Image formation control device, method for controlling image formation, and image formation control program

Abstract

To synchronize the components replacement timing among a plurality of image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: The image formation control device is an image formation control device that causes any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, and includes: a lifetime information acquisition unit 51 configured to acquire, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifetime information indicating the remaining value up to the upper limit value predetermined by a manufacturer regarding operation of a specific unit among a plurality of units provided in the image forming apparatus, the replacement of which by a user is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer; and a first determination unit 53 configured to determine an execution apparatus for forming an image from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses on the basis of a plurality of lifetime information items corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming control device, an image forming control method, and an image forming control program, and in particular to an image forming control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, an image forming control method executed by the image forming control device, and an image forming control program that causes a computer to execute the image forming control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices use consumables when forming images, and it is desirable to be able to efficiently replace these consumables. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-134641 describes a consumable shipping system including: a device in which multiple types of consumables, the degree of wear of which may vary depending on the user's usage, are installed so that each type can be replaced separately; a consumable shipping device that lists several types of consumables with different capacities for each of the multiple types of consumables and issues a shipping command from the list; and communication means that transmits information regarding the degree of wear of each of the multiple types of consumables in the device to the consumable shipping device, wherein the consumable shipping device determines an optimal capacity combination from the listed types of consumables with different capacities based on the information transmitted by the communication means so that the replacement times of at least two of the multiple types of consumables are approximately the same and shipping commands can be issued simultaneously.

[0003] Consumables include those requiring special skills to replace and those that can be easily replaced without special skills. Generally, consumables requiring special skills to replace are replaced by a service technician dispatched by the image forming device manufacturer. This can require time for the service technician to be dispatched, and labor costs may be incurred for the service technician's replacement work. Therefore, costs can be reduced if multiple consumables are replaced simultaneously during a service technician's visit. However, the lifespans of consumables are often not uniform, and they rarely reach the end of their lifespans at the same time. This can increase the number of visits by service technicians, resulting in costs being incurred for each visit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-134641 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image formation control device that can synchronize the timing of part replacement for each of a plurality of image forming devices.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image formation control method that can synchronize the timing of component replacement for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an image formation control program that can synchronize the timing of part replacement for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming control device is an image forming control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, and includes: a life information acquisition unit that acquires from each of the plurality of image forming devices life information indicating the remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer regarding the operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming device, that is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by the user; and a determination unit that determines an execution device from among the plurality of image forming devices to form an image based on a plurality of pieces of life information corresponding respectively to the plurality of image forming devices.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image formation control method is an image formation control method executed by an image formation control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, and includes a life information acquisition step that acquires from each of the plurality of image forming devices life information indicating the remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer regarding the operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming device, that is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by the user, and a determination step that determines an execution device from among the plurality of image forming devices to form an image based on a plurality of pieces of life information corresponding respectively to the plurality of image forming devices.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the image forming control program is an image forming control program executed by a computer that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, and causes the computer to execute a life information acquisition step of acquiring from each of the plurality of image forming devices life information indicating the remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer regarding the operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming device, that is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by the user, and a determination step of determining an execution device from among the plurality of image forming devices that will form an image based on a plurality of pieces of life information corresponding respectively to the plurality of image forming devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of a hardware configuration of an image forming control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the image forming control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing an example of a specific unit information table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of the specific unit information table. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an image formation control process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an exchange determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall overview of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system 1 includes image forming control device 100 and multifunction peripherals (MFPs) 200, 200A, and 200B. Image forming control device 100 is a general personal computer (PC). MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B are examples of image forming devices. Note that, although an example is shown here in which image forming system 1 includes three MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, this is not intended to limit the number of image forming devices. Two or more image forming devices may be used.

[0014] The image forming control device 100, and the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B are connected to a network 3. The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection type may be wired or wireless. Therefore, the image forming control device 100 can communicate with the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B via the network 3. The network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like. The network 3 is also connected to the Internet. Therefore, the PC 200 can communicate with other computers connected to the Internet via the network 3 and the Internet.

[0015] The MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B have an image forming function that executes a job including print target data and printing conditions for image formation, thereby forming an image of the print target data on a recording medium such as paper in accordance with the printing conditions.

[0016] In the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, the image forming control device 100 controls each of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B to cause any of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B to execute a job.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of an image forming control device according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, image forming control device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, a communication unit 105, a display unit 106 that displays information, an operation unit 107, and an external storage device 110. CPU 101 controls the entire image forming control device 100. RAM 103 is a volatile storage device and is used as a work area for CPU 101. HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage device and functions as a large-capacity storage device. Communication unit 105 is a communication interface for connecting CPU 101 to network 3. Operation unit 107 accepts operations input by a user.

[0018] The display unit 106 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD, and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about the acquired image data, etc. The operation unit 107 includes a keyboard and a pointing device.

[0019] The HDD 104 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 or data required to execute the programs. The CPU 101 loads the programs stored in the HDD 104 into the RAM 103 and executes them. The HDD 104 may be any non-volatile storage device. An SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used instead of the HDD 104.

[0020] A CD-ROM 111 can be attached to the external storage device 110. The CPU 101 can access the CD-ROM 111 via the external storage device 110. The CPU 101 can load a program stored on the CD-ROM 111 attached to the external storage device 110 into the RAM 103 and execute the program.

[0021] Although the programs executed by CPU 101 have been described as being stored in HDD 104 or CD-ROM 111, the programs are not limited to these. The programs executed by CPU 101 may be programs that have been rewritten by another computer connected to network 3 to store programs stored in HDD 104. The programs executed by CPU 101 may also be new programs that have been added and written to HDD 104 by another computer. Furthermore, the programs executed by CPU 101 may also be programs that image forming control device 100 has downloaded from another computer connected to network 3. The programs referred to here include not only programs that can be directly executed by CPU 101, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, etc.

[0022] The medium for storing the programs executed by CPU 101 is not limited to CD-ROM 111, but may be an optical disc or semiconductor memory. Optical discs include magnetic optical discs (MOs), mini discs (MDs), and digital versatile discs (DVDs). Semiconductor memories include IC cards, optical cards, mask ROMs, and erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs).

[0023] The MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B basically have the same configuration and functions. Here, the configuration and functions of the MFP 200 will be described as an example.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. Referring to Fig. 3, MFP 200 includes document reading unit 203 that reads a document, automatic document feeder 202 that transports the document to document reading unit 203, image forming unit 204 that forms an image on paper based on image data, and paper feeding unit 205 that supplies paper to image forming unit 204.

[0025] The image forming section 204 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, a transfer unit 40, a secondary transfer unit 26, and a fixing unit 32. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K correspond to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y," "M," "C," and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively.

[0026] An image is formed on the transfer unit 40 by operating at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are operating, a full-color image is formed on the transfer unit 40. Print data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of the toner they handle, so here we will explain image forming unit 20Y, which forms a yellow image.

[0027] The image forming unit 20Y includes a charging roller 21Y, an exposure device 22Y, a developing unit 23Y, a primary transfer roller 24Y, a photosensitive unit 25Y as an image carrier, and a toner bottle 41Y. The toner bottle 41Y contains yellow toner. The toner bottle 41Y is rotated by a toner bottle motor as a drive source, and discharges developer to the outside. The toner discharged from the toner bottle 41Y is supplied to the developing unit 23Y.

[0028] The photosensitive unit 25Y is a cylindrical drum that can rotate around an axis of rotational symmetry. Around the photosensitive unit 25Y, a charging roller 21Y, an exposure device 22Y, a developing unit 23Y, and a primary transfer roller 24Y are arranged in this order along the direction of rotation of the photosensitive unit 25Y.

[0029] After the surface of the photosensitive unit 25Y is charged by the charging roller 21Y, it is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 22Y. The exposure device 22Y exposes an image-corresponding portion of the surface of the photosensitive unit 25Y to light to form an electrostatic latent image. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive unit 25Y. Next, the development unit 23Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive unit 25Y with toner. Specifically, toner held by the development roller of the development unit 23Y is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive unit 25Y by the action of electric field force, thereby forming a toner image on the photosensitive unit 25Y. The toner image formed on the photosensitive unit 25Y is transferred onto the transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force using the primary transfer roller 24Y.

[0030] The transfer unit 40 includes a transfer belt 30, a drive roller 33, and a driven roller 34. The transfer belt 30 is suspended between the drive roller 33 and the driven roller 34 to prevent slack. When the drive roller 33 rotates clockwise in the figure, the transfer belt 30 rotates clockwise at a predetermined speed. Accompanying the rotation of the transfer belt 30, the driven roller 34 rotates clockwise. This causes the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K to transfer toner images onto the transfer belt 30 in this order. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the transfer belt 30 is adjusted by detecting a reference mark on the transfer belt 30. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 30.

[0031] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 200 operates all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 30. When forming a monochrome image, the MFP 200 operates any one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Images can also be formed using a combination of two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.

[0032] The paper feed unit 205 includes paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A. Different sizes of paper are set in the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A. The paper stored in the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A is supplied to a conveyance path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to timing rollers 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0033] Timing rollers 31 transport the paper transported by paper feed rollers 37 to a nip between transfer belt 30 and secondary transfer unit 26, which is a transfer member. Secondary transfer unit 26 generates an electric field at the nip. The toner image formed on transfer belt 30 is transferred to the paper transported by timing rollers 31 by the action of the electric field force at this nip. The paper with the transferred toner image is transported to fixing unit 32, where it is heated and pressurized. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then ejected to paper output tray 207.

[0034] The developing unit 23Y, the photosensitive unit 25Y, the transfer unit 40, the secondary transfer unit 26, and the fixing unit 32 of the MFP 200 are specific units that the manufacturer of the MFP 200 has prohibited users from replacing in advance.

[0035] A specific unit has an upper limit on the number of times it can be operated. This upper limit is determined as a specification of the specific unit by the manufacturer of MFP 200. The upper limit determined for the specific unit indicates a value at which an image can be formed with an image quality equal to or higher than the standard determined by the manufacturer, and is determined by the manufacturer.

[0036] Furthermore, special skills are required to replace specific units. For example, they may be located in a location that is difficult to access from the outside and cannot be accessed without removing other components. Furthermore, specific units are parts that require special work, such as positioning, after replacement. For this reason, service technicians with experience in replacement work are dispatched from the manufacturer and replaced by these technicians.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the image forming control device. The functions shown in Fig. 4 are realized by CPU 101 included in image forming control device 100 as CPU 101 executes an image forming control program stored in ROM 102, HDD 104, or CD-ROM 111. Referring to Fig. 4, CPU 101 includes life information acquisition unit 51, usage history information acquisition unit 52, first determination unit 53, and second determination unit 55.

[0038] Usage history information acquisition unit 52 controls communication unit 105 to acquire usage history information for each of multiple types of specific units from each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. Usage history information acquisition unit 52 outputs the usage history information to lifespan information acquisition unit 51. The usage history information is the number of times a specific unit has operated. An operation of a specific unit is an operation in which image forming unit 204 forms an image on one sheet of paper. Therefore, the number of operations is the number of sheets of paper on which image forming unit 204 has formed an image. MFP 200 counts up the number of operations each time a specific unit forms an image since the last replacement of the specific unit, and stores the cumulative number as usage history information. MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B each have multiple types of specific units. Therefore, usage history information acquisition unit 52 acquires usage history information for each of multiple types of specific units from each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B.

[0039] The lifespan information acquisition unit 51 receives usage history information as input from the usage history information acquisition unit 52. The lifespan information acquisition unit 51 acquires lifespan information of a specific unit based on the usage history information of the specific unit. The lifespan information acquisition unit 51 acquires lifespan information for each of multiple types of specific units included in each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. The lifespan information acquisition unit 51 outputs the lifespan information for each of the multiple specific units to the first determination unit 53. The lifespan information is the difference between the upper limit value set for the specific unit and the usage history information. In other words, the lifespan information indicates the value for which the specific unit can operate before it needs to be replaced.

[0040] The first determination unit 53 determines an execution device from among the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that will form an image, based on a plurality of pieces of lifespan information corresponding to each of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. The first determination unit 53 determines the execution device when a print job is generated. The print job is generated by the image forming control device 100 when a user operating the image forming control device 100 specifies data to be printed and printing conditions. A printer driver program that controls each of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B is installed in the image forming control device 100. A task in which the CPU 101 executes the printer driver program generates the print job. The print job includes the number of sheets of paper on which an image is to be formed as one of the printing conditions.

[0041] The first determination unit 53 determines, as an execution device, one of the first target device and the second target device having a predetermined relationship with the first target device among the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. The first determination unit 53 determines the execution device such that the usage history information of the specific units of the first target device and the second target device simultaneously reaches the upper limit value. The first determination unit 53 includes a determination unit 61, a first target device determination unit 63, a second target device determination unit 65, and an execution device determination unit 67.

[0042] Identification unit 61 determines, for each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, the specific unit with the smallest lifespan information among multiple types of specific units included in that device. Identification unit 61 outputs the smallest unit for each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B to first target device determination unit 63 and second target device determination unit 65.

[0043] The first target device determination unit 63 determines the first target device from among MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. The first target device determination unit 63 determines the smallest unit with the smallest lifespan information from among multiple smallest units as the target unit. The first target device determination unit 63 determines the device from MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has the target unit as the first target device.

[0044] The second target device determination unit 65 determines, as the second target device, one of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has a predetermined relationship with the first target device. The predetermined relationship is a relationship that has been determined in advance. The second target device determination unit 65 includes an identical unit determination unit 71 and a different unit determination unit 73.

[0045] The same unit determination section 71 determines, as the second target device, one of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has the smallest unit of the same type as the target unit.

[0046] The different type unit determination section 73 determines, as the second target device, one of the MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has a minimum unit of a type different from that of the target unit and whose lifespan information is the next shortest after that of the target unit.

[0047] The execution device determination unit 67 determines either the first target device or the second target device as the execution device. The execution device determination unit 67 determines the execution device so that the lifespan information of the smallest units of the first target device and the second target device are consistent. For example, the execution device is determined so that the usage history information of the smallest units of the first target device and the second target device reaches an upper limit value for a predetermined period of time. The execution device determination unit 67 determines the device that will execute the print job as the execution device. The execution device determination unit 67 may also notify the user operating the image forming control device 100 of the execution device. For example, the image forming control device 100 displays a message on the display unit 106 recommending printing using the execution device. The user can view the message and specify the execution device as the device that will execute the print job.

[0048] Second determination unit 55 includes master determination unit 81, replacement target determination unit 83, replacement determination unit 85, and replacement notification unit 87. Master determination unit 81 determines one of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B as the master device. Master determination unit 81 determines one of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has the smallest unit with the smallest lifespan information as the master device. Note that master determination unit 81 may also determine an arbitrary device selected from MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B as the master device. Master determination unit 81 determines one of multiple types of specific units included in the master device that has the smallest lifespan information as the master unit.

[0049] The replacement target determination unit 83 determines a replacement unit from among multiple types of specific units possessed by each of multiple devices among MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, excluding the reference device. The replacement unit is a specific unit that is a different type from the reference unit and has lifespan information within a predetermined range from the lifespan information of the reference unit. Multiple replacement units may be determined.

[0050] The replacement target determining unit 83 determines that a specific unit of the same type as the replacement unit is to be replaced with the replacement unit, among a plurality of types of specific units included in the master unit.

[0051] The replacement notification unit 87 notifies the user of the master device and the replacement unit. The replacement notification unit 87 displays replacement notification information identifying the master device and the replacement unit on the display unit 106. The replacement notification unit 87 may also generate an email containing the replacement notification information and send the email to a service technician. The next time the service technician visits to service one of the MFPs 200, 200A, or 200B, the technician can replace one of the multiple types of specific units included in the master device with the replacement unit. After the multiple types of specific units included in the master device are replaced with the replacement unit, the lifespan information for the master unit and the replacement unit falls within a predetermined range, so the lifespan information for each of the multiple types of specific units is aligned. Therefore, the lifespan information decreases by the same amount each time a print job is executed, allowing the end-of-life timings of the multiple types of specific units to be aligned.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a first diagram showing an example of a specific unit information table. Referring to FIG. 5, the specific unit information table indicates lifespan information for each of development units 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K, photosensitive units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, transfer unit 40, secondary transfer unit 26, and fixing unit 32 included in MFP 200. The specific unit information table includes specific unit information records. The specific unit information records include a specific unit item, a life specification item, and an apparatus item. The apparatus items include a machine A item, a machine B item, and a machine C item. The machine A item corresponds to MFP 200, the machine B item corresponds to MFP 200A, and the machine C item corresponds to MFP 200B.

[0053] The specific unit item is set with a name that identifies the specific unit. The names of development units 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K are development unit Y, development unit M, development unit C, and development unit K, respectively. The names of photosensitive units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K are photosensitive unit Y, photosensitive unit M, photosensitive unit C, and photosensitive unit K. The name of transfer unit 40 is intermediate transfer unit. The name of secondary transfer unit 26 is secondary transfer unit. The name of fixing unit 32 is fixing unit.

[0054] The life specification field contains the upper limit of the number of times a specific unit can be used. The specific unit information record contains the upper limit of the number of times each specific unit can be used and usage history information for each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B.

[0055] For example, a specific unit information record in which developing unit Y is set in the specific unit field indicates that the upper limit of the number of uses is 800k(p). It also indicates that usage history information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200 is 120k(p), usage history information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200A is 500k(p), and usage history information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200B is 750k(p). Here, the unit p indicates the number of sheets of paper on which images have been formed. 1kp indicates that images have been formed on 1000 sheets of paper. This specific unit information record also indicates that lifespan information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200 is 680k(p). It also indicates that lifespan information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200A is 300k(p), and usage history information for developing unit 23Y included in MFP 200B is 50k(p).

[0056] The smallest units equipped in MFP 200 named Machine A are photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, and 25C, whose lifespan information is the smallest at 20 kp. The smallest units equipped in MFP 200A named Machine B are photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, whose lifespan information is the smallest at 100 kp. The smallest unit equipped in MFP 200B named Machine C is photoconductor unit 25K, whose lifespan information is the smallest at 20 kp.

[0057] In this case, the target unit is one of photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, and 25C included in MFP 200 and photoconductor unit 25K included in MFP 200B. Here, an example will be described in which photoconductor unit 25K included in MFP 200B is determined as the target unit. In this case, MFP 200B is determined as the first target device. Then, MFP 200 equipped with photoconductor unit 25K included in MFP 200B, which is the target unit, and photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, and 25C, which are the smallest units of the same type, is determined as the second target device.

[0058] Furthermore, when MFP200 is set as the reference device and photoconductor unit 25Y of MFP200 is determined as the reference unit, photoconductor unit 25K of MFP200B is determined as the replacement unit. In this case, photoconductor unit 25K of MFP200 is replaced with photoconductor unit 25K of MFP200B. After the replacement, the number of times of use of each of photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K of MFP200 is set to 180k(p). Therefore, in MFP200, photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K can be replaced simultaneously. Meanwhile, the number of times of use of each of photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K of MFP200B is set to 50k(p). Therefore, in MFP200B, photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K can be replaced simultaneously.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a second diagram showing an example of a specific unit information table. The usage history information differs from that of the specific unit information table shown in Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 6, the smallest units equipped in MFP 200 named Machine A are photosensitive units 25Y, 25M, and 25C, which have the smallest lifespan information of 80 kp. The smallest units equipped in MFP 200A named Machine B are fixing unit 32, which has the smallest lifespan information of 20 kp. The smallest units equipped in MFP 200B named Machine C are developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C, which have the smallest lifespan information of 50 kp.

[0060] In this case, the target unit is fixing unit 32 provided in MFP 200A. MFP 200A is then determined to be the first target device. The smallest units with lifespan information next to fixing unit 32 provided in MFP 200A are development units 23Y, 23M, and 23C provided in MFP 200B. Therefore, MFP 200B is determined to be the second target device.

[0061] Furthermore, if MFP 200A is designated as the reference device and the fixing unit 32 of MFP 200A is determined as the reference unit, the developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C of MFP 200B are determined as replacement units. In this case, the developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C of MFP 200A are replaced with the developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C of MFP 200B. After the replacement, the life information of the fixing unit 32 of MFP 200A is 20k(p), and the life information of the developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C is 50k(p), and the difference is within a predetermined range. Even if the fixing unit 32 exceeds the upper limit set as a life specification a predetermined number of times, the impact on image quality is small. Therefore, the fixing unit 32 and the developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C of MFP 200A can be replaced simultaneously.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of image formation control processing. The image formation control processing is performed by CPU 101 included in image formation control device 100, as CPU 101 executes an image formation control program stored in ROM 102, HDD 104, or CD-ROM 111. Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 101 accepts a print job (step S01). CPU 101 waits until a print job is accepted (NO in step S01). If a print job is accepted (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02. CPU 101 determines whether a task executing a printer driver program that controls each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B has generated a print job. The print job includes, as one of the printing conditions, the number of sheets of paper on which an image is to be formed. The image formation control program may be part of the printer driver program that controls each of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B.

[0063] In step S02, lifespan information is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S03. CPU 101 controls communication unit 105 to acquire usage history information for each of multiple types of specific units from MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. Then, CPU 101 calculates, as lifespan information, the difference between a predetermined upper limit value and the usage history information for each of the multiple specific units.

[0064] In step S03, a device to be processed is selected from MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, and the process proceeds to step S04. Here, the case where MFP 200 is selected is described as an example. In step S04, the smallest unit is determined, and the process proceeds to step S05. CPU 101 determines the specific unit with the smallest life information as the smallest unit among the multiple types of specific units included in MFP 200 selected as the process target. The multiple types of specific units are development unit 23Y, photosensitive unit 25Y, transfer unit 40, secondary transfer unit 26, and fixing unit 32.

[0065] In step S05, it is determined whether or not there is any device among MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has not been selected as a processing target. If there is an unselected device, the process returns to step S03; if there is not, the process proceeds to step S06.

[0066] In step S06, a target unit is determined, and the process proceeds to step S07. CPU 101 determines the smallest unit with the smallest lifespan information as the target unit from among the three smallest units, the same number as MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B. In step S07, a first target device is determined, and the process proceeds to step S08. The device equipped with the target unit is determined as the first target unit.

[0067] In step S08, it is determined whether or not there is a minimum unit of the same type as the target unit. If such a minimum unit exists, the process proceeds to step S09, but if not, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0068] In step S09, a device having the same type of minimum unit as the target unit is identified, and processing proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the device identified in step S09 is determined to be the second target device, and processing proceeds to step S12. In the example of the usage history information table shown in FIG. 5, in step S06, photoconductor unit 25K included in MFP 200B is determined to be the target unit, and in step S07, MFP 200B is determined to be the first target device. Then, in step S09, it is determined that photoconductor units 25Y, 25M, and 25C included in MFP 200 are present, and processing proceeds to step S10. Then, in step S10, MFP 200 is determined to be the second target device.

[0069] In step S10, the device having the smallest unit with the second or subsequent smallest lifespan information is determined, and processing proceeds to step S11. However, the condition is that the difference with the lifespan information of the target unit is within a predetermined range. If the difference between the lifespan information of the smallest unit with the second or subsequent smallest lifespan information and the lifespan information of the target unit exceeds the predetermined range, CPU 101 terminates processing. In the example of the usage history information table shown in FIG. 6, in step S06, fixing unit 32 included in MFP 200A is determined to be the target unit, and in step S07, MFP 200A is determined to be the first target device. Then, in step S10, it is determined that developing units 23Y, 23M, and 23C included in MFP 200B exist, and processing proceeds to step S10. Then, in step S10, MFP 200B is determined to be the second target device.

[0070] In step S11, the execution device is determined and notified, and the process proceeds to step S12. Either the first target device determined in step S07 or the second target device determined in step S11 is determined as the execution device. Then, a message recommending execution of the print job by the execution device is displayed on display unit 106. The user operating image forming control device 100 can set the device that will execute the print job as the execution device.

[0071] In step S14, CPU 101 accepts an execution instruction and proceeds to step S15. The execution instruction is accepted, input by the user to operation unit 107. In step S15, CPU 101 sends the print job in accordance with the execution instruction and ends the process. The print job is sent to the device specified by the execution instruction. If the user inputs an execution instruction specifying an execution device as the device to execute the print job, the print job is sent to the execution device. In this case, the usage history information of the specified unit can be made to reach the upper limit value at approximately the same time in the first target device and the second target device.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of replacement determination processing. The replacement determination processing is processing executed by CPU 101 included in image formation control device 100 as CPU 101 executes an image formation control program stored in ROM 102, HDD 104, or CD-ROM 111. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 101 determines a reference device (step S21) and proceeds to step S22. CPU 101 determines any one of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B as the reference device. Of MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, an MFP equipped with a smallest unit having the smallest lifespan information may be determined as the reference device. In step S22, CPU 101 determines the reference unit and proceeds to step S23. Of the multiple types of specific units included in the reference device, a specific unit having the smallest lifespan information is determined as the reference unit.

[0073] In step S23, a device to be processed is selected from MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B, and the process proceeds to step S24. Here, the case where MFP 200 is selected is described as an example. In step S24, a specific unit of a different type from the reference unit is selected, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether the difference between the lifespan information of the selected specific unit and the lifespan information of the reference unit is within a predetermined range. If the difference in lifespan information is within the predetermined range, CPU 101 proceeds to step S26, but if not, CPU 101 skips step S26 and proceeds to step S27. In step S26, the specific unit selected in step S24 is determined to be the replacement unit, and the process proceeds to step S27.

[0074] In step S27, it is determined whether or not there is a specific unit that has not been selected as a processing target among the multiple types of specific units included in MFP 200. If there is an unselected specific unit, the process returns to step S24, but if there is not, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0075] In step S28, it is determined whether or not there is any device among MFPs 200, 200A, and 200B that has not been selected as a processing target. If there is an unselected device, the process returns to step S23, but if there is not, the process proceeds to step S29.

[0076] In step S29, it is determined whether there are multiple replacement units of the same type. If there are multiple replacement units of the same type, CPU 101 proceeds to step S30; if not, CPU 101 skips step S30 and proceeds to step S31. In step S30, one replacement unit of the same type whose lifespan information is closest to that of the reference unit is selected, and the process proceeds to step S31.

[0077] In step S31, it is determined that the replacement unit will be replaced with a specific unit included in the master device, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the user is notified of the master device and the replacement unit, and the process ends. CPU 101 displays replacement notification information identifying the master device and the replacement unit on display 106. CPU 101 may also generate an email including the replacement notification information and send the email to a service technician. The service technician who receives the email can replace one of the multiple types of specific units included in the master device with the replacement unit the next time he or she visits to service one of MFPs 200, 200A, or 200B. After the multiple types of specific units included in the master device are replaced with the replacement unit, the lifespan information of the multiple types of specific units is aligned because the lifespan information of the reference unit and the replacement unit is within a predetermined range. Therefore, the lifespan information of the reference unit and the replacement unit decreases by the same amount each time a print job is executed on the master device, allowing the end-of-life timing to be aligned.

[0078] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the usage history information of a specific unit is the number of times it is operated, and the lifespan information is the number of times the specific unit can be operated before being replaced. Depending on the specific unit, an upper limit may be set in units other than the number of times it is operated. For example, an upper limit may be set on the period of time that the specific unit can be used. For this type of specific unit, the MFP 200 measures the period during which the image forming unit 204 is operating after the specific unit is replaced, and stores the measured cumulative time as usage history information. When the usage history information is the operating period, the unit of the upper limit is hours. Furthermore, the unit of lifespan information is also hours.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, examples of specific units are the developing unit 23Y, photosensitive unit 25Y, transfer unit 40, secondary transfer unit 26, and fixing unit 32 of MFP 200. However, the specific units are not limited to these, and may be any parts that the manufacturer of MFP 200 has prohibited in advance from replacing by the user. For example, the specific unit may be a roller that transports paper, such as timing roller 31.

[0080] <Summary of implementation form> (Item 1) An image forming control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, a lifespan information acquisition unit that acquires, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit that is prohibited in advance by a manufacturer from being replaced by a user among a plurality of units included in the image forming apparatus; and a determination unit that determines an execution device that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming devices based on the plurality of pieces of lifespan information that respectively correspond to the plurality of image forming devices.

[0081] According to this aspect, an execution device that will form an image from among the multiple image forming devices is determined based on multiple pieces of lifespan information corresponding to the multiple image forming devices. Therefore, it is possible to align the lifespan information of specific units in at least two of the multiple image forming devices. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming control device that can align the timing of part replacement for each of the multiple image forming devices.

[0082] (Item 2) The image forming control device described in Item 1, wherein the determination unit determines, among the multiple image forming devices, either a first target device having a target unit that is the specific unit with the shortest life information, or a second target device that has a predetermined relationship with the first target device, as the execution device.

[0083] According to this aspect, among the multiple image forming devices, either a first target device having a target unit that is a specific unit with the smallest lifespan information or a second target device that has a predetermined relationship with the first target device is determined as the executing device, thereby making it possible to align the lifespans of the specific units in the first target device and the second target device.

[0084] (Item 3) Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific units, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further comprising a specifying unit that specifies a minimum unit having the minimum life information among the plurality of types of specified units; 3. The image forming control device according to item 2, wherein the second target device is the image forming device that includes the minimum unit of the same type as the target unit.

[0085] According to this aspect, the second target device includes a minimum unit of the same type as the target unit of the first target device, and therefore, the first target device and the second target device can have the same lifespan information of the specific unit of the same type.

[0086] (Item 4) Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific units, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further comprising a specifying unit that specifies a minimum unit having the minimum life information among the plurality of types of specified units; 3. The image forming control device according to item 2, wherein the second target device is the image forming device equipped with the smallest unit whose lifespan information is the next smallest after the target unit.

[0087] According to this aspect, the second target device has the smallest unit whose lifespan information is the next smallest after the target unit of the first target device. Therefore, the first target device and the second target device can have the same lifespan information of specific units of different types.

[0088] (Item 5) An image forming control device according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines the execution device so that the life information of the specific units of the first target device and the second target device simultaneously reaches the upper limit value.

[0089] According to this aspect, the execution device is determined so that the lifespans of the specific units of the first target device and the second target device arrive at the same time, and therefore the specific units of the first target device and the second target device can be replaced at the same time.

[0090] (Item 6) Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific units, a reference device determination unit that determines a reference device from among a plurality of types of specific units included in a reference device among the plurality of image forming devices; a replacement unit determining unit that determines a replacement unit of a different type from the reference unit among the plurality of types of specific units included in the image forming apparatus other than the reference apparatus, the replacement unit having lifespan information within a predetermined range based on the lifespan information of the reference unit; Item 2. The image forming control device according to item 1, further comprising: a replacement determination unit that determines to replace the replacement unit with the specific unit of the same type that is provided in the reference device.

[0091] According to this aspect, a reference unit is determined from among multiple types of specific units equipped in the reference device, a replacement unit is determined from among multiple types of specific units equipped in an image forming device other than the reference device, the replacement unit being a different type from the reference unit and having lifespan information within a predetermined range based on the lifespan information of the reference unit, and it is determined that the replacement unit will be replaced with the specific unit of the same type equipped in the reference device. Thus, the lifespan information of the multiple types of specific units equipped in the reference device can be aligned.

[0092] (Item 7) The image formation control device according to item 1, wherein the specific unit is at least one of a developing unit, a photosensitive unit, a transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a roller for conveying a recording medium.

[0093] (Item 8) An image formation control method executed by an image formation control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, comprising: a lifespan information acquisition step of acquiring, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming apparatuses, which is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by a user; a determining step of determining an execution apparatus that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the plurality of pieces of lifespan information respectively corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0094] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image formation control method that can synchronize the timing of component replacement for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0095] (Item 9) An image formation control program executed by a computer that causes one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a lifespan information acquisition step of acquiring, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming apparatuses, which is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by a user; and a determination step of determining an execution device that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming devices based on the plurality of pieces of life information corresponding to each of the plurality of image forming devices.

[0096] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image formation control program that can synchronize the timing of part replacement for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 image forming system, 3 network, 100 image forming control device, 101 CPU, 102 ROM, 103 RAM, 104 HDD, 105 communication unit, 106 display unit, 107 operation unit, 110 external storage device, 111 CD-ROM, 200, 200A, 200B MFP, 202 automatic document feeder, 203 document reading unit, 204 image forming unit, 205 paper feed unit, 207 paper output tray, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K image forming unit, 21Y charging roller, 22Y exposure device, 23Y, 23M, 23C, 23K development unit, 24Y primary transfer roller, 25Y, 25M, 25C, 25K photosensitive unit, 40 transfer unit, 26 secondary transfer unit, 30 transfer belt, 31 timing roller, 32 Fixing unit, 33 drive roller, 34 driven roller, 35, 35A paper feed cassette, 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K toner bottle, 51 life information acquisition unit, 52 usage history information acquisition unit, 53 first determination unit, 55 second determination unit, 61 identification unit, 63 first target device determination unit, 65 second target device determination unit, 67 execution device determination unit, 71 same unit determination unit, 73 different unit determination unit, 81 reference device determination unit, 83 replacement target determination unit, 85 replacement determination unit, 87 replacement notification unit.

Claims

1. An image forming control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming devices to form an image, a lifespan information acquisition unit that acquires, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit that is prohibited in advance by a manufacturer from being replaced by a user among a plurality of units included in the image forming apparatus; and a determination unit that determines an execution device that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming devices based on the plurality of pieces of lifespan information that respectively correspond to the plurality of image forming devices.

2. 2. The image forming control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, among the plurality of image forming devices, either a first target device having a target unit that is the specific unit with the shortest life information, or a second target device that has a predetermined relationship with the first target device, as the execution device.

3. each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific unit; each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further comprising a specifying unit that specifies a minimum unit having the minimum life information among the plurality of types of specified units; The image forming control device according to claim 2 , wherein the second target device is the image forming device that includes the minimum unit of the same type as the target unit.

4. each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific unit; each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses further comprising a specifying unit that specifies a minimum unit having the minimum life information among the plurality of types of specified units; The image forming control device according to claim 2 , wherein the second target device is the image forming device having the smallest unit whose lifespan information is the next smallest after the target unit.

5. The image forming control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines the execution device so that the life information of the specific units of the first target device and the second target device simultaneously reaches the upper limit value.

6. each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a plurality of types of the specific unit; a reference determination unit that determines a reference unit from among the plurality of types of specific units included in a reference device among the plurality of image forming devices; a replacement unit determining a replacement unit that is different in type from the reference unit among the plurality of types of specific units included in the image forming apparatus other than the reference apparatus, and that has lifespan information within a predetermined range based on the lifespan information of the reference unit; 2. The image forming control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a replacement determination unit that determines to replace the replacement unit with the specific unit of the same type that is provided in the reference device.

7. 2. The image formation control device according to claim 1, wherein the specific unit is at least one of a developing unit, a photosensitive unit, a transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a roller for conveying a recording medium.

8. An image formation control method executed by an image formation control device that causes one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, comprising: a lifespan information acquisition step of acquiring, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming apparatuses, that is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by a user; a determining step of determining an execution apparatus that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the plurality of pieces of lifespan information respectively corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

9. An image formation control program executed by a computer that causes one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image, a lifespan information acquisition step of acquiring, from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, lifespan information indicating a remaining value up to an upper limit value predetermined by the manufacturer with respect to operation of a specific unit, among a plurality of units provided in the image forming apparatuses, that is prohibited in advance by the manufacturer from being replaced by a user; and a determination step of determining an execution device that will form an image from among the plurality of image forming devices based on the plurality of pieces of life information corresponding to each of the plurality of image forming devices.

Images