Image forming apparatus, image forming system, control method, and program

Abstract

This will allow us to appropriately encourage users to use features they have been refraining from using, once those features have been improved through a firmware update. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 41 that records the number of times each of a plurality of functions that are operated by the execution of firmware 23 in history information 18, an update unit 42 that updates firmware 23, an identification unit 43 that identifies functions whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until firmware 23 is updated when firmware 23 is updated, and an notification unit 45 that notifies the user to use the functions identified by the identification unit 43 when firmware 23 is updated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) operates a function selected by a user among a plurality of functions by executing firmware. If there is a defect in the firmware, the function selected by the user does not operate normally. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with a defect in the firmware may not be able to output an output that satisfies the user.

[0003] Conventionally, when a defect occurs in an image forming apparatus, an image forming system has been proposed in which a server searches for firmware capable of handling the defect and transmits the searched firmware to the image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional technique eliminates the defect by updating the firmware using the firmware transmitted from the server to the image forming apparatus.

[0004] However, the above conventional technique cannot eliminate the defect when there is no firmware corresponding to the defect when the defect occurs in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user refrains from using the defective function.

[0005] For example, when jams frequently occur while the user is using a specific function, the user calls a service technician to request improvement. However, if the service technician cannot identify the cause of the defect even after inspecting the operating mechanism of the image forming apparatus, there is a high possibility that there is a defect in the firmware. At that time, there may be no released firmware to eliminate the defect. In that case, the user uses the image forming apparatus in a mode that avoids using a specific function as much as possible. If such a usage mode continues for a long time, the mode of not using a specific function becomes the norm for the user.

[0006] Subsequently, when firmware that resolves the bug is released, the image forming apparatus's firmware is updated. At this time, the malfunctioning function may be improved, and the malfunction of the image forming apparatus may be resolved. However, the points that are improved by a firmware update are not limited to one, but can be numerous. Therefore, simply notifying the user of the points improved by the firmware update makes it difficult for the user to determine whether it relates to a function they are refraining from using. Consequently, users may continue to refrain from using certain functions when using the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-200536 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above problems. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control method, and a program that can appropriately encourage users to use improved functions when functions that users have refrained from using are improved by firmware updates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: a recording unit that records the number of uses of each of a plurality of functions that operate when firmware is executed in history information; an update unit that updates the firmware; an identification unit that identifies a function whose number of uses has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated when the firmware is updated by the update unit; and a notification unit that notifies the user to use the function identified by the identification unit when the firmware is updated by the update unit.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined period is the period from a past firmware update to the current firmware update.

[0011] The invention according to claim 3 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit which determines whether the function specified by the specification unit has been improved by the firmware update when the firmware is updated by the update unit, and the notification unit which, when the determination unit determines that the function has been improved, provides notification prompting the use of the function specified by the specification unit.

[0012] The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the notification unit does not provide notification prompting the use of the function specified by the specification unit if the determination unit determines that the function has not been improved.

[0013] The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprises a management unit that manages alternative function information in which alternative functions corresponding to each of the plurality of functions are registered, the identification unit detects an alternative function corresponding to a specific function by referring to the alternative function information, and if the number of times the specific function is used has decreased and the number of times the alternative function corresponding to the specific function is used has increased during the predetermined period, the identification unit determines the specific function to be notified, and the notification unit provides notification to encourage the use of the specific function determined to be notified by the identification unit.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that performs user authentication and identifies a user, wherein the recording unit records the number of uses for each user identified by the authentication unit, the identification unit identifies a function whose number of uses for the user identified by the authentication unit has decreased when the firmware is updated by the update unit, and the notification unit notifies the user identified by the authentication unit to use the function identified by the identification unit.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the function identified by the identification unit is a function that cooperates with the communication partner device, the notification unit causes the communication partner device to provide notification prompting the communication partner device to use the function identified by the identification unit.

[0016] The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a server are communicated together, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has a recording unit that records the number of times each of a plurality of functions that are operated by the execution of firmware is used in history information, and the server is characterized by comprising: an update unit that updates the firmware of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses; an identification unit that acquires the history information from the image forming apparatus whose firmware has been updated by the update unit and identifies a function whose number of uses has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated; and a notification unit that, when the image forming apparatus whose firmware has been updated by the update unit is used by a user, causes the image forming apparatus to notify the user to use the function identified by the identification unit.

[0017] The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the image forming system of claim 8, the server further comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring firmware to be updated, and a notification unit for notifying each of the administrators of the plurality of image forming devices when firmware is acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0018] The invention according to claim 10 is a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a recording step of recording the number of uses of each of a plurality of functions that operate when firmware is executed in history information; an update step of updating the firmware; an identification step of identifying a function whose number of uses has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated, when the firmware is updated by the update step; and a notification step of providing notification to encourage the use of the function identified in the identification step, when the firmware is updated by the update step.

[0019] The invention according to claim 11 is a control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the predetermined period is the period from a past firmware update to the current firmware update.

[0020] The invention according to claim 12 is a control method according to claim 10, further comprising a determination step which determines whether the function identified in the specific step has been improved by the firmware update when the firmware has been updated by the update step, and the notification step which, when it is determined by the determination step that the function has been improved, provides notification to encourage the use of the function identified in the specific step.

[0021] The invention according to claim 13 is a control method according to claim 12, characterized in that the notification step does not provide notification prompting the use of the function identified in the identification step if it is determined by the determination step that the function has not been improved.

[0022] The invention according to claim 14 is a program executed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it causes the image forming apparatus to execute a recording step of recording the number of uses of each of a plurality of functions that operate when firmware is executed in history information; an update step of updating the firmware; an identification step of identifying a function whose number of uses has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated when the firmware is updated by the update step; and a notification step of providing notification to encourage the use of the function identified in the identification step when the firmware is updated when the firmware is updated by the update step.

[0023] The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that, in the program of claim 14, the predetermined period is the period from a past firmware update to the current firmware update.

[0024] The invention according to claim 16 is the program according to claim 14, further comprising a determination step of determining, in the image forming apparatus, whether or not the function specified in the specifying step has been improved by the current firmware update when the firmware is updated by the updating step, and the notification step is configured to perform a notification prompting the use of the function specified in the specifying step when it is determined by the determination step that the function has been improved.

[0025] The invention according to claim 17 is the program according to claim 16, wherein the notification step is configured not to perform a notification prompting the use of the function specified in the specifying step when it is determined by the determination step that the function has not been improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, when there is a function that the user has refrained from using due to a firmware defect and the defect is improved by firmware update, it becomes possible to appropriately prompt the user to use the improved function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functions realized by executing the firmware and the program. <0000?107>It is a diagram showing a normal stapling state and a stapling state when a defect occurs in a setting where two locations at the left end of the sheet are stapled. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a normal stapling state in a setting where one location at the upper left of the sheet is stapled. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of history information. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of a function identified by a specific part. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of update information. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the recording unit. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the update unit. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the identification unit, the judgment unit, and the notification unit. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit by the notification unit. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of alternative function information that is pre-registered in an image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the identification unit, the judgment unit, and the notification unit. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the image forming system in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] This block shows an example of a server configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements common to all are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations of these elements will be omitted.

[0029] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. This image forming apparatus 1 is configured as, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Printer). The image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a paper feeding unit 3 and a post-processing unit 4 are assembled to a device body 2 equipped with scanning, printing, and copying functions. The device body 2 includes a paper feeding section 5, an image forming section 6, an image reading section 7, a document transport section 8, and an operation panel 9.

[0030] The paper feeding unit 5 and the image forming unit 6 operate when the print or copy function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The paper feeding unit 5 feeds sheets of paper, such as printing paper, one at a time from a paper feeding cassette designated by the user among several paper feeding cassettes to the image forming unit 6. The image forming unit 6 forms an image on the sheet fed from the paper feeding unit 5 and transports it to the post-processing unit 4. For example, the image forming unit 6 forms an image on the sheet using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image forming unit 6 can also form an image on one or both sides of the sheet fed from the paper feeding unit 5.

[0031] The paper feeding unit 3 can accommodate a large number of sheets and feeds sheets to the image forming unit 6 instead of the paper feeding section 5. For example, if the user specifies the paper feeding unit 3 as the source of the sheets, the image forming apparatus 1 feeds sheets from the paper feeding unit 3 and transports them to the image forming unit 6. The image forming unit 6 forms an image on the sheets fed from the paper feeding unit 3.

[0032] The image reading unit 7 and the document transport unit 8 operate when the scanning or copying function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The document transport unit 8 picks up documents one by one from multiple documents set by the user and automatically transports them to the image reading position by the image reading unit 7. The image reading unit 7 optically reads the image of the document as it passes through the image reading position and generates image data. If the document set by the user is a double-sided document, the document transport unit 8 transports the document to the image reading position, then flips the front and back of the document and transports it back to the image reading position. This allows the image reading unit 7 to read images on both sides of the document in a series of operations.

[0033] The document transport unit 8 can open and close the top surface of the image reading unit 7. The image reading unit 7 has a platen glass on its top surface, and can also read images of documents placed on the platen glass.

[0034] The post-processing unit 4 has functions to perform various post-processing operations on the sheets discharged from the image forming unit 6. For example, the post-processing unit 4 has a stapling function to staple together multiple sheets on which images have been formed in the image forming unit 6. The post-processing unit 4 also has functions to saddle-stitch the sheets and to fold the sheets in the middle. Furthermore, the post-processing unit 4 can also discharge the sheets from the image forming unit 6 without performing any post-processing operations. The post-processing unit 4 has multiple discharge trays 4a, 4b, and 4c, and discharges the sheets into one of these multiple discharge trays 4a, 4b, or 4c.

[0035] The control panel 9 is provided as a user interface for when a user uses the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 9 displays various setting screens that the user can configure and accepts user operations. The image forming apparatus 1 reflects the setting values ​​specified by the user on the setting screens into the job settings. The image forming apparatus 1 then executes the job specified by the user.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a connection interface 10, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, on the front side of the apparatus body 2. The connection interface 10 is an interface for connecting an external storage device 11, such as a USB memory stick, to the apparatus body 2. When the external storage device 11 is connected to the connection interface 10, the image forming apparatus 1 can acquire the data stored in the external storage device 11.

[0037] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 20 inside. The control unit 20 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 20 includes a processor 21 and a storage unit 22. The processor 21 is a hardware processor consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The storage unit 22 is composed of non-volatile memory. The storage unit 22 stores firmware 23 and a program 24.

[0038] Firmware 23 is a software program executed by the processor 21 to control the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 described above. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is started up, the processor 21 reads firmware 23 from the storage unit 22 and executes it.

[0039] Program 24 is a program that is executed by the processor 21 when the image forming apparatus 1 is started up, together with the firmware 23. For example, program 24 can cause the processor 21 to perform actions in conjunction with the actions of the firmware 23.

[0040] The control unit 20 is connected via bus 25 to the paper feeding unit 3, document transport unit 8, image reading unit 7, paper feeding unit 5, image forming unit 6, post-processing unit 4, and communication interface 14. Therefore, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 controls the operation of each of the paper feeding unit 3, document transport unit 8, image reading unit 7, paper feeding unit 5, image forming unit 6, post-processing unit 4, and communication interface 14 via bus 25. The communication interface 14 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 1 to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) for communication.

[0041] The post-processing unit 4 is equipped with a stapler 13. The stapler 13 is a mechanism that staples multiple sheets together when the stapling function is selected by the user. The number and position of staples driven by the stapler 13 can be specified by the user. Therefore, when the user selects the stapling function, they configure the job details by specifying the number and position of staples.

[0042] An operation panel 9 is connected to the control unit 20. The operation panel 9 comprises a display unit 15 and an operation unit 16. The display unit 15 is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display and displays various screens. The operation unit 16 is composed of, for example, touchscreen keys and accepts user input. The processor 21 of the control unit 20 controls the screen displayed on the display unit 15 and detects user input to the operation unit 16.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 20 is connected to the connection interface 10. Therefore, when the external storage device 11 is connected to the connection interface 10, the processor 21 of the control unit 20 can acquire the data stored in the external storage device 11. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the external storage device 11 may contain an updated firmware 28. In that case, the processor 21 can acquire the firmware 28 stored in the external storage device 11 and update the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22.

[0044] The updated firmware 28 is accompanied by update information 29. Update information 29 describes the changes made by firmware 28 compared to the previous version. By acquiring both firmware 28 and update information 29, the processor 21 can understand the changes made by the version upgrade.

[0045] Furthermore, a storage device 17 is connected to the control unit 20. The storage device 17 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). For example, history information 18 is stored in the storage device 17. The history information 18 is information that records the execution history of jobs in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0046] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functions realized by the processor 21 executing firmware 23 and program 24. By executing firmware 23, the processor 21 functions as a job control unit 31. Furthermore, by executing program 24, the processor 21 functions as a recording unit 41, an update unit 42, a identification unit 43, a determination unit 44, and a notification unit 45.

[0047] The job control unit 31 accepts job setting operations from the user and controls the execution of the job specified by the user. For example, in the case of a print job, the job control unit 31 drives the paper feed unit 3, paper feed section 5, image forming section 6, and post-processing unit 4 to execute the job, reflecting the setting values ​​of the various setting items specified by the user. If the user has selected the stapling function, the job control unit 31 drives the stapler 13 of the post-processing unit 4 when the job is executed to staple the positions specified by the user. For example, if the user has set the sheet to be stapled at two locations on the left edge, the job control unit 31 drives the stapler 13 and staples at the two locations on the left edge of the sheet. Also, for example, if the user has set the sheet to be stapled at one location on the top left, the job control unit 31 drives the stapler 13 and staples at the top left location of the sheet.

[0048] However, if there is a problem with firmware 23, it may not be possible to insert staples at the desired location for the user. Figure 4 shows the normal stapling state and the stapling state when a problem occurs, when the setting is to staple the two left edges of the sheet. Figure 4(a) shows the normal stapling state. When there is no problem with firmware 23, the job control unit 31 inserts staples 39 at even positions in the vertical direction on the left edge of the sheet. In contrast, Figure 4(b) shows the stapling state when a problem occurs. If there is a problem with firmware 23, as shown in Figure 4(b), the staples 39 inserted on the left edge of the sheet may be positioned lower than in the normal state. In this case, the stapling state will be uneven at the top and bottom of the left edge of the sheet, resulting in an output that will not satisfy the user.

[0049] On the other hand, the malfunction of firmware 23 occurs only when the setting is to staple the two left edges of the sheet, and may not occur when the setting is to staple the top left corner of the sheet. Figure 5 shows the normal stapling state when the setting is to staple the top left corner of the sheet. When the malfunction does not occur when the setting is to staple the top left corner of the sheet, the staple 39 is driven into the appropriate position in the top left corner of the sheet, as shown in Figure 5.

[0050] If the setting to staple the two left edges of the sheet frequently results in the malfunction shown in Figure 4(b), the user will refrain from using the two-point stapling function. If changing the setting to staple the top left corner of the sheet results in a printed document with normal stapling, as shown in Figure 5, the user will switch from the two-point stapling function to the one-point stapling function. If the cause of the stapling malfunction lies in firmware 23, the user will continue to use the image forming apparatus 1 while refraining from using the two-point stapling function until firmware 23 is updated.

[0051] Returning to Figure 3, the recording unit 41 works in conjunction with the job control unit 31 to record the job execution history of the image forming apparatus 1 in the history information 18. Specifically, the recording unit 41 records the number of times each of the multiple functions that are operated by the execution of the firmware 23 is used in the history information 18.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of history information 18. As shown in Figure 6, history information 18 is information that records the number of times each function that can be executed in the image forming apparatus 1 has been used. For example, the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 include major items, medium items, and minor items. These items correspond to the setting items that can be set by the user in the image forming apparatus 1. The job control unit 31 enables the function selected by the user from among these multiple functions and executes the job. When a job is executed by the job control unit 31, the recording unit 41 obtains the job setting information from the job control unit 31. The recording unit 41 then identifies the function used in the current job from among the multiple functions and updates the number of uses in the history information 18.

[0053] The usage count in the history information 18 records the number of uses over a fixed period, such as one month. The history information 18 also retains usage counts for multiple periods. For example, the history information 18 records the number of uses over a fixed period since the last firmware update. Note that the past firmware update may be the previous firmware update. Also, the usage count over a fixed period recorded in the history information 18 does not have to be on a monthly basis. For example, the fixed period may be in units of 10 days or one week.

[0054] When a job is executed by the job control unit 31, the recording unit 41 updates the usage count of the "This Month" column. For example, if the user uses the two-location stapling function, the recording unit 41 updates the usage count of the "This Month" column corresponding to the two-location stapling. Also, if the user uses the one-location stapling function, the recording unit 41 updates the usage count of the "This Month" column corresponding to the one-location stapling. Therefore, each time a job is executed in the image forming apparatus 1, the usage count of the functions used in that job is updated by the recording unit 41.

[0055] The update unit 42 updates the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22. For example, if an external storage device 11 is attached to the connection interface 10, the update unit 42 determines whether or not firmware 28 is stored in the external storage device 11. If firmware 28 is stored in the external storage device 11, the update unit 42 compares the versions of firmware 23 of the storage unit 22 and firmware 28 of the external storage device 11. The update unit 42 then determines whether or not firmware 28 of the external storage device 11 is a newer version than firmware 23 of the storage unit 22.

[0056] If the firmware 28 of the external storage device 11 is a newer version than the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22, the update unit 42 reads the firmware 28 and update information 29 from the external storage device 11 and saves them to the storage device 17. The update unit 42 then notifies the administrator or user that the firmware 23 update preparation is complete. If the administrator or user requests an update of the firmware 23, the update unit 42 reads the firmware 28 from the storage device 17 and installs it to the storage unit 22. This updates the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22 to an upgraded version. After the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22 is upgraded and updated, the update unit 42 restarts the image forming apparatus 1. When the image forming apparatus 1 is restarted, the processor 21 reads the updated firmware 23 from the storage unit 22 and executes it. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 operates with the updated firmware 23.

[0057] The identification unit 43 functions when the firmware 23 is updated by the update unit 42. When the firmware 23 of the storage unit 22 is updated, the identification unit 43 reads history information 18 from the storage device 17. The identification unit 43 then identifies functions whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated. For example, the identification unit 43 compares the usage counts for each period recorded in the history information 18 and identifies functions whose usage count has decreased significantly.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of a function identified by the identification unit 43. In the example shown in Figure 7, the number of times the two-point stapling function was used last month was 1391, while the number of times it was used this month was 463. In other words, the number of times it was used this month has decreased to about 33% of the number of times it was used last month. In such a case, the identification unit 43 identifies the two-point stapling function as a function whose usage has decreased over a predetermined period. For example, if there is a function whose usage has decreased to less than 50% of the usage in a previous period over a certain period, the identification unit 43 identifies that function as a function whose usage has decreased.

[0059] Furthermore, the predetermined period during which the specific unit 43 determines a decrease in usage count is, for example, the period from a previous firmware update to the current firmware update. This is because if there is a function whose usage count has decreased within the period from a previous firmware update to the current firmware update, it is considered that the decrease in usage count is due to a defect in the previously updated firmware. Note that the previous firmware update may be the most recent firmware update.

[0060] If the identification unit 43 identifies a function whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated, it activates the determination unit 44. Conversely, if the identification unit 43 fails to identify a function whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated, it does not activate the determination unit 44.

[0061] The determination unit 44 determines whether the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved by the firmware update 23. The determination unit 44 reads the update information 29 stored in the storage device 17 and makes a determination based on the update information 29.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an example of update information 29. Update information 29 is information written in text format that includes the firmware 28 version information, newly added functions by firmware 28, specification changes by firmware 28, and bug fixes by firmware 28. If firmware 28 includes fixes for multiple bugs, the bug fix details column in update information 29 will describe all of those fixes.

[0063] The determination unit 44 refers to the bug fix details column in the update information 29 and determines whether the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved. For example, if the identification unit 43 has identified a two-location stapling function, the determination unit 44 performs a text search of the bug fix details column using "two-location stapling" as a keyword. If the keyword is found in the bug fix details column, the determination unit 44 determines that the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved in this firmware update. Conversely, if the keyword is not found in the bug fix details column, the determination unit 44 determines that the function identified by the identification unit 43 has not been improved.

[0064] If the determination unit 44 determines, after referring to the update information 29, that the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved, it activates the notification unit 45. If the determination unit 44 determines that the function identified by the identification unit 43 has not been improved, it does not activate the notification unit 45.

[0065] The notification unit 45 provides notifications to the user to encourage the use of the functions identified by the specific unit 43. For example, the notification unit 45 displays a message on the display unit 15 of the operation panel 9 indicating that a function whose usage has decreased has been improved, or a message encouraging the use of the improved function. For example, even if many functions are improved by updating the firmware 23, the notification unit 45 will only display messages related to the functions identified by the specific unit 43. Therefore, if a function that the user has been refraining from using is improved by updating the firmware 23, the image forming apparatus 1 can appropriately encourage the user to use the improved function.

[0066] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the recording unit 41. The recording unit 41 determines whether or not a job has been executed by the job control unit 31 (step S10). If the job has not been executed (NO in step S10), the processing by the recording unit 41 ends. If the job has been executed (YES in step S10), the recording unit 41 obtains the job configuration information from the job control unit 31 (step S11). Based on this configuration information, the recording unit 41 identifies the function used by the user and records the number of uses in the history information 18 (step S12). That is, the recording unit 41 adds the number of uses used in the current job to the number of uses recorded in the history information 18 and updates the history information 18. This completes the processing by the recording unit 41.

[0067] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the update unit 42. The update unit 42 determines whether or not it is possible to update the firmware 23 (step S20). For example, the update unit 42 determines that it is possible to update the firmware 23 if the firmware 28 is stored in the external storage device 11 attached to the connection interface 10. If it determines that it is possible to update the firmware 23 (YES in step S20), the update unit 42 saves the firmware 28 and update information 29 stored in the external storage device 11 to the storage device 17 (step S21). Subsequently, if the update unit 42 receives an instruction to update the firmware 23 from the administrator or user, it reads the firmware 28 from the storage device 17 and starts the firmware update process for the firmware 23 stored in the storage unit 22 (step S22).

[0068] When the firmware update process for 23 is completed (YES in step S23), the update unit 42 sets an update flag (step S24). The update flag is on / off information that is set, for example, in a predetermined recording area of ​​the storage unit 22 or the storage device 17. After setting the update flag, the update unit 42 restarts the image forming apparatus 1 (step S25). This completes the processing by the update unit 42.

[0069] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the identification unit 43, the determination unit 44, and the notification unit 45. The identification unit 43 starts the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 when the image forming apparatus 1 is started. The identification unit 43 determines whether or not the update flag is set when the image forming apparatus 1 is started (step S30). If the update flag is not set (NO in step S30), the processing based on the flowchart ends.

[0070] If the update flag is set (YES in step S30), the identification unit 43 reads the history information 18 (step S31). The identification unit 43 analyzes the history information 18 and determines whether there are any functions whose usage count has decreased during the predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated (step S32). If, as a result, there are no functions whose usage count has decreased (NO in step S32), the identification unit 43 clears the update flag (step S37) and terminates the process based on the flowchart.

[0071] On the other hand, if there is a function whose usage count has decreased (YES in step S32), the identification unit 43 identifies the function whose usage count has decreased (step S33). Then the judgment unit 44 functions. The judgment unit 44 reads the update information 29. By analyzing the update information 29, the judgment unit 44 determines whether the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved (step S34). If the identified function has not been improved (NO in step S34), the judgment unit 44 clears the update flag (step S37) and terminates the process based on the flowchart. Conversely, if the function identified by the identification unit 43 has been improved (YES in step S34), the judgment unit 44 activates the notification unit 45.

[0072] The notification unit 45 determines whether or not it has detected user operation on the operation panel 9 (step S35). If the notification unit 45 detects user operation (YES in step S35), it executes notification processing (step S36). That is, the notification unit 45 notifies the user that a function whose usage has decreased has been improved and encourages the user to use the improved function. Therefore, the notification unit 45 can appropriately notify the user at the timing when the image forming apparatus 1 is used by the user after the image forming apparatus 1 has been started. After notifying the user, the notification unit 45 clears the update flag (step S37). This completes the processing by the identification unit 43, the determination unit 44, and the notification unit 45.

[0073] Figure 12 shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 15 by the notification unit 45. When the notification unit 45 displays a notification screen like the one shown in Figure 12, the user recognizes that the two-point stapling function, which they had been refraining from using due to a malfunction, has been fixed, and tries to use the two-point stapling function again. Therefore, the notification by the notification unit 45 can encourage the user to use a function that they have been using less frequently.

[0074] Furthermore, the notification method provided by the notification unit 45 is not limited to displaying a notification screen on the display unit 15. For example, the notification unit 45 may also provide notification to the user by outputting sound from a speaker.

[0075] In the above example, the identification unit 43 identifies a function whose usage frequency has decreased, and then the determination unit 44 functions to determine whether the identified function has been improved by updating the firmware 23. However, the identification unit 43 may activate the notification unit 45 without activating the determination unit 44 after identifying a function whose usage frequency has decreased. For example, all functions of the image forming apparatus 1 may be improved by updating the firmware 23. In that case, the notification unit 45 may prompt the user to use the function whose usage frequency has decreased, as identified by the identification unit 43.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, when the firmware 23 is updated by the update unit 42, the image forming apparatus 1 activates the identification unit 43 to identify functions whose usage frequency has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated. When the identification unit 43 identifies a function whose usage frequency has decreased, the notification unit 45 is configured to notify the user to use the identified function. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 can appropriately encourage the user to use the improved function if the function that the user has been refraining from using is improved by the firmware 23 update.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the functions realized by the processor 21 executing firmware 23 and program 24 in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the processor 21 functions as a job control unit 31 and an authentication unit 32 by executing firmware 23.

[0079] The authentication unit 32 identifies the user by performing user authentication when the user uses the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the authentication unit 32 performs user authentication based on the user ID and password entered into the operation panel 9. Alternatively, the authentication unit 32 may identify the user by performing biometric authentication. Once the authentication unit 32 has identified the user, it transitions the image forming apparatus 1 from the logout state to the logged-in state.

[0080] The job control unit 31 functions when the image forming apparatus 1 enters a logged-in state. Once the system enters a logged-in state, the job control unit 31 accepts job setting operations from the logged-in user. Furthermore, when the job control unit 31 detects a job execution instruction from the logged-in user, it starts the execution of the job in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0081] When a job is executed by the job control unit 31, the recording unit 41 acquires the job configuration information. In addition, the recording unit 41 acquires user information regarding the logged-in user along with the job configuration information. Based on the job configuration information, the recording unit 41 identifies the functions used in the current job and updates the usage count in the history information 18. At this time, the recording unit 41 records the usage count in the history information 18 for each user identified by the authentication unit 32. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment maintains the history information 18 shown in Figure 6 for each user.

[0082] Subsequently, when the firmware 23 is updated by the update unit 42, the image forming apparatus 1 is restarted. After the restart, the processor 21 activates the identification unit 43, the judgment unit 44, and the notification unit 45.

[0083] The identification unit 43 functions after the firmware 23 has been updated, when user authentication is performed by the authentication unit 32 and the user is identified during that user authentication. The identification unit 43 then refers to the history information 18 to identify the functions whose usage count has decreased for the user identified by the authentication unit 32. In other words, the identification unit 43 identifies the functions whose usage count has decreased for the user during a predetermined period up to the current firmware update. Once the identification unit 43 can identify the functions whose usage count has decreased for the user identified by the authentication unit 32, the identification unit 43 activates the determination unit 44.

[0084] Similar to the first embodiment, the determination unit 44 determines whether a function whose usage frequency by the user has decreased has been improved by updating the firmware 23. If the function whose usage frequency by the user has decreased has been improved, the determination unit 44 activates the notification unit 45. The notification unit 45 then notifies the user identified by the authentication unit 32 to use the function identified by the identification unit 43.

[0085] In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment notifies users whose usage of the improved function has decreased due to the firmware update 23, but does not notify users whose usage of the improved function has not decreased. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can effectively encourage users whose usage of the improved function has decreased to use it. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 avoids giving unnecessary notifications to users who are not using the improved function or who continue to use it without noticing the malfunction.

[0086] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the update flag set when firmware 23 is updated be set for each user. Furthermore, in this embodiment, aspects other than the configuration and operation described above are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0087] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. When a user refrains from using a particular function due to a malfunction, if the image forming apparatus 1 has an alternative function, the user will use that alternative function. For example, if the two-point stapling function in the post-processing unit 4 frequently malfunctions, the user will use the one-point stapling function as an alternative to the two-point stapling function. In this case, the number of times the malfunctioning specific function is used decreases, while the number of times the alternative function is used increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which a specific function is determined to be the target of notification when the number of times the specific function is used decreases and the number of times the alternative function is used increases.

[0088] Figure 14 shows an example of alternative function information 19 that is pre-registered in the image forming apparatus 1. The alternative function information 19 is information that registers a basic function and an alternative function that is used in place of that basic function. For example, the alternative function information 19 registers a one-point stapling function as an alternative function to the two-point stapling function. This alternative function information 19 is stored in the storage device 17 or the storage unit 22. The alternative function information 19 is then managed by the identification unit 43. In other words, the identification unit 43 operates as a management unit that manages the alternative function information 19.

[0089] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 21 in the third embodiment. The identification unit 43 functions after the firmware 23 has been updated by the update unit 42 and the user has been identified by user authentication by the authentication unit 32. The identification unit 43 identifies functions whose usage count has decreased by the user identified by the authentication unit 32 by referring to the history information 18.

[0090] When the identification unit 43 can identify a function whose usage frequency by the user has decreased, it reads out the alternative function information 19. The identification unit 43 then identifies an alternative function corresponding to the function whose usage frequency by the user has decreased. For example, if the usage frequency of the two-point stapling function has decreased in the history information 18, the identification unit 43 refers to the alternative function information 19 and identifies the one-point stapling function as an alternative function to the two-point stapling function.

[0091] Once the identification unit 43 identifies an alternative function, it again refers to the history information 18 and determines whether the number of times the alternative function has been used has increased during the predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated. For example, the identification unit 43 determines that the number of times the alternative function has been used has increased if the number of uses in a certain period has increased by 50% or more compared to the number of uses in previous periods. For example, in the history information 18 shown in Figure 7, the number of uses of the single-point stapling function, which is an alternative function to the two-point stapling function, has increased from 534 times last month to 1498 times this month, an increase of approximately 280%. Therefore, the identification unit 43 determines that the number of times the single-point stapling function, which is an alternative function, has been used has increased.

[0092] The specific unit 43 then determines that the number of times the alternative function is being used is increasing, and decides to notify the user of the function whose usage is decreasing. In other words, the specific unit 43 decides to notify the user of a specific function if the number of times the function is being used is decreasing and the number of times the alternative function corresponding to that function is being used is increasing.

[0093] Furthermore, the identification unit 43 may determine whether the timing of the increase in the number of times the alternative function is used coincides with the timing of the decrease in the number of times the user uses a function that is being used less frequently. For example, in the case of the history information 18 shown in Figure 7, the timing of the increase in the number of times the one-point staple function is used coincides with the timing of the decrease in the number of times the two-point staple function is used. When the number of times the alternative function is used increases when the number of times a particular function is being used decreases, it is clear that the user has started using the alternative function because they have refrained from using the particular function. Therefore, if the identification unit 43 determines that the number of times the alternative function is being used is increasing, it may decide to target the particular function if the timing of the increase in usage coincides with the timing of the decrease in usage of the particular function.

[0094] When the identification unit 43 determines that a specific function is to be notified, it activates the determination unit 44. The determination unit 44 determines whether the function determined by the identification unit 43 as the target of notification has been improved by the firmware update 23. If the function has been improved by the firmware update 23, the determination unit 44 activates the notification unit 45. The notification unit 45 then issues a notification prompting the user to use the function determined by the identification unit 43 as the target of notification.

[0095] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the identification unit 43, the determination unit 44, and the notification unit 45. The image forming apparatus 1 performs user authentication based on the user's operation and identifies the user (step S40). The image forming apparatus 1 then activates the identification unit 43.

[0096] The specific unit 43 determines whether or not an update flag indicating that the firmware 23 has been updated is set (step S41). If the update flag is not set (NO in step S41), the process based on the flowchart ends.

[0097] If the update flag is set (YES in step S41), the identification unit 43 reads the history information 18 (step S42). The identification unit 43 analyzes the history information 18 and determines whether there are any functions whose usage count has decreased during the predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated (step S43). If, as a result, there are no functions whose usage count has decreased (NO in step S43), the identification unit 43 clears the update flag (step S50) and terminates the process based on the flowchart.

[0098] On the other hand, if there is a function whose usage count has decreased (YES in step S43), the identification unit 43 identifies the function whose usage count has decreased (step S43). Next, the identification unit 43 refers to the alternative function information 19 and detects an alternative function for the function whose usage count has decreased (step S44). Once an alternative function is detected, the identification unit 43 again refers to the history information 18 and determines whether the usage count of the alternative function has increased during the predetermined period until the firmware 23 is updated (step S46). If the usage count of the alternative function has not increased as a result (NO in step S46), the identification unit 43 clears the update flag (step S50) and terminates the processing based on the flowchart.

[0099] Furthermore, if the number of times the alternative function is used is increasing (YES in step S46), the identification unit 43 determines that the function whose usage by the user has decreased is the function to be notified (step S47). Then the decision unit 44 functions. The decision unit 44 reads the update information 29. By analyzing the update information 29, the decision unit 44 determines whether or not the function to be notified, as determined by the identification unit 43, has been improved (step S48). If the result is that the function to be notified has not been improved (NO in step S48), the decision unit 44 clears the update flag (step S50) and terminates the processing based on the flowchart. On the other hand, if the function to be notified has been improved (YES in step S48), the decision unit 44 activates the notification unit 45. Then the notification unit 45 executes the notification process (step S49). That is, the notification unit 45 notifies the user that the function whose usage has decreased has been improved and encourages the user to use the improved function.

[0100] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the usage frequency of a substitute function corresponding to a particular function has increased when the usage frequency of that function has decreased, and then decides whether to issue a notification via the notification unit 45. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can appropriately determine whether a function is being refrained from by the user due to a malfunction in the firmware 23.

[0101] In this embodiment, aspects other than the configuration and operation described above are the same as those described in the first or second embodiment.

[0102] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 17 shows image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b in the fourth embodiment. The image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b can communicate with each other. For example, the image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b are registered with each other as recipient devices for sending and receiving faxes. The fax sending and receiving function of the image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b has two functions. The first function is to send and receive 400dpi images, but it is not possible to send or receive 600dpi images. The second function is to send and receive 600dpi images, and it is also possible to receive 400dpi images.

[0103] Here, we assume a scenario where, in image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b, if the second function is selected, a malfunction in firmware 23 causes an error in fax transmission and reception, whereas if the first function is selected, fax transmission and reception can be performed normally. In this case, users of image forming apparatuses 1a and 1b will refrain from using the second function and will instead use the first function.

[0104] Subsequently, when a new version of firmware 28 is released and firmware 23 of image forming apparatus 1a is updated, image forming apparatus 1a notifies the user to use the second function. However, even if the second function is set in image forming apparatus 1a, if the first function remains set in image forming apparatus 1b, which is the communication partner device, FAX transmission and reception cannot be performed normally. Therefore, when the notification unit 45 of image forming apparatus 1a notifies the user to use the second function, it sends a command to image forming apparatus 1b to make a similar notification. At this time, if firmware 23 has not been updated in image forming apparatus 1b, the notification unit 45 also commands image forming apparatus 1b to simultaneously provide a firmware update notification. As a result, image forming apparatus 1b can notify the user to use the second function at a timing synchronized with image forming apparatus 1a.

[0105] Thus, in this embodiment, if the function identified by the identification unit 43 is a function that connects to a communication destination device, the notification unit 45 causes the communication destination device to notify the device to use the function identified by the identification unit 43. As a result, the functions that cooperate with each other in the image forming apparatus 1a and 1b are set by each user almost simultaneously, and they can perform their coordinated operations appropriately.

[0106] In this embodiment, aspects other than the configuration and operation described above are the same as those described in any of the first to third embodiments.

[0107] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 18 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system in this embodiment. This image forming system has a configuration in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 and a server 50 are connected to each other via a network 51 so that they can communicate with each other. The server 50 can also communicate with an external server 52.

[0108] The external server 52 is a server that provides firmware 28 to be applied to each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1. When a new version of firmware 28 is registered with the external server 52, server 50 downloads and obtains that firmware 28 from the external server 52. Once server 50 has obtained the firmware 28, it updates the firmware 23 of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1.

[0109] Each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 stores firmware 23. Each image forming apparatus 1 has multiple functions that operate by executing its firmware 23. In addition, each image forming apparatus 1 records the number of times a function specified by the user has been used in history information 18.

[0110] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of server 50. Server 50 comprises a control unit 60 and a communication interface 68. The control unit 60 has a processor and a storage unit. The communication interface 68 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 1 and the external server 52.

[0111] The control unit 60 functions as an acquisition unit 61, a notification unit 62, an update unit 63, a identification unit 64, a determination unit 65, and a notification unit 66 when the processor executes a predetermined program.

[0112] The acquisition unit 61 downloads and acquires the new version of firmware 28 from the external server 52. In other words, the acquisition unit 61 acquires the firmware 28 to be updated in each image forming apparatus 1. When the acquisition unit 61 downloads the firmware 28, it also simultaneously downloads and acquires the update information 29 attached to the firmware 28.

[0113] The notification unit 62 notifies each administrator of the multiple image forming apparatus 1 when the firmware 28 is acquired by the acquisition unit 61. In this case, it is preferable that the notification unit 62 sends a notification with update information 29 attached. When the administrator receives a notification with update information 29 attached, they can know in advance which problems will be resolved by updating the firmware 23. For example, if the post-processing unit 4 does not operate normally due to a problem with the firmware 23, the image forming apparatus 1 may be used with the post-processing unit 4 disconnected. If the notification unit 62 notifies the administrator that the problem with the post-processing unit 4 will be resolved, the administrator can install the post-processing unit 4 into the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the firmware 23 of the image forming apparatus 1 is updated. This prevents the image forming apparatus 1 from being left in a state where the function whose problem has been resolved cannot be used.

[0114] The update unit 63 updates the firmware 23 of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1. For example, the update unit 63 updates the firmware 23 when an update instruction is received from the administrator of each image forming apparatus 1. That is, the update unit 63 transfers the firmware 28 to the image forming apparatus 1 and sends an update command for the firmware 23. As a result, each image forming apparatus 1 updates its firmware 23.

[0115] The identification unit 43 acquires history information 18 from the image forming apparatus 1 whose firmware 23 has been updated by the update unit 63. Based on the history information 18, the identification unit 43 identifies functions whose usage frequency has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware 23 was updated. Once the identification unit 43 identifies functions whose usage frequency has decreased, it activates the determination unit 65.

[0116] The determination unit 65 refers to the update information 29 and determines whether a function in the image forming apparatus 1 whose usage frequency has decreased has been improved. If the function has been improved, the determination unit 65 activates the notification unit 66.

[0117] The notification unit 66 causes the image forming apparatus 1, whose firmware 23 has been updated by the update unit 63, to issue a notification prompting the user to use the function specified by the specification unit 43 when the image forming apparatus 1 is used by the user. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 with updated firmware 23 prompts the user to use the improved function based on instructions from the server 50.

[0118] Furthermore, the functions of the server 50 described above may be installed in any one of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1. (modified version) Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are applicable.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 3 and a post-processing unit 4. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be configured without a paper feeding unit 3 or a post-processing unit 4.

[0120] Furthermore, the above embodiment mainly described an example in which the two-point stapling function malfunctions due to firmware 23. However, the function that malfunctions due to firmware 23 is not limited to the two-point stapling function. That is, even if a malfunction occurs in a function other than the two-point stapling function due to firmware 23, the malfunction may be improved by updating firmware 23. In that case, the image forming apparatus 1 can notify the user to use the improved function.

[0121] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates a case where the program 24 is pre-stored in the storage unit 22 of the control unit 20. However, the program 24 described above is not limited to one pre-stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the program 24 can be traded on its own. Therefore, the program 24 may be provided in a form that can be downloaded via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program 24 may be provided recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory stick or CD-ROM.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given where the program 24 executed by the processor 21 is a separate program from the firmware 23. However, the program 24 described above may also be a program incorporated into the firmware 23. In this case, the functions realized by the program 24 are realized as functions of the firmware 23. The program 24 is then provided to the image forming apparatus 1 together with the firmware 23. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1. Image forming apparatus 17 Storage device 18. History Information 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Firmware 24 Programs 29 Update information 31 Job Control Unit 32 Authentication Department 41 Records Section 42 Update section 43 Specific part 44 Judgment Department 45 Hochi Department 50 servers 61 Acquisition Department 62 Notification Department 63 Update section 64 Specific part 65 Judgment Department 66 Hochi Department

Claims

1. A recording unit that records the number of times each of the multiple functions that operate when the firmware is executed is used in the history information, The firmware update unit, When the firmware is updated by the update unit, the identification unit identifies a function whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated, When the firmware is updated by the update unit, the notification unit provides notification prompting the use of the function identified by the specific unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined period is the period from a previous firmware update to the current firmware update.

3. When the firmware is updated by the update unit, the determination unit determines whether or not the function identified by the identification unit has been improved by this firmware update. Furthermore, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit provides notification prompting the use of the function identified by the identification unit when the determination unit determines that the function has been improved.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the notification unit does not provide notification prompting the use of the function identified by the identification unit if the determination unit determines that the function has not been improved.

5. A management unit that manages alternative function information in which alternative functions corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple functions are registered. Furthermore, The specified unit detects an alternative function corresponding to a specific function by referring to the alternative function information, and if the number of times the specific function is used has decreased and the number of times the alternative function corresponding to the specific function is used has increased during the predetermined period, it determines that the specific function is to be notified. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit provides notification prompting the use of the specific function determined as a notification target by the specific unit.

6. Authentication unit that performs user authentication to identify the user, Furthermore, The recording unit records the number of uses for each user identified by the authentication unit. When the firmware is updated by the update unit, the identification unit identifies the function whose usage count has decreased for the user identified by the authentication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit provides notification to a user identified by the authentication unit, prompting them to use the function identified by the identification unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit causes the communication partner device to notify the communication partner device to use the function identified by the identification unit when the function identified by the identification unit is a function that cooperates with the communication partner device.

8. An image forming system in which multiple image forming apparatuses and a server are connected in a communication manner, Each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses has a recording unit that records the number of times each of the plurality of functions that are operated by the execution of the firmware is used in the history information. The aforementioned server is An update unit for updating the firmware of each of the aforementioned multiple image forming apparatuses, An identification unit acquires the history information from the image forming apparatus whose firmware has been updated by the update unit, and identifies a function whose usage count has decreased during a predetermined period until the firmware is updated. When the image forming apparatus whose firmware has been updated by the update unit is used by a user, the notification unit causes the image forming apparatus to provide notification prompting the use of the function specified by the specific unit, An image forming system characterized by comprising the following features.

9. The aforementioned server is An acquisition unit that acquires the firmware to be updated, When firmware is acquired by the acquisition unit, a notification unit notifies the administrator of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses, The image forming system according to claim 8, further comprising the following:

10. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus, A recording step that records the number of times each of the multiple functions that are operated by the execution of the firmware is used in the history information, Firmware update steps, If the firmware is updated by the update step, the following steps are taken: to identify the function whose usage count has decreased during the predetermined period until the firmware is updated; If the firmware is updated by the update step, a notification step is made to prompt the use of the function identified in the specific step, A control method characterized by having the following features.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the predetermined period is the period from a past firmware update to the current firmware update.

12. If the firmware is updated by the update step, a determination step is taken to determine whether the function identified in the specific step has been improved by this firmware update. It further possesses, The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that the notification step provides notification to encourage the use of the function identified in the specific step when it is determined by the determination step that the function has been improved.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that if the notification step determines that the function has not been improved by the determination step, the notification step does not provide notification prompting the use of the function identified in the identification step.

14. A program executed in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus, A recording step that records the number of times each of the multiple functions that are operated by the execution of the firmware is used in the history information, Firmware update steps, If the firmware is updated by the update step, the following steps are taken: to identify the function whose usage count has decreased during the predetermined period until the firmware is updated; If the firmware is updated by the update step, a notification step is made to prompt the use of the function identified in the specific step, A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

15. The program according to claim 14, characterized in that the predetermined period is the period from a previous firmware update to the current firmware update.

16. The image forming apparatus, If the firmware is updated by the update step, a determination step is taken to determine whether the function identified in the specific step has been improved by this firmware update. Let's execute this further, The program according to claim 14, wherein the notification step provides notification to encourage the use of the function identified in the specific step when it is determined by the determination step that the function has been improved.

17. The program according to claim 16, characterized in that if the notification step determines that the function has not been improved by the determination step, it does not provide notification prompting the use of the function identified in the identification step.

Images