Image processing device, control method, and program

Abstract

If a firmware update updates the component's remaining lifespan algorithm, resulting in a difference in the predicted remaining lifespan of the component, it may appear as if the component's remaining lifespan has changed as a result of the update, potentially confusing the user. [Solution] In an image processing device comprising multiple components, if there is a first algorithm used before the firmware of the image processing device was updated and a second algorithm that can be used after the update, the providing means can provide information on the wear rate calculated for each component using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm, and the providing means provides information on the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm for the target component based on the satisfaction of predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing remaining life information of replaceable parts of an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in maintenance services for image processing apparatuses such as multifunction printers and printing apparatuses, operations have been carried out to recover from malfunctions by monitoring the state of the apparatus and the degree of wear of digitized replacement parts and performing repairs and part replacements. Here, there have been methods for digitizing the degree of wear of parts performed inside the apparatus, such as a method of digitizing based on the maximum number of sheets that can pass through the part and the progress of the current number of sheets passed.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, for the degree of wear of a photosensitive drum, which is one of the replacement parts, a method of predicting the film thickness based on surface potential information has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, an image processing apparatus is installed in a user environment, and there are cases where firmware is updated while it is being used. In an image processing apparatus, in order to cope with changes in data to be provided for maintenance and changes in parts, it is also desirable to change the algorithm for calculating the degree of wear of parts by updating the firmware. On the other hand, when the provided information also changes due to a change in the algorithm, there are cases where consideration is required so that no misunderstanding occurs in the destination of the provision.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image processing device comprising multiple components, comprising: a calculation means for calculating the wear rate using an algorithm for calculating the wear rate of each component; and a providing means for providing information on the calculated wear rate for each component, wherein if there is a first algorithm used before the firmware of the image processing device was updated and a second algorithm available after the update, the providing means can provide information on the wear rate calculated for each component using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm, and the providing means provides information on the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm for the target component based on the fact that the counter information has been initialized or that the relationship between the wear rate calculated using the first algorithm and the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm satisfies predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the possibility of misunderstandings occurring at the recipient can be reduced by changing the information provided due to a change in the algorithm for calculating the degree of wear of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] System configuration diagram in the example [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction printer in the example. [Figure 3] Software configuration diagram of the multifunction printer in the example. [Figure 4] Flowchart illustrating the process for displaying remaining lifespan in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Example screen showing the remaining lifespan of each component in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Example screen showing the date, time, and wear rate status of selected parts. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the consumption rate information that should be provided when this embodiment is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The best mode of a printing apparatus for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a multifunction device (MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral) will be used as an example of an image processing device. However, this embodiment is also applicable to SFPs (Single Function Peripherals) such as printing devices and scanners.

[0010] (Example 1) Figure 1 shows an example of a network configuration diagram for this embodiment.

[0011] The multifunction printer 1000, which has printing capabilities, receives job execution requests, such as print jobs, from the information processing device 101 via the network 100. The multifunction printer 1000 also accepts execution requests for scan jobs, copy jobs, and other jobs via its own control panel. The multifunction printer 1000 operates one or more components to execute these jobs. Through the execution of these jobs, each component of the multifunction printer 1000 wears out and eventually reaches the end of its lifespan.

[0012] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 1000 is also connected to the cloud system 102 via the network 100. The cloud system 102 provides services for distributing and downloading firmware for the multifunction printer 1000.

[0013] Note that Figure 1 shows an example with one multifunction printer 1000, one information processing device 101, and one cloud system 102, but it is not limited to a configuration with multiple units of each. For example, the cloud system may also provide a storage service for saving data scanned by the multifunction printer 1000, or a print service for managing print data printed by the multifunction printer 1000.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multifunction printer 1000 according to this embodiment.

[0015] The CPU 201 mounted on the system controller 200 executes the software program for the multifunction printer 1000 and controls the entire device. ROM 202 is read-only memory that stores the boot program and fixed parameters of the multifunction printer 1000. RAM 203 is random-access memory used by the CPU 201 to store programs and temporary data when controlling the multifunction printer 1000. HDD 204 is a hard disk drive that stores system software, applications, and various data. The CPU 201 executes the boot program stored in ROM 202, expands the program stored in HDD 204 into RAM 203, and executes the expanded program to control the operation of the multifunction printer 1000. The network I / F control unit 205 controls the transmission and reception of data with the network 110. The scanner I / F control unit 206 drives the scan engine 235 via the scan controller 230 and controls document reading. The printer I / F control unit 207 drives the print engine 225 via the print controller 220 and controls printing processes by the printer 210. The panel control unit 208 controls the touch panel operation panel 210, controlling the display of various information and user input. The bus 209 interconnects the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, network I / F control unit 205, scanner I / F control unit 206, printer I / F control unit 207, and panel control unit 208. Control signals from the CPU 201 and data signals between each device are transmitted and received via this bus 209.

[0016] The CPU 221 mounted on the print controller 220 executes software programs for controlling the dedicated CPU 224 and driving the print engine 225. The print engine 225 is a printing mechanism that includes drive, fixing, image creation, and paper feeding / transport units for performing the physical printing process, such as fixing toner to the paper. The dedicated CPU 224 is a CPU for controlling each unit of the print engine 225, and stores information such as current values, torque, temperature, and humidity instructed to each unit during control as sensing data in the RAM 223. Sensing data is the raw value used to control each unit, i.e., sensor information, and is the data used to calculate the wear rate until the end of the unit's lifespan. In this embodiment, the dedicated CPU 224 is described as one unit, but it may also be implemented with a configuration having multiple dedicated CPUs, with one dedicated CPU for each unit to control them. The ROM 222 is a read-only memory that stores the boot program and fixed parameters for controlling the print engine 225. RAM223 is random access memory used by the CPU221 and dedicated CPU224 to store programs and temporary data when controlling the print engine 225. The CPU221 and dedicated CPU224 load the boot program stored in ROM222 into RAM223 and execute the loaded program to control the operation of the print engine 225. Bus 229 interconnects the CPU221, ROM222, RAM223, and dedicated CPU224. Control signals from the CPU221 and dedicated CPU224, as well as data signals between each device, are transmitted and received via this bus 229.

[0017] The CPU 231 mounted on the scan controller 230 executes a software program for controlling the dedicated CPU 234 and driving the scan engine 235. The scan engine 235 is an optical unit mechanism for reading a document. The dedicated CPU 234 is a CPU for controlling the optical unit of the scan engine 235, and stores, as sensing data, the white plate reading result at the time of shading, etc. in the RAM 233. The ROM 232 is a read-only memory, and stores the boot program for controlling the scan engine 235, fixed parameters, etc. The RAM 233 is a random access memory, and is used for storing programs and temporary data when the CPU 231 and the dedicated CPU 234 control the scan engine 235. The CPU 231 and the dedicated CPU 234 expand the boot program stored in the ROM 232 to the RAM 233, and control the operation of the scan engine 235 by executing the expanded program. The bus 239 interconnects the CPU 231, ROM 232, RAM 233, and dedicated CPU 234. Control signals from the CPU 231 and the dedicated CPU 234 and data signals between the devices are transmitted and received via this bus 239.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the software modules included in the multifunction device 1000 according to the present embodiment. The software modules 301 to 306 shown in FIG. 3 are realized by the CPU 201 executing the program expanded to the RAM 203, the software modules 311 to 312 are realized by the CPU 221 or the dedicated CPU 224 executing the program expanded to the RAM 223, and the software modules 331 to 332 are realized by the CPU 231 or the dedicated CPU 234 executing the program expanded to the RAM 233.

[0019] The system control unit 301 is a module for controlling the system controller 200. It controls all system functions such as displaying the consumption rate of parts (consumables) on the operation panel 210 described later, clearing the consumable information, and firmware update processing.

[0020] The data analysis unit 302 is a module that acquires sensing data from the print controller 220 and the scan controller 230 and analyzes the remaining life of consumables. As an analysis result, the data analysis unit 302 calculates, for example, a consumption rate from the part life and the degree of consumption, and stores the result in the HDD 204. For example, as the part life, the nominal value provided by the vendor is used. Also, the degree of consumption is a value corresponding to the nominal value, and counter information such as the number of uses and the number of sheets passed, and the degree of wear detected by a sensor or the like are used.

[0021] The clear processing unit 303 is a module that executes a clear function for clearing data managed as consumable information. There are two types of clear functions for consumable information. One is a clear function (consumable clear function) that executes clearing (initialization) of data indicating the degree of consumption of the consumable after the consumable is replaced. The second is a function (all data clear function) that initializes the usage history, trends of consumables, and learning data accumulated for obtaining the consumption rate described later, together with various settings and registration information of the multifunction device when the user changes, such as when the multifunction device is discarded or rented up. In both cases, some counter information, which is data indicating the degree of consumption of the consumable, will be initialized. The all data clear function is a point worthy of note in that it further clears the learning data stored in the multifunction device.

[0022] Examples of the counter information include a print count counter indicating the cumulative number of sheets passed for a single consumable, the life number of sheets, the date of replacement, the total counter at the time of replacement of the multifunction device, the print count counter at the time of the previous replacement, the number of replacements, etc., and the information is stored in the HDD 204.

[0023] The clear function, which is executed after replacing consumables, initializes the print count counter and updates the replacement date, the print count at the time of the previous replacement, and the number of replacements. On the other hand, the learning data is information that is updated each time a remaining days prediction calculation is performed, which is necessary to determine the number of days remaining until the consumable's lifespan is reached from the counter information. The learning data includes the number of days remaining until the consumable's lifespan is reached at that time, the date and time of the previous calculation, the average toner usage over a predetermined period in the past, the standard deviation of toner usage over a predetermined period in the past, the remaining amount prediction error, and information on the probability of delayed delivery, and this information is stored in HDD204. In this embodiment, the learning data can be calculated from counter information, etc.

[0024] The update processing unit 304 is a module for updating the program (firmware) stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204 of the system controller 200 to a new program (a new version of the firmware). In this embodiment, it is assumed that when the firmware is updated to a new version, the calculation method (algorithm) for the wear and tear of consumables is changed.

[0025] The network control unit 305 is a module that enables the network I / F control unit 205 to send and receive data to and from the outside via the bus 209.

[0026] The UI control unit 306 is a module that displays the UI screen on the operation panel 210 using the panel control unit 208.

[0027] The engine control unit 321 is a module for controlling the printer engine 225, with the CPU 221 being the control module. The engine control unit 321 collects information such as current values, torque, temperature, and humidity set for each unit by the sensing data acquisition unit 322 as sensing data, and transmits the data to the data analysis unit 302 to calculate the wear and tear of each unit.

[0028] The sensing data acquisition unit 322 is a module that stores the values ​​used when the dedicated CPU 224 controls each unit as sensing data. In this embodiment, the sensing data acquisition unit 322 is described as one unit for the engine controller, but it does not have to be a single unit; for example, one sensor module can be provided for each component (consumable), a unit composed of multiple components, or a dedicated CPU.

[0029] The scanner control unit 331 is a module for the CPU 231 to control the scan engine 235. The scan control unit 331 collects sensing data such as the white plate reading results during shading used by the sensing data acquisition unit 332 to control the optical unit, and transmits the data to the data analysis unit 302 to calculate the wear and tear of the optical unit.

[0030] The sensing data acquisition unit 332 is a module that stores the values ​​used by the dedicated CPU 234 to control each unit as sensing data. In this embodiment, the sensing data acquisition unit 332 is described as one unit for the scan controller, but it does not need to be a single unit; for example, one module may be provided for each component (consumable), unit, or dedicated CPU.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the remaining life display screen that the UI control unit 306 displays on the operation panel 210 after receiving a request to display the remaining life.

[0032] The remaining life display screen 500 displays the name 501 of each component, the wear rate 502, and the number of sheets passed through 503. For example, the record 510 of the drum unit (Y) indicates that 5,000 sheets have been passed through since it was new or after the parts were replaced, and that the wear rate of the component is 10%.

[0033] Here, the wear rate 502 represents the degree of wear until the part is replaced, expressed as a percentage. In an unworn state, such as immediately after a part is replaced, i.e., when sensing data has not yet been acquired, the wear rate 502 will be displayed as "---" as shown in the drum unit (M) record 511.

[0034] As each component of the multifunction printer 1000 operates during user use, the wear rate 502 changes from 0% to 100% according to usage, and when it reaches 100%, it indicates that the component has reached the end of its lifespan. When the wear rate 502 approaches 100%, it is time to recommend component replacement, and as shown in the record 514 for the secondary transfer outer roller, a "!" icon is used to indicate that component replacement is recommended.

[0035] If use continues after the end of the lifespan without replacing the part, it may display a value exceeding 100%. In that case, an "×" icon will be displayed to indicate that the part's lifespan has been exceeded, as shown in record 515 for the cassette 1 paper feed roller.

[0036] The paper count of 503 indicates the total number of sheets of paper that have been processed since each component began operation, and becomes "0" if a component is replaced. In this embodiment, the data analysis unit 302 will be described as storing information on the wear rate and paper count in the HDD 204 based on data obtained from the print controller 220 and scan controller 230. However, this can also be achieved by storing the information in non-volatile memory (not shown) within the print controller 220 and scan controller 230, and then having the system control unit 301 acquire it when displaying it on the operation panel 210.

[0037] By selecting any part and then operating the status details button 520, the user can view the most recent change in wear rate. The status details screen 600 in Figure 6 shows the transition of the wear rate (change in wear rate over time) of the selected part over a six-month period from October 2023 to April 2024. This part had a wear rate of 45% in October 2023, reached 100% in March 2024, and is currently (April 2024) worn down to 125%, exceeding its lifespan (601). The latest wear rate calculation date is also displayed as the last update date (602). The UI control unit 306 can also provide a status details screen like the one shown in Figure 6 when the second algorithm is applied.

[0038] In this embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the wear rate calculation algorithm installed in the ROM 202 of the system controller 200 is updated by a firmware update performed by the update processing unit 304. The calculated wear rate for the same component may change before and after this update. Specifically, we will describe an example where the algorithm is updated from one that displays the progress of the number of sheets of paper passed at that time as a percentage relative to the recommended number of sheets of paper for replacement of the component, to an algorithm that uses sensing data to determine the wear rate of the component after the update. Note that updating the calculation algorithm itself means that the accuracy of the calculated results will improve.

[0039] Graph 610 in Figure 7(A) simulates the results when a selected part is calculated using two methods: a wear rate (611) calculated by the progress of the number of sheets fed using the first algorithm, and a wear rate (612) calculated by the degree of wear based on sensing data using the second algorithm. In this simulation, as of November 2023, the wear rate 611 is 55% and the wear rate 612 is 30%. If the system is updated from the first algorithm to the second algorithm in November, and the remaining life display screen is updated to show the new wear rate 612 of 30%, as in this simulation, the remaining life of the part will suddenly appear to extend, which could cause confusion for users.

[0040] Similarly, if the display is updated immediately after the update in February 2024, when the first algorithm is upgraded to the second algorithm, the wear rate will be updated from 80% to 100%, indicating that the component has suddenly reached the end of its lifespan. This case could also lead to user confusion and dissatisfaction.

[0041] Thus, if the accuracy of the calculation results improves due to an update in the calculation algorithm, and the resulting numerical values ​​change significantly, it could cause confusion for users when they witness these changes.

[0042] Therefore, in the process shown in Figure 4 of this embodiment, if the wear rate calculation algorithm is updated by a firmware update, the process is executed in such a way that it does not cause a sudden change in the wear rate in the information actually provided.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the process for providing information on the remaining lifespan of any component of the multifunction printer 1000. In this embodiment, the operation panel 210 is shown as an example recipient, as in Figure 5, but the information may also be provided to the display unit of an information processing device connected via a network. This process is stored in one of the storage means, ROM 202, RAM 203, or HDD 204, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0044] In S401, the system control unit 301 waits until it receives a remaining life display instruction from the UI control unit 306. Upon receiving the remaining life display instruction, it proceeds to the loop processing starting from S402.

[0045] In the loop processing shown at the upper and lower ends of S402, the system control unit 301 repeats the processes from S403 to S407 for each component displayed on the remaining life display screen 500.

[0046] In S403, the system control unit 301 determines whether the target component has been replaced. If the component has been replaced, the system proceeds to S406; otherwise, it proceeds to S404. Information indicating whether a component has been replaced is obtained by the dedicated CPU 224 or dedicated CPU 234 reading the unique identification information of each unit, and the system control unit 301 stores the result in the HDD 204. The system control unit 301 can then determine whether the component has been replaced by checking if the identification information has changed since the previous time. If a component has been replaced, the clear processing unit 303 executes the consumables clear function, and the consumables counter information is initialized.

[0047] In S404, the system control unit 301 determines whether the relationship between the wear rate calculated using the first algorithm (before update) and the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm (after update) satisfies predetermined conditions. Specifically, for the target component, the wear rate of the algorithm before update (hereinafter, wear rate b) and the wear rate of the algorithm after update (hereinafter, wear rate a) are calculated and compared. The difference in the wear rate of the target component before and after the algorithm update in the nth comparison (hereinafter, Δ wear rate n) is defined as "(Δ wear rate n) = (wear rate b) - (wear rate a)".

[0048] Here, the process in S404 proceeds to S406 if any of the following conditions are met, and to S405 otherwise. • "(Δ depletion rate n-1) < 0", and "(Δ depletion rate n) >= 0" • "(Δ depletion rate n-1) >= 0" and "(Δ depletion rate n) < 0"

[0049] Furthermore, when the system control unit 301 calculates (wear rate b) and (wear rate a) for the target component, it stores each wear rate along with date and time information in the HDD 204.

[0050] Figure 7(B) shows a simulation of the change in the wear rate of a certain part. In this figure, the sign of (Δwear rate n) and (Δwear rate n-1) changes in December 2023. It shows the wear rate (621) calculated from the progress of the number of sheets passed and the wear rate (622) calculated from the degree of wear based on sensing data. In October, (wear rate 621) - (wear rate 622) > 0, but in December, (wear rate 621) - (wear rate 622) < 0, and the sign of Δwear rate changes.

[0051] In S405, the system control unit 301 determines whether the clear processing unit 303 has executed the full data clear function. If the full data clear function has been executed, the system proceeds to S406; otherwise, it proceeds to S407. The full data clear function initializes the learning data, such as various settings and registration information of the multifunction printer, usage history and trends of consumables, and data on the consumption rate and date and time that has been accumulated up to that point and used for displaying the consumption rate graph. Any data remaining on the HDD 204 is overwritten with "0" or other values ​​and completely erased.

[0052] In S406, the system control unit 301 switches the information provided for the selected component on the remaining life display screen, as shown in Figure 5, to the information of the wear rate calculated using the updated algorithm. This switch can be achieved by managing a flag in the system controller 200, where bit information determines which of the pre- or post-update algorithms to select, with 0 indicating pre-update and 1 indicating post-update.

[0053] In S407, the system control unit 301 displays the wear rate of the target component on the operation panel 210 via the UI control unit 306.

[0054] As explained above, even if the calculation algorithm for the wear rate during operation is updated by a firmware update, the wear rate takes a continuous value, as shown by the solid line in the graph in Figure 7(B), so it does not cause abrupt changes, and the wear rate can be displayed using the new algorithm thereafter.

[0055] (Other examples) The present invention also includes devices or systems and methods configured by appropriately combining embodiments. Here, the present invention is a device or system that is the main body for executing one or more software programs that realize the functions of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, a method for realizing the embodiments described above executed by that device or system is also one of the present inventions. In addition, the program is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the program is read into one or more memories by one or more computers (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device and executed. In other words, as one of the present inventions, the program itself or various storage media readable by the computer storing the program is also included. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by circuits (e.g., ASICs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus comprising multiple components, A calculation means for calculating the wear rate using an algorithm for calculating the wear rate of each part, It has a means for providing information on the calculated wear rate for each part, If there is a first algorithm that was used before the firmware of the image processing device was updated, and a second algorithm that is available after the update, The providing means can provide information on the wear rate for each component, calculated using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm. The providing means provides information on the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm for the target component, based on the fact that the counter information has been initialized, or that the relationship between the wear rate calculated using the first algorithm and the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm satisfies predetermined conditions. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the initialization of the counter information is performed in accordance with the replacement of the target component.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the providing means provides information showing the change over time of the wear rate calculated using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm for the target component.

4. A control method for an image processing apparatus comprising multiple components, A calculation process for calculating the wear rate using an algorithm for calculating the wear rate of each part, It includes a provision process that provides information on the calculated wear rate for each part, If there is a first algorithm that was used before the firmware of the image processing device was updated, and a second algorithm that is available after the update, In the aforementioned provisioning process, information on the wear rate calculated using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm is provided for each component. The control method is characterized in that, in the provision step, information on the consumption rate calculated using the second algorithm is provided for the target component based on the fact that the counter information has been initialized, or that the relationship between the consumption rate calculated using the first algorithm and the consumption rate calculated using the second algorithm satisfies predetermined conditions.

5. A computer as an image processing device with multiple components, A calculation means for calculating the wear rate using an algorithm for calculating the wear rate of each part, A program that functions as a means of providing information on the calculated wear rate for each component, If there is a first algorithm that was used before the firmware of the image processing device was updated, and a second algorithm that is available after the update, The providing means can provide information on the wear rate for each component, calculated using either the first algorithm or the second algorithm. The providing means provides information on the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm for the target component, based on the fact that the counter information has been initialized, or that the relationship between the wear rate calculated using the first algorithm and the wear rate calculated using the second algorithm satisfies predetermined conditions. A program characterized by the following features.

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