Image forming apparatus, operation support method, and operation support program

Abstract

To reduce a load on an operator.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a state-change detection unit 51 that detects a change in each of a plurality of types of states, and a display unit 57 that displays, in response to detection of a change in any of the plurality of types of states, a two-dimension code including a network address for accessing a provider that provides a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change has been detected among a plurality of services respectively corresponding to the plurality of types of states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an operation support method, and an operation support program, and to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, an operation support method executed by the image forming apparatus, and an operation support program that causes a computer to execute the operation support method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices, such as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), form images on paper and then eject the paper with the images formed on it. The status of these image forming devices changes due to malfunctions and other issues. Depending on the change in the status of the image forming device, work must be performed on the image forming device.

[0003] JP 2020-182195 A describes an image forming device that includes a display unit, a detection unit that detects trouble that occurs in the device itself, and a control unit that performs at least one of three outputs: displaying a trouble display image on the display unit, including a two-dimensional code that visualizes a storage location on a network, and saving information indicating how to deal with the trouble detected by the detection unit; printing on recording paper; or transmitting to an external device.

[0004] In the image forming device described in JP 2020-182195 A, a user can obtain information on how to deal with problems by reading a two-dimensional code using a smartphone or the like.

[0005] However, when a problem occurs that the user cannot solve, the user must call a service technician, which is not possible. Furthermore, the status of an image forming device may change in addition to a problem. For example, the remaining amount of consumables such as toner may change. In this case, the user must order toner, which increases the workload. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-182195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces the burden on the operator.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation support method that reduces the burden on the operator.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an operation support program that reduces the burden on the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming device includes a detection unit that detects changes in each of a plurality of types of states, and a display unit that, in response to a change being detected in one of the plurality of types of states, displays a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider that provides a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change is detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to each of the plurality of types of states.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, an operation assistance method is an operation assistance method executed on an image forming device, and includes a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states, and a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change has been detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to each of the plurality of types of states, in response to the detection of a change in one of the plurality of types of states.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the operation assistance program is an operation assistance program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, and causes the computer to execute a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states, and a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change has been detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to each of the plurality of types of states, in response to the detection of a change in one of the plurality of types of states. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of a smartphone according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of association information. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional code. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on a smartphone where a two-dimensional code is displayed. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an operation support process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a related information update process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100, a smartphone 200, and a server 300.

[0016] MFP100 is an example of an image forming apparatus. Smartphone 200 is an example of a portable information device. Smartphone 200 is carried and used by a user. Server 300 is a general computer. Its hardware configuration and functions are well known, so a description thereof will not be repeated here. Server 300 is managed, for example, by the manufacturer that provides MFP100. Server 300 has a function of providing predetermined services. The services here are services that support user operations on MFP100. The services include services for handling errors, services for selling consumables, and services in which a service technician handles repairs, etc. Server 300 is connected to the Internet 9.

[0017] The wireless station 5 and the MFP 100 are each connected to a network 3. The network 3 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection type may be wired or wireless. The network 3 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a network using a public switched telephone network, or the like. Furthermore, the network 3 may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

[0018] The smartphone 200 has a wireless LAN function and can communicate with a wireless station 5. The wireless station 5 is a relay device of the network 3, and communicates with the smartphone 200, which has a communication function using wireless LAN, to connect the smartphone 200 to the network 3. Therefore, the smartphone 200 can communicate with the MFP 100 via the wireless station 5. The smartphone 200 can also connect to the Internet 9 via a data communication network provided by a telecommunications carrier.

[0019] The gateway (G / W) device 7 is connected to the network 3 and also to the Internet 9. The G / W 7 relays between the network 3 and the Internet 9. The MFP 100 and the smartphone 200 can communicate with the server 300 via the LAN 3, the G / W 7, and the Internet 9.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a front view of the MFP. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the MFP. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, MFP 100 includes document reading unit 130, automatic document feeder 120, image forming unit 140, and paper feed unit 150.

[0021] Original reading unit 130 optically reads an original. Automatic document feeder 120 transports the original to original reading unit 130. Original reading unit 130 exposes an image formed on an original set on original glass 11 or an original transported by automatic document feeder 120 with exposure lamp 13 attached to slider 12 that moves below the original. Light reflected from the original is guided to lens 16 by mirror 14 and two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A, and forms an image on CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

[0022] The reflected light that forms an image on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into printing data in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) and output to the image forming unit 140.

[0023] The image forming unit 140 forms an image on paper or the like based on image data output by the document reading unit 130 after scanning the document. The image forming unit 140 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y," "M," "C," and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by operating at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. A full-color image is formed when all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are operating. Print data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is 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 use. Therefore, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

[0024] The image forming unit 20Y includes a photosensitive drum 23Y as an image carrier, a charging roller 22Y, a toner bottle 40Y, a developing unit 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, and a drum cleaning blade 27Y. The charging roller 22Y, the exposure device 21Y, the developing unit 24Y, the primary transfer roller 25Y, and the drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged around the photosensitive drum 23Y in this order along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 23Y.

[0025] Charging roller 22Y uniformly charges the surface of photoreceptor drum 23Y. Yellow printing data is input to exposure device 21Y, which exposes photoreceptor drum 23Y in accordance with the printing data. Primary transfer roller 25Y transfers the toner image formed on photoreceptor drum 23Y onto intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force. Drum cleaning blade 27Y removes residual toner from photoreceptor drum 23Y.

[0026] After being charged by the charging roller 22Y, the photoreceptor drum 23Y is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes the image-corresponding portion of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. Next, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y with charged toner. Specifically, toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the action of electric field force, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as an image carrier, by the action of electric field force using the primary transfer roller 25Y. Any toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 23Y that has not been transferred is removed from the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0027] Toner is supplied to the developing unit 24Y from a toner bottle 40Y. The toner bottle 40Y has a cylindrical shape that extends in one direction, and an opening that opens downward is formed at one end. The toner bottle 40Y has a spiral convex portion formed on its inner circumferential surface. The toner contained inside the toner bottle 40Y is transported in one direction as the toner bottle 40Y rotates, drops through the opening, and is supplied to the developing unit 24Y. The amount of toner supplied is adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the toner bottle 40Y.

[0028] Meanwhile, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended tightly by a drive roller 33 and a driven roller 34. When the drive roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0029] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on the detection of the reference marks on the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0030] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to paper by the action of electric field force by the secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper is transported by timing roller 31 to the nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 30 and secondary transfer roller 26 come into contact. The paper with the transferred toner image is transported to fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressed. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then ejected to paper output tray 39.

[0031] A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided upstream of the image forming unit 20Y on the intermediate transfer belt 30. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 that has not been transferred to paper.

[0032] Paper feed unit 150 supplies paper to image forming unit 140. Paper feed unit 150 includes paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A. Paper of different sizes is set in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively. The paper stored in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A is supplied to a conveyance path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to timing roller 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0033] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 100 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When forming a monochrome image, the MFP 100 drives only one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. It is also possible to form an image by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Here, we will describe an example in which the MFP 100 employs a tandem system equipped with image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form four color toners on paper. However, the MFP 100 may also employ a four-cycle system in which four color toners are transferred sequentially to paper using a single photosensitive drum.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110. MFP 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus. Main circuit 110 is an example of an information processing apparatus. Main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and an external storage device 117. CPU 111 is connected to automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, paper feed unit 150, and operation panel 160, and controls MFP 100 as a whole.

[0035] ROM 113 stores programs executed by CPU 111 or data required to execute the programs. RAM 114 is used as a work area when CPU 111 executes the programs. Furthermore, RAM 114 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from document reading unit 130.

[0036] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to the network 3. The CPU 111 communicates with a computer connected to the network 3 via the communication I / F unit 112, sending and receiving data. The communication I / F unit 112 can also communicate with a computer connected to the Internet 9 via the network 3.

[0037] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in EPROM 115 or outputs it to image forming unit 140. Image forming unit 140 prints the facsimile data received by facsimile unit 116 on paper. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in EPROM 115 into facsimile data and transmits it to a facsimile device connected to the PSTN.

[0038] Operation panel 160 is provided on the top surface of MFP 100 and includes display unit 161 and operation unit 163. Display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, and the like. Operation unit 163 includes touch panel 165 and hard key unit 167. Touch panel 165 is provided on the top or bottom surface of display unit 161, superimposed on display unit 161. Hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches. Touch panel 165 detects a position on the display surface of display unit 161 designated by the user.

[0039] The EEPROM 115 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the programs. The CPU 111 loads the programs stored in the EEPROM 115 into the RAM 114 and executes them.

[0040] A CD-ROM 118 is attached to the external storage device 117. The CPU 111 can access the CD-ROM 118 via the external storage device 117. The CPU 111 loads a program recorded on the CD-ROM 118 attached to the external storage device 117 into the RAM 114 and executes the program. Note that the medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 118, and may be an optical disc, an IC card, an optical card, or a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM or EPROM.

[0041] Furthermore, the program executed by CPU 111 is not limited to a program recorded on CD-ROM 118. Instead of CD-ROM 118, a medium such as a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) may be used. Another computer connected to the network may rewrite a program stored in EPROM 115 of MFP 100. Another computer connected to the network may additionally write a new program to EPROM 115 of MFP 100. Furthermore, MFP 100 may download a program from another computer connected to LAN 3 or the Internet 9 and store the program in EPROM 115. The program referred to here includes not only a program directly executable by CPU 111, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of a smartphone according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 5, smartphone 200 according to the present embodiment includes CPU 201, camera 202, flash memory 203, wireless communication unit 204 connected to call unit 205, display unit 206, operation unit 207, and wireless LAN I / F 208.

[0043] The display unit 206 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD. The display unit 206 displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, etc. The operation unit 207 accepts operations input by the user. The operation unit 207 includes a touch panel superimposed on the display surface of the display unit 206. When the user points to the display surface of the display unit 206, the operation unit 207 detects the position on the screen pointed to by the user.

[0044] The camera 202 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element, and focuses light collected by the lens onto the photoelectric conversion element, which photoelectrically converts the received light and outputs image data to the CPU 201. The photoelectric conversion element is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, or the like.

[0045] The wireless communication unit 204 wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone base station connected to a telephone communication network. The wireless communication unit 204 connects the smartphone 200 to the telephone communication network, enabling calls using the call unit 205. The wireless communication unit 204 demodulates a radio signal received from the mobile phone base station, decodes the demodulated signal, and outputs the decoded signal to the call unit 205. The wireless communication unit 204 also encodes the audio input from the call unit 205 and transmits it to the mobile phone base station. The call unit 205 includes a microphone and a speaker, and outputs the audio input from the wireless communication unit 204 from the speaker and outputs the audio input from the microphone to the wireless communication unit 204. The wireless communication unit 204 is also controlled by the CPU 201 to connect the smartphone 200 to an email server and send and receive emails.

[0046] The wireless LAN I / F 208 is an interface for communicating with the wireless station 5 and connecting the smartphone 200 to the network 3. By registering the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the MFP 100 in the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 can communicate with the MFP 100 and transmit and receive data.

[0047] Flash memory 203 is a semiconductor memory that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. Flash memory 203 is, for example, an EPROM. Flash memory 203 stores programs executed by CPU 201 or data necessary to execute the programs. CPU 201 loads the programs recorded in flash memory 203 into its own RAM and executes them.

[0048] Various application programs are installed on smartphone 200 in this embodiment. The application programs include a code reading program that reads a two-dimensional code with camera 202 and a browsing program. When CPU 201 executes the code reading program, it controls camera 202 to read the two-dimensional code and analyzes the two-dimensional code included in the image output by camera 202.

[0049] When the CPU 201 executes the browsing program, it downloads a web page located on the Internet 9 and displays the web page on the display unit 206 .

[0050] CPU 201 can execute a code reading program and a browsing program in an associated state. For example, a case will be described in which there is an image of a two-dimensional code that encodes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a web page of a service provided by server 300. The URL is a network address that indicates the location of the web page on Internet 9. A task in which CPU 201 executes the code reading program reads the image of the two-dimensional code, analyzes the image, and obtains the URL of the web page. The task in which CPU 201 executes the code reading program outputs the URL of the web page to a task in which CPU 201 executes the browsing program. The task in which CPU 201 executes the browsing program controls wireless LAN I / F 208 to access server 300 and download the web page specified by the URL from server 300. The task in which CPU 201 executes the browsing program controls display unit 206 to display the image of the web page.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP according to the present embodiment. The functions shown in Fig. 6 are realized by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes an operation support program stored in ROM 113, EPROM 115, or CD-ROM 118.

[0052] 6, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 includes a state change detection unit 51, a user identification unit 53, a two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55, a display control unit 57, and a related information update unit 59.

[0053] The state change detection unit 51 detects a change in the state of the MFP 100. The state of the MFP 100 includes the state of the hardware devices, the state of consumables, and the state of the processing executed by the CPU 111.

[0054] The hardware devices include the hardware devices shown in Fig. 3. The hardware devices include, for example, toner bottles 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, rollers that transport paper, communication I / F unit 112, facsimile unit 116, external storage device 117, and various sensors provided in MFP 100. The rollers include timing roller 31, fixing roller 32, and paper feed roller 37. The status of the hardware devices includes the length of time the hardware devices have been in use and sensor values ​​detected by various sensors.

[0055] Consumables include recording media on which images are formed and toner for forming images. The status of the recording media includes the size, orientation, type, and remaining amount of paper stored in paper feed unit 150. The status of the toner includes the type, expiration date, and remaining amount of toner.

[0056] The status of a process executed by the CPU 111 includes an error that occurs while the CPU 111 is executing the process. Errors include a transport error that occurs in a process of transporting paper and an image formation error that occurs in a process of forming an image. For example, when controlling a hardware device, the CPU 111 detects an error if there is no response from the hardware device or if an error code is received from the hardware device. The CPU 111 detects an error if sensor values ​​output from various sensors are outside of predetermined ranges. The CPU 111 detects an event of a shortage of consumables as an error if the remaining amount of a consumable in a hardware device falls below a threshold.

[0057] The status change detection unit 51 detects an error when a change in the status of the MFP 100 satisfies a notification condition. The notification condition is a condition that is predetermined for each of the status of hardware devices, the status of consumables, and the status of a process executed by the CPU 111. For example, the status change detection unit 51 detects an error that occurs while the CPU 111 is executing a process. The status change detection unit 51 outputs status change information for identifying the detected error to the two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55. In this embodiment, the status change information includes the type of the detected error and specific information defined corresponding to that error. The type of error includes the name of the consumable or hardware device in which the error occurred and information identifying the error.

[0058] User identification unit 53 identifies the user operating MFP 100. User identification unit 53 accepts a user ID entered by the user on operation panel 160. User identification unit 53 also acquires the user ID by short-range wireless communication with an IC card or smartphone carried by the user. User identification unit 53 outputs the user ID of the operator operating MFP 100 to two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55.

[0059] The two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 receives status change information from the status change detection unit 51 and the user ID of the operator from the user identification unit 53. The two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 generates a two-dimensional code based on the status change information. The two-dimensional code includes a network address for accessing a provider that provides a service corresponding to the status of the MFP 100.

[0060] The two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 determines a network address based on the status change information. Association information is pre-stored in the EPROM 115. The association information associates the status change information with the network address. The two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 sets the network address corresponding to the status change information in the two-dimensional information.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of association information. Referring to FIG. 7, the association information includes a plurality of association records. The association record includes a status change information field and a URL field. The status change information field is set with status change information. The status change information field includes a type field and a specific information field. The type of error is set with the type field. The specific information field is set with the specific information. The URL field is set with the network address of a web page. The network address is assigned to a service corresponding to the status change information. A service to be provided is defined in advance for the status change information. The association record associates the status change information with the network address defined for the service. If there are a plurality of services that the operator receives, the association information associates each of the plurality of status change information with one of the plurality of services.

[0062] For example, if the status change information indicates a low remaining amount of a consumable item, a service for selling the consumable item is defined. If the status change information indicates an error that the user can handle, a service for providing information explaining how to resolve the error is defined. If the status change information indicates a serious error that the user cannot handle, a service for dispatching a service technician is defined.

[0063] The first association record has "consumables" set as the type of status change information and "yellow toner" set as the specific information. The status change information indicates that the amount of toner contained in toner bottle 40Y is low. The URL field of the first association record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service for selling toner bottle 40Y.

[0064] The second association record has "consumables" set as the type of status change information and "plain paper" set as the specific information. The status change information indicates that the amount of plain paper stored in paper feed unit 150 is low. The URL field of the second association record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service for selling plain paper.

[0065] The third association record has "jam" set as the type of status change information and "ADF" set as the specific information. The status change information indicates that a document is jammed in automatic document feeder 120. The URL field of the third association record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service that explains how to clear a document jam in automatic document feeder 120.

[0066] The fourth associated record has a status change information type of "serious error" and specific information of "123," which is the error code. The status change information indicates that a serious error that the user cannot handle has occurred, and the error code for a serious error is "123." The URL field of the fourth associated record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service to dispatch a service technician.

[0067] The fifth association record has "Network" set as the type of status change information and "Disconnected" set as the specific information. The status change information indicates that the connection with network 3 has been disconnected. The URL item of the fifth association record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service that explains how to connect MFP 100 to the network.

[0068] The sixth association record has the paper tray set as the type of status change information and the size set as the specific information. The status change information indicates that the size of the paper on which the image is to be formed is different from the size set by the user. The URL field of the sixth association record is set to the network address of a web page that provides a service that explains how to resolve the paper size difference.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 6 , the two-dimensional information may include at least one of status identification information that identifies the status of MFP 100 and user information related to the operator, in addition to the network address. Two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 determines the status change information as the status identification information, and determines the user ID input from user identification unit 53 as the user information. Two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 generates a two-dimensional code by converting the two-dimensional information into a two-dimensional image. Two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 outputs the two-dimensional code to display control unit 57.

[0070] Display control unit 57 controls display unit 161 to display an image of the two-dimensional code on display unit 161. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code. Referring to Fig. 8, the two-dimensional code is an image.

[0071] A user carrying smartphone 200 operates smartphone 200 to read the two-dimensional code displayed on display unit 161 of MFP100.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a two-dimensional code is displayed on a smartphone. When an operator captures an image of the two-dimensional code using camera 202 of smartphone 200, the image of the two-dimensional code is displayed on display unit 206.

[0073] Smartphone 200 decodes the image of the two-dimensional code output by camera 202. Smartphone 200 accesses a service provider located on Internet 9 using the network address included in the two-dimensional code. Here, a case where server 300 is the service provider will be described as an example. In this case, a web page for accessing the service provided by server 300 is assigned to the network address included in the two-dimensional code. Smartphone 200 downloads the web page identified by the network address from server 300 and displays it on display 206. An operator can view the web page displayed on display 206 of smartphone 200 and take action to resolve the error. Services provided by server 300 include a service for selling consumables. An operator can order consumables whose remaining amount is low. Services provided by server 300 include a service for notifying an operator of the content of the work required to resolve an error. An operator can resolve an error that has occurred in MFP 100 by following the notified content of the work. Services provided by server 300 include a service for dispatching a service technician. If an error occurs in the MFP 100 and the operator cannot resolve it by himself, the operator can request that a service person be dispatched.

[0074] The related information update unit 59 controls the communication I / F unit 112 to communicate with the server 300. When a change occurs in a service on the server 300, the network address corresponding to the service may be changed. Furthermore, a value entered into a web page to which the network address is assigned may be changed. When a web page is changed on the server 300, the related information update unit 59 acquires change information including the changed content. Furthermore, a new service may be added to the server 300. The related information update unit 59 acquires change information including a network address corresponding to the newly added service. Based on the change information, the related information update unit 59 updates the related information stored in the EPROM 115. As a result, the two-dimensional information acquisition unit 55 can acquire a network address based on the status change information using the updated related information.

[0075] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation support processing. The operation support processing is performed by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes an operation support program stored in ROM 113, EPROM 115, or CD-ROM 118.

[0076] 10, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 selects a device status (step S01) and proceeds to step S02. CPU 111 selects one of a plurality of device statuses as a processing target. The device status is the status of MFP 100, and includes the status of hardware devices, the status of consumables, and the status of processing executed by CPU 111.

[0077] In step S02, the status is detected, and processing proceeds to step S03. The status of the device status selected as the processing target in step S01 is detected. In step S03, it is determined whether the detected status of MFP 100 satisfies a notification condition. The notification condition is a condition that is predetermined for the device status. For example, if the device status indicates the remaining amount of a consumable, the notification condition is the occurrence of an event in which the remaining amount falls below a predetermined threshold. If the status of MFP 100 satisfies the notification condition, processing proceeds to step S04; otherwise, processing proceeds to step S09.

[0078] In step S04, status change information is determined, and the process proceeds to step S05. Status change information is determined for the status of MFP 100 that was determined to satisfy the notification condition in step S03. For example, if the notification condition is satisfied when the remaining amount of toner bottle 40Y is below a threshold, the status change information includes consumables as the type and yellow toner as the specific information.

[0079] In step S05, the operator is identified, and the process proceeds to step S06. The user who will operate MFP 100 is identified, and a user ID for identifying the user is acquired.

[0080] In step S06, a network address is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S07. CPU 111 refers to the association information stored in EPROM 115 and acquires the network address associated with the status change information determined in step S04.

[0081] In step S07, a two-dimensional code is generated, and the process proceeds to step S08. CPU 111 generates the two-dimensional code by encoding the network address. CPU 111 may also generate a two-dimensional code that includes, in addition to the network address, the status change information determined in step S04. CPU 111 may also generate a two-dimensional code that includes, in addition to the network address, the user ID of the operator identified in step S05. CPU 111 may also generate a two-dimensional code that includes, in addition to the network address, the status change information and the user ID. The status change information may be added to the network address by adding the status change information as an argument to the network address.

[0082] In step S08, the two-dimensional code is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S09. CPU 111 displays an image of the two-dimensional code on display unit 161. The operator can receive a service corresponding to the state of MFP 100 by having smartphone 200 carried by the operator read the two-dimensional code displayed on display unit 161.

[0083] In step S09, it is determined whether or not there is any device status among the plurality of device statuses that has not been selected as a processing target. If there is any device status that has not been selected, the process returns to step S01; otherwise, the process ends.

[0084] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of related information update processing. The related information update processing is processing that is executed by CPU 111 provided in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes a related information update program stored in ROM 113, EPROM 115, or CD-ROM 118. The related information update program is part of the operation assistance program.

[0085] 11, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 selects an association record (step S11), and proceeds to step S12. One association record to be processed is selected from among a plurality of association records included in the association information stored in EPROM 115.

[0086] In step S12, a server is determined. The server that provides the service identified by the network address set in the URL field of the association record is determined. Here, a case where server 300 is determined will be described.

[0087] In step S13, a network address is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S14. The network address corresponding to the service provided by server 300 may be changed. The changed network address is acquired from server 300. Furthermore, in server 300, a value required by a web page corresponding to the service may be changed. For example, the presence or absence of a user ID may be changed as a value required by the web page. In this case, CPU 111 acquires the details of the change from server 300.

[0088] In step S14, the association record is updated, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the association information stored in EPROM 115 is updated with the network address obtained.

[0089] In step S15, it is determined whether or not there is an associated record that has not been selected for processing. It is determined whether or not there is an associated record that has not been selected for processing among the multiple associated records included in the association information stored in EPROM 115. If there is an associated record that has not been selected, the process returns to step S11; otherwise, the process ends.

[0090] <Modification> In the present embodiment, the image forming system 1 has been described as having one server 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming system 1 may have multiple servers corresponding to multiple services. Furthermore, it is sufficient for the server 300 to be able to provide one or more services.

[0091] <Summary of implementation form> (Item 1) A detection unit that detects changes in each of a plurality of types of states; and a display unit that displays a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change is detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to detection of a change in any one of the plurality of states.

[0092] According to this aspect, in response to detection of a change in one of a plurality of types of status, a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service among a plurality of services corresponding to the detected status is displayed. An operator of the image forming device can receive the service corresponding to the detected status among the plurality of types of status by reading the two-dimensional code using a mobile information device such as a smartphone. This eliminates the need for the operator to perform tasks such as analyzing the status of the image forming device and searching for a service provider. As a result, an image forming device with reduced operator burden can be provided.

[0093] (Item 2) The image forming device according to item 1, further comprising an update unit that updates association information that associates the status with the network address by communicating with each of the multiple providers that provide the multiple services.

[0094] According to this aspect, since the association information is updated by communicating with multiple providers, it is possible to respond to changes in multiple providers. Also, since the operator does not need to change multiple types of status, the process is simplified and the burden is reduced.

[0095] (Item 3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the status includes the remaining amount of consumables and the type of error that occurs in the process being executed.

[0096] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the operator with relevant information regarding the acquisition of consumables and information regarding how to deal with errors.

[0097] (Item 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the two-dimensional code includes at least one of status identification information for identifying the status and user information related to an operator in addition to the network address.

[0098] According to this aspect, since the provider can be notified of the device status and the operator, the operator does not need to notify the provider again, which can prevent an increase in the burden on the operator.

[0099] (Item 5) An operation support method executed in an image forming apparatus, a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states; a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change has been detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to detection of a change in any of the plurality of states.

[0100] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an operation assistance method that reduces the burden on the operator.

[0101] (Item 6) An operation support program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states; and a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change is detected, among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to the detection of a change in any of the plurality of states.

[0102] In accordance with this aspect, it is possible to provide an operation assistance program that reduces the burden on the operator.

[0103] 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]

[0104] 1 image forming system, 3 network, 5 wireless station, 7 G / W device, 51 status change detection unit, 53 user identification unit, 55 two-dimensional information acquisition unit, 57 display control unit, 59 related information update unit, 100 MFP, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 116 facsimile unit, 117 external storage device, 118 CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder, 130 document reading unit, 140 image forming unit, 150 paper feed unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 163 operation unit, 165 touch panel, 167 hard key unit, 200 smartphone, 201 CPU, 202 camera, 203 flash memory, 204 wireless communication unit, 205 call unit, 206 display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 Wireless LAN I / F, 300 servers.

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects changes in each of a plurality of types of states; and a display unit that displays a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change is detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to detection of a change in any one of the plurality of states.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an update unit that updates association information that associates the status with the network address by communicating with each of a plurality of providers that respectively provide the plurality of services.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the status includes a remaining amount of a consumable item and a type of error that occurs in a process being executed.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code includes, in addition to the network address, at least one of status identification information for identifying the status and user information relating to an operator.

5. An operation assistance method executed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states; a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change has been detected, from among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to detection of a change in any of the plurality of states.

6. An operation support program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, a detection step of detecting changes in each of a plurality of types of states; and a display step of displaying a two-dimensional code including a network address for accessing a provider of a specific service corresponding to the state in which the change is detected, among a plurality of services corresponding to the plurality of states, in response to the detection of a change in any of the plurality of states.

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