Image formation device and information transmission system

Abstract

To provide an image formation device and an information transmission system that can predict a failure or conduct maintenance of a printer device efficiently at low cost.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a processor. The first communication interface communicates with a printer device to be a maintenance object. The second communication interface communicates with a center server that manages maintenance information for the printer device. The processor transmits maintenance information of the printer device which is created based on device body information to the center server through the second communication interface according to device body information received from the printer device through the first communication interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, when a printer device such as a label printer encounters a malfunction, an error code is displayed on a display on the device. For printer devices that do not have a function for notifying a service center of an error, if the user cannot resolve the malfunction themselves, the user must contact a service technician for repairs. In this case, the service technician who receives the notification from the user must directly diagnose the printer device to determine the malfunction and replace or repair the part.

[0003] However, with the above-mentioned maintenance method, it takes a considerable amount of time and effort for a service technician to actually repair the printer after an error occurs. For this reason, there is a demand for a system that can inexpensively and efficiently perform failure prediction or maintenance for printers that do not have a configuration for notifying a service center of an error. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-79031 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an information transmission system that can perform failure prediction or maintenance of a printer device inexpensively and efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus has a first communication interface, a second communication interface, and a processor. The first communication interface communicates with a printer device to be maintained. The second communication interface communicates with a center server that manages maintenance information for the printer device. In response to device information received from the printer device via the first communication interface, the processor creates maintenance information for the printer device based on the device information and transmits it to the center server via the second communication interface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information transmission system including a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a label printer as a printer in the information transmission system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a center server in the information transmission system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus in the information transmission system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the label printer in the information transmission system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration of an information transmission system 1, which is an example of an information transmission system including a digital multifunction peripheral 3 as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information transmission system 1 according to an embodiment. The information transmission system 1 includes a digital multi-functional peripheral (MFP) 3 as an image forming apparatus, label printers 5 (5A, 5B, 5C) as printer devices to be managed, and a center server 7.

[0009] The digital multifunction peripheral 3 is an image forming device that is installed, for example, in a work area. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 includes a system control unit (system controller) 21 that includes a communication function, an operation panel 22, a printer 23, and a scanner 24 (see FIG. 2). The system control unit 21 included in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 has a communication interface that communicates with each label printer 5 (5A, 5B, 5C). For example, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 is connected to each label printer 5 in the work area via the communication interface. The system control unit 21 included in the digital multifunction peripheral 3 also has a communication interface that communicates with the center server 7. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 is also connected to the center server 7 via the communication interface so as to be able to communicate with it via a network.

[0010] The digital multifunction peripheral 3 has a maintenance function that notifies the center server 7 of maintenance information based on failure predictions for each part within its own device (its own device) as appropriate. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 also has a function that acquires device information from each label printer 5. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 performs failure predictions for each part of each label printer based on the device information acquired from each label printer. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 uses the maintenance function to notify the center server 7 of label printer maintenance information that is created based on the results of failure predictions for each label printer.

[0011] The label printers 5 (5A, 5B, 5C) are an example of a printer device that is subject to maintenance. In this embodiment, the label printer 5, which is an example of a printer device that is subject to maintenance, has a printing mechanism that thermally prints (prints) images on labels. Label printers 5 are generally manufactured with a simple configuration to reduce manufacturing costs. For this reason, in actual operation, it can be difficult to configure the label printer 5 to communicate securely with the center server 7 via a network.

[0012] However, in the information transmission system 1 according to this embodiment, the printer device to be maintained is not limited to a label printer or thermal printer that prints labels. The printer device to be maintained may be any device that has a configuration that transmits its own device information to the digital multifunction peripheral 3. For example, the printer device may have a printing mechanism that uses an image formation method other than a thermal method, such as an inkjet method.

[0013] The center server 7 is provided in a service center 8 that provides services such as maintenance and repair for the digital multifunction peripherals 3 and label printers 5. In the service center 8, the center server 7 has a function of communicating with the digital multifunction peripherals 3 via a network. The center server 7 acquires from the digital multifunction peripherals 3 not only maintenance information for the digital multifunction peripherals 3 themselves, but also maintenance information for each label printer 5 connected to the digital multifunction peripherals 3.

[0014] The center server 7 also has a function of notifying information to a service technician who performs services such as repairs and replacements of the label printer 5. For example, the center server 7 presents maintenance information for the label printer 5 or the digital multifunction printer 3 to a terminal device carried by the service technician. This allows the service technician to check the maintenance information for the label printer 5 or the digital multifunction printer 3 and perform maintenance on the label printer 5 or the digital multifunction printer 3.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral 3 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 3 includes a system control unit (system controller) 21, an operation panel 22, a printer 23, and a scanner 24.

[0016] The system control unit 21 controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral 3. The system control unit 21 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a data memory 34, a communication interface (I / F) 35, an NW (network) interface (I / F) 36, and the like.

[0017] The processor 31 executes programs to realize various processing functions. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 31 is connected to the processor 41 of the operation panel 22, the printer 23, the scanner 24, and the like via an internal interface.

[0018] The ROM 32 functions as a program memory that stores programs. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. The RAM 33 functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The processor 31 performs various processes by using the RAM 33 to execute programs stored in the ROM 32 or the data memory 34.

[0019] The data memory 34 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. For example, the data memory 34 is configured with a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The data memory 34 stores various types of data such as control data, application programs (hereinafter also referred to as applications), control data, setting information, and image data.

[0020] The communication interface 35 is a communication interface (first communication interface) for performing data communication with each label printer 5 (5A, 5B, 5C) as a printer device to be maintained. The communication interface 35 may be configured as an interface that communicates with each label printer 5 via a local area network by wireless or wired communication, for example.

[0021] The NW interface 36 is a communication interface (second communication interface) for performing data communication with the center server 7. The NW interface 36 communicates with the center server 7 via a network.

[0022] The operation panel 22 is a user interface. The operation panel 22 has a processor 41, a display device 42, a touch panel (operation device) 43, and operation buttons (operation device) 44. The display device 42 is a display that displays operation guides and the like. The touch panel 43 is provided on the display screen of the display device 42. The touch panel 43 detects a location on the display screen of the display device 42 that is touched by the user. The operation buttons 44 are buttons for inputting predetermined instructions.

[0023] The processor 41 of the operation panel 22 controls the operation panel 22. The processor 41 performs various processes by executing programs stored in an internal memory or an external memory. The processor 41 is connected to the processor 31 of the system control unit 21, and controls the operation panel 22 in accordance with instructions from the processor 31 of the system control unit 21. For example, the processor 41 controls the display content to be displayed on the display device 42 in accordance with instructions from the processor 31 of the system control unit 21. The processor 41 also detects inputs to the touch panel 43 and the operation buttons 44, and supplies information indicating the input content to the processor 31 of the system control unit 21.

[0024] The printer 23 forms an image on a medium (image forming medium) such as paper. The printer 23 prints an image to be printed, which is supplied from the system control unit 21, onto paper taken out of a paper feed cassette, for example. The printer 23 may form an image using any image forming method. For example, the printer 23 may print an image on a medium using an electrophotographic method, or may print an image on a medium using an inkjet method.

[0025] The scanner 24 is a device that reads an image of a document. The scanner 24 is installed, for example, on the top of the main body of the digital multifunction peripheral 3. The scanner 24 optically reads the image of a document set on a document glass or a document set in an automatic document feeder (ADF). The scanner 24 outputs image data of the document as a result of reading the image of the document.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the label printer 5 as a printer device in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a label printer 5 as a printer device in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the label printer 5 includes a processor (second processor) 51, a memory 52, a communication interface (I / F) 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a printing mechanism (printing mechanism) 56.

[0027] The processor 51 executes programs for carrying out various processes. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 51 is connected to each unit within the label printer 5 via an internal interface. The processor 51 executes programs stored in the memory 52 to carry out various processes.

[0028] The memory 52 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a data memory. The ROM of the memory 52 is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten and stores preset programs, control data, and the like. The RAM of the memory 52 functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The data memory of the memory 52 is a non-volatile memory that can be rewritten and stores programs, control data, setting information, and other data. The data memory of the memory 52 also stores information acquired from each part, such as the printing mechanism 56, as machine information.

[0029] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface (third communication interface) for communicating with the digital multifunction peripheral 3. The communication interface 53 may include an interface of a communication method corresponding to the communication interface provided in the digital multifunction peripheral 3.

[0030] The display unit 54 is a display that displays operation guides and the like. For example, the display unit 54 is configured with a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display. The operation unit 55 accepts operations by the user. For example, the operation unit 55 is configured with a group of buttons that are pressed by the user. Alternatively, the operation unit 55 may be configured with a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display unit 54.

[0031] Printing mechanism 56 prints an image on a medium. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, printing mechanism 56 is a thermal printing unit having paper feed mechanism 57, sensor 58, thermal head 59, etc. In printing mechanism 56, paper feed mechanism 57 feeds paper (medium) as labels. Sensor 58 detects the paper (medium) fed by paper feed mechanism 57 at a predetermined position (for example, at the printing position or just before the printing position). Thermal head 59 is driven and controlled according to the image to be printed, and prints the image on the paper fed by paper feed mechanism 57. Printing mechanism 56 may also be provided with sensors that detect various malfunctions, such as paper jams.

[0032] The printing mechanism 56 operates in accordance with instructions from the processor 51, and supplies information indicating the operating status of each part and the detection results of the sensors to the processor 51. The processor 51 supplies operation instructions to the printing mechanism 56, and also stores information from the printing mechanism 56 in the memory 52 as machine information or transmits it to the digital multifunction peripheral 3.

[0033] The machine information of the label printer 5 includes information indicating the operating status of the print mechanism 56, such as the total print distance, sensor detection information, thermal head on-time, and motor drive time. As a specific example, the processor 51 acquires information such as the print distance (or the length of fed paper), sensor detection information, and thermal head on-time from the print mechanism 56 each time a print process is executed. The processor 51 may store the total print distance, which is the sum of the print distances acquired for each print process, in the memory 52 as the machine information. The processor 51 may also store the total print time (total print time), which is the cumulative total of the time that the sensor 58 detected paper at a predetermined position, based on the detection information of the sensor 58 acquired for each print process, in the memory 52 as the machine information. The processor 51 may also store the cumulative time, which is the sum of the on-time of the thermal head 59 acquired for each print process, in the memory 52 as the machine information.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the center server 7 in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the center server 7 in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the center server 7 includes a processor 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a data memory 64, a NW interface (I / F) 65, an interface 66, and the like.

[0035] The processor 61 executes programs for carrying out various processes. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 61 is connected to each unit in the center server 7 via an internal interface. The processor 61 executes programs stored in the ROM 62 or the data memory 64 using the RAM 63 to carry out various processes.

[0036] The ROM 62 is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten and stores preset programs, control data, etc. The RAM 63 functions as a working memory or a buffer memory.

[0037] The data memory 64 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The data memory 64 stores various types of data including programs, control data, and setting information. In this embodiment, the data memory 64 stores information obtained from the digital multifunction peripheral 3. The data memory 64 saves, as information obtained from the digital multifunction peripheral 3, maintenance information for the digital multifunction peripheral itself and maintenance information for each label printer 5 connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 3. For example, the data memory 64 stores each piece of maintenance information in association with identification information that identifies the digital multifunction peripheral 3 and each label printer 5.

[0038] The NW interface 65 is a communication interface for communicating with the digital multifunction peripheral 3 via a network. The interface 66 is an interface for connecting to a device that presents information to a service technician. For example, the interface 66 transmits the maintenance information for the label printer 5 or the digital multifunction peripheral 3 stored in the data memory 64 to a terminal device carried by the service technician. The interface 66 may also be an interface for displaying the maintenance information for the label printer 5 or the digital multifunction peripheral 3 stored in the data memory 64 on a display device.

[0039] Next, the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The digital multifunction peripheral 3 is assumed to have installed therein an application program (maintenance application) for transmitting maintenance information to the center server 7. The maintenance application is a program that is installed in the data memory 34 and executed by the processor 31. By executing the maintenance application, the processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 performs maintenance processing not only for itself but also for the label printer 5 that is communicably connected thereto.

[0040] The process in which the digital multifunction peripheral 3 transmits maintenance information for the label printer 5 to the center server 7 (label printer maintenance process) will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of maintenance processing for the label printer 5 by the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 executes the maintenance application to perform maintenance processing for the label printer 5. The processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 determines whether to collect machine information from the label printer 5 with which it can communicate via the communication interface 35 (ACT11).

[0041] Here, it is assumed that the device information of the label printer 5 is sent from the label printer 5 to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 in response to a request from the digital multifunction peripheral 3. In this case, the processor 31 determines whether to collect device information from the label printer 5 based on whether it is the right time to do so. The device information may be collected at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour or every day), or when the label printer 5 performs a predetermined operation. The device information may also be collected when the user issues an instruction to collect the device information of the label printer 5 using the operation device 43.

[0042] When the processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 determines to collect the device information of the label printer 5 (ACT11, YES), it requests the device information from the label printer 5. In response to the request for device information, the processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 acquires the device information output by the label printer 5 (ACT12).

[0043] The device information of the label printer 5 may be sent from the label printer 5 without a request from the digital multifunction device 3. For example, the label printer 5 may send its own device information to the digital multifunction device 3 every time it executes a printing process or every predetermined period (for example, every hour or every day). In this case, the processor 31 of the digital multifunction device 3 may receive information from the label printer 5 at any time and acquire the device information sent from the label printer 5.

[0044] When the processor 31 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 acquires the device information of the label printer 5, the processor 31 stores the acquired device information in the data memory 64 for each label printer 5. For example, when the processor 31 acquires new device information from the label printer 5, the processor 31 updates the device information for each label printer 5 stored in the data memory 64.

[0045] When the processor 31 updates the label printer's device information, it determines whether the updated device information contains any information (item) that is equal to or exceeds a predetermined reference value (ACT13). Here, it is assumed that the reference value for each item included in the label printer's device information is stored in a memory such as the data memory 34. The reference value can be set as appropriate by a service technician or administrator.

[0046] If the machine information contains information that is equal to or exceeds a reference value (ACT13, YES), the processor 31 displays a warning on the display device 42 that there is information that is equal to or exceeds a reference value (ACT14). For example, the processor 31 displays, as a warning, information indicating the information (item) that is equal to or exceeds the reference value and the label printer of the machine information that is equal to or exceeds the reference value on the display device 42. The processor 31 may also display, as a warning, information indicating the state of the label printer that is predicted from the information that is equal to or exceeds the reference value (whether parts need to be replaced, the degree of wear of parts, predicted malfunctions, etc.) on the display device 42.

[0047] Furthermore, if the machine information contains information that is equal to or exceeds a reference value (ACT13, YES), the processor 31 creates maintenance information for notifying the center server 7 of the status of the corresponding label printer (ACT15). For example, the processor 31 creates maintenance information for the label printer in a predetermined format. The maintenance information includes information that is equal to or exceeds the reference value and information indicating the label printer whose machine information is equal to or exceeds the reference value. The maintenance information may also include all of the machine information, including the information that is equal to or exceeds the reference value.

[0048] After creating the maintenance information for the label printer, the processor 31 encrypts the created maintenance information so that it can be decrypted by the center server 7 (ACT16). For example, the processor 31 encrypts the maintenance information for the label printer using key information exchanged with the center server 7 by performing mutual authentication with the center server 7.

[0049] After encrypting the maintenance information for the label printer, the processor 31 sends the encrypted maintenance information to the center server 7 (ACT17). The center server 7 receives the encrypted maintenance information from the digital multifunction peripheral 3 via the network. By decrypting the encrypted maintenance information from the digital multifunction peripheral 3, the center server 7 can obtain information indicating the operating status of the label printer, including information that is above a reference value.

[0050] Through the above processing, the center server 7 can manage the label printer device information obtained from the digital multifunction device 3 and provide it to the service technician. As a result, the service technician can easily understand the status of label printers that do not have the function to communicate with the center server 7, and can perform maintenance on the label printers at the appropriate time.

[0051] As described above, the digital multifunction peripheral serving as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment communicates with the label printer and receives device information from the label printer. If the received device information exceeds a reference value, the digital multifunction peripheral creates maintenance information for the label printer based on the device information that exceeds the reference value. Once the digital multifunction peripheral has created the maintenance information for the label printer, it transmits the created maintenance information for the label printer to the center server.

[0052] This allows the digital multifunction peripheral to send label printer maintenance information, including information on values exceeding the reference value, to a center server that provides the information to a service technician.As a result, the digital multifunction peripheral can perform maintenance management, including predicting label printer failures, without the label printer being configured to communicate with a center server.In addition, service technicians can check label printer maintenance information presented by the center server, which accumulates information from the digital multifunction peripheral.As a result, service technicians can perform actual maintenance after understanding the status of the label printer.

[0053] The digital multifunction peripheral also encrypts label printer maintenance information based on the device information acquired from the label printer and sends it to the center server. This allows the digital multifunction peripheral to safely send label printer maintenance information to the center server without providing the label printer with a configuration for securely communicating with the center server.

[0054] Furthermore, if the label printer's machine information contains information that exceeds the reference value, the digital multifunction peripheral displays a warning on the display device to the effect that the label printer contains information that exceeds the reference value. This allows the user to easily recognize on the operation panel of the digital multifunction peripheral that the label printer's machine information contains information that exceeds the reference value.

[0055] Next, the operation of the label printer 5 that communicates with the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus in the information transmission system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the label printer 5 that communicates with the digital multifunction peripheral 3 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The processor 51 of the label printer 5 receives an instruction to execute a printing process using the printing mechanism 56, which is input to the operation unit 55 (ACT31). If there is no instruction to execute printing (ACT31, NO), the processor 51 of the label printer 5 proceeds to ACT34.

[0056] When a print execution instruction is input (ACT31, YES), the processor 51 of the label printer 5 executes a print process using the print mechanism 56 (ACT32). When executing a print process, the processor 51 of the label printer 5 collects information indicating the operating status from the print mechanism 56 and the like. For example, the processor 51 collects information such as the print distance, the on-time of the thermal head 59, and detection information from the sensor 58. After collecting information indicating the operating status accompanying the execution of the print process, the processor 51 updates the machine information stored in the memory 52 based on the collected information (ACT33).

[0057] The processor 51 of the label printer 5 also determines whether to send the device information stored in the memory 32 to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 (ACT34). For example, when a request to send device information is received from the digital multifunction peripheral 3, the processor 51 determines to send the device information stored in the memory 32. The processor 51 may also determine to send device information to the digital multifunction peripheral 3 each time a print process is executed. Furthermore, the processor 51 may determine to send device information both when a request to send is received from the digital multifunction peripheral 3 and when a print process is executed.

[0058] If it is not the timing to send the device information (ACT34, NO), the processor 51 of the label printer 5 returns to ACT31 and repeats the above-mentioned process. If the processor 51 determines that the device information should be sent (ACT34, YES), it sends the device information stored in the memory 32 to the digital multifunction device (ACT35).

[0059] As described above, in the information transmission system according to the embodiment, a label printer communicates with a digital multifunction peripheral that has a communication function with a center server. The label printer transmits device information indicating the operating status of each part to the digital multifunction peripheral. If the device information received from the label printer exceeds a reference value, the digital multifunction peripheral transmits label printer maintenance information created from the device information that exceeds the reference value to the center server.

[0060] This allows the digital multifunction peripheral to predict label printer failures and send label printer maintenance information, including information on values exceeding the standard values, to the center server. As a result, the center server can manage label printer maintenance information and provide information indicating the label printer's status to service personnel. As a result, increases in label printer costs can be suppressed, service personnel can be notified of the label printer's status, and the convenience of maintenance, etc. can be improved.

[0061] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1...information transmission system, 3...digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), 5 (5A, 5B, 5C)...label printer (printer equipment), 7...center server, 8...service center, 21...system control unit, 22...operation panel, 23...printer, 24...scanner, 31...processor (first processor), 34...data memory, 35...communication interface (first communication interface), 36...network interface (second communication interface), 41...processor, 42...display device, 43...touch panel (operation device), 44...operation button (operation device), 51...processor (second processor), 52...memory, 53...communication interface (third communication interface), 54...display unit, 55...operation unit, 56...printing mechanism (printing mechanism), 57...paper feed mechanism, 58...sensor, 59...thermal head, 61...processor, 64...data memory, 65...network interface, 66...interface.

Claims

1. a first communication interface for communicating with the printer device to be maintained; a second communication interface for communicating with a center server that manages maintenance information for the printer device; a processor that, in response to device information received from the printer device via the first communication interface, creates maintenance information for the printer device based on the device information and transmits the maintenance information to the center server via the second communication interface; An image forming apparatus having the same.

2. The printer device is a label printer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the processor transmits to the center server the maintenance information of the printer device encrypted in a manner that the center server can decrypt the encrypted data; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. Further, the display device is included, the processor causes the display device to display a warning based on the machine information received from the printer device; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. In an information transmission system having an image forming apparatus and a printer device, the image forming apparatus, a first communication interface for communicating with the printer device to be maintained; a second communication interface for communicating with a center server that manages maintenance information for the printer device; a first processor that, in response to device information including information indicating an operating status of the printer device received from the printer device via the first communication interface, creates maintenance information for the printer device based on the device information and transmits the maintenance information to the center server via the second communication interface; The printer device includes: a third communication interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus; a second processor that transmits the machine information to the image forming device via the third communication interface; Information transmission system.

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