Image reading device, image forming device, and paper transport device

Abstract

Obtain observational data to accurately predict the lifespan of components. [Solution] The image reading device comprises a pair of separation rollers (108) for transporting a document (103), a CIS 122 for reading the image of the document (103) transported by the pair of separation rollers (108), a pre-separation sensor 107 and a post-separation sensor 109 for detecting the document (103) transported by the pair of separation rollers (108), a passage time generation unit 203 for generating the passage time for the document (103) to be transported between the detection positions of the pre-separation sensor 107 and the post-separation sensor 109 based on the respective detection results of the pre-separation sensor 107 and the post-separation sensor 109, a passage time correction unit 204 for generating a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the document (103), and a communication unit 207 for outputting observation data including the corrected passage time.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image from a document, an image forming apparatus having such an image reading apparatus, and a paper conveyance apparatus that conveys paper.

Background Art

[0002] Office image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are configured by combining, for example, an image reading apparatus and a printer. Such an image forming apparatus is required to reduce the time required for repair and maintenance and to reduce labor costs. Specifically, it is required to shorten the time required to identify a failed part in the image forming apparatus, shorten the time required for part replacement, reduce the frequency of visits by a serviceman for maintenance, and the like. Patent Document 1 discloses a failure diagnosis method for an image forming apparatus. This method models and analyzes the cause of a failure in the image forming apparatus based on observation data such as detection results of sensors indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, counter values, error information, etc., to predict the life of parts and quickly identify the cause of the failure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a technique for acquiring observational data for accurately predicting the lifespan of components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image reading device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport means for transporting paper; a reading means for reading an image of the paper transported by the transport means; a plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper transported by the transport means; a passage time generation means for generating the passage time of the paper between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means; a passage time correction means for generating a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper; and an output means for outputting observation data including the corrected passage time. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport means for transporting paper; an image forming means for forming an image on the paper transported by the transport means; a plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper transported by the transport means; a passage time generation means for generating the passage time of the paper between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means; a passage time correction means for generating a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper; and an output means for outputting observation data including the corrected passage time. The paper transport device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport means for transporting paper; a plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper being transported by the transport means; a passage time generation means for generating the passage time for the paper to travel between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means; a passage time correction means for generating a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper; and an output means for outputting observation data including the corrected passage time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, observational data for accurately predicting the lifespan of components can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the image reading device. [Figure 2] Controller diagram. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the timing of when the document passes through the detection points of each sensor. [Figure 4] An example diagram showing the progression of transit times. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the basis weight of the manuscript and the processing time. [Figure 6] An example diagram showing the progression of transit times. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the passage time and corrected passage time when thick cardboard is fed through the paper. [Figure 8] An example diagram showing the progression of correction processing time. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the process of sending observation data to the server. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the process of sending observation data to the server. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image reading device according to this embodiment. The image reading device 100 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 101 for transporting documents and a reader 102 for reading the document image.

[0011] The ADF101 includes a document tray 104 on which the paper to be scanned (original document 103) is placed, a transport motor 105, a transport path for transporting the original document 103 to the reading position of the reader 102, and an output tray 115 on which the scanned original document 103 is discharged. The transport path is equipped with a paper feed roller 106, a pair of separation rollers 108, a pair of transport rollers 111, and a pair of output rollers 114 for transporting the original document 103. The ADF101 is equipped with an output tray 115 on which the original document discharged from the output roller pair 114 is loaded. The transport path is also equipped with a pre-separation sensor 107, a post-separation sensor 109, a basis weight detection sensor 110 for detecting the basis weight of the original document 103, a lead sensor 112, and an output sensor 113. The document tray 104 is equipped with a main scan size detection sensor 117 for detecting the size of the placed document 103 in the main scan direction, and a sub-scan size detection sensor 118 for detecting the size of the placed document 103 in the sub-scan direction. The main scan direction is the direction intersecting the transport direction of the document 103 (the depth direction in Figure 1), and the sub-scan direction is the transport direction of the document 103.

[0012] The paper feed roller 106 is normally retracted to its home position, which is upward, so as not to obstruct the placement of the document 103 into the document tray 104. When the paper feeding operation starts, the paper feed roller 106 descends and contacts the upper surface of the document 103 placed in the document tray 104, and rotates to feed the document 103 into the transport path. The paper feed roller 106 is pivotally supported by an arm (not shown), and moves up and down due to the swinging of the arm.

[0013] The pre-separation sensor 107 is installed between the paper feed roller 106 and the separation roller pair 108, and detects the original document 103 that has been transported by the paper feed roller 106. The fed original document 103 is separated one by one by the separation roller pair 108 and transported along the transport path. The post-separation sensor 109 is installed between the separation roller pair 108 and the transport roller pair 111, and detects the original document 103 that has been transported by the separation roller pair 108.

[0014] The basis weight detection sensor 110 is provided between the separation roller pair 108 and the conveyance roller pair 111, on the downstream side of the post-separation sensor 109 in the conveyance direction of the document 103. The basis weight detection sensor 110 is a sensor pair that detects the basis weight of the conveyed document 103. The basis weight detection sensor 110 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. The receiving sensor receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitting sensor, and detects the basis weight of the document according to the received signal intensity.

[0015] The document 103 conveyed by the separation roller pair 108 is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 111 to the reading position by the reader 102. The lead sensor 112 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveyance roller pair 111 in the conveyance direction of the document 103, and detects the document 103 conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 111 to the reading position. Triggered by the lead sensor 112 detecting the document 103, the reader 102 starts the reading operation of the document 103 at the reading position. The document 103 from which the document image has been read at the reading position is discharged to the discharge tray 115 by the discharge roller pair 114. The discharged document 103 is stacked on the discharge tray 115. The discharge sensor 113 is provided on the downstream side of the discharge roller pair 114 in the conveyance direction of the document 103, and detects the conveyed document 103.

[0016] The reader 102 includes a document table glass 120, a jogging glass 121, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) 122, a CIS holder 123, a timing belt 124, and an optical motor 125. The document table glass 120 can hold the document 103 to be read. The jogging glass 121 is disposed at the reading position of the document 103 conveyed by the ADF 101. The CIS 122 is an image reading unit for reading the document image. The CIS 122 is held by the CIS holder 123. The timing belt 124 is coupled to the CIS holder 123. The optical motor 125 is connected to the timing belt 124 via a drive gear 126. By driving the timing belt 124 via the drive gear 126, the optical motor 125 can reciprocate the CIS 122 in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0017] A white reference plate 127 is provided on the document glass 120. The white reference plate 127 is a reference member used for adjusting the light intensity and correcting shading of the light emitted from the CIS 122.

[0018] When the CIS122 reads a document image from a document 103 being transported by the ADF101, it is positioned below the flow-reading glass 121 and reads the document image of the document 103 as it is being transported. When the CIS122 reads a document image from a document 103 placed on the document glass 120, it reads the document image of the document 103 while moving under the document glass 120 in the direction of the arrow by the timing belt 124. In this case, the CIS122 performs shading correction using the white reference plate 127.

[0019] The CIS122 comprises a light source 128, a light guide 129, a lens array 130, and a line sensor 131. The light source 128 is composed of multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light. The light guide 129 uniformly diffuses the light emitted from the light source 128 in the main scanning direction to illuminate the document in a linear pattern. The illuminated light is reflected by the document. The reflected light from the document is guided to the line sensor 131 via the lens array 130. The line sensor 131 receives the reflected light, performs photoelectric conversion, and sequentially outputs image data representing the document image for each pixel.

[0020] (controller) Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of a controller for controlling the operation of the image reading device 100. The controller in this embodiment is implemented by a controller board 200. The controller board 200 is connected to an operation unit 202, a basis weight detection sensor 110, a main scan size detection sensor 117, a sub-scan size detection sensor 118, a CIS 122, a pre-separation sensor 107, a post-separation sensor 109, a read sensor 112, and a paper ejection sensor 113. The controller board 200 also includes a communication unit 207 for communicating with a server 206, which is provided as an external device of the image reading device 100.

[0021] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is mounted on the controller board 200. The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the image reading device 100. The controller board 200 also mounts a passage time generation unit 203, a passage time correction unit 204, and a lighting control unit 205. The passage time generation unit 203, the passage time correction unit 204, and the lighting control unit 205 are connected to the CPU 201 and operate under the control of the CPU 201. The CPU 201 generates the observation data described later and transmits the generated observation data to the server 206 via the communication unit 207.

[0022] The operation unit 202 is a user interface equipped with an input interface and an output interface. The input interface includes various key buttons, a touch panel, etc. The output interface includes a display, a speaker, etc. The user can input commands to start the image reading operation and various settings using the operation unit 202. The CPU 201 controls the operation of the image reading device 100 according to the commands and settings input from the operation unit 202.

[0023] The transit time generation unit 203 acquires the detection timing of the leading edge of the document 103 by each sensor based on the detection results of the document 103 by the pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113. Based on the detection timing of the document 103, the transit time generation unit 203 generates the transit time for the document 103 to be transported between the detection positions of each sensor. The transit time generation unit 203 acquires the detection results of each sensor via the CPU 201. The passage time correction unit 204 generates a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time generated by the passage time generation unit 203 based on the detection result from one of the basis weight detection sensor 110, the main scan size detection sensor 117, or the sub-scan size detection sensor 118. The passage time correction unit 204 acquires the detection results from each sensor via the CPU 201. The lighting control unit 205 controls the lighting of the light source 128 of the CIS122.

[0024] The CPU 201, the transit time generation unit 203, the transit time correction unit 204, and the lighting control unit 205 may each be composed of independent semiconductor devices, or they may be implemented by a single semiconductor device. This single semiconductor device can be implemented, for example, by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0025] Server 206 acquires observation data from the controller board 200, including various data such as the time it takes for the document 103 to pass between sensors installed in the transport path. Server 206 is a decision-making device that determines whether or not parts need to be replaced based on the acquired observation data. In addition to the time taken, the observation data includes, for example, detection results from various sensors indicating the status of the image reading device 100, counter values ​​such as the number of times the reading operation has been performed, and error information.

[0026] (passage time) Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the timing of when the document 103 passes through the detection positions of each sensor (pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113) provided in the transport path during the image reading operation. When the image reading operation using the ADF 101 is started, the document 103 is transported from the document tray 104. The transported document 103 passes through the detection positions of the pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113 in order. The pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113 detect the document 103 as it passes through the detection positions.

[0027] The pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113 output different detection results depending on whether or not they detect the document 103. In this embodiment, the pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113 output an ON detection signal when they detect the document 103, and an OFF detection signal when they do not detect the document 103. Note that the ON and OFF states of the detection signal may be reversed depending on the presence or absence of the document 103. The leading and trailing ends of the document 103 can be detected by the change in the state of the detection signal.

[0028] The CPU 201 acquires detection signals from the pre-separation sensor 107, the post-separation sensor 109, the lead sensor 112, and the paper ejection sensor 113, and the passage time generation unit 203 generates the passage time for the leading edge of the document 103 to pass between the detection positions of adjacent sensors. The passage time from when the detection signal of the pre-separation sensor 107 changes to the ON state until the detection signal of the post-separation sensor 109 changes to the ON state is defined as "t1". The passage time from when the detection signal of the post-separation sensor 109 changes to the ON state until the detection signal of the lead sensor 112 changes to the ON state is defined as "t2". The passage time from when the detection signal of the lead sensor 112 changes to the ON state until the detection signal of the paper ejection sensor 113 changes to the ON state is defined as "t3".

[0029] The state of the paper feed roller 106 and the separation roller pair 108 can be inferred from the passage time t1. For example, the passage time t1 will increase as the surface condition of the separation roller pair 108 changes due to aging. Therefore, when the passage time t1 increases, it can be inferred that the surface condition of the separation roller pair 108 has changed. Similarly, the state of the separation roller pair 108 and the transport roller pair 111 can be inferred from the passage time t2. The state of the transport roller pair 111 and the paper discharge roller pair 114 can be inferred from the passage time t3.

[0030] Figure 4 is an example diagram showing the change in passage time t1 due to the aging of the separation roller pair 108. Note that passage times t2 and t3 also change similarly according to the aging of the corresponding rollers. The graph in Figure 4 shows the aging of the separation roller pair 108 based on the number of reading operations performed.

[0031] As the image reading operation is repeatedly performed, the surface condition of the separation roller pair 108 changes, and surface wear progresses, increasing the amount of slippage during transport. As a result, the transport efficiency of the original document 103 gradually decreases. The passage time t1 increases in proportion to the decrease in transport efficiency. Here, the passage time t1 obtained in the state before aging at the time of factory shipment is taken as the initial value T(ini), and the threshold value T(th) is taken as the value when the passage time t1 has increased by 5% from the initial value T(ini). In this case, when the passage time t1 reaches the threshold value T(th), it is determined that the separation roller pair 108 needs to be replaced.

[0032] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the basis weight of the original document 103 and the passage times t1, t2, and t3. As the basis weight increases and the original document 103 becomes thicker, the torque required to transport the original document 103 increases. This causes transport slippage at each roller (feed roller 106, separation roller pair 108, transport roller pair 111, and discharge roller pair 114), reducing transport efficiency. As a result, the passage time tends to increase as the basis weight increases. For example, the passage times t1, t2, and t3 for thick paper (basis weight 160 [gsm]) are approximately 0.28% longer than for plain paper (basis weight 68 [gsm]).

[0033] Figure 6 is an example of the change in passage time t1 as the replacement time for the separation roller pair 108 approaches. Note that passage times t2 and t3 also change similarly as the replacement time for the corresponding rollers approaches. The dotted line represents the expected change in passage time t1 when the document is plain paper, and the solid line represents the measured result of passage time t1 when the document is thick paper.

[0034] The passage time t1 when feeding thick paper is longer than the passage time t1 when feeding plain paper, so it will be plotted above the dotted line in the graph of Figure 6. Let N be the number of reading operations that are expected to exceed the threshold T(th) when feeding plain paper. When feeding thick paper, a number of reading operations N' that instantaneously exceed the threshold occurs at different timings. In this case, the separation roller pair 108 will be incorrectly determined to be due for replacement, even though it is not yet time to replace it when feeding plain paper.

[0035] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the passage times t1, t2, and t3 when thick paper (basis weight 160 [gsm]) is fed through, and the corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3' after correcting the passage times. When the basis weight detection sensor 110 detects that the original document 103 is thick paper with a basis weight of 160 [gsm], the passage times t1, t2, and t3 generated by the passage time generation unit 203 are corrected by the passage time correction unit 204 using a predetermined correction value to correct passage times t1', t2', and t3'. In Figure 7, the passage time correction unit 204 generates the corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3' by subtracting the passage times t1, t2, and t3 by a correction value of 0.28%.

[0036] Figure 8 is an example of the change in corrected passage time t1' when the passage time t1 is corrected for the timing when the replacement time of the separation roller pair 108 is approaching in the case of thick paper. Similarly, the corrected passage times t2' and t3', which are corrected for passage times t2 and t3, change in the same way. By using the corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3', a predicted change that matches the passage time for plain paper can be obtained even when thick paper is passed through. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misjudgment of the replacement time of the separation roller pair 108 etc. caused by thick paper, etc.

[0037] (Processing time correction based on the paper type of the document) Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting observation data to the server 206. The CPU 201 starts the image reading operation, including this process, by receiving, for example, an instruction to start image reading from the operation unit 202.

[0038] When the CPU 201 starts the image reading operation, it starts transporting the document 103 placed on the document tray 104 (S901). The CPU 201 starts driving the transport motor 105, and the feed roller 106 and separation roller pair 108 separate and transport the documents 103 one by one.

[0039] When the CPU 201 starts transporting the document 103, the transport time generation unit 203 generates the transport time for the document 103 to pass between the detection positions of each sensor (pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113) (S902). The transported document 103 passes through the detection positions of the pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113 in order and is loaded into the paper ejection tray 115. The CPU 201 acquires detection results from each of the pre-separation sensor 107, post-separation sensor 109, lead sensor 112, and paper ejection sensor 113. The passage time generation unit 203 generates the passage time t1 between the detection positions of the pre-separation sensor 107 and the post-separation sensor 109, the passage time t2 between the detection position of the post-separation sensor 109 and the lead sensor 112, and the passage time t3 between the detection position of the lead sensor 112 and the paper ejection sensor 113. The CPU 201 activates the CIS 122 when the lead sensor 112 detects the document 103, and reads the document image from the document 103.

[0040] The CPU 201 determines whether the submitted document 103 is made of thick paper (S903). The CPU 201 determines whether the document 103 is made of thick paper, for example, based on the detection result of the basis weight detection sensor 110. For example, if the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 110 is above a predetermined amount (in this case, 160 [gsm] or more), the CPU 201 determines that the document 103 is made of thick paper. If the basis weight is below the predetermined amount, the CPU 201 determines that the document 103 is not made of thick paper.

[0041] Furthermore, the determination of whether or not the document is made of thick paper may be made based on information previously set by the user using the operation unit 202. In this case, when the user inputs the instruction to start image reading, the user sets the paper type of the document to be read using the operation unit 202. The CPU 201 stores the set paper type in a memory (not shown) and checks the information stored in the memory during the processing of S903.

[0042] If the original document 103 is made of thick paper (S903:Y), the CPU 201 corrects the passage times t1, t2, and t3 generated in the S902 process using the passage time correction unit 204 to generate corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3' (S904). The passage time correction unit 204 performs a correction by subtracting a correction value (in this case, 0.28%) from the passage times t1, t2, and t3 generated by the passage time generation unit 203 to generate corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3'.

[0043] If the original document 103 is not made of cardboard (S903:N), or after the correction transit time is generated, the CPU 201 generates observation data and transmits it to the server 206 via the communication unit 207 (S905). If the original document 103 is made of cardboard, the observation data includes the correction transit times t1', t2', and t3'. If the original document 103 is not made of cardboard, the observation data includes transit times t1, t2, and t3.

[0044] The server 206 models and analyzes the causes of failure in the image reader 100 based on observation data acquired from the image reader 100, and predicts the lifespan of replaceable parts. For example, the server 206 makes a decision on part replacement by comparing the passage time or corrected passage time included in the observation data with a threshold T(th) as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the replacement parts are the separation roller pair 108, the transport roller pair 111, and the paper discharge roller pair 114 used for transporting the original document 103. Specifically, the replacement of the separation roller pair 108 is determined by the corrected passage time t1'. The replacement of the transport roller pair 111 is determined by the corrected passage time t2'. The replacement of the paper discharge roller pair 114 is determined by the corrected passage time t3'. This makes it possible to quickly identify the replacement part that caused the failure. Because the passage time is corrected according to the basis weight of the original document 103, the accuracy of the replacement part lifespan prediction is improved. The improved accuracy of the replacement part lifespan prediction makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance.

[0045] In the above explanation, the correction value used when correcting the passage time was set to 0.28%, but the correction value is not limited to this value. Furthermore, the correction value may be set according to the basis weight. In this case, information showing the relationship between basis weight and the correction value is stored on the controller board 200 in a table or the like. The CPU 201 determines the correction value by referring to this information based on the basis weight detected by the basis weight detection sensor 110, and in the S904 process, it causes the passage time correction unit 204 to correct the passage time based on the determined correction value. For example, if the original document 103 is thick paper, the correction value is set to 0.28%, and if it is plain paper, the correction value is set to 0%. The S903 process is omitted, and all passage times are corrected. As a result, a more accurate corrected passage time can be obtained according to the basis weight, further improving the accuracy of predicting the lifespan of replacement parts.

[0046] (Processing time correction based on document size) It is also possible to correct the transit time based on the detection results of the main scan size detection sensor 117 and the sub-scan size detection sensor 118. The detection results of the main scan size detection sensor 117 and the sub-scan size detection sensor 118 are used to determine the size of the document 103 loaded in the document tray 104.

[0047] When transporting a document smaller than a specified size, the number of rollers that contact it during transport is reduced compared to a document larger than the specified size, which tends to decrease transport efficiency. For example, when transporting a document with a size of 247 mm or less in the main scanning direction and a size of 210 mm or less in the sub-scanning direction (A5 size or smaller), the transport efficiency decreases by approximately 0.39% compared to a document with a size of 248 mm or more in the main scanning direction. Therefore, the transit time correction unit 204 performs a correction by subtracting 0.39% from the transit time, using 0.39% as the correction value.

[0048] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting observation data to the server 206. Similar to the process in Figure 9, the CPU 201 starts the image reading operation, including this process, by receiving, for example, an image reading start instruction input from the operation unit 202.

[0049] Similar to the processes in S901 and S902 in Figure 9, when the CPU 201 starts the image reading operation, it starts transporting the document 103 and generates transit times t1, t2, and t3 (S101, S102). Also, when the read sensor 112 detects the document 103, the CPU 201 activates the CIS 122 to read the document image from the document 103.

[0050] The CPU 201 determines whether the fed document 103 is a small-sized paper smaller than a predetermined size (S103). The CPU 201 determines whether the document 103 is a small-sized paper based on the detection results of the main scan size detection sensor 117 and the sub-scan size detection sensor 118. For example, if the size determined from the detection results of the main scan size detection sensor 117 and the sub-scan size detection sensor 118 is smaller than a predetermined size, the CPU 201 determines that the document 103 is a small-sized paper. If it is larger than a predetermined size, the CPU 201 determines that the document 103 is not a small-sized paper. Note that the transport efficiency of the document 103 changes depending on whether the length of the document 103 in the sub-scan direction is shorter than a predetermined length. For this reason, the CPU 201 may also determine whether the document 103 is a small-sized paper based on the detection result of the sub-scan size detection sensor 118.

[0051] Furthermore, the determination of whether or not the paper is small size may be made based on information previously set by the user using the operation unit 202. In this case, when the user inputs the instruction to start image reading, the user sets the size of the document 103 to be read using the operation unit 202. The CPU 201 stores the set size in a memory (not shown) and checks the information stored in the memory during processing S103.

[0052] If the original document 103 is on small-sized paper (S103:Y), the CPU 201 corrects the passage times t1, t2, and t3 generated in the S102 process using the passage time correction unit 204 to generate corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3' (S104). The passage time correction unit 204 performs a correction by subtracting a correction value (in this case, 0.39%) from the passage times t1, t2, and t3 generated by the passage time generation unit 203 to generate corrected passage times t1', t2', and t3'.

[0053] If the original document 103 is not small-sized paper (S103:N), or after the correction pass time is generated, the CPU 201 generates observation data and transmits it to the server 206 via the communication unit 207 (S105). If the original document 103 is small-sized paper, the observation data includes the correction pass times t1', t2', and t3'. If the original document 103 is not small-sized paper, the observation data includes the pass times t1, t2, and t3.

[0054] The server 206 models and analyzes the causes of failure in the image reader 100 based on observation data acquired from the image reader 100, and predicts the lifespan of replacement parts. For example, the server 206 makes a decision on part replacement by comparing the passage time or corrected passage time included in the observation data with a threshold T(th) as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the replacement parts are the separation roller pair 108, the transport roller pair 111, and the paper discharge roller pair 114 used for transporting the document 103. Specifically, the replacement of the separation roller pair 108 is determined by the corrected passage time t1'. The replacement of the transport roller pair 111 is determined by the corrected passage time t2'. The replacement of the paper discharge roller pair 114 is determined by the corrected passage time t3'. This makes it possible to quickly identify the replacement part that caused the failure. Because the passage time is corrected according to the size of the document 103, the accuracy of the replacement part lifespan prediction is improved. The improved accuracy of the replacement part lifespan prediction makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance.

[0055] In the above explanation, the correction value used when correcting the pass time was set to 0.39%, but the correction value is not limited to this value. Furthermore, the correction value may be changed according to the size of the document 103. In this case, a table showing the relationship between the size of the document 103 and the correction value is stored on the controller board 200. The CPU 201 determines the correction value based on the size of the document 103 detected by the main scan size detection sensor 117 and the sub-scan size detection sensor 118, and in the S104 process, it causes the pass time correction unit 204 to correct the pass time based on the determined correction value. For example, if the document 103 is A5 size or smaller, the correction value is set to 0.399%, and if it is A4 size or larger, the correction value is set to 0%. The S103 process is omitted, and all pass times are corrected. As a result, a more accurate corrected pass time can be obtained according to the size of the document 103, further improving the accuracy of predicting the lifespan of replacement parts.

[0056] (Image forming apparatus) Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus equipped with the image reading device 100 described in Figure 1. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises an image reading device 100 and a printer 300. The printer 300 acquires image data generated by reading a document from the image reading device 100. The printer 300 forms an image on paper based on the image data. To this end, the printer 300 includes an image forming unit 301 that forms an image on paper. The image forming unit 301 forms an image on paper using a known method such as electrophotography or inkjet.

[0057] In the printer 300, paper is also transported. Similar to the image reading device 100, the transport path of the printer 300 is equipped with multiple transport rollers for transporting paper, multiple sensors for detecting paper, and sensors for detecting the paper's basis weight and size. The time it takes for the paper to pass between the detection positions of each sensor is corrected by the process described in Figure 9 or Figure 11. The passage time or corrected passage time is transmitted as observation data from the image forming apparatus 1 to the server 206.

[0058] Server 206 quickly identifies the cause of failure by modeling and analyzing the causes of failure in the image forming apparatus 1 based on observation data acquired from the image forming apparatus 1. For example, Server 206 makes a decision on part replacement by comparing the transit time or corrected transit time included in the observation data with a threshold T(th) as shown in Figure 8. Because the transit time is corrected according to the paper weight size, the accuracy of predicting the lifespan of replacement parts is improved. This improved accuracy in predicting the lifespan of replacement parts makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance.

[0059] The above description explains a configuration in which the lifespan of replacement parts is predicted by the server 206, but the lifespan prediction may also be performed by the image reading device 100 or the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, a function for performing lifespan prediction (prediction unit) is built into the image reading device 100 or the image forming apparatus 1. The prediction unit is implemented, for example, by the CPU 201. The prediction unit predicts the lifespan of parts by modeling and analyzing the causes of failure based on observed data. Based on the lifespan prediction results from the prediction unit, the part that caused the failure is quickly identified when an error occurs. In this case, the observed data is not transmitted to an external device such as the server 206.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the passage time between sensor detection positions is corrected based on the characteristics of the paper, such as the basis weight and size of the original document 103. The paper characteristics can be any factors that cause a change in the passage time. For example, the transport efficiency of the transport roller changes depending on the surface properties of the paper (rough, smooth). For this reason, the passage time may be corrected by a correction value based on the surface properties of the paper.

[0061] Furthermore, the above configuration is effective not only for the image reading device 100 and the image forming device 1, but also for any device that has a mechanism for transporting paper. In other words, the above configuration is effective for any device that has a paper transport device equipped with transport rollers for transporting paper and multiple sensors for detecting paper.

Claims

1. A transport means for transporting paper, A reading means for reading an image of the paper being transported by the transport means, A plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper being transported by the transport means, A passage time generation means generates the passage time during which the paper is transported between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means, based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means. A passage time correction means that generates a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper, The system is characterized by comprising an output means for outputting observation data including the correction transit time. Image reading device.

2. The output means is characterized by transmitting the observation data to an external device that predicts the lifespan of replaceable parts used for transporting the paper based on the observation data. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. The invention is characterized by comprising a prediction means for predicting the lifespan of replaceable parts used in transporting the paper based on the aforementioned observation data. The image reading device according to claim 1.

4. It is equipped with a second detection means for detecting the characteristics of the aforementioned paper, The passage time correction means is characterized by detecting the characteristics of the paper based on the detection result of the second detection means, and correcting the passage time with a correction value corresponding to the characteristics of the paper to generate the corrected passage time. The image reading device according to claim 1.

5. The second detection means detects the basis weight of the paper, The passage time correction means generates the corrected passage time if the basis weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and does not correct the corrected passage time if the basis weight is less than the predetermined amount. The output means is characterized in that it outputs the observation data including the corrected transit time if the basis weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and outputs the observation data including the transit time if the basis weight is less than the predetermined amount. The image reading device according to claim 4.

6. The second detection means detects the basis weight of the paper, The passage time correction means corrects the passage time using a correction value corresponding to the basis weight to generate the corrected passage time. The output means is characterized by outputting the observed data including the correction transit time. The image reading device according to claim 4.

7. The passage time correction means is characterized by determining the correction value by referring to information showing the relationship between the basis weight and the correction value. The image reading device according to claim 6.

8. The second detection means detects the size of the paper, The passage time correction means generates the corrected passage time if the paper size is smaller than a predetermined size, and does not correct the corrected passage time if the paper size is larger than the predetermined size. The output means is characterized in that if the size of the paper is smaller than the predetermined size, it outputs the observation data including the correction transit time, and if the size of the paper is larger than the predetermined size, it outputs the observation data including the transit time. The image reading device according to claim 4.

9. A transport means for transporting paper, An image forming means for forming an image on paper transported by the transport means, A plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper being transported by the transport means, A passage time generation means generates the passage time during which the paper is transported between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means, based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means. A passage time correction means that generates a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper, The system is characterized by comprising an output means for outputting observation data including the correction transit time. Image forming apparatus.

10. A transport means for transporting paper, A plurality of first detection means for detecting the paper being transported by the transport means, A passage time generation means generates the passage time during which the paper is transported between the detection positions of the plurality of first detection means, based on the detection results of each of the plurality of first detection means. A passage time correction means that generates a corrected passage time by correcting the passage time based on the characteristics of the paper, The system is characterized by comprising an output means for outputting observation data including the correction transit time. Paper transport device.

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