Image processing device, method by which the image processing device performs actions, and program

Abstract

This technology provides a way to easily analyze anomalies occurring in image processing equipment. [Solution] When the status button is pressed by the user (YES in S2901), the image processing device 103 acquires history data of abnormal status of the image processing device (S2902) and displays first information indicating the abnormality, such as the parts list 507, in the information display area. If an abnormal event is selected from the first information (YES in S2903) and the usage status button 506 is pressed, a third piece of information showing the first piece of information, which is the abnormality, in chronological order, and a second piece of information showing the usage history are displayed on a single chronological sequence in the information display area (S2912).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for displaying information in an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Maintenance work of an image processing apparatus (or an image forming apparatus) is performed regularly or at a timing as needed. In maintenance work, information of the image processing apparatus is required to identify the cause of trouble. For example, in trouble shooting when paper jams frequently occur, information such as the paper feeding stage where jams frequently occur, the type of recording paper, the place of occurrence, and the installation environment is required, and the countermeasure method changes depending on the content of the information necessary for the maintenance. Therefore, a technique for providing trouble information and apparatus information related to the trouble to a service technician is known. For example, an image processing apparatus displays information such as the life of parts and information at the time of an error or jam as trouble information, and displays values of temperature and humidity and the history of cassette operations as apparatus information.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for displaying by associating time information with each of error information acquired from an image forming apparatus and information indicating a method for resolving an error input to the image forming apparatus (or an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with this). The information indicating the method for resolving an error is, for example, a message (text data) indicating the method for resolving an error input to the image forming apparatus or the like by an operator. The time information corresponding to the error resolution method is, for example, the time when the message was input. Specific examples of the method for resolving an error include cleaning and parts replacement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, displaying error information and its resolution method in association with time information is effective because it allows users to identify resolution methods from past errors. However, it is difficult for service technicians to analyze the cause of new errors or other anomalies and identify resolution methods.

[0006] This disclosure provides a technology that enables easy analysis of anomalies occurring in an image processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit and a management means for managing the history of the state and usage of the image processing apparatus, an information display area for displaying either first information indicating an abnormality in the state of the image processing apparatus or second information indicating the usage history, a first operation area for receiving an operation to switch between the display of the first information and the display of the second information, and a second operation area for receiving an operation to select the first information in the information display area, wherein the processing means performs a process of displaying a screen on the display unit, the screen including these two areas. When the first information is displayed and an operation to the second operation area is received, the processing means performs a process of displaying a third piece of information indicating the first information in chronological order and the second information on one time series within the information display area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to easily analyze abnormalities occurring in an image processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a system having an image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image processing device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of a processing function indicating functions related to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen when there is an abnormality in the image processing apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a top screen when there is no abnormality in the image processing apparatus. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a parts life screen. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a status details screen. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a trouble detection screen. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a dirt details screen. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an error screen. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an error details screen. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a jam screen. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a jam details screen. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a temperature change screen. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a humidity change screen. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a printed sheet count screen. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a cassette history screen. [Figure 18] It shows the history data used to display parts life information. [Figure 19] It shows the history data used to display trouble detection information. [Figure 20] It shows the history data used to display error information. [Figure 21] It shows the history data used to display jam information. [Figure 22] It shows the temperature data used to display temperature change information. [Figure 23] It shows the humidity data used to display humidity change information. [Figure 24] Shows the print count data used to display the print count information. [Figure 25] Shows the cassette operation data used to display the cassette history information. [Figure 26] It is a flowchart showing an example of the display process of the top screen including the activation process of the status monitor. [Figure 27] It is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] It is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] It is a flowchart showing an example of the display process of the usage screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 30] In the second embodiment, it is an example of the usage screen displayed in S2912. [Figure 31] In the second embodiment, it is another example of the usage screen displayed in S2912. [Figure 32] It is an example of the usage screen displayed when the temperature button is selected from the state where the screen of FIG. 31 is displayed.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Not all of the plurality of features in the embodiments of the present disclosure are essential, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated configurations. Duplicate descriptions are omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to the same or similar configurations in the drawings.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system having an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. The system of this embodiment includes an image processing device 103, a server PC (personal computer) 101, and a client PC 102. These image processing device 103, server PC 101, and client PC 102 are connected to each other via a network.

[0012] The network is a communication network realized by one or a combination of, for example, a LAN, WAN, telephone line, dedicated digital line, ATM, frame relay line, cable television line, wireless line for data broadcasting, etc. Multiple image processing devices 103 may be installed in a single local area.

[0013] The image processing device 103 is a multifunction copier (MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral). Specifically, the image processing device 103 includes printing, copying, facsimile transmission, and scanning functions. In addition to copying paper documents, the image processing device 103 also has the ability to print print data sent from an external printer driver. Furthermore, the image processing device 103 has a function (SEND function) to read paper documents and send the image data to an external file server or email address. Moreover, the image processing device 103 also has functions (remote copying function, facsimile transmission function) to send data to other image processing devices for printing at the receiving device.

[0014] The image processing device 103 is assumed to be connected by Ethernet (registered trademark), but this is merely an example. All other information processing devices (server PC 101, client PC 102) may be composed of the same computer. Alternatively, the system may consist only of the image processing device 103 by implementing these information processing devices on the image processing device 103. The information processing device used in this embodiment may not be a PC, but a terminal device other than a PC or a smartphone. The printing method of the image processing device 103 used in this embodiment may be electrophotographic, inkjet, or any other method.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of the image processing device> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image processing device 103. The image processing device 103 includes a controller unit 200, an operating unit 212, various sensors 255, a scanner 270, and a printer 295.

[0016] The controller unit 200 connects to the image input device, the scanner 270, and the image output device, the printer 295, and also connects to Ethernet® and public telephone lines to input and output image information and device information.

[0017] The controller unit 200 includes a CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 203, HDD (hard disk drive) 204, and an operation interface 206. The controller unit 200 also includes a network interface 210, a modem 250, SRAM 209, an image bus interface 205, and an RTC (real-time clock) 211. Each of these units is connected to the system bus 207.

[0018] Furthermore, the controller unit 200 includes a RIP (raster image processor) 260, a device interface 220, a scanner image processing unit 280, a printer image processing unit 290, an image rotation unit 230, and an image compression / decompression unit 240. Each of these units is connected to the image bus 208.

[0019] The CPU 201 is a controller that controls the image processing unit 103. The RAM 202 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 201, and also serves as image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 203 is the boot ROM, which stores the system's boot program. The HDD 204 stores system software, applications, and image data.

[0020] Furthermore, in addition to CPU201, other PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) may be used. Alternatively, ASICs (Application Specification Integrated Circuits) or DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) may be used. In addition, devices with storage media other than HDD204 may be used. Examples of storage media other than HDD204 include flash memory, SSDs (Solid State Drives), optical storage media, or magneto-optical storage media.

[0021] The control unit I / F 206 is an interface unit with the control unit 212, which has a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the control unit 212. The control unit I / F 206 also transmits information entered by the user from the control unit 212 to the CPU 201. The network I / F 210 connects to the network and performs information input and output.

[0022] MODEM250 connects to the public network and performs information input and output. SRAM209 is a high-speed, non-volatile recording medium. RTC211 continues to count the current time even when the controller unit 200 is not powered on.

[0023] The Image Bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge that connects the System Bus 207 and the Image Bus 208, which transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The Image Bus 208 is configured as, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE 1394.

[0024] RIP260 converts PDL code into a bitmap image.

[0025] The device interface 220 connects to various sensors 255 to acquire the status of the image processing device. The device interface 220 also connects the scanner 270 and printer 295 to the controller unit 200 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

[0026] The scanner image processing unit 280 performs correction, processing, and editing on the input image data. The printer image processing unit 290 performs correction (printer correction), resolution conversion, etc., on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 230 rotates the image data. The image compression / decompression unit 240 performs image compression and decompression processing.

[0027] <Software configuration of the image processing device> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing function among the units in the image processing device 103 that is relevant to this embodiment. As shown in the description of Figure 2, the CPU 201 executes part or all of the program stored in the ROM 203 on the RAM 202, thereby realizing the functions of the functional units described below and the processing related to the flowchart described later.

[0028] The display unit 302 displays the status and operation menu of the image processing device 103 on the operation unit 212. The input unit 303 receives operation instructions from the user. The history management unit 304 processes the information and stores the history of the status and usage of the image processing device 103 in the history DB. The history management unit 304 is an example of a management means for managing the history of the status and usage of the image processing device 103. The status of the image processing device 103 refers to, for example, part lifespan, trouble detection, errors, and jams, as will be described later. The usage status of the image processing device 103 refers to, for example, temperature, humidity, number of printed pages, and cassette history, as will be described later.

[0029] The control unit 301 controls the display unit 302, the input unit 303, and the history management unit 304. The control unit 301, or mainly the CPU 201, is an example of a processing means that performs display processing mainly on the display unit 302 based on the history information of the state and usage status managed by the history management unit 304.

[0030] <Screen configuration according to the embodiment> Next, the status monitor screen, which displays the status and history of the image processing device 103 for service personnel, will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 15. The status monitor screen is displayed on the operation unit 212 of the image processing device 103, but it is not intended for general users and can only be activated by special operations. In addition, the screen data described in Figures 4 to 15 is displayed based on the data recorded in the history management unit 304.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of the top screen 400 when there is an abnormality in the image processing device 103. The display unit 302 maps the location and type of the abnormality in the image processing device onto the cross-sectional view 401 of the image processing device using icons (icon images). The paper transport path is also shown in the cross-sectional view 401, allowing service technicians to determine whether the abnormality is likely to affect the use of the main functions of the image processing device, such as scanning and printing. The paper transport path is shown as a dotted line in the cross-sectional view 401, but it may also be shown as other lines or figures.

[0032] Legend 402 for the types of anomalies shows the types and contents of icons that are mapped and displayed on the cross-sectional view 401. The type indicates whether a deteriorated part needs to be replaced, whether a check is required due to a problem, or whether there are areas where jams are occurring or occurring frequently. The information about the anomaly (content, type, etc.) and the coordinates of the location where the anomaly occurred on the cross-sectional view 401 are predetermined in a 1:1 or multiple:1 relationship.

[0033] The areas where part lifespan 403, trouble detection 404, error 405, and jam 406 are displayed are notification areas that display (notify) abnormal information occurring in the image processing device 103. These notification areas include buttons for transitioning to detailed screens, and for example, the entire notification area is an operation area that accepts user input. The usage status button 407 is also an operation area that accepts user input to display usage status, as described above, but it does not have a notification area.

[0034] The content that can be displayed in each notification area is limited by the screen area; therefore, anomalies are displayed from top to bottom in order of priority, and if they cannot all be displayed, the number of remaining anomalies is displayed under "Other." On the other hand, both icons indicating what to display and icons indicating what to hide are displayed on cross-sectional view 401.

[0035] Furthermore, the top screen 400 may also display information about anomalies that are not shown on the cross-sectional view 401 and whose location within the image processing device 103 cannot be identified. Examples of anomalies whose location within the image processing device 103 cannot be identified include system errors. Such information about anomalies whose location cannot be identified may be notified as, for example, under the category of Error 405, or as under other categories, or other categories not described here.

[0036] Anomaly information is assigned a priority, and the order of priority is predetermined. Anomaly information includes, for example, anomalies that require action and anomalies that are recommended to be taken action. The priority of anomalies that require action is set higher than the priority of anomalies that are recommended to be taken action. For example, for part lifespan 403, the priority of "replacement required" is set higher than "replacement recommended," and in the case of the same level, the sorting order follows that of the part lifespan screen described later.

[0037] Regarding the priority of 404 trouble detection, "Check Required" is set higher than "Check Recommended," and if they are at the same level, the order will follow the order shown on the trouble detection screen described later.

[0038] Error 405 displays currently occurring errors in descending order of occurrence date and time. For Error 405, the priority order may be set to descending order of occurrence date and time, or it may be set to ascending order of occurrence date and time. Alternatively, the priority order may be set by other criteria.

[0039] Regarding the priority of Jam 406, "Jam in Progress" (an anomaly requiring action) is set higher than "Frequent Jams" (an anomaly for which action is recommended). If they are at the same level, they are displayed in descending order of occurrence date and time, similar to the Jam screen described later. Note that the priority of anomaly information in each category may be set to three or more levels.

[0040] In the example in Figure 4, part lifespan 403 indicates, using icons corresponding to legend 402, that drum unit Y needs to be replaced, and that drum units M and C are nearing the end of their lifespan (replacement recommended). Part lifespan 403 also indicates that there is one other part nearing the end of its lifespan, i.e., nearing the end of its service life. When the notification area for part lifespan 403 (or the strip-shaped button labeled "Part Lifespan" at the top of the notification area) is pressed, the user is taken to the part lifespan screen described later.

[0041] If multiple anomaly entries exist for the same location on the cross-sectional view 401, the icon corresponding to the anomaly with the highest priority will be displayed.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 4, the Trouble Detection 404 icon indicates that there are two items requiring check and one item recommended for check. When the notification area for Trouble Detection 404, or the button at the top of that notification area, is pressed, the user is redirected to the Trouble Detection screen described later.

[0043] Error 405, as shown in the example in Figure 4, uses icons to indicate that there are two errors currently occurring. The reason why no icon is displayed for Error 405 is that many system-related errors cannot be definitively located at a specific position on the cross-sectional view. When the notification area for Error 405, or the button at the top of that notification area, is pressed, the user is redirected to the error screen described later.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 4, Jam 406 uses icons to indicate that there is one ongoing jam, one frequent jam, and two other notifications. When the notification area for Jam 406, or the button at the top of that notification area, is pressed, the user is redirected to the jam screen, which will be described later.

[0045] The usage status button 407 is a button that takes you to the usage status screen, which will be described later.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the top screen 400 when there are no abnormalities in the image processing device 103. Since there are no abnormalities in the cross-sectional view 401, no icons are displayed in the legend 402. "No notifications" is displayed in each notification area (403-406), allowing service technicians to recognize at a glance that there are no abnormalities. In this way, service technicians can obtain information on the presence or absence of abnormalities in the entire image processing device, as well as the location and content of any abnormalities, from the top screen 400, allowing them to quickly identify areas that require immediate attention and begin work immediately. Furthermore, service technicians can consider efficient work procedures, such as grouping together and addressing abnormalities in areas that are close to each other on the cross-sectional view 401.

[0047] Figure 6 shows the parts life screen 500, which is displayed when the parts life 403 button on the top screen 400 is pressed. At the top of the screen, buttons for switching screens are displayed: a back button 501, a parts life button 502, a trouble detection button 503, an error button 504, a jam button 505, and a usage status button 506. The back button 501 is used to return to the top screen. When the trouble detection button 503, error button 504, jam button 505, or usage status button 506 is pressed, the user transitions to the respective detailed screen. These buttons 501 to 506 are also displayed on each of the detailed screens described later, allowing service technicians to easily switch between the detailed screens. Therefore, it becomes easier to compare the information displayed on each screen and deduce the cause of the abnormality.

[0048] The part lifespan screen 500 also displays the cross-sectional view 401 and the legend 402, but the icons displayed are limited to those of the part.

[0049] Parts list 507 displays a list showing the status of replacement parts. Each column in parts list 507 displays the "part name," "status," and the "number of sheets of paper used" after the part was replaced.

[0050] In parts list 507, the "status" is displayed as a level meter icon with four levels, corresponding to the part's status value. For example, level "0" indicates an undefined value immediately after part replacement, level "1" indicates a status value of 0-79%, level "2" indicates 80-99%, and level "3" indicates 100% or more, each represented by a level meter icon. The current status value is also displayed numerically to the right of the level meter. This status value increases as the part deteriorates, and is pre-set so that 100% indicates that replacement is necessary. Parameters used to calculate the status value include, for example, the number of uses after replacement, and the current and resistance values ​​of each part.

[0051] When the status level is "2", a replacement recommendation icon is displayed on the left end of the list, indicating that the corresponding part is nearing the end of its lifespan. In the example in Figure 6, "Drum Unit M", "Drum Unit C", and "Cassette Roller 1" are in a replacement recommendation state. When the status level is "3", a replacement needed icon is displayed on the left side of the list, indicating that the corresponding part has reached the end of its lifespan. In the example in Figure 6, "Drum Unit Y" is in a replacement needed state.

[0052] When a service technician replaces a part, the system detects the replacement and resets the status value to level "0" (no data). Therefore, the icons indicating replacement is necessary or recommended for the replaced part disappear from the cross-sectional view 401 and the parts list 507. Unlike the notification area for part lifespan 403 on the top screen 400, the parts list 507 displays all parts managed by the service technician, regardless of whether there are any abnormalities. Therefore, the status values ​​of parts that do not yet need replacing can also be checked. The parts list 507 can be scrolled up and down to display the status of all parts.

[0053] The status details button 508 is a button that takes you to a screen that displays a graph showing the changes in the status value of the part selected in the parts list 507.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the status details screen 510, which is displayed when the status details button 508 is pressed. The status transition graph 511 shows the daily changes in the status value of the selected part. A baseline is displayed on the graph at 100%, indicating that the part needs to be replaced. The display period 512 is a pull-down menu that switches the display period of the graph between 30 days and 180 days. The display period 512 is not limited to 30 days or 180 days. The close button 513 closes the status details screen 510 and returns to the part life screen 500.

[0055] In the example in Figure 7, the status change graph 511 for "Drum Unit Y" on the parts life screen 500 is shown, allowing the user to see the daily progress until the status value exceeds 100%. This allows the service technician to estimate whether the deterioration progressed as expected, or whether the deterioration progressed rapidly due to a part defect or environmental changes. In the example in Figure 7, the status value exceeds the part's expiration date, but for parts that have not yet reached their expiration date, the service technician can predict how many days remain until the part reaches its expiration date based on the slope of the graph. This allows the service technician to decide whether to bring replacement parts on their next visit and prepare the replacement parts accordingly.

[0056] Figure 8 shows the trouble detection screen 600 that is displayed when the trouble detection button 404 on the top screen 400 is pressed, or when the trouble detection button 503 on each detail screen is pressed. The buttons 501 to 506 located at the top of the screen have the same functions as the buttons 501 to 506 shown in Figure 6.

[0057] The trouble detection screen 600 also displays the cross-sectional view 401 and the legend 402, but the icons displayed are limited to those indicating whether a trouble check is necessary.

[0058] Trouble List 601 displays a list of common problems that service technicians often need to address, along with their descriptions. "ADF Optical Unit Dirt" and "Reader Optical Unit Dirt" indicate whether cleaning of the optical unit is necessary. ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. For example, the degree of mirror contamination is detected from the value of the mirror's reflected light acquired by the optical sensor. Similar to the part life status values ​​and status levels mentioned above, a percentage [%] of the dirt level (with 100% being the threshold for needing cleaning) and a dirt level icon (a four-level meter) corresponding to the degree of dirt are displayed. Based on this dirt level, information on whether action is required is displayed.

[0059] Specifically, for example, if the level of soiling is undetermined, the "Level 0" icon will be displayed. If the level of soiling is between 0% and 79%, the "Level 1" icon will be displayed. If the level of soiling is between 80% and 99%, the "Level 2" icon will be displayed. If the level of soiling is 100% or higher, the "Level 3" icon will be displayed. If the level of soiling is level "2", a checkmark icon indicating that cleaning is recommended will be displayed on the left end of the list. If the level of soiling is level "3", a checkmark icon indicating that cleaning is mandatory will be displayed on the left end of the list.

[0060] Furthermore, the message regarding the subject / content of the trouble list 601 changes depending on the level. For example, level "0" displays "No data", level "1" displays "Good", level "2" displays "Dirty", and level "3" displays "Heavily dirty". Regarding dirt on the optical unit, if one of the items in the trouble list 601 is selected and the dirt details button 602 is pressed, a graph showing the progression of the degree of dirt (explained later in Figure 9) can be viewed.

[0061] In Trouble List 601, the cassette abnormality section displays whether there is an abnormality in each cassette and the details of the abnormality. A cassette abnormality is primarily detected when a misalignment of the paper guides inside the cassette is detected. If there is an abnormality in the cassette, the message "Check required" is displayed in the list; if there is no abnormality, the message "None" is displayed.

[0062] The "Treated" button 603 is a button that can be pressed when the optical unit or cassette is marked as "Check Required" or "Check Recommended". After cleaning the optical unit, if a service technician selects the target optical unit from the trouble list 601 and presses the "Treated" button 603, the contamination level returns to "0". As a result, the "Check Required" or "Check Recommended" icons disappear from the cross-sectional view 401 and the trouble list 601. Also, after checking the cassette, if a service technician selects the target cassette from the trouble list 601 and presses the "Treated" button 603, the display returns to "No Abnormalities". As a result, the "Check Required" icon disappears from the cross-sectional view 401 and the trouble list 601.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the dirt details screen 610, which is displayed when the dirt details button 602 is pressed on the optical unit. The dirt progression graph 611 shows the daily progression of the degree of dirt on the optical unit selected in the trouble list 601. A baseline line is displayed on the graph at 100%, indicating that cleaning is required. The display period 612 is a pull-down menu that switches the display period of the graph between 30 days and 180 days. The close button 613 closes the dirt details screen 610 and returns to the trouble detection screen 600.

[0064] In the example in Figure 9, the dirt progression graph 611 for "Dirt on the Reader Optical Unit" on the trouble detection screen 600 is shown, illustrating the daily progression until the dirt level reaches 81%, which is the recommended level for cleaning. The slope of this graph allows the service technician to predict how many days until the unit reaches the level where cleaning becomes essential. This allows the service technician to decide whether or not to bring cleaning supplies on their next visit and prepare accordingly.

[0065] Figure 10 shows the error screen 700 that is displayed when error 405 on the top screen 400 is pressed, or when the error button 504 on each detail screen is pressed. The buttons 501 to 506 located at the top of the screen have the same functions as the buttons 501 to 506 shown in Figures 6 and 8.

[0066] Error List 701 displays a list of error history that occurred in the image processing device 103. For each error, Error List 701 displays the date of occurrence, time of occurrence, and recovery time, along with the error code and its title. Errors in the first and second rows, where the recovery time is not displayed, indicate that the error is still active. For example, if one item is selected from Error List 701 and the Error Details button 702 is pressed, the detailed information of the selected error can be viewed.

[0067] Figure 11 shows the error details screen 710, which is displayed when the error details button 702 is pressed. Error code 711 is an error code that identifies the selected error. Error information 712 displays the title, description, and corrective action for the error. Page forward buttons 713 are used to switch pages when the error information spans multiple pages. Close button 714 closes the error details screen 710 and returns to the error screen 700. Service technicians can check the error currently occurring and its details from this screen.

[0068] Figure 12 shows the jam screen 800 that is displayed when the jam button 406 on the top screen 400 is pressed, or when the jam button 505 on each detail screen is pressed. The buttons 501 to 506 located at the top of the screen have the same functions as the buttons 501 to 506 shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10.

[0069] The jam screen 800 also displays the cross-sectional view 401 and the legend 402, but the icons displayed are limited to those indicating either an ongoing jam or a frequent jam.

[0070] The Jam List 801 displays a list of jam history. For each jam, the Jam List 801 displays the date of occurrence, time of occurrence, and recovery time, along with the jam code, jam type, sensor number, and cumulative number of occurrences of the same jam code. Jams in the first row, which do not display a recovery time, are currently active, and an icon indicating an active jam is displayed on the left edge of the Jam List 801. Jams with a cumulative number exceeding a predetermined number, such as the jam histories in the second and fourth rows, are determined to be frequent jams, and a frequent jam icon is displayed on the left edge of the list. In the example in Figure 12, jams that have occurred 10 or more times are determined to be frequent jams. If there are multiple histories for the same jam code, only the most recent one is displayed in the list. This makes it easier to understand the type of jam that has occurred. When one item is selected from the Jam List 801 and the Jam Details button 802 is pressed, the detailed information of the selected jam can be viewed.

[0071] The reset button 803 clears the currently displayed jam history. Service technicians use the reset button 803 when they have finished checking for ongoing or frequent jams and wish to remove the notifications. When the reset button 803 is pressed, the reset date and time 804 is updated, and the jam list 801 will display the jam history from the reset date and time 804 onwards.

[0072] Figure 13 shows the jam details screen 810, which is displayed when the jam details button 802 is pressed. The jam details 811 displays the jam code and jam type of the target selected in the jam list 801. The sensor number 812 displays the sensor number associated with the jam code and the location where the jam occurred.

[0073] The Jam Details List 813 displays the history of jams with the same jam details 811 (i.e., jam code and jam type) in descending chronological order. The Jam Details List 813 displays the cumulative number, date of occurrence, time of occurrence, recovery time, paper feed position, paper feed counter, and paper feed size. The paper feed position is the position of the paper when the jam occurred. The number shown in "Paper Feed Counter" is the number of sheets of paper fed from the paper feed position when the jam occurred. The paper feed size is the size of the supplied paper. In the Jam List 801 in Figure 12, the variations of jams that occurred were made easier to see by aggregating the same jam code into the most recent entry, but in the Jam Details List 813 in Figure 13, the frequency of occurrence of the same jam is made easier to see. If there are many entries in the Jam Details List 813, it is possible to scroll up and down.

[0074] The close button 814 closes the jam details screen 810 and returns to the jam screen 800. Service technicians can see not only the jam currently occurring, but also the locations and frequency of past jam occurrences, allowing them to consider cleaning or replacing surrounding parts in areas where jams are occurring or occurring frequently.

[0075] The parts list 507, trouble list 601, error list 701, and jam list 801 are examples of first-order information indicating abnormalities in the image processing device's status. The temperature change graph 905, humidity change graph 907, print count graph 909, and cassette history list 912 are examples of second-order information indicating the usage history of the image processing device. The areas where these lists are displayed are examples of information display areas. In other words, the information display area will display either the first-order information or the second-order information described above.

[0076] Figures 14 to 17 show the usage status screens 900 that are displayed when the usage status button 407 on the top screen 400 is pressed, or when the usage status button 506 on each detail screen is pressed. At the far right of the usage status screen 900, the temperature button 901, humidity button 902, print count button 903, and cassette history button 904 are displayed, which transition to each usage status screen. Since these buttons 901 to 904 are displayed on each usage status screen 900 shown in Figures 14 to 17, service technicians can easily move between each usage status screen 900. Furthermore, by using the aforementioned back button 501 to usage status button 506, service technicians can easily move between the parts life screen 500, trouble detection screen 600, error screen 700, jam screen 800, and usage status screen 900. This allows service technicians to easily compare the abnormal information with the usage status and easily deduce the cause of the abnormality.

[0077] Figure 14 shows the temperature change screen displayed when the temperature button 901 on the usage status screen 900 is pressed. The temperature change graph 905 shows the temperature inside / outside the image processing device for one day at 10-minute intervals, with the vertical axis representing temperature (°C) and the horizontal axis representing time. The date switching button 906 is used to switch the date of the displayed graph. By pressing the date switching button 906 and selecting a date, it is possible to display data up to one month prior.

[0078] The temperature change graph 905 displays the upper and lower limits of the temperature reference range with dotted lines, and if a temperature outside the reference range is shown, it can be determined that the environment needs to be reviewed. In addition, service technicians can compare the period during which a jam occurs in, for example, the error screen 700 in Figure 10 or the jam screen 800 in Figure 12 with the same period in the temperature change screen in Figure 14 to confirm whether the temperature change is the cause of the error or jam.

[0079] Figure 15 shows the humidity change screen displayed when the humidity button 902 on the usage status screen 900 is pressed. The humidity change graph 907 shows the humidity (%) on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis, displaying the humidity inside / outside the aircraft for one day at 10-minute intervals. The date switching button 908 switches the date of the displayed graph, allowing data up to one month ago to be displayed.

[0080] The humidity change graph 907 displays the upper and lower limits of the humidity standard range with dotted lines, and if the humidity is outside the standard range, it can be determined that the environment needs to be reviewed. In addition, a service technician can compare the period during which jamming occurs in the jam screen 800 in Figure 12 with the same period in the humidity change screen in Figure 15 to confirm whether humidity changes are a contributing factor to the jamming.

[0081] Figure 16 shows the print count screen that appears when the print count button 903 on the usage status screen 900 is pressed. The print count graph 909 shows the number of printed pages on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

[0082] The display period switching button 910 is used to change the display period of the graph to one month or one day. The date switching button 911 is used to switch the date on which the graph is displayed. When "Month" is selected with the display period switching button 910, one month's worth of data is displayed at one-day intervals, and the data for each month is switched and displayed by selecting with the date switching button 911. In this case, the year and month are displayed on the date switching button 911, and the horizontal axis of the print count graph 909 is displayed in days (instead of "time" as shown in the example in Figure 16).

[0083] On the other hand, if "Day" is selected using the display period switching button 910, as shown in the example in Figure 16, data for one day will be displayed at one-hour intervals, and the data for each day will be switched and displayed by selecting with the date switching button. In this case, the date switching button 908 will display the year, month, and day, and the horizontal axis of the print count graph 909 will be displayed in hours (times).

[0084] For example, if the part life screen 500 in Figure 6 estimates that a part will reach its expiration date earlier than expected, the following inference can be made: If a service technician sees from the print count graph 909 in Figure 16 that a large number of prints were made immediately before the expiration date, they can infer that this large number of prints may be the cause of the part's early expiration.

[0085] Figure 17 shows the cassette history screen displayed when the cassette history button 904 on the usage status screen 900 is pressed. The cassette history list 912 displays the operation history of the cassette in chronological order. The cassette switching button 913 is a button for selecting the target cassette displayed in the cassette history list 912. For example, if a jam or error occurs, a service technician can check the cassette history in the cassette history list 912 and consider the following: That is, the service technician can determine whether the jam or error was caused by user error or setting mistake, or whether the failure was due to another factor.

[0086] Hereafter, the part life button 502, trouble detection button 503, error button 504, and jam button 505 will not be distinguished, and any one of these buttons may be referred to as the "status button." The status button and usage status button 506 are examples of a first operation area that accepts operations to switch between the display of the first information and the display of the second information described above.

[0087] The display process for any of the parts list 507, trouble list 601, error list 701, and jam list 801 is an example of a process that divides the first information into multiple different categories and displays each category within an information display area. That is, the first operation area includes an area that accepts the selection of the category.

[0088] The display process for any of the temperature change graph 905, humidity change graph 907, print count graph 909, and cassette history list 912 is an example of a process that divides the usage status into multiple different categories and displays each category within the information display area. In other words, the temperature button 901, humidity button 902, print count button 903, and cassette history button 904 are examples of a third operation area that accepts the selection of the category.

[0089] <Structure of historical data> Next, we will describe the data recorded in the history management unit 304, which manages the data displayed on the aforementioned status monitor screen. The history management unit 304 organizes the values ​​and settings acquired from various sensors 255, scanner 270, and / or printer 295 via the device I / F 220 in Figure 2 into the necessary information and stores it in the HDD 204 or RAM 202.

[0090] Figure 18 shows the historical data used to display part life information. This historical data includes the part number (No.) 1001, part name 1002, and historical data of the part's status 1003. The part number 1001 indicates the order in which the part is listed in this historical data. The status history data 1003 includes, for example, the date the data was acquired, the part's status level, the status value [%], and the number of units used. The status history data 1003 is saved daily. The status level, status value, and number of units used are as described above in the explanation of the parts list 507 in Figure 6.

[0091] In the status history data 1003, parts with a status level of "3" are displayed as parts that need to be replaced in the cross-sectional view 401 and part life 403 of Figure 4. Parts with a status level of "2" are displayed as parts that are recommended to be replaced in the cross-sectional view 401 and part life 403 of Figure 4. All parts and their statuses indicated in part name 1002 are displayed in the parts list 507 of Figure 6 in the order of number 1001. The status history data 1003 is also used to display the status transition graph 511 of Figure 7. For example, since there are display periods of 30 days and 180 days, at least 180 days of data is retained. When a service technician detects that a part has been replaced, the status level of the replaced part becomes "0". A status level of "0" means that the value is undefined after the part has been replaced. Also, there is no data for the status value [%] and the number of units used at that time. As described above, the part life history data in Figure 18 is used to display the part life on each screen.

[0092] Figure 19 shows the historical data used to display information about trouble detection. This historical data includes number (No.) 1101, subject 1102, and trouble history data 1103. Number 1101 indicates the order of troubles in this historical data. Subject 1102 indicates the name or content of the trouble. Trouble history data 1103 includes the date the data was acquired, the level of contamination, the degree of contamination [%], and the detection of cassette abnormality. The level of contamination, degree of contamination [%], and cassette abnormality detection are as described above in the explanation of trouble list 601 in Figure 8.

[0093] For optical units, the data includes the date the data was acquired, the contamination level, and the degree of contamination [%], and this data is stored daily. Optical units with a contamination level of "3" are displayed as problems requiring checks in the cross-sectional view 401 and trouble detection 404 of Figure 4. Optical units with a contamination level of "2" are displayed as problems recommended for checks in the cross-sectional view 401 and trouble detection 404 of Figure 4. In addition, the trouble history data 1103 related to optical units is used to display the contamination trend graph 611 in Figure 9. Since there are display periods of 30 days and 180 days, at least 180 days of data is retained.

[0094] The history data 1103 for each trouble, in the case of a cassette, includes the date the data was acquired and whether or not an anomaly was detected, and this data is saved daily. Cassettes with an anomaly detected ("Yes") are displayed as troubles requiring checking in the cross-sectional view 401 and trouble detection 404 in Figure 4. The troubles and their status (degree of contamination and contamination level) for all targets 1102 are displayed in the trouble list 601 in Figure 8 in the order of number 1101.

[0095] When a service technician selects one item from the trouble list 601 in Figure 8 and presses the "Troubled" button 603, the value related to the trouble status of that item is updated as follows: If the trouble for that item is dirt on the optical unit, the dirt level value becomes level "0", which is an undefined state. In this case, there is no data for the degree of dirt [%]. If the trouble for that item is the cassette, the abnormality detection is updated to "none". As described above, the trouble detection history data in Figure 19 is used for the trouble detection display on each screen.

[0096] Figure 20 shows the historical data used to display error information. This historical data includes error code 1201, error title 1202, occurrence date 1203, occurrence time 1204, and recovery time 1205. Error code 1201 is a code used to identify the error. Occurrence date 1203 and occurrence time 1204 are the date and time the error occurred, respectively. Recovery time 1205 is the time the error was resolved. Errors for which recovery time 1205 is not recorded are displayed as ongoing errors, shown as error 405 in Figure 4.

[0097] The historical data in Figure 20 is displayed in the error list 701 in Figure 10 in descending order of occurrence date 1203 and occurrence time 1204. Although not shown in Figure 20, content corresponding to each error code 1201 is stored on HDD 204 and displayed on the error details screen in Figure 11. As described above, the error history data in Figure 20 is used for error display on each screen.

[0098] Figure 21 shows the historical data used to display jam information. This historical data includes jam code 1301, type 1302, sensor 1303, date of occurrence 1304, time of occurrence 1305, recovery time 1306, cumulative count 1307, paper feed position 1308, paper feed counter 1309, and paper feed size 1310.

[0099] Jam code 1301 is a code used to identify a jam. Type 1302 is the type of jam corresponding to the jam code. There are various types of jams under Type 1302, such as DELAY (delay), where the paper is not detected by the sensor even after a longer-than-expected time; STNRY (stagnation), where the sensor continues to detect paper for longer than expected; and DOUBLE (double feed), where the ADF sensor detects a double feed of paper. Sensor 1303 is the sensor number that detected the jam. Occurrence date 1304 and occurrence time 1305 are the date and time the jam occurred, respectively. Recovery time 1306 is the time the jam was resolved. Jams for which recovery time 1306 is not recorded are displayed as jams in progress in the cross-sectional view 401 and jam 406 in Figure 4.

[0100] The cumulative count of 1307 is the number of times a jam with the same jam code has occurred. The number of jams that have occurred since the reset time 804 in Figure 12 is counted up as this cumulative count. For example, if the cumulative count reaches a predetermined number of times (in this case, 10 or more), it is determined to be a frequent jam and is displayed in the cross-sectional view 401 and jam 406 in Figure 4. The paper feed position 1308 is the position from which the jammed paper was supplied. The paper feed counter 1309 is the number of sheets of paper supplied from the paper feed position.

[0101] The history data in Figure 21 is displayed in the jam list 801 in Figure 12 in descending order of occurrence date 1304 and occurrence time 1305. As mentioned above, only the most recent jam with the same jam code is displayed. The history of the same jam code is displayed on the jam details screen in Figure 13. If the reset button 803 is pressed in Figure 13, the jam history prior to the date and time of the press is deleted. As described above, the jam history data in Figure 21 is used for displaying jams on each screen.

[0102] Furthermore, the historical data in Figures 20 and 21 may also have sequential numbers, such as 1001 and 1101, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0103] Figures 22-25 show the data used to display usage information (temperature, humidity, number of printed pages, and cassette history), respectively.

[0104] Figure 22 shows temperature data used to display information on temperature changes. This data includes date 1401, time 1402, in-flight data 1403, and external data 1404. Date 1401 indicates the date the temperature data was acquired, and for example, one month's worth of data is stored. Time 1402 indicates the time the temperature data was acquired, and for example, data is stored at 10-minute intervals. In-flight data 1403 stores temperature data acquired by thermometers installed inside the aircraft (not shown). External data 1404 stores temperature data acquired by thermometers installed outside the aircraft (not shown). The data shown in Figure 22 is used to display the temperature change graph 905 in Figure 14.

[0105] Figure 23 shows humidity data used to display information on humidity changes. This data includes date 1411, time 1412, in-flight data 1413, and external data 1414. Date 1411 indicates the date the humidity data was acquired, and for example, one month's worth of data is stored. Time 1412 indicates the time the humidity data was acquired, and for example, data is stored at 10-minute intervals. In-flight data 1413 stores temperature data acquired by a hygrometer installed inside the aircraft (not shown). External data 1414 stores temperature data acquired by a hygrometer installed outside the aircraft (not shown). The data shown in Figure 23 is used to display the humidity change graph 907 in Figure 15.

[0106] Figure 24 shows the print count data used to display information on the number of printed pages. This data includes the date 1421, time 1422, and print count 1423. The date 1421 indicates the date on which the print count data was acquired. The time 1422 indicates the time on which the print count data was acquired. The print count 1423 indicates the number of pages printed by the image processing device 103. For example, this date 1421, time 1422, and print count 1423 data for one month are stored at one-hour intervals. The data shown in Figure 24 is used to display the print count graph 909 in Figure 16.

[0107] Figure 25 shows the cassette operation data used to display cassette history information. This data is saved when the user performs an operation on the cassette of the image processing device 103, such as closing it or changing the media (i.e., paper). This data includes the date 1431, time 1432, cassette 1433, and cassette operation 1434. The date 1431 indicates the date the cassette operation was performed. The time 1432 indicates the time the cassette operation was performed. Cassette 1433 indicates the location of the cassette that was operated on. If the cassette operation 1434 is performed, the information "Cassette Closed" is saved. If the operation to change the media is performed, "Media Change" and the changed paper size and paper type are saved. Cassette history information stores a predetermined number of data (for example, up to 300 entries). The data shown in Figure 25 is used to display the cassette history list 912 in Figure 17.

[0108] Furthermore, the data stored in the cassette operation section is not limited to cassettes; manual insertion operation data may also be stored.

[0109] <Processing performed by the image processing unit> Figures 26 to 28 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the display process for the top screen (Figure 4), including the startup process for the status monitor. The program (e.g., firmware) that implements this process is stored in the HDD 204 of the image processing device 103, called from the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 201.

[0110] This process is initiated when the CPU 201 receives a special command from a service technician via the control unit 212 to activate the status monitor.

[0111] In S1501, the CPU 201 refers to the device configuration information (not shown) of the image processing device stored in the RAM 202.

[0112] In S1502, the CPU201 determines the cross-sectional view to be displayed on each screen. For example, the displayed cross-sectional view changes depending on whether a scanner is present, whether a paper feed option is available, and whether a paper output option is available. If multiple image processing devices operate with a common program, the CPU201 may switch to a cross-sectional view suitable for that model according to the model information. This is because the paper transport path, parts, and jam sensor locations may differ depending on the model of the image processing device.

[0113] In S1503, the CPU201 refers to the part life history data shown in Figure 18, which is stored in the HDD204.

[0114] In S1504, CPU201 determines, based on the results of the S1503 reference, whether there are any parts with a state level of "2" or higher.

[0115] If the result of S1504 is NO, in S1505, the CPU201 decides that there is no part life icon to display in the cross-sectional view 401 of Figure 4, and that "No notification" is displayed in the notification area of ​​part life 403. If the result of the judgment is YES, in S1506, the CPU201 obtains information on parts that need to be replaced with a status level of "3" from the part life history data.

[0116] In S1507, CPU201 retrieves information on replacement-recommended parts with a status level of "2" from the part life history data. The order of S1506 and S1507 can be reversed.

[0117] In S1508, CPU201 displays icons indicating the need for replacement and / or recommendation for replacement of parts requiring notification, which were obtained in S1506 and S1507, at the corresponding coordinates on the cross-sectional view 401.

[0118] In S1509, CPU201 displays the components requiring notification, acquired in S1506 and S1507, in descending order of priority. Priority is set such that components requiring replacement (status level "3") are higher than those recommended for replacement (status level "2"). If components are at the same level, they are displayed in the order shown in Figure 18, number 1001.

[0119] In S1510, CPU201 determines whether the number of components to be notified is greater than the number of components that can be displayed in the notification area for component life 403 (for example, 3). If the result is NO, the process proceeds to S1512. If the result is YES, in S1511, CPU201 displays the notifications that cannot be displayed with the text "Other:" and the number of items.

[0120] In S1512, the CPU201 refers to the trouble detection history data shown in Figure 19, which is stored in the HDD204.

[0121] In S1513, CPU201 determines, based on the results of referencing S1512, whether there is a problem with the optical unit's contamination level being "2" or higher, and / or whether there is a cassette abnormality.

[0122] If the result is NO, in S1514, the CPU 201 decides that there is no trouble detection icon to display in the cross-sectional view 401 of Figure 4, and that "No notification" is displayed in the notification area of ​​the trouble detection 404. If the result is YES, in S1515, the CPU 201 obtains information on the optical unit with a contamination level of "3" and / or the cassette with an abnormality from the trouble detection history data.

[0123] In S1516, CPU201 obtains information about the optical unit with a status level of "2" from the trouble detection history data. The order of S1515 and S1516 can be reversed.

[0124] In S1517, CPU201 displays icons indicating that a problem requiring notification needs to be checked and / or that checking is recommended, which were obtained in S1515 and S1516, at the corresponding coordinates on the cross-sectional view 401.

[0125] In S1518, CPU201 displays the troubles requiring notification, acquired in S1515 and S1516, in descending order of priority. Priority is set so that troubles requiring check (dirt level "3") are higher than troubles recommended for check (dirt level "2"), and if they are at the same level, they are displayed in the order of numbers 1101 in Figure 19.

[0126] In S1519, CPU201 determines whether the number of troubles to be notified exceeds the number of troubles that can be displayed in the notification area of ​​trouble detection 404 (for example, 3). If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1521. If the result of the determination is YES, in S1520, CPU201 displays the notifications that cannot be displayed with the text "Other:" and the number of items.

[0127] In S1521, the CPU201 refers to the error history data shown in Figure 20, which is stored in the HDD204.

[0128] In S1522, CPU201 determines, based on the results of referencing S1521, whether there is an ongoing error for which the recovery time 1205 in Figure 20 is not registered.

[0129] If the result is NO, in S1523, it is decided to display "No notification" in the notification area for error 405. If the result is YES, in S1524, CPU201 obtains information about the ongoing error for which a recovery time of 1205 is not registered from the error history data.

[0130] In S1525, CPU201 displays the errors requiring notification, acquired in S1524, in descending order of acquisition.

[0131] In S1526, CPU201 determines whether the number of errors to be notified is greater than the number of errors that can be displayed in the error 405 notification area (for example, 2). If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1528. If the result of the determination is YES, in S1527, CPU201 displays the notifications that cannot be displayed with the text "Other:" and the number of items.

[0132] In S1528, CPU201 refers to the jam history data shown in Figure 21, which is stored in HDD204.

[0133] In S1529, CPU201 determines, based on the results of referencing S1528, whether there is a currently occurring jam for which the jam recovery time 1306 in Figure 21 is not registered, or whether there are multiple jams with a cumulative count of 10 or more.

[0134] If the result is NO, in S1530, the CPU 201 decides that there is no jam icon to display in the cross-sectional view 401 of Figure 4, and that "No notification" is displayed in the notification area of ​​jam 406. If the result is YES, in S1531, the CPU 201 obtains information on ongoing jams for which a recovery time 1306 is not registered from the jam history data.

[0135] In S1532, CPU201 retrieves information on jams with a cumulative count of 1307 or more occurrences from the jam history data. The order of S1531 and S1532 can be reversed. Note that if multiple entries with the same jam code are registered in the jam history data in Figure 21, the most recent entry will be retrieved.

[0136] In S1533, CPU201 displays icons indicating that a jam is occurring and / or is occurring frequently, which were obtained in S1531 and S1532, at the corresponding coordinates on the cross-sectional view 401.

[0137] In S1534, CPU201 displays the jams requiring notification, acquired in S1531 and S1532, in descending order of priority. Priority is set higher for jams currently occurring than for jams occurring frequently. If they are at the same priority level, they are displayed in descending order of acquisition, for example. If there are jams that are both currently occurring and frequently occurring, the information for the currently occurring jams is displayed first.

[0138] In S1535, CPU201 determines whether the number of jams to be notified is greater than the number of jams that can be displayed in the notification area of ​​jam 406 (for example, 2). If the result of the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S1537. If the result of the determination is YES, in S1536, CPU201 displays the notifications that cannot be displayed with the text "Other:" and the number of items.

[0139] In S1537, the CPU 201 displays the display content determined in S1501 to S1536 on the screen of the operation unit 212. In other words, it displays the top screen 400 of the status monitor shown in Figure 4.

[0140] The processing shown in Figures 26-28 allows on-site service technicians to quickly check for abnormalities in the image processing device 103 and their locations, which can be displayed in the cross-sectional view 401 and notification areas (403-406). This allows service technicians to understand the entire picture of the abnormality and its location on a single screen of the top screen 400. As a result, the efficiency of the abnormality check work performed by service technicians, who are required to respond quickly on-site, is improved. Furthermore, service technicians can identify areas where two or more abnormalities are concentrated from the cross-sectional view 401 and consider more efficient work procedures, such as tackling concentrated abnormalities together.

[0141] As described above, according to this embodiment, information necessary for maintenance work on the image processing device 103, in particular, abnormal information occurring in the device and the location where it occurred, can be efficiently displayed within a limited screen area, thereby improving the work efficiency of service personnel.

[0142] Furthermore, service technicians can estimate the relationship between the occurrences of multiple anomalies from the spatial relationships of the anomalies in the cross-sectional diagram 401. For example, if a notification that cassette roller 1 needs to be replaced and a notification of frequent jamming in the vicinity are received at the same time, in close proximity, or around the same time, it can be seen that replacing cassette roller 1 is likely to resolve the frequent jamming.

[0143] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the same components and processes as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0144] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the display process of the usage status screen 900 in response to the operation of the operation unit 212 by a service technician after the display of the top screen 400 in this embodiment. When a service technician performs maintenance work, they first check abnormal status information, that is, information on part lifespan, trouble detection, errors, and jams, and then check usage status information in order to analyze the cause of the abnormal status. At that time, it is desirable that the service technician be able to check the abnormal status information and the usage status information in association. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is described in which, when a service technician selects abnormal status information to be the target of cause analysis from the status history data and opens the usage status screen 900, the selected abnormal status information and the usage status data are displayed together on the usage status screen 900.

[0145] Depending on the selected anomaly information, the display unit 302 changes the display range of the time series of usage status and appropriately displays the information necessary for cause analysis. For example, the part life history data is data that shows the progression up to the expiration date of the part, and by displaying usage status data for the same period as the period in which the condition is progressing, service technicians can identify environmental information that is attributable to the part life. Also, for example, the jam history data is data that shows the time when the jam occurred and the content of the jam, and by displaying usage status data for a certain period before and after the time the jam occurred, service technicians can effectively analyze the cause of the jam.

[0146] In S2901, CPU201 determines whether the status button was pressed in Figures 6, 8, 10, 12, 14-17. If the status button is pressed, in S2902, CPU201 obtains the history data of the abnormality of the selected status and displays one of the screens corresponding to the selection, namely screens 500, 600, 700, and 800.

[0147] In S2903, the CPU 201 determines whether one abnormal event has been selected from the displayed list. The displayed list is one of the parts list 507, trouble list 601, error list 701, or jam list 801. The area for displaying list 507, 601, 701, or 801 is an example of a second operation area. If one abnormal event is selected from the list, the display unit 302 performs highlighting processing on the selected abnormal event. This is also the case for the first embodiment described above.

[0148] If an abnormal event is selected in S2903, and the selected category is related to part lifespan or dirt in the trouble detection, the process proceeds to S2904. If an abnormal event is selected in S2903, and the selected category is not related to dirt in the trouble detection, or is an error or jam, the process proceeds to S2905. In S2904 and S2905, CPU201 determines whether the usage status button 506 has been pressed.

[0149] When the usage status button is pressed in S2904, CPU201 in S2906 retrieves historical data of abnormalities such as part lifespan or trouble detection (dirt) from HDD204. Specifically, CPU201 retrieves historical data until the status values ​​reach a threshold. For part lifespan and trouble detection (dirt), part replacement is required when the status value reaches 100%. Therefore, CPU201 retrieves historical data of the relevant event until the status value reaches 100%. For example, if "Drum Unit Y" is selected in parts list 507, CPU201 retrieves historical data related to Drum Unit Y from the part lifespan historical data in Figure 18. That is, the data retrieved is related to Drum Unit Y, including number 1001, part name 1002, and part status historical data 1003. In this case, from the historical data 1003, data from 2024 / 8 / 22 to 2024 / 2 / 14, before the status value reaches 100%, is retrieved.

[0150] After S2906, in S2907, CPU201 retrieves usage history data stored in HDD204. At this time, CPU201 retrieves usage history data for the same period as the event history data retrieved in S2906. For example, when CPU201 displays the temperature change screen for usage (when the temperature button 901 is pressed), it retrieves the temperature data shown in Figure 22. If history data for drum unit Y is retrieved in S2906, then from Figure 18, the period for drum unit Y's history data is 2023 / 8 / 22 to 2024 / 2 / 14, and the temperature data is also retrieved for the same period.

[0151] Following S2907, in S2912, the CPU 201 uses the history data acquired in S2906 and the usage history data acquired in S2907 to create a graph or list and display the usage status screen on the operation unit 212.

[0152] Figure 30 shows an example of the usage status screen 900 displayed in S2912 after processing in S2906 and S2907. This usage status screen 900 includes a graph 905a containing historical data for temperature change and drum unit Y. In graph 905a, the historical data for drum unit Y and temperature change are displayed superimposed on a single graph. In other words, these two historical data are displayed on a single time series within the information display area.

[0153] The date and time range on the horizontal axis represents the period of the historical data for drum unit Y acquired in S2906, from 2023 / 8 / 22 to 2024 / 2 / 14. In graph 905a, the historical data 1703 for drum unit Y is represented as a change in state value (see the vertical axis on the right). The historical data 1703 for drum unit Y shows the trend of the state value being less than 100% during the period from 2023 / 8 / 22 to 2024 / 2 / 14. The historical data 1701 for temperature change is represented as multiple plots. The information on the change in state value, which is the historical data 1703, is an example of a third piece of information that shows the first piece of information in a time series.

[0154] As shown in Figure 30, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 matches the display period of the usage history data to the display period of the abnormal status history data on the usage status screen 900. More broadly, the CPU 201 controls the display period of the usage history data according to the display period of the abnormal status history data.

[0155] By looking at the graph in Figure 30, service technicians can simultaneously check historical data on usage, including part lifespan and the threshold for detecting problems (dirt). This allows service technicians to understand trends in when parts need replacing and when dirt needs cleaning in relation to usage. Therefore, service technicians can easily predict the cause of problems, and subsequent maintenance work can be performed efficiently and without waste.

[0156] If the usage status button is pressed in S2905, CPU201 in S2908 retrieves history data of abnormalities such as trouble detection (other than dirt), errors, or jams from HDD204. For example, if a jam is selected, CPU201 retrieves the jam history data shown in Figure 21. If a service technician selects a jam with the occurrence date and time "2024 / 2 / 16 10:32-" in the jam list 801, CPU201 refers to the occurrence date 1304 and occurrence time 1305 in Figure 21 and retrieves the jam history data corresponding to the selected jam.

[0157] In S2909, CPU201 retrieves usage history data stored in HDD204. At this time, CPU201 retrieves usage history data for a certain period before and after the date and time of the history data obtained in S2908. For example, when displaying the cassette usage history (when the cassette history button 904 is pressed), CPU201 retrieves cassette history data from the cassette history data in Figure 25 for a certain period before and after the date and time of the selected jam event. In this example, the date and time of the selected jam event is "2024 / 2 / 16 10:32-".

[0158] Following S2909, in S2912, the CPU 201 uses the history data of abnormalities acquired in S2908 and the history data of usage status acquired in S2909 to create a graph or list and display the usage status screen on the operation unit 212. An example of the usage status screen displayed here is illustrated in Figure 31.

[0159] Figure 31 shows an example of the usage status screen 900 displayed in S2912 after processing in S2908 and S2909. This usage status screen 900 includes a list 912a containing the history data for both cassettes and jams. In other words, list 912a displays the cassette history list and the jam history data in a single list. In other words, these two history data are displayed on a single timeline within the information display area. In this example, the jam history data 1801 acquired in S2908 is displayed so as to be inserted as a single row in the cassette history list.

[0160] The jam history data 1801 includes the date and time and the jam details. In List 912a, the history data is arranged in chronological order. The jam details include at least a portion of the jam history data shown in Figure 21, corresponding to the displayed date and time. In the example in Figure 31, the jam code 1301, type 1302, sensor 1303, etc., are displayed. A service technician may select the row for the jam history data 1801 and select the details button (not shown), at which point the CPU 201 will display the jam details screen 810 (Figure 13). In List 912a, the CPU 201 displays the cassette history data acquired in S2909 before and after the data corresponding to the jam history data 1801.

[0161] The jam information 1803 displayed in the lower right corner of the screen is the currently selected jam information and is the display information corresponding to the history data 1801. In addition, another jam information 1804 is displayed adjacent to the display area of ​​jam information 1803. Jam information 1804 indicates that there is a jam of the same type as the jam type "DELAY" in jam information 1803. In this way, when multiple similar events occur, the CPU 201 can group the information of multiple similar events as related information and display it in a single usage status screen 900. If a service technician selects jam information 1804, the CPU 201 may redisplay a list in the information display area of ​​the usage status screen 900 that includes the history data of the jam (not shown) corresponding to jam information 1804 and the cassette history data for a certain period before and after it. This allows the service technician to check the relationship between multiple jam information of the same type and the time-series information of the cassette history, and to understand the trend of jam occurrence in relation to the cassette history. The display areas for jam information 1803 and jam information 1804 are examples of areas that accept the selection of one piece of anomaly information from multiple pieces of anomaly information.

[0162] As described above, by checking the list in Figure 31, a service technician can determine whether a jam has occurred due to a user error in setting the paper type.

[0163] The processing from NO onwards in S2901 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment described above. Specifically, if the status button is not pressed in S2901, and the usage status button 506 is pressed in S2910, the CPU 201 performs the following processing. That is, in S2911, the CPU 201 acquires the usage history data for a certain period from the most recent data stored in the HDD 204. Then, in S2912, the CPU 201 uses the acquired usage history data to create a graph or list and displays the usage status screen shown in Figures 14-17 on the operation unit 212.

[0164] Figure 32 shows an example of the usage status screen 900 displayed in other processes S2908, S2909, and S2912. Figure 31 describes an example of displaying cassette information for a certain period before and after the time of jam occurrence in the selected history data. The usage status screen 900 in Figure 32 is displayed, for example, when the temperature button 901 is selected from the state where the screen in Figure 31 is displayed. At that time, the CPU 201 displays the temperature usage status while continuing to use the selected jam information 1803 from Figure 31. The usage status screen 900 includes a temperature change graph 905. The temperature change graph 905 includes historical data of temperature changes for a certain period before and after the time of jam occurrence 1901.

[0165] By checking the usage status screen 900 in Figure 32, service technicians can determine whether jamming is caused by environmental factors. Furthermore, service technicians can easily switch between the usage status screens 900 in Figures 31 and 32 using the temperature button 901 and the cassette history button 904, which helps in identifying the cause of jamming.

[0166] Figures 30-32 illustrate examples of displaying part lifespan, jams, temperature, and cassette history as historical data. However, instead of part lifespan or jams, trouble detection or errors may be displayed as historical data. Also, humidity or the number of printed pages may be displayed instead of temperature or cassette history.

[0167] The above describes an example of displaying historical data for one of the following abnormalities: part lifespan, trouble detection, error, or jam, in association with historical data for temperature, humidity, number of printed pages, and cassette usage status, as shown in Figure 29. This embodiment allows the service technician to switch the display period for usage status according to the selection of an abnormality event, and to appropriately display usage status information related to that abnormality event. This makes it easier for the service technician to analyze abnormalities occurring in the image processing device 103 when performing maintenance work.

[0168] [Other embodiments] If the display period is changed on any of the detail screens shown in Figures 7, 9, and 14-17, the CPU 201 may also change the display period on other detail screens accordingly. For example, suppose the usage status screen 900, which includes the humidity change graph 907 in Figure 15, is displayed, and the service technician changes the date to "2024 / 1 / 25" using the date switch button 908. The service technician then selects the temperature button 901, which displays the usage status screen 900, which includes the temperature change graph 905 in Figure 14. At this time, the date switch button 906 for the temperature change graph 905 also automatically switches to "2024 / 1 / 25", and the temperature change graph 905 for "2024 / 1 / 25" is displayed. Furthermore, if the service technician then selects the error button 504, the error screen 700 (Figure 10) displays errors that occurred on "2024 / 1 / 25". If no errors occurred on "2024 / 1 / 25", errors from a nearby date may be displayed. In this way, service technicians can correlate and verify detailed information about each event and usage situation displayed in chronological order.

[0169] Furthermore, Figures 29-31 illustrate an example where the display period for one historical data entry in a usage status category is switched depending on the selection of one event in one category of abnormal status. As another example, there may be cases where the correlation between one event in an abnormal status category and one historical data entry in a usage status category is low or nonexistent. If the correlation is low or nonexistent, CPU201 may perform processes S2911 and S2912 and display only the usage status historical data. For example, if CPU201 determines that the correlation between the part lifespan trend and the cassette history data is low, it will display only the cassette history data. Similarly, CPU201 may switch the display based on the degree of correlation between other events and usage status combinations.

[0170] Furthermore, the usage status screen 900 may include an area that accepts an operation to switch between displaying historical data in graph format (e.g., Figure 30) and in list format (e.g., Figure 31). For example, the CPU 201 displays abnormal historical data in graph format, and if a service technician wants to check some of that historical data in detail, it can switch to a list format display in response to an operation to switch the display format.

[0171] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above 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. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA) that implements one or more functions.

[0172] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the spirit of the present disclosure, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0173] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) An image processing apparatus equipped with a display unit, A management means for managing the history of the state and usage of the image processing device, The image processing apparatus has a display unit that displays a screen including an information display area that displays either a first piece of information indicating an abnormality in the state of the image processing apparatus, or a second piece of information indicating the history of the usage status; a first operation area that accepts an operation to switch between the display of the first piece of information and the display of the second piece of information; and a second operation area that accepts an operation to select the first piece of information within the information display area. When the processing means receives an operation to the first operation area while the first information is displayed and an operation to the second operation area is accepted, it performs the process of displaying a third piece of information, which shows the first information in chronological order, and the second information on one of the time series within the information display area. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following: (Configuration 2) The processing means, when an operation is received on the first operation area while the first information is displayed and no operation is being received on the second operation area, performs the process of displaying the second information in the information display area without displaying the first information and the third information. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that... (Composition 3) The processing means divides the first information into multiple different categories and displays each category within the information display area. The first operating area includes an area for accepting the selection of the category. An image processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) The aforementioned different categories are at least two of the following: part lifespan, errors, jams, and problems other than the errors and jams. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that (Composition 5) When the processing means receives an operation to select the second information in the first operation area, it divides the second information into multiple different categories and displays each category in the information display area, and also displays a third operation area on the screen that accepts the selection of the categories. An image processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) The third operation area is displayed within the screen on which the first operation area is displayed when the display of the second information is selected by an operation on the first operation area. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) The aforementioned multiple distinct categories are at least two of the following: temperature, humidity, number of printed pages, and cassette operation history. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 5 or 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series within a certain period including the time when the abnormality occurred. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Composition 9) When the processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series, it controls the display period of the second information according to the display period of the third information selected and displayed for each category. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 8. (Composition 10) The processing means matches the display period of the second information to the display period of the third information which is selected and displayed for each category. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described therein. (Composition 11) When there are multiple pieces of information of the same type among the first pieces of information, the processing means displays an area for accepting the selection of one piece of information of the same type from among the multiple pieces of information of the same type when displaying the second piece of information and the third piece of information on a single time series, and displays the third piece of information corresponding to the selected piece of information of the same type in the information display area. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the above. (Composition 12) When the processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series, it displays the second information and the third information in either a graph format or a list format. The aforementioned screen includes an area that accepts an operation to switch between the display in graph format and the display in list format. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized by the features described herein. (method) A method performed by an image processing device equipped with a display unit, A management process for managing the history of the state and usage of the image processing device, A first processing step involves displaying a screen on the display unit, which includes an information display area that displays either a first piece of information indicating an abnormality in the state of the image processing device, or a second piece of information indicating the history of the usage status; a first operation area that accepts an operation to switch between displaying the first piece of information and displaying the second piece of information; and a second operation area that accepts an operation to select the first piece of information within the information display area. The system includes a second processing step, in which, when the first information is displayed and an operation to the second operation area is accepted, an operation to the first operation area is accepted, and a third piece of information showing the first information in chronological order and the second piece of information are displayed on a single time series within the information display area. A method characterized by the following: (program) A program that causes a computer to perform the above method.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus equipped with a display unit, A management means for managing the history of the state and usage of the image processing device, The image processing apparatus has a display unit that displays a screen including an information display area that displays either a first piece of information indicating an abnormality in the state of the image processing apparatus, or a second piece of information indicating the history of the usage status, a first operation area that accepts an operation to switch between the display of the first piece of information and the display of the second piece of information, and a second operation area that accepts an operation to select the first piece of information within the information display area. When the processing means receives an operation to the first operation area while the first information is displayed and an operation to the second operation area is accepted, it performs the process of displaying a third piece of information, which shows the first information in chronological order, and the second information on one of the time series within the information display area. An image processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The processing means, when an operation is received on the first operation area while the first information is displayed and no operation is being received on the second operation area, performs the process of displaying the second information in the information display area without displaying the first information and the third information. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The processing means divides the first information into multiple different categories and displays each category within the information display area. The first operating area includes an area for accepting the selection of the category. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned different categories are at least two of the following: part lifespan, errors, jams, and problems other than the errors and jams. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. When the processing means receives an operation to select the second information in the first operation area, it divides the second information into multiple different categories and displays each category in the information display area, and also displays a third operation area on the screen that accepts the selection of the categories. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The third operation area is displayed within the screen on which the first operation area is displayed when the display of the second information is selected by an operation on the first operation area. The image processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned multiple distinct categories are at least two of the following: temperature, humidity, number of printed pages, and cassette operation history. The image processing apparatus according to feature 5.

8. The processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series within a certain period including the time when the abnormality occurred. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

9. When the processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series, it controls the display period of the second information according to the display period of the third information selected and displayed for each category. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.

10. The processing means aligns the display period of the second information with the display period of the third information selected and displayed for each category. The image processing apparatus according to feature 9.

11. When there are multiple pieces of information of the same type among the first pieces of information, the processing means displays an area for accepting the selection of one piece of information of the same type from among the multiple pieces of information of the same type when displaying the second piece of information and the third piece of information on a single time series, and displays the third piece of information corresponding to the selected piece of information of the same type in the information display area. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

12. When the processing means displays the second information and the third information on a single time series, it displays the second information and the third information in either a graph format or a list format. The aforementioned screen includes an area that accepts an operation to switch between the display in graph format and the display in list format. The image processing apparatus according to feature 1.

13. A method performed by an image processing device equipped with a display unit, A management process for managing the history of the state and usage of the image processing device, A first processing step involves displaying a screen on the display unit, which includes an information display area that displays either a first piece of information indicating an abnormality in the state of the image processing device, or a second piece of information indicating the history of the usage status; a first operation area that accepts an operation to switch between displaying the first piece of information and displaying the second piece of information; and a second operation area that accepts an operation to select the first piece of information within the information display area. The system includes a second processing step, in which, when the first information is displayed and an operation to the second operation area is accepted, an operation to the first operation area is accepted, a third piece of information showing the first information in chronological order and the second piece of information are displayed on one time series within the information display area. A method characterized by the following:

14. A program that causes a computer to perform the method described in claim 13.

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