Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, computer program

Abstract

The optimal replacement timing for consumable parts is set for each user. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a replaceable toner container 101 and a controller 109 that changes a lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan when the toner container 101 is replaced according to the timing estimated from its lifespan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a computer program for forming an image on a sheet of paper.

Background Art

[0002] There are various methods of using an image forming apparatus. For example, the image forming apparatus may be used under stable environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), or may be used under changing environmental conditions. Also, there are differences in the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the replacement timing of the consumable parts of the image forming apparatus is often estimated by calculating the life of the consumable parts on the apparatus providing side, but may also be determined by the user's tolerance for image quality. For example, for a user who tolerates deterioration of image quality, the consumable parts may be used without being replaced even after the life of the consumable parts has elapsed.

[0003] When a consumable part reaches the end of its life, the image forming apparatus presents the state of the consumable part by a numerical value such as "100%" or "100", and notifies the user that the consumable part has reached the end of its life. This numerical value means that the consumable part has been used until it cannot guarantee the operation.

[0004] Taking a toner container that stores toner as an example of a consumable part. The remaining toner amount in the toner container is calculated based on the toner amount in the toner container at that time and the dot count at the time of printing (count of the number of dots of each color used for printing). When the remaining toner amount (life) in the toner container becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value and the state where printing is possible but the image quality cannot be guaranteed is reached, it is determined that the consumable part (toner container) has reached the end of its life. However, even when the toner container reaches the end of its life, it does not necessarily mean that printing cannot be performed. If the user is satisfied with the image quality of the printed image, the image forming apparatus is used even after the consumable parts have reached the end of their life.

[0005] On the other hand, image quality may gradually deteriorate even if consumable parts have not reached the end of their lifespan. For example, some photoreceptors have a photosensitive layer formed by polymerizing or crosslinking hole transport compounds with compounds that have unsaturated polymerizable functional groups, and then curing the photosensitive layer, while others have a photosensitive surface composed of amorphous silicon. In the roller charging method, discharge is performed by contacting the surface of the photosensitive material, so nitrogen oxides (NO, NH3NO) can form on the surface of the photosensitive material. x (etc.), silicon oxide (SiO x ), or sulfide oxides (SO x Contaminants such as ) are generated and adhere to the surface of the photoreceptor. As the surface condition of the photoreceptor changes due to these contaminants, the image quality of the printed image gradually deteriorates.

[0006] Conventional photoreceptors have minimal problems caused by contaminant buildup because surface contaminants are removed by rubbing with a cleaning component. However, if the surface of the photoreceptor is hard, contaminants may accumulate without the surface material itself being abraded by the cleaning component. This can lead to problems such as image blurring, as the contaminants, if low-resistance, can reduce the resistance of the photoreceptor surface. Thus, the timing of replacing consumable parts (photoreceptors) based on gradually deteriorating image quality largely depends on the user's tolerance for image quality, making it difficult to determine a uniform lifespan.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that outputs a warning message indicating that toner has been consumed when the amount of toner in the toner container falls below a specified amount, along with information such as usage history. The user can obtain information about the collection destination from the outputted information. The collection destination can obtain information necessary for recycling, such as the usage history of the collected toner container. Patent Document 2 describes displaying a pre-set replacement date on the operation unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-209281 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-9246 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Image forming machines have different replacement timings for consumable parts. Therefore, even if a service technician understands the reason for toner cartridge replacement and usage history, it can be difficult to adjust the timing of inspection visits and subsequent replacements, potentially preventing optimal timing for parts replacement. Furthermore, while it's possible to schedule parts replacements outside of user holidays, adjusting the next replacement timing can be difficult depending on the reason for the consumable part replacement. For example, if consumable parts are replaced as expected, predicting the next replacement timing is easy; however, if replacements are due to malfunctions or other causes, predicting the next replacement timing becomes difficult.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows users to set the optimal replacement timing for consumable parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising replaceable consumable parts, and control means for changing a lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan when the replacement of the consumable parts is performed according to the timing estimated from the lifespan of the consumable parts. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can communicate with an image forming apparatus equipped with replaceable consumable parts, and is characterized by comprising a control means for changing a lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan when the replacement of the consumable parts is performed according to a timing estimated from the lifespan of the consumable parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the optimal replacement timing for consumable parts can be set for each user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating the process for storing lifespan-related information. [Figure 3] An example diagram of the status confirmation screen. [Figure 4] An example diagram of the screen for entering the reason for exchange. [Figure 5] An example diagram of the status confirmation screen. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the process for storing lifespan-related information. [Figure 7] An example diagram of the screen for entering the reason for exchange. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the components described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention to them alone.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram of the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer 105, a document transport unit 106, a scanner 108, a controller 109, a storage unit 114, an operation unit 118, and a network interface 120. The image forming apparatus 100 includes several consumable parts that can be replaced by the user or service technician. The consumable parts are components for performing image forming, such as a toner container 101, a toner waste container 102, a photosensitive drum 103, and a fuser 104, which are detachable from the printer 105.

[0016] The toner container 101 stores the toner used by the printer 105 for printing. The waste toner container 102 stores the waste toner remaining on the image carrier such as the photosensitive drum 103 when the printer 105 prints. Hereinafter, the decrease in the toner stored in the toner container 101 (the consumption of toner) is referred to as "the exhaustion of the toner container 101". The decrease in toner shortens the remaining life of the toner container 101. Also, an increase in the amount of waste toner stored in the waste toner container 102 is referred to as "the exhaustion of the waste toner container 102".

[0017] The printer 105 of the present embodiment forms an image on paper by an electrophotographic method. For this purpose, the printer 105 forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 103 based on the bitmap data generated by the controller 109, and transfers the toner image to the paper. The toner image transferred to the paper is fixed by the fuser 104. The photosensitive drum 103 is a photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on its surface. The toner stored in the toner container 101 decreases by being supplied to a developing device (not shown) for forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 103. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 103 after the transfer of the toner image to the paper is recovered into the waste toner container 102.

[0018] Note that the printer 105 may adopt an inkjet method in which ink, which is a coloring material, is ejected onto paper to form an image. In this case, instead of the toner container 101, an ink tank for storing ink is provided as a consumable part.

[0019] The original document conveyance unit 106 includes an original document feed roller 107. The original document conveyance unit 106 conveys the original document placed on an original document tray (not shown) to the scanner 108 by the original document feed roller 107. The scanner 108 is an optical reading device having a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge - Coupled Device). The scanner 108 scans the original document conveyed from the original document conveyance unit 106 and generates image data representing the image of the original document. The generated image data is stored in the storage 114 and used for printing processing and the like.

[0020] The controller 109 is connected to the printer 105, document transport unit 106, scanner 108, storage 114, operation unit 118, and network interface 120. The controller 109 is an information processing device having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, ROM (Read Only Memory) 111, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 112. The controller 109 also includes a storage control unit 113, printer control unit 115, image reading control unit 116, operation unit control unit 117, network control unit 119, and RTC (Real Time Clock) 124. The CPU 110, ROM 111, RAM 112, storage control unit 113, printer control unit 115, image reading control unit 116, operation unit control unit 117, network control unit 119, and RTC 124 are connected to each other via a bus 125 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0021] The controller 109 comprehensively controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 110 starts the OS (Operating System) using a boot program stored in the ROM 111. The CPU 110 also executes computer programs stored in the storage 114 and ROM 111 on the OS. The RAM 112 is the main memory of the CPU 110 and is also used as a temporary storage area such as the work area.

[0022] The storage control unit 113 accesses the storage 114 based on instructions received from the CPU 110 and reads and writes data. The storage 114 is a read / write non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the storage 114 stores image data, computer programs for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 100, and various application programs.

[0023] Furthermore, storage 114 stores information related to the lifespan of consumable parts. This lifespan information includes information about the lifespan of the consumable parts and information about the number of days remaining until the lifespan of the consumable parts is reached. The number of days remaining until the lifespan of the consumable parts is the number of days the consumable parts can be used, calculated from their lifespan.

[0024] In this embodiment, one CPU 110 uses one RAM 112 to execute each of the processes described later, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storage devices may cooperate to execute each of the processes described later. Furthermore, some of the processes may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0025] The printer control unit 115 controls the operation of the printer 105 based on instructions received from the CPU 110. The printer control unit 115 sends bitmap data generated from image data and control signals to the printer 105, causing the printer 105 to form an image on the paper.

[0026] The image reading control unit 116 controls the operation of the document transport unit 106 and the scanner 108 based on instructions received from the CPU 110. The image reading control unit 116 controls the document transport unit 106 and transports documents one by one to the scanner 108 using the document feed roller 107 provided on the document transport unit 106. The image reading control unit 116 controls the scanner 108 and reads the image of the document transported by the document transport unit 106 to generate image data.

[0027] The operation unit control unit 117 controls the operation unit 118 based on instructions received from the CPU 110. The operation unit 118 is a user interface having 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. In this embodiment, the operation unit 118 is equipped with a touch panel display that combines the input interface and the output interface. The touch panel display functions as a display unit that displays information to the user and a reception unit that receives instructions from the user. The CPU 110 receives various instructions and settings from the input interface of the operation unit 118 via the operation unit control unit 117. The CPU 110 displays various screens on the display of the operation unit 118 via the operation unit control unit 117.

[0028] The network control unit 119 controls the operation of the network interface 120. The network interface 120 is connected to the communication line 121. The communication line 121 is a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), public network, etc. The network interface 120 is a communication interface that controls communication with the maintenance server 123 located on the cloud 122 via the communication line 121. The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with the maintenance server 123 via the network interface 120. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits information about consumable parts to the maintenance server 123 via the network interface 120. The maintenance server 123 is an information processing device that collects and manages information for maintenance and inspection of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the maintenance server 123 manages the lifespan of consumable parts of the image forming apparatus 100 and provides information to service personnel as appropriate.

[0029] The RTC124 is a clock built into the controller 109. The controller 109 uses the RTC124 to calculate, for example, the scheduled replacement date for consumable parts.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with numerous consumable parts that can be replaced by service technicians, users, maintenance personnel, etc. In the following, when "user" is written, it includes not only the user but also service technicians, maintenance personnel, etc.

[0031] As described above, the printer 105 is equipped with consumable parts including a photosensitive drum 103, a toner container 101, a fuser 104, and a waste toner container 102. These consumable parts are detachable from the printer 105 and the document transport unit 106 and are subject to user maintenance. For example, the toner container 101 needs to be replaced when the toner's lifespan (remaining toner amount) falls below a predetermined threshold. The waste toner container 102 needs to be replaced when the amount of toner stored (recovered) in the container without being used for printing exceeds a predetermined threshold. The document transport unit 106 has consumable parts such as the document feed roller 107 that are subject to maintenance and are detachable from the document transport unit 106. For example, the document feed roller 107 needs to be replaced when the transport speed of the documents being transported falls below a predetermined speed.

[0032] The controller 109 performs the process of deriving the usage of consumable parts. For example, the usage of the toner container 101 is derived based on the operating record of the toner container 101, such as the number of times toner is replenished to the developer and life detection by sensors (toner remaining amount detection). In this case, a dot count obtained by counting the number of dots in the image to be printed may also be added as an element to derive the usage. The usage of the waste toner container 102, photosensitive drum 103, fuser 104, and document feed roller 107 is derived based on operating records such as the number of sheets fed (number of image forming operations) and paper travel distance.

[0033] The controller 109 calculates the lifespan and remaining days until the lifespan of a consumable part based on the derived usage, and stores this lifespan-related information in the RAM 112 and storage 114. The lifespan-related information is updated each time the lifespan and remaining days are calculated anew. The lifespan-related information is also stored in a memory device provided in the consumable part. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to read the lifespan and remaining days of the consumable part from its memory device when, for example, a consumable part removed from the image forming apparatus 100 is reinstalled in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0034] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the lifespan-related information storage process performed by the image forming apparatus 100. The lifespan-related information includes information indicating whether consumable parts were replaced systematically according to the timing estimated from their lifespan, or whether they were replaced spontaneously regardless of that timing. To initiate this process, the controller 109 displays a status confirmation screen, as illustrated in Figure 3, on the display unit of the operation unit 118. The status confirmation screen is displayed, for example, by pressing a predetermined key button on the operation unit 118.

[0035] The status confirmation screen 301 includes a status display area 302 and a main display area 303. The status display area 302 displays notifications regarding maintenance events occurring in the image forming apparatus 100, such as messages prompting the replacement of consumable parts, like "Black toner is low. Please prepare to replace it." If multiple maintenance events are occurring, messages related to each maintenance event are displayed alternately in the status display area 302.

[0036] The main display area 303 displays an OK button 304. The OK button 304 is used to close the status confirmation screen 301. When the user presses the OK button 304, the status confirmation screen 301 is closed and another screen is displayed on the operation unit 118. The main display area 303 displays an item 305, a part number 306, a status 307, and maintenance information 308. The item 305 displays the name of the consumable part. The part number 306 displays the part number of the consumable part. The status 307 displays a numerical value indicating the degree of use relative to the lifespan of the consumable part. For example, a value of "100" indicates that the lifespan has been reached. If the status 307 is "100" or higher, it indicates that the operation of the consumable part can no longer be guaranteed. The maintenance information 308 displays a "Replace" button.

[0037] The controller 109 triggers a maintenance event (S201) when the "Execute Replacement" button displayed in the maintenance section 308 for the part to be replaced is pressed on the status confirmation screen 301. The user presses the "Execute Replacement" button when they have replaced the consumable part in response to the message. The controller 109 can confirm that the user has replaced the consumable part (the part to be replaced) by pressing the "Execute Replacement" button.

[0038] The controller 109 generates a maintenance event, which displays a replacement reason input screen on the operation unit 118, as illustrated in Figure 4 (S202). The replacement reason input screen 401 includes a selection screen with a "Planned Replacement" button 402 and an "Other" button 403. "Planned Replacement" is a term that refers to the replacement of consumable parts that have been planned in advance according to the timing estimated from their lifespan.

[0039] For the maintenance and management of the image forming apparatus 100, service technicians make regular visits to the apparatus 100 under their management. A visit schedule is created based on the wear and tear of parts and predictions of failures. The schedule ensures that consumable parts are replaced at the optimal time. Planned parts replacement minimizes the lead time required for service technician visits and parts delivery, thereby reducing equipment downtime. In this planned replacement system, consumable parts are replaced at the timing specified in the schedule.

[0040] The user selects either the "Scheduled Replacement" button 402 or the "Other" button 403 from the selection screen of the replacement reason input screen 401 using the operation unit 118, and then presses the OK button 404. The "Scheduled Replacement" button 402 is selected when replacing parts according to a plan. In a scheduled replacement, consumable parts are replaced at the optimal timing for the user's image tolerance and maintenance management, based on the lifespan of the consumable parts and the number of days remaining until their lifespan, which are set in advance by the provider of the image forming apparatus 100. The "Other" button 403 is selected when replacing parts at an unscheduled time. For example, if a part is replaced due to a sudden abnormal image caused by a malfunction, the "Other" button 403 is selected.

[0041] The controller 109 determines whether the "Planned Replacement" button 402 has been selected (S203). If the "Planned Replacement" button 402 is selected (S203:Y), the controller 109 changes the life prediction algorithm and terminates the process (S204). If the "Other" button 403 is selected (S203:N), the controller 109 terminates the process without changing the life prediction algorithm. The life prediction algorithm is an algorithm for calculating the lifespan of consumable parts and the number of days remaining until the lifespan, and is set for each consumable part.

[0042] In Figure 3, when the value of state 307 is "95" and a consumable part is replaced, the consumable part will be replaced when its remaining lifespan is "5". In Figure 3, the toner container 101 of the black toner corresponds to the consumable part in this case. In planned replacement, replacing the consumable part when its remaining lifespan is "5" is considered to correspond to the value of state 307 being "100". In this embodiment, the lifespan prediction algorithm for the consumable part is changed after the planned replacement of the consumable part.

[0043] The value of status 307 for the black photosensitive drum is "120," which is 20 points above "100." However, if the user does not report an abnormal image and the black photosensitive drum is replaced within the scheduled replacement timeframe, the value of status 307 will change from "120" to "100." In this way, regardless of how much the value of status 307 is relative to "100," the life prediction algorithm is changed when the "Scheduled Replacement" button 402 is selected. In this embodiment, consumable parts are replaced within a range of ±20 points from the value of status 307 relative to "100."

[0044] If the value of state 307 exceeds "20" relative to "100", it means that the image forming apparatus 100 will be modified more than anticipated by the provider. Therefore, the controller 109 may display a confirmation screen after the "Change Plan" button 402 is pressed to ask if the user really wants to make the change. By setting state 307 to "100", which is the optimal timing for planned replacement, premature replacement and missed replacements can be prevented, and the user's tolerance for image quality can also be reflected.

[0045] In other words, in planned replacement, ideally, consumable parts are replaced when state 307 is "100," corresponding to the lifespan of the replacement part. However, in reality, planned replacement is performed when the value of state 307 is shifted by a predetermined number from "100." That is, consumable parts are replaced at a timing that has a predetermined difference from the replacement timing predicted from lifespan. To achieve this, the lifespan prediction algorithm is modified according to the value of state 307 (the amount of deviation from lifespan) when a planned replacement is performed, so that consumable parts are replaced at the replacement timing predicted from lifespan.

[0046] If the "Other" button 403 is selected during processing S203, the life prediction algorithm will not be changed because the replacement is due to a reason other than a planned replacement, as described above. If the "Other" button 403 is selected, a selection screen may be displayed on the operation unit 118 to allow the user to manually make a final decision on whether or not to change the life prediction algorithm. If the selection screen instructs the user to change the life prediction algorithm, the controller 109 will change the life calculation algorithm.

[0047] In this embodiment, the life prediction algorithm is represented by a prediction formula. The prediction formula is designed by combining various parameters. When the "Planned Replacement" button 402 is selected, the prediction formula (life prediction algorithm) is updated by changing each parameter. In this embodiment, the prediction formula of the life prediction algorithm is stored as a computer program in ROM 111 or storage.

[0048] Figure 5 is an example of a status confirmation screen based on lifespan-related information after replacement of consumable parts. Compared to the status confirmation screen in Figure 3, the values ​​for the black toner container 101 and the black photosensitive drum status 507 have been changed to "100". The lifespan prediction algorithm is changed based on the timing of the planned replacement, so that the status 507 on the status confirmation screen is the optimal value. When the system recognizes that a planned replacement has been made and the "Planned Replacement" button 402 is pressed, the lifespan prediction algorithm is changed, and the optimal replacement timing for the consumable part is displayed on the status confirmation screen.

[0049] Lifespan-related information may be presented to the user through screens other than the status confirmation screen. For example, lifespan-related information may be presented to the user by printing it on paper. Alternatively, lifespan-related information may be presented to service personnel by sending it via email or other means to their terminal devices or the maintenance server 123.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 100 may display a status confirmation screen and a replacement reason input screen on the maintenance server 123 or a terminal device used by a service technician, in response to requests from those devices. In this case, service technicians and maintenance personnel can remotely change the life prediction algorithm via the maintenance server 123, etc., without having to go to the installation site of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, service technicians and maintenance personnel can transfer the status from the maintenance server 123 to another unit and change the life prediction algorithm.

[0051] In the above explanation, the "black toner container 101" and the "black photosensitive drum" were used as examples of consumable parts. However, the consumable parts may also include at least one of the following: the toner container 101, the waste toner container 102, the photosensitive drum 103, the fuser 104, and the document feed roller 107.

[0052] The information selected on the replacement reason input screen is sent to ROM 111 or maintenance server 123 and stored as user data. This user data is used at service centers for service planning and at design sites as market information for development and design. According to this embodiment, predetermined values ​​can be changed and displayed to values ​​suitable for planned replacements that respond to various user requests.

[0053] (modified version) In the replacement reason input screen shown in Figure 4, there are two selectable buttons: the "Planned Replacement" button 402 and the "Other" button 403. However, more selectable buttons may be provided. Increasing the number of selectable buttons would allow users and service technicians to input more detailed reasons for replacing consumable parts.

[0054] There are three main reasons for replacing consumable parts in the image forming apparatus 100: (1) Carry out the replacement as planned (planned replacement) (2) Replace the parts at the site based on the planned replacement of other parts (simultaneous replacement) (3) Replace images as abnormal images or errors occur (sudden replacement)

[0055] Simultaneous replacement is often done to reduce the number of service technician visits required for replacement. To minimize travel time for visits, and when it's anticipated that another visit will be necessary soon, other consumable parts are replaced at the same time as planned replacements, even if it's not the scheduled replacement timing. In this case, the other consumable parts are often replaced earlier than their scheduled replacement timing.

[0056] An unexpected replacement is performed when a faulty part causes an unforeseen failure that necessitates replacing the part. These unexpected replacements are often urgent and result in downtime.

[0057] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the life-related information storage process by the image forming apparatus 100 in this case. The processes S601 to S604 are the same as the processes S201 to S204 in Figure 2. However, the replacement reason input screen displayed in S602 is different from that in Figure 4. Figure 7 is an example of the replacement reason input screen displayed in the process of S602 in Figure 6.

[0058] The life prediction algorithm is not changed except for planned replacements. This is because, in simultaneous replacements, the consumable parts are often replaced earlier than the planned replacement timing. Setting state 307 to "100" at that point would mean that subsequent part replacements are not at an appropriate time. Similarly, the life prediction algorithm is not changed for unexpected replacements. As mentioned above, unexpected replacements cannot be predicted in advance and should not be included in life calculations.

[0059] The selection screen for inputting the reason for replacement, as illustrated in Figure 7, includes a "Planned Replacement" button 702, a "Simultaneous Replacement" button 703, a "Sudden Replacement" button 704, and an "Other" button 705. The "Other" button 705 is provided to accommodate special reasons other than the three reasons mentioned above.

[0060] If the "Simultaneous Replacement" button 703 is selected (S603:N, S605:Y), the controller 109 terminates processing without changing the life prediction algorithm. If the "Sudden Replacement" button 704 is selected (S605:N, S606:Y), the controller 109 terminates processing without changing the life prediction algorithm. If the "Other" button 607 is selected (S606:N, S607), the controller 109 terminates processing without changing the life prediction algorithm.

[0061] If the "Simultaneous Replacement" button 703, the "Sudden Replacement" button 704, or the "Other" button 705 is selected, the life prediction algorithm will not be changed because the replacement is due to a reason other than a planned replacement, as described above. If the "Simultaneous Replacement" button 703, the "Sudden Replacement" button 704, or the "Other" button 705 is selected, a selection screen may be displayed on the operation unit 118 to allow the user to manually make a final decision on whether or not to change the life prediction algorithm. If the selection screen instructs the user to change the life prediction algorithm, the controller 109 will change the life calculation algorithm.

[0062] The number of times each button selected on the selection screen of the replacement reason input screen is selected may be sent to the maintenance server 123. Based on the number of times each button is selected, the maintenance server 123 will be able to understand the usage status of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0063] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment changes its lifespan prediction algorithm when the replacement reason entered by the user is a planned replacement. This allows planned replacements by service personnel to optimize the displayed lifespan status according to the user's tolerance for image quality and the timing of planned replacements set by each service center. To this end, the optimal replacement timing for consumable parts can be set for each user, reducing the burden on service personnel.

[0064] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. For example, the maintenance server 123 may perform the processing shown in Figure 2 or Figure 6. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

Claims

1. Replaceable consumable parts, The invention is characterized by comprising: a control means for changing a lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan when the replacement of the consumable part is carried out according to the timing estimated from the lifespan of the consumable part; Image forming apparatus.

2. The control means is characterized by calculating the lifespan of the consumable part and the number of days remaining until the lifespan is reached, based on the lifespan calculation algorithm. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control means is characterized by displaying a numerical value indicating the degree of use relative to the lifespan of the calculated consumable parts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control means is characterized by calculating the number of days remaining until the end of life according to the degree of use of the consumable part, and storing the calculated number of days remaining. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The control means is characterized by displaying a screen for selecting whether or not the replacement of the consumable parts was performed at the aforementioned timing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The control means is characterized by displaying a first button on the screen indicating that the replacement of the consumable part was performed at the specified timing, and a second button indicating that it was performed for any other reason, and changing the life calculation algorithm when the first button is selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The control means is characterized in that when the second button is selected, it displays a selection screen to choose whether or not to change the life calculation algorithm. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The control means is characterized in that it displays on the screen a first button indicating that the replacement of the consumable part was performed at the specified timing, a second button indicating that it was performed for any other reason, a third button indicating that it was performed simultaneously with other parts, and a fourth button indicating that it was performed in response to an error, and when the first button is selected, the life calculation algorithm is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

9. The control means is characterized in that when the second button, the third button, or the fourth button is selected, it displays a selection screen to choose whether or not to change the life calculation algorithm. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The control means is characterized by displaying a message prompting the replacement of the consumable parts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

11. An image forming apparatus equipped with replaceable consumable parts and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with it, The invention is characterized by comprising a control means for changing the lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan when the replacement of the consumable part is performed according to the timing estimated from the lifespan of the consumable part. Information processing device.

12. An image forming apparatus equipped with replaceable consumable parts and a communication-enabled information processing apparatus, In cases where the replacement of the consumable parts is carried out according to the timing estimated from the lifespan of the consumable parts, a control means for changing the lifespan calculation algorithm for calculating the lifespan is provided. Computer program.

Images