Diagnostic imaging system and program

Abstract

To provide a diagnostic imaging system and a program that display diagnostic results of an image forming device corresponding to user information, as compared to when diagnostic results of an image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information.SOLUTION: An image diagnostic system is provided which includes a plurality of image forming devices, a server device connected to each of the plurality of image forming devices via a communication line, and a user terminal connected to the server device for receiving operations from users, and the server device includes one or more processors which acquire diagnostic information to be used for diagnosing the image forming devices, acquire user information relating to general users 104, machine management users 103, trained users 102, and maintenance engineers 101 who are to use the diagnosis from the diagnostic information, and output diagnostic results for the users on the basis of the acquired diagnostic information and user information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image diagnostic system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] With the aim of providing maintenance services that meet the different needs of each user, Patent Document 1 (JP 2003-43867 A) discloses a diagnostic device that has a receiving means that receives diagnostic information of an image forming device via a specified communication line, a generating means that generates a plurality of countermeasures in accordance with the diagnostic information received by the receiving means, and a transmitting means that transmits the plurality of countermeasures generated by the generating means to an external device that is capable of communicating with the diagnostic device via the specified communication line as information for displaying a selectable display screen. In addition, with the aim of performing diagnostic operations and outputting results appropriate to factors such as the user's level of proficiency, processing speed, and operating environment, while taking into consideration these factors, Patent Document 2 (JP 2020-155969 A) discloses an image processing system that includes an acquisition unit that includes at least a scanned image showing a scanned image and acquires abnormality diagnosis information used for abnormality diagnosis, and a control unit that individually sets a threshold for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in an evaluation mode selected from a plurality of evaluation modes each having different sensitivity for detecting abnormalities, calculates features of an abnormal area detected in the scanned image based on the threshold, and outputs abnormality information based on the calculated features. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-43867 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-155969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when an image forming apparatus is diagnosed, the diagnostic results are intended for use by a maintenance engineer of the image forming apparatus. Users other than maintenance engineers have difficulty using the diagnostic results. Furthermore, the diagnostic results contain technical content. Users other than maintenance engineers generally have difficulty understanding the content of the diagnostic results.

[0005] Meanwhile, in recent years, as the area where image forming apparatuses are deployed expands, there has been a demand for a maintenance system that is easy to use for various users other than maintenance engineers, for example, in the event that a maintenance engineer is not present on-site.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to display diagnostic results of an image forming device corresponding to user information, as compared to when diagnostic results of an image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is an image diagnostic system comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors acquiring diagnostic information used to diagnose an image forming device, acquiring user information relating to a user who will use the diagnosis from the diagnostic information, and outputting a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and the user information. The invention described in claim 2 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 1, characterized in that the user information is obtained from contract information of the image forming device or login information by the user to the image forming device. The invention described in claim 3 is the image diagnostic system according to claim 2, characterized in that the user information is classification information that classifies the users. The invention described in claim 4 is the image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the user information is acquired when the user checks the diagnostic results of the image forming device. The invention described in claim 5 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 4, characterized in that the user information is obtained from login information for a terminal other than the image forming device that the user uses when checking the diagnostic results of the image forming device. The invention described in claim 6 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic information is obtained by reading a chart on which a diagnostic image is formed, and the chart has identification information generated based on the obtained user information formed on it. The invention described in claim 7 is the imaging diagnostic system described in claim 6, characterized in that the identification information is read and the diagnostic result based on the user information is output to a terminal accessed using the identification information. The invention described in claim 8 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 1, characterized in that the output of the diagnostic result varies the display content regarding maintenance and inspection of the image forming device depending on the user information. The invention described in claim 9 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 8, characterized in that the display content regarding the maintenance and inspection is display content regarding replacement parts and / or work content for the image forming device. The invention described in claim 10 is the image diagnostic system according to claim 8, characterized in that the display content relating to the maintenance and inspection uses different terms for explanation. The invention described in claim 11 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic results are generated including the knowledge of a maintenance technician who performs maintenance on the image forming device. The invention described in claim 12 is the image diagnostic system described in claim 11, characterized in that the diagnostic result is generated including at least one of the maintenance technician's knowledge of displaying necessary countermeasures, deleting unnecessary countermeasures, selecting countermeasures by priority, and countermeasures specific to the image forming device. The invention described in claim 13 is a program for causing a computer to realize the following functions: acquiring diagnostic information to be used for diagnosing an image forming device; acquiring user information relating to a user who will use the diagnosis from the diagnostic information; and outputting a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and user information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to display the diagnostic results of the image forming device corresponding to the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring the user information. According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to acquire user information based on the image forming apparatus to be diagnosed. According to the invention of claim 3, the diagnostic results of the image forming device corresponding to the user's classification can be displayed. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to obtain user information based on the user who checks the diagnostic result. According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to acquire user information from a terminal other than the image forming apparatus to be diagnosed. According to the invention of claim 6, compared to when only a diagnostic image is formed on the chart, it is possible to obtain a diagnostic result of the image forming device using the identification information formed on the chart. According to the invention of claim 7, the amount of work required for the user to check the diagnostic results can be reduced compared to when the user accesses a confirmation screen to check the diagnostic results. According to the invention of claim 8, the display regarding maintenance and inspection of the image forming device can be made different in accordance with the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to display replacement parts and / or work details in accordance with the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. According to the invention of claim 10, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information, the terms used in the explanation can be changed to correspond to the user information. According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to display the diagnosis result including the knowledge of the maintenance engineer who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus. According to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to display the diagnosis results that reflect the contents of the examination by the maintenance engineer who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus. According to the invention of claim 13, the computer can be made to realize a function of displaying the diagnostic results of the image forming device corresponding to the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring the user information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the present embodiment including an imaging diagnostic system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing unit provided in a server device and an image forming device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which users are classified according to the level of their maintenance skills. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on a display reception unit of an image forming device, where FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an operation screen of the image forming device, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a setting screen of the image forming device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a login screen of a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a flow up to outputting a diagnosis result of the imaging diagnostic system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow up to output of a diagnosis result of the imaging diagnostic system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow up to output of a diagnosis result of the imaging diagnostic system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of chart paper. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of chart paper. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a diagnosis result output to a maintenance engineer. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a diagnostic result output for a trained user. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a diagnosis result output to a machine management user. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a diagnosis result output for a general user. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a diagnosis result generated by incorporating the knowledge of a maintenance engineer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of diagnostic imaging system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of this embodiment including an image diagnostic system 1. As shown in FIG. The image diagnostic system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 and a server device 200 connected to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 via a communication line 190. Note that Fig. 1 shows one image forming apparatus 100 among the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100. In this embodiment, the server device 200 diagnoses each of the image forming apparatuses 100.

[0011] Furthermore, the diagnostic imaging system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a user terminal 300 that is connected to the server device 200 and accepts operations from a user. The user terminal 300 is provided with a display device 310. The user terminal 300 is realized by a computer. Examples of the form of the user terminal 300 include a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A as an example of an image forming means that forms an image on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. The image forming unit 100A forms an image on paper using, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 100A may form an image on paper using any method other than the inkjet method or the electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 100 is further provided with an information processing unit 100B. The information processing unit 100B executes various processes performed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0013] <Hardware configuration of the server device and the information processing unit> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B provided in the image forming device 100. As shown in FIG. The server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B provided in the image forming device 100 are realized by a computer. Each of the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B has an arithmetic processing unit 11 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 12 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 12 is realized by an existing information storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0014] The arithmetic processing unit 11 is provided with a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a rewritable non-volatile memory 11d that can retain data even when the power supply is interrupted. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with an interface unit 11e that controls each unit, such as a communication unit, connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0015] The nonvolatile memory 11d is configured with, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 12 stores files and the like as well as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads the programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 12, thereby executing each process.

[0016] The program executed by CPU 11a may be provided to server device 200 and information processing unit 100B in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the program executed by CPU 11a may be provided to server device 200 and information processing unit 100B using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0017] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operations of a processor may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of each operation of a processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0018] Of the processes described below, the processes performed by the image forming apparatus 100 are performed by a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, of the processes described below, the processes performed by the server apparatus 200 are performed by a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor provided in the server apparatus 200. Furthermore, in the processes described below, the process for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by the server apparatus 200. The process for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100 may be realized by one apparatus, such as one server apparatus 200, or may be realized by multiple apparatuses.

[0019] <Image forming device> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A that forms an image on a sheet of paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. In this embodiment, when the sheet of paper P passes through the image forming unit 100A, one side of the sheet of paper P faces the image forming unit 100A.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with an image reading device 130 as an example of an image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium such as paper. The image reading device 130 is a so-called scanner that has a paper transport function. The image reading device 130 includes a light source that emits light to be irradiated onto the paper, and a light receiving unit such as a CCD that receives the light reflected from the paper. In this embodiment, read image data, which will be described later, is generated based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit.

[0021] An image reading position is preset in the image reading device 130. The image reading device 130 reads the image of the part of the paper that is conveyed in order and that is located at this reading position.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 3, image reading device 130 is provided on top of image forming apparatus 100. Image reading device 130 sequentially reads sheets of paper (not shown) set by a user. The installation mode of image reading device 130 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 3. Image reading device 130 may be provided inside image forming apparatus 100 and on the transport path of paper P. In this case, paper P on which an image has been formed by image forming unit 100A passes through image reading device 130 in sequence, and each image on paper P is read in sequence as it passes through.

[0023] Alternatively, when reading an image on a sheet of paper, the sheet of paper may be placed on a platen (not shown) made of a glass plate or the like, and the image on the sheet of paper placed on the platen may be read.

[0024] As indicated by reference symbol 1C in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has an information transmission function for transmitting information to the server apparatus 200. This information transmission function is realized by the interface unit 11e. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 uses this information transmission function to transmit classification information, which is information that classifies users as an example of user information, to the server apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 100 also transmits scanned image data to the server apparatus 200. User information and the like will be described later.

[0025] Furthermore, each image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an operation reception unit 132 that receives operations from a user. This operation reception unit 132 is configured with a so-called touch panel. The operation reception unit 132 displays information to the user and receives operations performed by the user. Note that the display of information to the user and the reception of user operations are not limited to being performed by a single operation reception unit 132 as in this embodiment, and an operation reception unit and an information display unit may be provided separately.

[0026] <Outline of image forming device diagnosis> Next, returning to FIG. 1, an outline of the diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. When diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 100A is first operated to form a chart image 61 on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. As a result, as shown by the reference symbol 1A, chart paper CP, which is paper on which the chart image 61 is formed, is generated. The chart image 61 is an image used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] Once the chart paper CP has been created, it is placed in the image reading device 130, as shown by reference numeral 1B in FIG. 1. The image reading device 130 is then used to read the chart paper CP on which the chart image 61 has been formed. This generates read image data of the chart image 61, which is an example of diagnostic information. Note that the generation of the chart paper CP and the reading of the chart paper CP may be performed simultaneously within the image forming device 100, thereby generating the read image data of the chart image 61.

[0028] 1, the scanned image data is transmitted to the server device 200 and stored in the server device 200. The server device 200 diagnoses the image forming device 100 based on the scanned image data. A user who performs maintenance on the image forming device 100 accesses the server device 200 and refers to the results of the diagnosis made by the server device 200.

[0029] In this embodiment, the display screen of the diagnosis results of the image forming apparatus 100 is changed depending on the level of maintenance skill of the user who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, the server apparatus 200 acquires classification information (described later) that is information that classifies users as information on users who will use the diagnosis results of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the server apparatus 200 outputs the diagnosis results of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the acquired information.

[0030] <Server device processing> Next, the processing performed by the server device 200 will be described. The CPU 11a (see FIG. 2) as an example of a processor provided in the server device 200 analyzes the read image data transmitted from the image forming device 100 and diagnoses the image forming device 100.

[0031] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 200 acquires user information related to a user who uses the diagnosis result of the image forming device 100. The CPU 11a of the server device 200 then diagnoses the image forming device 100, and generates and outputs a display screen for the diagnosis result using the acquired user information.

[0032] Information about the generated display screen is transmitted, for example, from server device 200 to user terminal 300 (see FIG. 1) and displayed on display device 310 (see FIG. 1) of user terminal 300. This allows the user to understand the diagnosis results of image forming apparatus 100. Note that the processing of the screen is not limited to this. Information about the screen may also be output to a device with a printing function, such as image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1).

[0033] <User information> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of classifying users according to the level of their maintenance skills. Information about users who use the results of the diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 is expressed as classification information categorized according to the level of the users' maintenance skills, for example. In the example shown in Fig. 4, a maintenance engineer 101, a trained user 102, a machine management user 103, and a general user 104 are shown in descending order of their maintenance skills for the image forming apparatus 100.

[0034] A maintenance engineer 101, an example of a maintenance engineer, is an engineer who can perform all maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. A trained user 102 is a user who can perform all maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100, including image quality adjustment and replacement of parts of the image forming apparatus 100, excluding work that can only be performed by a maintenance engineer. A machine management user 103 is a user who can perform all maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100, including image quality adjustment. A general user 104 is a user who cannot perform all maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the above classifications are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0035] <How to obtain user information> There are several possible methods for acquiring the user information. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is introduced, contract information of the user who has signed a purchase contract or the like may be stored in the image forming apparatus 100. This allows the server apparatus 200 to acquire the user information by referring to the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 when diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100.

[0036] For example, if the user who has signed a purchase contract or the like for the image forming apparatus 100 is trained user 102, the user information identified from the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 will be trained user 102. If the user who has signed a purchase contract or the like is machine administration user 103, the user identified from the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 will be machine administration user 103. If the user who has signed a purchase contract or the like is general user 104, the user identified from the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 will be general user 104. If the user who has signed a purchase contract or the like is maintenance engineer 101, the user information identified from the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 will be maintenance engineer 101.

[0037] In this method, one piece of user information is assigned to one image forming device 100. When diagnosing the image forming device 100, the user information is identified based on the contract information of the image forming device 100, and the identified user information is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0038] Figure 5 shows examples of screens displayed on the operation reception unit 132 of the image forming device 100, where Figure 5(a) shows an operation screen of the image forming device 100 and Figure 5(b) shows a setting screen of the image forming device 100. As an alternative to the above, it is also possible to obtain user information from login information for the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 5(a) shows an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100. This operation screen corresponds to the operation reception unit 132 (see Fig. 1) of the image forming apparatus 100. Normally, a user who uses the image forming apparatus 100 operates this operation screen to perform copying, scanning, etc.

[0039] To diagnose the image forming apparatus 100, the user presses the setting button 133 displayed on the operation screen. This displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 5(b). The user can then change the user's login mode by entering a customer reference number and a password in a customer reference number field 134 and a password input field 135 on the setting screen. By allocating the above user information to the customer reference number, the user information can be identified when logging in to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0040] For example, if the customer reference number entered when logging in to the image forming apparatus 100 is a number assigned to trained user 102, the user information is identified as trained user 102. If the customer reference number entered when logging in to the image forming apparatus 100 is a number assigned to machine administration user 103, the user information is identified as machine administration user 103. If the customer reference number entered when logging in to the image forming apparatus 100 is a number assigned to general user 104, the user information is identified as general user 104. The method for identifying general user 104 is not limited to this; the general user 104 can also be identified if the user does not log in to the image forming apparatus 100. The reference numbers of maintenance engineers are managed separately from customer reference numbers. If the reference number entered when logging in to the image forming apparatus 100 is a number assigned to maintenance engineer 101, the user information is identified as maintenance engineer 101.

[0041] In this method, user information is identified based on login information for the image forming apparatus 100. When diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, the user information identified based on the login information is transmitted to the server apparatus 200.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a login screen of the user terminal 300. As shown in FIG. The user information can also be acquired from the user terminal 300. When the user wants to check the diagnostic results, he or she uses the user terminal 300 to access a screen for checking the diagnostic results and logs in. Here, the user information is acquired based on the login information from the user terminal 300.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a login operation screen of a smartphone as an example of the user terminal 300. This operation screen corresponds to the display device 310 (see FIG. 1). On the operation screen, the user inputs a user ID and a password in a user ID field 311 and a password input field 312. This allows the user to log in from a screen for checking the diagnosis results, which is provided by the server device 200. By allocating the above user information to the user ID, the user information is identified when logging in from the user terminal 300. The identified user information is then transmitted to the server device 200.

[0044] For example, if the user ID entered when logging in from the user terminal 300 is an ID assigned to the trained user 102, the user information is identified as the trained user 102. If the user ID entered when logging in from the user terminal 300 is an ID assigned to the machine administration user 103, the user information is identified as the machine administration user 103. If the user ID entered when logging in from the user terminal 300 is an ID assigned to the general user 104, the user information is identified as the general user 104. If the user ID entered when logging in from the user terminal 300 is an ID assigned to the maintenance engineer 101, the user information is identified as the maintenance engineer 101.

[0045] In this method, user information is identified based on login information from the user terminal 300. When diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, the user information identified based on the login information from the user terminal 300 is transmitted to the server apparatus 200.

[0046] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow up to outputting the diagnosis result of the image diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, user information is identified from contract information of the image forming apparatus 100. Here, an example will be described in which the user who has made a purchase contract or the like is, for example, a trained user 102. Therefore, information about the trained user 102 is assigned to the image forming apparatus 100 as user information.

[0047] The image forming apparatus 100 forms a chart image 61 on paper P in response to a user operation (S101). This generates chart paper CP. Next, the user places this chart paper CP in the image reading device 130 and reads it, generating scanned image data of the chart image 61 (S102). The scanned image data is then transmitted to the server device 200 in response to a user operation by the user. Here, user information of the trained user 102, identified from the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100, is transmitted to the server device 200 together with the scanned image data (S103).

[0048] The server device 200 acquires the scanned image data and the user information. Next, the server device 200 diagnoses the image forming device 100 based on the scanned image data (S104). The server device 200 then generates a diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 (S105). The server device 200 then generates a display screen for the diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 based on the generated diagnostic result and the user information (S106). When the user accesses the server device 200 from the user terminal 300, the server device 200 outputs the display screen for the diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 generated in S106 (S107).

[0049] A display screen (described later) showing the diagnostic results of image forming device 100 generated for trained user 102 is displayed on display device 310 (see FIG. 1) of user terminal 300 (S108). This allows the user to understand the diagnostic results of image forming device 100.

[0050] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the flow up to outputting the diagnosis result of the image diagnostic system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the contract information of the image forming apparatus 100 is not used. Here, the user information is identified from the login information to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, an example will be described in which the machine management user 103 uses the diagnosis result of the image forming apparatus 100, for example.

[0051] A user who diagnoses the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen (see FIG. 5(b)) on the operation reception unit 132, enters the customer management number and password assigned to the user, and logs in to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the machine management user 103 logs in by entering the customer management number and password assigned to the user.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 100 identifies the user information as the machine administration user 103 based on the login information (S201). The image forming apparatus 100 forms a chart image 61 on paper P in response to a user operation (S202). This generates chart paper CP. Next, the user places this chart paper CP in the image reading device 130 and reads it, generating scanned image data of the chart image 61 (S203). The scanned image data is then transmitted to the server apparatus 200 in response to a user operation. Here, the user information of the machine administration user 103, identified from the login information for the image forming apparatus 100, is transmitted to the server apparatus 200 together with the scanned image data (S204).

[0053] The server device 200 receives the scanned image data and the user information. Next, the server device 200 diagnoses the image forming device 100 based on the scanned image data (S205). Then, the server device 200 generates a diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 (S206). Then, the server device 200 generates a display screen for the diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 based on the generated diagnostic result and the user information (S207). When the user accesses the server device 200 from the user terminal 300, the server device 200 outputs the display screen for the diagnostic result for the image forming device 100 generated in S207 (S208).

[0054] A display screen of the diagnosis result of the image forming apparatus 100 generated for the machine management user 103 is displayed on the display device 310 (see FIG. 1) of the user terminal 300 (S209). This allows the user to understand the diagnosis results of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0055] <Embodiment 3> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow up to outputting the diagnosis result of the image diagnostic system 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the user information is identified from the login information to the user terminal 300 used by the user when checking the diagnosis result. Here, an example will be described in which the user information identified from the login information to the user terminal 300 is that of a general user 104.

[0056] The image forming apparatus 100 forms a chart image 61 on paper P in response to a user operation (S301). This generates chart paper CP. Next, the user places this chart paper CP in the image reading device 130 and reads it, generating scanned image data of the chart image 61 (S302). The scanned image data is then sent to the server device 200 in response to a user operation (S303).

[0057] The server device 200 receives the scanned image data. Next, the server device 200 diagnoses the image forming device 100 based on the scanned image data (S304). Then, the server device 200 generates a diagnosis result for the image forming device 100 and goes into a standby state (S305).

[0058] The general user 104 accesses the diagnosis result login screen (see FIG. 6) provided by the server device 200 from his / her own terminal, the user terminal 300, and inputs login information. As a result, user information identified from the login information is transmitted to the server device 200 (S306). Here, the user information is identified as that of the general user 104 from the user ID, and the identified user information is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0059] The server device 200 generates a display screen of the diagnostic result of the image forming device 100 based on the generated diagnostic result and the acquired user information (S307). Then, the server device 200 outputs the display screen of the generated diagnostic result of the image forming device 100 to the user terminal 300 (S308).

[0060] In the above, server device 200 is in a standby state until user information is transmitted to server device 200 in S306. On the other hand, user information may be acquired before diagnostic results of image forming device 100 are generated in S305. The user information is stored in server device 200 and used when a display screen of the diagnostic results is generated. Note that an example of when user information is acquired first is when a user accesses and logs in to a screen for checking the diagnostic results while the image forming device 100 is being diagnosed.

[0061] A display screen showing the diagnostic results of the image forming device 100 generated for the general user 104 is displayed on the display device 310 (see FIG. 1) of the user terminal 300 (S309). This allows the general user 104 to understand the diagnostic results of the image forming device 100.

[0062] In the above first to third embodiments, the process of displaying the display screen generated by the server device 200 on the display device 310 of the user terminal 300 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The display screen generated by the server device 200 may be output to a device having a printing function, such as the image forming device 100 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the display screen generated by the server device 200 may be displayed on the operation reception unit 132 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming device 100.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of chart paper CP. The chart paper CP used in the above first to third embodiments will now be described. On this chart paper CP, a chart image 61 is formed as information for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100. This chart image 61 is formed on paper in order to evaluate, for example, faulty parts of the image forming apparatus 100 to be diagnosed. The server device 200 analyzes the scanned image data based on this chart image 61 to diagnose the image forming device 100 and identify faulty parts, etc.

[0064] <Modification> Next, a modified example of the method for acquiring the diagnostic results of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. In this modification, the method of obtaining the diagnostic results differs from the above-described first to third embodiments.

[0065] To realize this modification, image forming apparatus 100 stores access information to a confirmation screen for diagnosis results, which is provided by server apparatus 200, in a secondary storage unit or the like. Image forming apparatus 100 also stores information about itself in a secondary storage unit or the like. Image forming apparatus 100 also acquires user information from contract information for image forming apparatus 100 or login information for image forming apparatus 100, and stores the information in a secondary storage unit or the like.

[0066] When diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 adds the above information to the paper P. The above information includes access information to a confirmation screen for the diagnosis result, information about the image forming apparatus 100 itself, and user information. The above information can be formed on the paper P in a form that includes a QR code 62 (registered trademark) (see FIG. 11) as an example of identification information.

[0067] In response to a user's operation, the image forming apparatus 100 forms the chart image 61 and the QR code 62 to which the above information has been added on the paper P. As a result, a chart paper CP is generated on which the chart image 61 and the QR code 62 have been formed.

[0068] The scanned image data based on this chart paper CP is sent to the server device 200 by user operation and is used to diagnose the image forming apparatus 100. The server device 200 then generates the diagnosis result and goes into a standby state.

[0069] After completing the series of processes, the user uses the user terminal 300 to read the QR code 62 formed on the chart paper CP. The server device 200 outputs the diagnosis result of the image forming device 100 generated based on the user information to the user terminal 300 accessed using the QR code 62. The user then refers to the display device 310 (see FIG. 1) of the user terminal 300 to understand the diagnosis result of the image forming device 100.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows another example of chart paper CP. 11 shows chart paper CP used in a modified example. Chart paper CP has a chart image 61 and a QR code 62, which is an example of identification information, formed on it. In this modified example, when a user uses user terminal 300 to read QR code 62 formed on chart paper CP, the diagnosis results for that user are displayed on user terminal 300. This makes it possible to reduce the number of steps required for accessing server device 200, logging in, and so on.

[0071] <Display screen corresponding to user information> Next, a display screen of the diagnostic result of the image forming apparatus 100 output by the server apparatus 200 will be described. As described above, server device 200 generates a display screen of the diagnostic results of image forming device 100 based on the diagnostic results from the diagnostic information of image forming device 100 and user information. More specifically, server device 200 generates a display screen of the diagnostic results of image forming device 100 in accordance with the level of maintenance skill of the user for image forming device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 4, maintenance engineer 101, trained user 102, machine management user 103, and general user 104 are shown in descending order of level of maintenance skill for image forming device 100. The following shows display screens of diagnostic results output corresponding to each user information when a diagnosis is performed on one image forming device 100.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the diagnosis result output to the maintenance engineer 101. As shown in FIG. 12 shows a display device 310 of the user terminal 300. The display device 310 displays a display screen of the diagnosis results output by the server device 200 for the maintenance engineer 101.

[0073] In the example of the display screen shown in FIG. 12, a summary is displayed in the first display field 320. The summary shows an outline of the diagnosis results for the image forming apparatus 100. The first display field 320 also displays a model name 321 of the image forming apparatus 100 that was diagnosed and a transmission date and time 322. The first display field 320 also displays a chart color field 323, a details field 324, and a score field 325. The chart color field 323 displays Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), etc. The details field 324 displays details about each chart color, such as the occurrence of streaks or banding. The score field 325 displays the score for the diagnosis.

[0074] 12, the second display field 330 displays a details field 338, an occurrence location field 339, and an occurring part field 340. The details field 338 displays Y lines, M lines, C lines, K lines, etc. The occurrence location field 339 displays the occurrence location of each line, etc. The occurring part field 340 displays the faulty parts, etc.

[0075] The second display field 330 displays the diagnosis results. Here, muscle diagnosis and the like are displayed. Based on the diagnosis results, adjustment and countermeasure methods are displayed. For example, display field 331 displays "1. Adjust X." Display field 332 displays "2. Adjust XX." Display field 333 displays "3. Replace part A." Display field 334 displays "4. Replace part B." Display field 335 displays "5. Clean XX." Below display field 335, potential faulty parts are displayed based on the diagnosis results. Display field 336 displays "Part A." Display field 337 displays "Part B."

[0076] The maintenance engineer 101 is a user with high maintenance skills for the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, all diagnostic results related to the image forming apparatus 100 are displayed here. This includes displaying work details, including specialized work and dangerous work, as well as replacement parts for the maintenance engineer 101. Technical terms may also be used to display the work details and replacement parts. The maintenance engineer 101 refers to this display screen and performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0077] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the diagnostic results output for the trained user 102. The display device 310 displays a screen showing the diagnostic results for the trained user 102 output by the server device 200.

[0078] 13, compared to FIG. 12, the display contents of display column 334, display column 335, and display column 337 are hidden. That is, in FIG. 13, the display contents of "4. Replace part B" shown in display column 334, "5. Clean XX" shown in display column 335, and "part B" shown in display column 337 shown in FIG. 12 are hidden. Trained user 102 has a certain level of knowledge about maintaining image forming apparatus 100, but may not be able to handle specialized work performed by maintenance engineer 101 or replacement parts intended for maintenance engineer 101. Here, adjustment work and the like that trained user 102 can handle are displayed.

[0079] For example, items related to "replacing part B" and "cleaning XX," which are examples of specialized work performed by the maintenance engineer 101, are hidden, and the diagnosis results are displayed. Also, for example, items related to "part B," which is an example of a replacement part for the maintenance engineer 101, are hidden, and the diagnosis results are displayed. The trained user 102 refers to this display screen and performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the diagnosis result output to the machine management user 103. As shown in FIG. The display device 310 displays a display screen of the diagnosis results output by the server device 200 for the machine administration user 103 .

[0081] 14, compared to FIG. 13, the display contents of display column 333, display column 336, and generated part column 340 are hidden. That is, in FIG. 14, the display contents of "3. Replace part A" shown in display column 333 of FIG. 13 and "part A" shown in display column 336 are hidden. The machine administration user 103 has lower maintenance skills than the trained user 102, and although he or she can perform simple adjustment work, he or she may not be able to handle part replacement, etc. Here, adjustment work, etc. that the machine administration user 103 can handle is displayed.

[0082] For example, the diagnostic results are displayed while the details regarding part replacement shown in the display fields 333 and 336 and the part occurrence field 340 are hidden. The machine management user 103 refers to this display screen and performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0083] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the diagnosis result output for the general user 104. As shown in FIG. The display device 310 displays a display screen of the diagnosis results for the general user 104, which have been output by the server device 200. In Fig. 15, only the first display field 320 is displayed, and the details of the maintenance and inspection work, replacement parts, etc. are not displayed. The general user 104 does not have knowledge about maintenance, and therefore does not generally perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100 by himself. The general user 104 refers to the summary and, based on the displayed content, requests the maintenance engineer 101 or the like to perform a maintenance and inspection.

[0084] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the diagnosis result generated by incorporating the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101. In FIG. The display device 310 displays a display screen of the diagnostic results generated by incorporating the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101. This display screen can be referenced by other maintenance engineers 101 in addition to the trained user 102, machine management user 103, and general user 104 described above.

[0085] To include the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101 in the display screen of the diagnostic result, the diagnostic result by the server device 200 must be transmitted to, for example, the terminal of the maintenance engineer 101, and the maintenance engineer 101 must input instructions, etc. After the server device 200 diagnoses the image forming device 100, the maintenance engineer 101 checks the diagnostic result. Then, the maintenance engineer 101 considers, for example, displaying necessary countermeasures and deleting unnecessary countermeasures based on the diagnostic result. The maintenance engineer 101 also considers selecting countermeasures and rearranging the priorities of the countermeasures. The maintenance engineer 101 also considers countermeasures specific to the image forming device 100. The maintenance engineer 101 then reflects his or her own knowledge of these considerations in the diagnostic result. The maintenance engineer 101 may also give instructions to the user by inputting comments. This generates a diagnostic result that includes the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101. The maintenance engineer 101 returns the diagnostic result that includes his or her own knowledge to the server device 200 or an arbitrary user terminal 300. The diagnostic results are then provided to the user.

[0086] 16, for example, a display field 334 displays "Adjust XXX" as an adjustment method based on the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101. Also, a display field 337 shown in FIG. 16 displays "Comment: If the problem persists, check XX." In this way, by displaying a diagnostic result generated by incorporating the knowledge of the maintenance engineer 101, it becomes possible to perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100 under the instructions of the maintenance engineer 101.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above example, the display content related to maintenance and inspection, for example, the display content of replacement parts and work content, is displayed differently based on user information, but this is not limited to this. For example, the terminology used to explain maintenance may be displayed differently based on user information. In this way, even users without specialized knowledge may find it easier to understand the maintenance explanation. Furthermore, when displaying the explanation of the work content, drawings, videos, etc. showing the work content may be displayed. Various other modifications and alternative configurations that do not deviate from the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0088] <Additional Notes> (((1))) An image diagnostic system comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors acquiring diagnostic information used to diagnose an image forming device, acquiring user information relating to a user who will use the diagnosis from the diagnostic information, and outputting a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and the user information. (((2))) The image diagnostic system according to (((1))) is characterized in that the user information is acquired from contract information of the image forming apparatus or login information of the user to the image forming apparatus. (((3))) The image diagnostic system according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the user information is classification information that classifies the users. (((4))) The image diagnostic system according to (((1))) or (((3))), wherein the user information is acquired when the user checks the diagnostic results of the image forming device. (((5))) The image diagnostic system described in (((3))) or (((4))) is characterized in that the user information is obtained from login information for a terminal other than the image forming device that the user uses when checking the diagnostic results of the image forming device. (((6))) The diagnostic imaging system described in (((1))) is characterized in that the diagnostic information is acquired by reading a chart on which a diagnostic image is formed, and identification information generated based on the acquired user information is formed on the chart. (((7))) The imaging diagnostic system described in (((6))) is characterized in that the identification information is read and the diagnostic result based on the user information is output to a terminal accessed using the identification information. (((8))) The image diagnostic system according to any one of ((1)) to ((7))), characterized in that the output of the diagnostic result varies the display content regarding maintenance and inspection of the image forming device depending on the user information. (((9))) The image diagnostic system according to (((8))), wherein the display content relating to the maintenance and inspection is display content relating to replacement parts and / or work details of the image forming apparatus. (((10))) The diagnostic imaging system according to (((8))) or (((9))), wherein the display content relating to the maintenance and inspection is characterized by using different terms for explanation. (((11))) The image diagnostic system according to any one of ((1)) to ((10))), characterized in that the diagnostic results are generated by incorporating the knowledge of a maintenance engineer who performs maintenance on the image forming device. (((12))) The diagnostic results are generated based on the maintenance technician's knowledge of at least one of the following: displaying necessary countermeasures, deleting unnecessary countermeasures, selecting countermeasures in order of priority, and countermeasures specific to the image forming apparatus. (((13))) A program for enabling a computer to perform the following functions: acquire diagnostic information used to diagnose an image forming device; acquire user information relating to a user who will use the diagnosis from the diagnostic information; and output a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and user information.

[0089] According to the invention of (((1))), it is possible to display the diagnostic result of the image forming device corresponding to the user information, compared to when the diagnostic result of the image forming device is displayed without acquiring the user information. According to the invention (((2))), it is possible to obtain user information based on the image forming apparatus to be diagnosed. According to the invention (((3))), the diagnostic results of the image forming device corresponding to the user's classification can be displayed. According to the invention (((4))), it is possible to obtain user information based on the user who confirms the diagnosis result. According to the invention (((5))), it is possible to acquire user information from a terminal other than the image forming apparatus to be diagnosed. According to the invention (((6))), it is possible to obtain diagnostic results for the image forming device using the identification information formed on the chart, compared to when only a diagnostic image is formed on the chart. According to the invention (((7))), the amount of work required for the user to check the diagnostic results can be reduced compared to when the user accesses a confirmation screen to check the diagnostic results. According to the invention (((8))), the display regarding maintenance and inspection of the image forming device can be made different in accordance with the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. According to the invention (((9))), it is possible to display replacement parts and / or work contents in accordance with the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. According to the invention of (((10))), the terms used in the explanation can be changed to correspond to the user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of the image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. According to the invention (((11))), it is possible to display the diagnosis results including the knowledge of the maintenance technician who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus. According to the invention of (((12))), it is possible to display a diagnosis result that reflects the details examined by a maintenance engineer who performs maintenance on an image forming apparatus. According to the invention (((13))), a computer can be made to realize a function of displaying the diagnostic results of an image forming device corresponding to user information, compared to when the diagnostic results of an image forming device are displayed without acquiring user information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100...image forming apparatus, 200...server apparatus, 300...user terminal, 101...maintenance engineer, 102...trained user, 103...machine management user, 104...general user, 130...image reading device, 132...operation reception unit, 310...display device

Claims

1. one or more processors; the one or more processors: Acquire diagnostic information to be used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus; obtaining user information relating to a user utilizing a diagnosis from the diagnostic information; outputting a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and the user information; An imaging diagnostic system characterized by:

2. The user information is obtained from contract information of the image forming apparatus or login information of the user to the image forming apparatus.

2. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,

3. The user information is classification information that classifies the users.

3. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 2,

4. The user information is acquired when the user checks the diagnostic result of the image forming apparatus.

2. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,

5. The user information is obtained from login information for a terminal other than the image forming device, which the user uses when checking the diagnostic results of the image forming device.

5. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 4,

6. the diagnostic information is obtained by reading a chart on which a diagnostic image is formed; The chart has identification information generated based on the acquired user information.

2. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,

7. outputting the diagnostic result based on the user information to a terminal that has read the identification information and accessed using the identification information; 7. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 6,

8. The diagnostic result is output by varying the display content relating to maintenance and inspection of the image forming apparatus depending on the user information.

2. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,

9. The display contents regarding the maintenance and inspection are display contents regarding replacement parts and / or work contents of the image forming apparatus.

9. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 8,

10. The contents of the maintenance and inspection notices may differ in the terms used in the explanations.

9. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 8,

11. The diagnostic result is generated by incorporating the knowledge of a maintenance engineer who performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus.

2. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 1,

12. The diagnostic result is generated by including at least one of the knowledge of the maintenance engineer, such as display of necessary measures, deletion of unnecessary measures, sorting of measures according to priority, and measures specific to the image forming apparatus. The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 11 .

13. On the computer, a function of acquiring diagnostic information used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus; obtaining user information relating to a user who utilizes a diagnosis from the diagnostic information; a function of outputting a diagnostic result for the user based on the acquired diagnostic information and user information; A program to achieve this.

Images