnosis.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. Further, the display control means displays a screen on the display unit, The display control means displays a screen corresponding to the result of the diagnosis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

10. The transmitting means transmits the information to an external device when instructed by a user operation via the screen.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9,

11. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chart image for image diagnosis is an image for detecting misalignment, a streak defect, or a circular defect.

12. The transmitting unit transmits the data to a server device from which a serviceman who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus can obtain the data, or to a communication terminal carried by the serviceman.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

13. The transmitting means transmits the information to an external device when the diagnosing means diagnoses that there is a fault that cannot be solved by the user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

14. The scan image is linked to the results of the diagnosis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

15. 1. An information processing method for diagnosing a failure in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a scanned image obtained by reading a printout on which a chart image for image diagnosis is formed, the printout having been output by the image forming device; a diagnostic step of diagnosing whether or not the image forming apparatus has a malfunction using the acquired scanned image; a storage step of storing the scanned image used for the diagnosis; a transmitting step of externally transmitting, when a fault is diagnosed in the diagnosing step, diagnostic information including the scanned image used for the diagnosis and the result of the diagnosis; and The diagnostic information includes, among the scanned images stored in the storing step, scanned images used for a diagnosis prior to when the malfunction was diagnosed.

1. An information processing method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to claim 15.

Images