Management methods, management devices, and programs
The management method and system address the lack of environmental data visualization during idle times in image forming apparatuses by acquiring and presenting temperature and humidity data, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONICA MINOLTA INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure 2026104036000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0004] , ,
[0005] ,
[0001] The present invention relates to a management method, a management apparatus, and a program.
Background Art
[0002] Transport errors such as jams related to the transport of paper in an image forming apparatus and image errors related to image quality have a strong correlation with the state of the paper such as humidity and temperature. Therefore, changes in humidity and temperature at the production site also have various effects on the printing operation and the production workflow. As a technique for detecting the temperature and humidity inside the image forming apparatus, the following documents can be cited. Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that creates environmental history information based on the output of a detection means for detecting temperature or humidity and transmits the environmental history information as a determination material for changing the set value of an image defect elimination control means.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the conventional technology, environmental information such as temperature and humidity during the execution of a printing job is visualized, but environmental information when the image forming apparatus is not executing a printing job is not visualized. In this case, since changes in environmental information such as the overall temperature and humidity cannot be grasped, there is a problem that an optimal printing operation and production workflow cannot be determined and implemented.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a management method, a management apparatus, and a program that can visualize environmental information of an image forming system during a period including when a printing job is not being executed in order to solve the above problems.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The management method according to the present invention is The control device that manages the image forming apparatus, Environmental information about the image forming apparatus is acquired during a period that includes a time when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The environmental information acquired above is presented in chronological order.
[0007] The control device according to the present invention is The system includes a control unit that executes the above-described management method.
[0008] The program according to the present invention is The computer of the control device that manages the image forming apparatus, It will function as a control unit that executes the above management method. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present invention, environmental information is presented in chronological order for periods including times when no print jobs are being executed. This allows for determination of whether the current printing operations, production workflow, and external production environment are appropriate, and productivity can be improved by making improvements to printing operations, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the first image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the first image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the printer controller according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a management device that manages the environmental information of an image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a first environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a second environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a third environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a fourth environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a fifth environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a sixth environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a seventh environmental information image displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to this embodiment.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0011] Hereinafter, a management method, a management device, and a program according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012] [Configuration Example of Printing System 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a printing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a first image forming system 10A, a second image forming system 10B, a printer controller 20, a client terminal 30, and a management device 40. Note that the number of each of the first image forming system 10A, the second image forming system 10B, the printer controller 20, the client terminal 30, and the management device 40 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] The first image forming system 10A, the second image forming system 10B, the printer controller 20, and the client terminal 30 are communicably connected to each other via the first network N1. Examples of the first network N1 include a wired LAN, a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, etc. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. The first image forming system 10A, etc. and the management device 40 are communicably connected to each other via the second network N2. Examples of the second network N2 include the Internet, WAN, a telephone line network, etc. WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network.
[0014] The first image forming system 10A and the second image forming system 10B form a predetermined image on the sheet S based on the image data transmitted from the printer controller 20, and then perform a predetermined post-processing on the sheet S after the image forming process. The first image forming system 10A, etc. detect environmental information, etc. during a period including a state where a printing job is not being executed, and transmit it to the management device 40. The state where the first image forming system 10A, etc. are not executing a printing job refers to, for example, a state where the first image forming system 10A, etc. have shifted to standby or sleep, or a printing standby state when a printing job is not being executed before shifting to sleep, etc. The environmental information includes at least one of temperature and humidity. Hereinafter, since the first image forming system 10A and the second image forming system 10B have the same configuration and functions, the first image forming system 10A may be described only for representative purposes. Also, a plurality of image forming apparatuses including the first image forming system 10A and the second image forming system 10B may be collectively referred to as the image forming system 10.
[0015] The printer controller 20 analyzes print jobs received from client terminals 30 and the like via the first network N1, and performs RIP processing such as color conversion, screening, and rasterization. RIP is an abbreviation for Raster Image Processor. The printer controller 20 transmits the image data generated by the RIP processing to the first image forming system 10A, the second image forming system 10B, and the like via the first network N1.
[0016] The client terminal 30 is, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. The client terminal 30 has a printer driver installed for converting document data into a print job. The printer driver generates a print job in a format compatible with the printer controller 20 and sends the print job to the printer controller 20 via the first network N1. The client terminal 30 can also display environmental information images, including two-dimensional graphs, tables, etc., that visualize changes in environmental information in the first image forming system 10A, etc., over time. The client terminal 30 may also be connected to a second network N2, etc., which is different from the first network N1.
[0017] The management device 40 is, for example, a computer configured as a cloud server, and manages the first image forming system 10A and the second image forming system 10B. The management of the management device 40 is not limited to the two image forming systems 10A and 10B; it may be one image forming system 10, or three or more image forming systems 10. The management device 40 acquires and stores environmental information of the first image forming system 10A, etc., during periods including when the first image forming system 10A, etc., is not executing print jobs. The management device 40 presents environmental information images, etc., which visualize the environmental information acquired from the first image forming system 10A, etc., in chronological order, to an external device. Examples of external devices include a client terminal 30, the first image forming system 10A, the second image forming system 10B, etc. In addition to the client terminal 30, etc., the external device may also be a display device connected to the management device 40, or an information processing device (not shown) connected to the second network N2.
[0018] [Example configuration of the first image forming system 10A] Figure 2 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the first image forming system 10A according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes a paper supply device 100, a paper transport device 400, an image forming device 200, and a post-processing device 300, etc.
[0019] (Paper supply device 100) The paper supply device 100 stores the paper S for image formation and supplies the paper S to the image forming apparatus 200 according to the print job. As shown in Figure 2, the paper supply device 100 includes a paper supply unit 70, a transport unit 50, a temperature detection unit 60, a humidity detection unit 61, and a remaining amount sensor 62, etc.
[0020] The paper supply unit 70 is composed of, for example, multiple paper trays arranged within the paper supply device 100. The paper supply unit 70 can hold multiple sheets of paper S in a stacked state. Figure 2 illustrates a configuration with four paper trays arranged vertically, but the number of paper trays may be one or more than four. Each paper tray of each paper supply unit 70 can individually accommodate paper of different types and sizes.
[0021] The transport unit 50 includes an extraction roller (not shown) for extracting paper from each paper supply unit 70, and a plurality of transport rollers 54, etc., provided along a predetermined paper transport path for transporting the paper. The transport path of the transport unit 50 merges from the plurality of paper supply units 70 into one and is connected to the paper transport device 400. As a result, the transport unit 50 can transport the paper S dispensed from the paper supply units 70 to the paper transport device 400 by driving the transport rollers 54.
[0022] The temperature detection unit 60 is installed inside the paper supply device 100 and detects the temperature inside the paper supply device 100 during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. The temperature detection unit 60 is composed of, for example, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or a thermopile.
[0023] The humidity detection unit 61 is installed inside the paper supply device 100 and detects the humidity inside the paper supply device 100 during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. The humidity detection unit 61 is composed of, for example, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor.
[0024] The remaining amount sensor 62 is installed, for example, in each of the multiple paper trays and detects the remaining amount of paper S in the paper tray during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. The remaining amount sensor 62 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor or a weight sensor.
[0025] (Paper transport device 400) The paper transport device 400 detects the paper characteristics of the paper S transported from the paper supply device 100. The paper transport device 400 includes a first transport unit 51, a second transport unit 52, a third transport unit 53, a first detection unit 71, and a second detection unit 72, etc. The first detection unit 71 and the second detection unit 72 are examples of paper characteristic detection units.
[0026] The first transport unit 51, the second transport unit 52, and the third transport unit 53 are each equipped with a plurality of transport rollers 59, etc., for transporting paper S along the transport path that constitutes each transport unit. An inlet 55 is provided on the upstream side of the first transport unit 51 in the paper transport direction for transporting paper S from the paper supply device 100 to the paper transport device 400. A branching section 58 is provided on the downstream side of the first transport unit 51 in the paper transport direction for branching the transport path of paper S to the second transport unit 52 and the third transport unit 53. The first transport unit 51 constitutes the transport path between the inlet 55 and the branching section 58.
[0027] A first discharge unit 56 is provided downstream of the second transport unit 52 in the paper transport direction. The second transport unit 52 constitutes the transport path from the branching unit 58 to the first discharge unit 56. Paper S transported from the first transport unit 51 through the branching unit 58 to the second transport unit 52 is discharged from the first discharge unit 56 to the outside of the paper transport device 400. The second transport unit 52 allows paper S to be transported without passing through the image forming unit 240 of the image forming apparatus 200.
[0028] The transport distance of the paper S in the second transport unit 52 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to the length of the long side of the paper S that can be accommodated in the paper supply device 100 and transported by the paper transport device 400. For example, the second transport unit 52 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to the length of the long side of the maximum standard size, excluding long paper such as roll paper. The transport distance of the paper S in the first transport unit 51 is not particularly limited as long as the necessary number of second detection units 72 can be arranged and the paper S can be transported stably.
[0029] An outlet 57 is provided on the downstream side of the third transport unit 53 in the paper transport direction. The third transport unit 53 constitutes a transport path from the branching unit 58 to the outlet 57. Paper S transported from the first transport unit 51 through the branching unit 58 to the second transport unit 52 is transported from the paper transport device 400 to the image forming apparatus 200 via the outlet 57. The third transport unit 53 allows paper S to be transported via the image forming unit 240 of the image forming apparatus 200. In the first image forming system 10A, when the paper transport device 400 is used alone, the outlet 57 is used as the discharge point for paper S transported by the third transport unit 53.
[0030] It is preferable that the transport distance of the paper S in the third transport section 53 is shorter than the length of the second transport section 52. It is preferable that the third transport section 53 is configured to have the shortest possible transport distance of the paper S from the branching section 58 to the outlet 57.
[0031] The first detection unit 71 is located in the second transport unit 52 and detects the paper characteristics of the paper S transported to the second transport unit 52 during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. For example, when the first image forming system 10A is in a print standby state, sleep state, or other state where no print job is being executed, the first detection unit 71 can detect the paper characteristics of the paper S by transporting the paper S to the second transport unit 52. It is preferable for the first detection unit 71 to detect the paper characteristics when the transport of the paper S is stopped or when the transport of the paper S is reduced to a speed lower than the normal transport speed for image forming. By detecting the paper characteristics of the paper S in a stopped state or a low-speed transport state, the accuracy of paper characteristic detection can be improved.
[0032] The second detection unit 72 is positioned in the first transport unit 51 and detects the paper characteristics of the paper S transported to the first transport unit 51. Preferably, the second detection unit 72 detects the paper characteristics while the paper S is being transported at the normal transport speed during image formation in a print job. Detecting the paper characteristics at the normal transport speed allows for detection of paper characteristics without reducing the productivity of the print job.
[0033] The first detection unit 71 and the second detection unit 72 can detect the type, size, and physical properties of the paper S. Examples of the type of paper S include plain paper, fine paper, and glossy paper. Examples of the physical properties of the paper S include thickness, basis weight, surface condition such as smoothness, stiffness, charge amount, moisture content, curl amount, and grain direction indicating the angle of the paper fibers.
[0034] The first detection unit 71 and the second detection unit 72 are equipped with various sensors for detecting paper characteristics. For example, the first detection unit 71 and the second detection unit 72 are equipped with imaging sensors for detecting the type of paper S. The imaging sensor includes a light source that irradiates the surface of the paper S with light, a light source that irradiates the back of the paper S with light, and an image sensor that captures the surface of the paper S. The imaging sensor acquires an image of the reflective state when the front of the paper S is irradiated and an image of the transmitted state when the back of the paper S is irradiated.
[0035] The first detection unit 71 includes an optical sensor and a weight sensor for detecting the size, weight, and basis weight of the paper S. The optical sensor has a light-receiving element that detects the edge of the paper S on the inspection table over which the transported paper S passes. The weight sensor detects the weight per unit area of the paper S from the change in weight of the inspection table as the paper S passes over it. The weight sensor detects the size and area of the paper S from the output of the optical sensor and obtains the basis weight from the weight per unit area of the paper S detected by the weight sensor.
[0036] The first detection unit 71 includes, for example, a sensor that detects the electrical properties of the paper S as paper properties. The first detection unit 71 detects the electrical resistance, charge amount, moisture content, etc. of the paper S as paper properties by charging the paper S with the sensor. The first detection unit 71 also includes, for example, a sensor that detects paper properties by a test that directly contacts the paper S. The first detection unit 71 detects the stiffness of the paper S as a paper property using the sensor that directly contacts the paper S.
[0037] Preferably, the second detection unit 72 includes a sensor that detects paper characteristics without contacting the paper S. The second detection unit 72 detects paper characteristics without deforming the paper characteristics with external force. This suppresses the occurrence of transport failures, paper jams, etc., during the transport of paper S in the image forming apparatus 200, particularly in the image forming unit 240 and the fixing unit 248. Furthermore, preferably, the second detection unit 72 includes a sensor that detects paper characteristics without charging the paper S. The second detection unit 72 detects paper characteristics without charging the paper S. This prevents transport failures due to paper S sticking during transport, and enables accurate transfer of charge, which is important in the electrophotographic process in the image forming unit 240, for example, the transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 246 to the paper S. By having the second detection unit 72 perform non-contact and non-charging detection of paper characteristics, the first image forming system 10A can reduce paper transport failures and improve transfer accuracy in image formation. This suppresses a decrease in the reliability of image formation.
[0038] (Image forming apparatus 200) The image forming apparatus 200 forms a predetermined image on the surface of a sheet of paper S transported from the paper transport device 400. The image forming apparatus 200 includes an operation display unit 220, a scanner 230, an image forming unit 240, a transport unit 250, a temperature detection unit 241, a humidity detection unit 242, and the like.
[0039] The operation display unit 220 consists of an operation unit and a display unit. The display unit is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display and displays images such as a GUI, various operation screens, etc. GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface. The operation unit is equipped with a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit, number buttons, a start button, and various other operation buttons. The operation unit receives predetermined operation instructions from the user.
[0040] Scanner 230 optically scans a document transported from the ADF onto the contact glass or a document placed on the contact glass. Scanner 230 illuminates the document from a light source, and the reflected light is imaged onto the light-receiving surface of the CCD sensor to read the document image. Scanner 230 performs A / D conversion on the scanned image to generate image data. ADF is an automatic document feeder and is an abbreviation for Auto Document Feeder. CCD is an abbreviation for Charge Coupled Device.
[0041] The image forming unit 240 forms an image on the paper S based on the image data generated by the scanner 230. The image forming unit 240 includes photosensitive drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, 241K and charging units 242Y, 242M, 242C, 242K corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. The image forming unit 240 also includes exposure units 243Y, 243M, 243C, 243K, developing units 244Y, 244M, 244C, 244K, and primary transfer rollers 245Y, 245M, 245C, 245K. In addition, the image forming unit 240 includes an intermediate transfer belt 246, a secondary transfer roller 247, and a fixing unit 248.
[0042] The charging units 242Y, 242M, 242C, and 242K uniformly charge the photoreceptor drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K. The exposure units 243Y, 243M, 243C, and 243K consist of a laser light source, polygon mirrors, lenses, etc. The exposure units 243Y, 243M, 243C, and 243K scan and expose the surface of the photoreceptor drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K with a laser beam based on image data of each color to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing units 244Y, 244M, 244C, and 244K develop the image by attaching toner of each color to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K.
[0043] The primary transfer rollers 245Y, 245M, 245C, and 245K sequentially transfer the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drums 241Y, 241M, 241C, and 241K onto the intermediate transfer belt 246. That is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 246 by the primary transfer, in which the four color toner images are superimposed. The secondary transfer roller 247 transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 246 onto one side of the paper S supplied from the supply tray in one go. This transfer is called secondary transfer. The fixing unit 248 fixes the toner image on the paper S by heating and pressurizing it as it passes through the nip section formed by the fixing roller and pressure roller.
[0044] The transport unit 250 is equipped with a plurality of transport rollers 251, etc., for transporting paper S along a predetermined transport path. The transport unit 250 drives the transport rollers 251 and transports the paper along the predetermined transport path within the image forming apparatus 200, thereby transporting the image-formed paper S to the post-processing device 300.
[0045] The temperature detection unit 241 is installed inside the image forming apparatus 200 and detects the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 200 during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. The temperature detection unit 241 is composed of, for example, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or a thermopile.
[0046] The humidity detection unit 242 is installed inside the image forming apparatus 200 and detects the humidity inside the image forming apparatus 200 during periods including when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job. The humidity detection unit 242 is composed of, for example, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor.
[0047] (Post-processing device 300) The post-processing device 300 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper S, which has been image-formed in the image forming apparatus 200, as specified by the print job. The post-processing device 300 includes a post-processing unit. The post-processing unit performs at least one of the following processes: perforation, folding, foil stamping, binding, cutting, stapling, gluing, and binding. The post-processing unit is transported by a transport unit 350 within the post-processing device 300 and performs predetermined post-processing on the image-formed paper S. The paper S, which has undergone predetermined post-processing by the post-processing unit, is discharged from a second discharge unit 351 and stacked on a paper output tray 352.
[0048] [Block diagram of the first image forming system 10A] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the first image forming system 10A according to this embodiment. The first image forming system 10A includes a control unit 90, a storage unit 98, a communication unit 99, an image processing unit 80, and an operation display unit 220. The image forming apparatus 200 of the first image forming system 10A includes a temperature detection unit 241 and a humidity detection unit 242. The paper supply device 100 of the first image forming system 10A includes a temperature detection unit 60, a humidity detection unit 61, and a remaining amount sensor 62. The paper transport device 400 of the first image forming system 10A includes a first detection unit 71 and a second detection unit 72. In the following description, configurations that overlap with the description of the first image forming system 10A shown in Figure 2 above will be omitted.
[0049] The control unit 90 is composed of, for example, a CPU 91 and a memory 92. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The CPU 91 reads various processing programs stored in the memory 92 and controls the operation of each part of the first image forming system 10A according to the read program. The memory 92 is composed of ROM and RAM. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The memory 92 stores various processing programs for controlling each part of the image forming system 10, parameters necessary for executing said programs, etc. The memory 92 forms a work area that temporarily stores various processing programs and parameters read in the various processes executed and controlled by the CPU 91.
[0050] The storage unit 98 is composed of non-volatile memory such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. The storage unit 98 stores various processing programs executed by the CPU 91, and information about the processing functions of the device necessary for executing those programs. The storage unit 98 also stores image data read by the scanner 230, image data transmitted from client terminals 30, etc., and paper characteristic information of the paper S detected by the first detection unit 71 and the second detection unit 72. In addition, the storage unit 98 stores environmental information including temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 60, humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 61, and paper remaining amount information of the paper S detected by the remaining amount sensor 62.
[0051] The communication unit 99 consists of a NIC or modem, etc. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 99 connects the first image forming system 10A to the first network N1, etc., and transmits and receives various types of data with external devices such as the printer controller 20 and the management device 40.
[0052] The image processing unit 80 consists of circuits that perform analog-to-digital conversion processing and circuits that perform digital image processing. The image processing unit 80 generates digital image data by applying A / D conversion processing to the analog image signal from the scanner 230. The image processing unit 80 analyzes a print job acquired from, for example, a client terminal 30, and generates digital image data by rasterizing each page of the original document. The image processing unit 80 applies image processing such as color conversion processing, correction processing according to initial settings or user settings, and compression processing to the image data as needed, and outputs the processed image data to the image forming unit 240.
[0053] The operation display unit 220 displays various operation screens according to the display control signals input from the control unit 90. The operation display unit 220 accepts various input operations from the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 90. The operation display unit 220 can also display an environmental information image on the screen that visualizes the changes in temperature and humidity within the first image forming system 10A in time series, based on image data related to the environmental information image transmitted from the management device 40.
[0054] The temperature detection unit 241 of the image forming apparatus 200 detects the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 200 and outputs environmental information including the detected temperature to, for example, the storage unit 98. The humidity detection unit 242 detects the humidity inside the image forming apparatus 200 and outputs environmental information including the detected humidity to, for example, the storage unit 98.
[0055] The temperature detection unit 60 of the paper supply device 100 detects the temperature inside the paper supply device 100 and outputs environmental information including the detected temperature to, for example, the storage unit 98. The humidity detection unit 61 detects the humidity inside the image forming apparatus 200 and outputs environmental information including the detected humidity to, for example, the storage unit 98. The remaining amount sensor 62 detects the amount of paper remaining in each paper tray and outputs paper remaining amount information including the detected amount of paper remaining to, for example, the storage unit 98.
[0056] The first detection unit 71 of the paper transport device 400 detects the paper characteristics of the paper S passing through the second transport unit 52 and outputs paper characteristic information, including the detected paper characteristics, to, for example, the storage unit 98. The second detection unit 72 detects the paper characteristics of the paper S passing through the first transport unit 51 and outputs paper characteristic information, including the detected paper characteristics, to, for example, the storage unit 98. The control unit 90 controls the communication unit 99 and transmits environmental information, remaining paper amount information, and paper characteristic information stored in the storage unit 98 to the management device 40 via the first network N1 and the second network N2 at predetermined timings.
[0057] Even when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job, the temperature detection unit 241, humidity detection unit 242, temperature detection unit 60, humidity detection unit 61, remaining amount sensor 62, first detection unit 71, and second detection unit 72 are supplied with predetermined power. Therefore, when no print job is being executed, each detection unit, such as the temperature detection unit 241, can detect temperature, humidity, etc., according to its purpose.
[0058] [Example of block configuration for printer controller 20] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the printer controller 20 according to this embodiment. The printer controller 20 comprises a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The control unit 21, the operation unit 22, the display unit 23, the storage unit 24, and the communication unit 25 are connected to each other by wiring 26 such as a bus.
[0059] The control unit 21 includes a CPU 21a and memory 21b, etc. The CPU 21a reads the printer control program stored in memory 21b, etc., and controls the operation of each part of the printer controller 20 according to the read program. The CPU 21a generates a print image based on a print job received from an external device such as a client terminal 30, according to various programs. Memory 21b is composed of ROM and RAM, etc. For example, printer control programs for controlling each part of the printer controller 20 are stored in memory 21b.
[0060] The operation unit 22 includes, for example, at least one of a mouse, keyboard, switch, button, and sensor. The operation unit 22 may also be, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display. The operation unit 22 receives instructions in response to user input and outputs an operation signal based on the received instructions to the control unit 21.
[0061] The display unit 23 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 23 displays, for example, a GUI for receiving various input operations from the user, various operation screens, etc. At least one of the operation unit 22 and the display unit 23 described above can be omitted from the configuration of the printer controller 20.
[0062] The storage unit 24 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD or HDD. Various programs, such as an operating system and control programs, are stored in the storage unit 24.
[0063] The communication unit 25 is composed of, for example, a NIC or a modem. The communication unit 25 communicates various data, such as print jobs, with the client terminal 30 via the first network N1 or the like.
[0064] [Example of block configuration for client terminal 30] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The client terminal 30 comprises a control unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit 35. The control unit 31, the operation unit 32, the display unit 33, the storage unit 34, and the communication unit 35 are connected to each other by wiring 36 such as a bus.
[0065] The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a and memory 31b, etc. The CPU 31a reads various processing programs stored in memory 31b, etc., and controls the operation of each part of the client terminal 30 according to the read program. The control unit 31 generates a print job including a print instruction for a predetermined image according to the various programs. The print job includes, for example, print data in PDL format and print setting data. PDL is an abbreviation for Page Description Language. The print setting data includes information such as the number of pages, number of copies, paper type, size, basis weight, inspection function settings, and single-sided / double-sided printing settings. Memory 31b consists of ROM and RAM, etc. Memory 31b stores a browser and processing programs for displaying graphs that visualize changes in temperature and humidity within the image forming system 10 in time series.
[0066] The operation unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of a mouse, keyboard, switch, button, and sensor. The operation unit 32 may also be, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display. The operation unit 32 receives instructions in response to user input and outputs an operation signal based on the received instructions to the control unit 31.
[0067] The display unit 33 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 33 displays a GUI, various operation screens, etc., for accepting various input operations from the user. For example, the display unit 33 displays an environmental information image on the screen that visualizes the changes in temperature and humidity within the first image forming system 10A, based on image data relating to the environmental information image transmitted from the management device 40.
[0068] The storage unit 34 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD or HDD. Various programs, such as an operating system and control programs, are stored in the storage unit 34.
[0069] The communication unit 35 is composed of, for example, a NIC or a modem. The communication unit 35 communicates print jobs with the printer controller 20 via the first network N1 and the second network N2, and also communicates image data related to environmental information images with the management device 40, etc.
[0070] [Example of block configuration of management device 40] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the management device 40 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 comprises a control unit 41, an operation unit 42, a display unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 41, the operation unit 42, the display unit 43, the storage unit 44, and the communication unit 45 are connected to each other by wiring 46 such as a bus.
[0071] The control unit 41 includes a CPU 41a and a memory 41b, etc. The CPU 41a reads a management program stored in the memory 41b, etc., and controls the operation of each part of the management device 40 according to the read management program. For example, the CPU 41a acquires environmental information of the first image forming system 10A, etc., during a period that includes a state in which the first image forming system 10A, etc., is not executing a print job. Based on the acquired environmental information, etc., the CPU 41a executes control to present an environmental information image that visualizes changes in temperature, humidity, etc., inside the first image forming system 10A to the client terminal 30, etc. The memory 41b consists of ROM and RAM, etc. The memory 41b stores a management program for controlling each part of the management device 40, parameters necessary for executing the program, etc.
[0072] The operation unit 42 includes, for example, at least one of a mouse, keyboard, switch, button, and sensor. The operation unit 42 may also be, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display. The operation unit 42 receives instructions in response to user input and outputs an operation signal based on the received instructions to the control unit 41.
[0073] The display unit 43 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 43 can display a GUI or the like on the screen to accept various input operations from the user.
[0074] The storage unit 44 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as an SSD or HDD. Various programs, such as an operating system and control programs, are stored in the storage unit 44.
[0075] The communication unit 45 is composed of, for example, a NIC or a modem. The communication unit 45 communicates data such as environmental information with the first image forming system 10A, etc., via the first network N1 and the second network N2, and also communicates image data related to environmental information images with external devices such as client terminals 30.
[0076] [Example of operation of the control device 40] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management device 40 that manages environmental information of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 41 of the management device 40 executes a management program stored in memory 41b, etc., to realize control that visualizes changes in environmental information, including temperature and humidity, within the image forming system 10 in a time series.
[0077] The control unit 41 acquires environmental information from the image forming system 10 via the first network N1 and the second network N2 (step S1). The environmental information includes environmental information for periods when the image forming system 10 is not executing print jobs, such as in sleep mode. When the management device 40 manages multiple image forming systems 10, the control unit 41 acquires management information from each of the multiple image forming systems 10. The image forming system 10 may, for example, send the stored environmental information to the management device 40 all at once when the power is turned off. Alternatively, the image forming system 10 may send environmental information to the management device 40 at predetermined intervals, or it may send the acquired environmental information to the management device 40 in real time.
[0078] The control unit 41 classifies the various types of information included in the acquired environmental information into categories (step S2). The various types of information included in the environmental information include, for example, environmental information including temperature and humidity of each image forming system 10, power status information of the image forming system 10, detection time information of the environmental information, identification information of the image forming system 10, and so on.
[0079] The control unit 41 aggregates the classified environmental information by predetermined period, by image forming system, etc. (step S3). For example, the control unit 41 can aggregate the environmental information to be used according to the type of display pattern of the environmental information image presented to the user, such as an operator. Specifically, the control unit 41 may aggregate the changes in environmental information such as temperature and humidity under predetermined power conditions for a predetermined period for the first image forming system 10A and generate an environmental information image based on the aggregated environmental information. For example, the control unit 41 may calculate the average temperature and average humidity for a predetermined period for the first image forming system 10A and generate an environmental information image based on the calculation results.
[0080] The control unit 41 presents an environmental information image, which visualizes the aggregated environmental information in chronological order, to an external device such as a client terminal 30 (step S4). In this embodiment, multiple display patterns are provided as environmental information images. Specifically, as will be described later, as an example, seven patterns are provided, from the first environmental information image 33a to the seventh environmental information image 33g. The user can select any environmental information image on the operation panel of the client terminal 30, for example, depending on the usage environment, usage status, etc. Alternatively, any environmental screen image may be set as the default.
[0081] In the example described above, the case of managing environmental information of the image forming system 10 was explained, but the operation shown in Figure 7 can also be applied when managing paper remaining amount information and paper characteristic information of the image forming system 10. Specifically, when the control unit 41 obtains paper remaining amount information from the first image forming system 10A for a period including when no print jobs are being executed, it classifies the various information contained in the paper remaining amount information. Subsequently, the control unit 41 aggregates the classified information by predetermined period, by image forming system, etc. For example, the control unit 41 aggregates the paper remaining amount information of each paper tray for the first image forming system 10A for a predetermined period, etc., and generates an environmental information image that associates the aggregated paper remaining amount information with the environmental information described above. Subsequently, the control unit 41 presents the generated environmental information image to an external device such as a client terminal 30.
[0082] Furthermore, when the control unit 41 acquires paper characteristic information from the first image forming system 10A during a period in which no print jobs are being executed, it classifies the various information contained in the paper characteristic information. Subsequently, the control unit 41 aggregates the classified information by predetermined period, by image forming system, etc. For example, the control unit 41 calculates and aggregates the paper characteristic information for the first image forming system 10A during a predetermined period, and generates an environmental information image that associates the aggregated paper characteristic information with the environmental information described above. Subsequently, the control unit 41 presents the generated environmental information image to an external device such as a client terminal 30.
[0083] Furthermore, when the control unit 41 acquires paper characteristic information for multiple paper trays during a period in which no print jobs are being executed from the first image forming system 10A, it classifies the various information contained in the paper characteristic information. Subsequently, the control unit 41 aggregates the classified information by predetermined period, by image forming system, etc. For example, the control unit 41 calculates and aggregates the paper characteristic information for the first image forming system 10A during a predetermined period, and generates an environmental information image that associates the aggregated paper characteristic information for multiple paper trays with the environmental information described above. Subsequently, the control unit 41 presents the generated environmental information image to an external device such as a client terminal 30.
[0084] [Example of display of the first environmental information image 33a] Figure 8 shows an example of a first environmental information image 33a displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 displays the first environmental information image 33a on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30, for example, based on environmental information acquired from the first image forming system 10A. The first environmental information image 33a displays a line graph that visualizes the changes in temperature and humidity over time, both when the power of the first image forming system 10A is turned on and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power of the first image forming system 10A was turned on. The horizontal axis, corresponding to the first axis of the graph, represents time, and the vertical axis, corresponding to the second axis, represents temperature and humidity. The horizontal axis of the graph includes the period of July 6th and 7th, and this period is divided into approximately one-hour units. The power-on period in the graph also includes changes in temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when the first image forming system 10A is not executing print jobs, such as when the first image forming system 10A is in a sleep state. Furthermore, in the graph, "when the first image forming system 10A is powered off" refers to the time of the temperature and humidity recorded immediately before the power is turned off (e.g., a few seconds or tens of seconds before).
[0085] By referring to the first environmental information image 33a, the user can confirm that the humidity is high when the first image forming system 10A is powered on, and that the humidity decreases and stabilizes after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first image forming system 10A was powered on. Furthermore, by referring to the first environmental information image 33a, the user can confirm that the humidity is high after the first image forming system 10A is powered off. Thus, the first environmental information image 33a allows for the visualization of environmental information even when no print jobs are running, including the state when the power is off, enabling the user to understand the time of day when production can be carried out under the most stable temperature and humidity conditions. This allows the user to decide on operational or production workflow changes, such as powering on earlier, to ensure longer periods of stable temperature and humidity during peak seasons.
[0086] [Example of display of the second environmental information image 33b] Figure 9 shows an example of a second environmental information image 33b displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 displays the second environmental information image 33b on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30, for example, based on environmental information acquired from the first image forming system 10A. The second environmental information image 33b displays a line graph that visualizes the change in humidity over time from when the power of the first image forming system 10A was turned on until it was turned off during the period from April 8 to April 12, 2023. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature and humidity. The horizontal axis of the graph includes the period from April 8 to April 12, 2023, and the main period is divided into one-hour units. The power-on period in the graph also includes the change in temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job, such as when the first image forming system 10A is in sleep mode.
[0087] By referring to the second environmental information image 33b, the user can see that there is a 16% difference in humidity between April 8th and April 10th during the five days starting from April 8th, which is springtime, and that humidity changes from day to day. For example, if the difference in humidity fluctuations is large, it can affect the performance of components such as the band electrodes of the first image forming system 10A, increasing the likelihood of image errors occurring. Thus, the second environmental information image 33b allows for the visualization of humidity changes over a certain period in a given season, making it possible to identify the days when production can be carried out under the most stable humidity conditions. This allows for decisions to be made regarding operations or changes to the production workflow, such as turning on the power earlier during peak seasons, in order to secure longer periods of stable temperature and humidity.
[0088] [Example of display of the third environmental information image 33c] Figure 10 shows an example of a third environmental information image 33c displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 causes the third environmental information image 33c, based on environmental information acquired from, for example, the first image forming system 10A, to be displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30. The third environmental information image 33c displays a bar graph and a table, respectively, showing the average temperature and humidity for each detection period from June to August during the summer. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the average temperature and humidity, and the vertical axis represents each detection period. Each detection period includes, for example, the period from one hour after power-on to power-off, the period from power-on to two hours after power-on, and the time when the power is off. The average temperature and humidity in the graph also includes the temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when it is not executing a print job, such as when the first image forming system 10A is in sleep mode.
[0089] By referring to the third environmental information image 33c, users can confirm that, between June and August, the average humidity inside the first image forming system 10A is higher when it is powered off compared to when it is powered on, and that temperature and humidity fluctuations are greater. This is because, during the summer months from June to August, the average humidity both indoors and outdoors rises, but the dehumidification unit inside the machine does not operate when the first image forming system 10A is powered off. Furthermore, by referring to the third environmental information image 33c, users can confirm that the humidity is high for up to two hours after the first image forming system 10A is powered on, and that the humidity does not fall within the recommended environment for high productivity and stable production. In this way, the third environmental information image 33c allows for the visualization of long-term temperature and humidity changes on a monthly and seasonal basis. This enables users to improve their production workflow, such as turning on the first image forming system 10A earlier than usual during busy months, and to achieve long-term production in the recommended environment for high productivity. Note that while the third environmental information image 33c displays temperature and humidity data on a monthly basis, the data could also be displayed on a quarterly basis, for example.
[0090] [Example of display of the fourth environmental information image 33d] Figure 11 shows an example of a fourth environmental information image 33d displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 acquires environmental information from, for example, three first image forming systems 10A, a second image forming system 10B, and other image forming systems (not shown). The management device 40 displays the fourth environmental information image 33d based on the acquired environmental information on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30. The fourth environmental information image 33d displays bar graphs and tables showing the average temperature and humidity for each measurement period in July for the three image forming systems 10. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the average temperature and humidity, and the vertical axis represents each detection period. Each detection period includes, for example, the period from one hour after power-on to power-off, the period from power-on to two hours after power-on, and the time when the power is off. In addition, the average temperature and humidity in the bar graphs and tables also include the temperature and humidity of the image forming system 10 during periods when the image forming system 10 is not executing a print job, such as when the image forming system 10 is in a sleep state. It should be assumed that the three image forming systems 10 are installed in different locations within the same room.
[0091] By referring to the fourth environmental information image 33d, the user can confirm, for example, that the average temperature of the second image forming system 10B is higher during the period from one hour after power-on until power-off. This is because the placement of the three image forming systems 10 affects the airflow from the air conditioner, the location of windows and doors, etc., in the room. In other words, even within the same room, the temperature and humidity differ depending on the location. Thus, the fourth environmental information image 33d allows for a side-by-side comparison of the changes in average temperature and humidity across the three image forming systems 10. This enables the user to determine whether the layout of the production environment, including the placement of the three image forming systems 10, the air conditioner settings, and the number of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, is appropriate.
[0092] [Example of display of the fifth environmental information image 33e] Figure 12 shows an example of a fifth environmental information image 33e displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 displays the fifth environmental information image 33e on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 based on environmental information, paper remaining amount information, etc., acquired from, for example, the first image forming system 10A. The fifth environmental information image 33e displays a line graph and a bar graph showing the correlation between the remaining amount of paper in each of the multiple paper trays and the change in temperature and humidity. The horizontal axis of the graph is time. The horizontal axis of the graph mainly includes the period of July 6th, and this period is divided into approximately one-hour units. The left side of the vertical axis of the graph is temperature and humidity, and the right side of the vertical axis is the remaining amount of paper relative to the capacity of the paper tray. In addition, the temperature and humidity in the graph also include the temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when it is not executing print jobs, such as when the first image forming system 10A is in a sleep state.
[0093] By referring to the fifth environmental information image 33e, the user can confirm that the humidity is high when the first image forming system 10A is powered on, and that the humidity decreases and stabilizes after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first image forming system 10A was powered on. Furthermore, by referring to the fifth environmental information image 33e, the user can confirm that the humidity is high after the first image forming system 10A is powered off. Additionally, by referring to the fifth environmental information image 33e, the user can confirm, for example, that the paper level in the paper tray is increased when the humidity stabilizes, and that the paper level in the paper tray is reduced to zero when the first image forming system 10A is powered off. Thus, the fifth environmental information image 33e allows for the visualization of temperature, humidity, and the paper level relative to the paper tray capacity, clearly demonstrating the correlation between temperature, humidity, and paper level. This enables the user to identify issues related to paper usage that take into account the effects of temperature and humidity changes, thereby improving printing operations.
[0094] [Example of display of environmental information image 33f (6th)] Figure 13 shows an example of a sixth environmental information image 33f displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 displays the sixth environmental information image 33f on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30, based on environmental information, paper characteristics information, etc., acquired from, for example, the first image forming system 10A. The sixth environmental information image 33f displays a line graph and a bar graph showing the correlation between changes in paper characteristics, including the moisture content and curl amount of the paper S, changes in temperature and humidity, and changes in fixing temperature. The horizontal axis of the graph is time. The horizontal axis of the graph mainly includes the period of July 6th, and this period is divided into approximately one-hour units. The left side of the vertical axis of the graph is temperature and humidity, and the right side of the vertical axis is fixing temperature. The temperature and humidity in the graph also include changes in the temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job, such as when the first image forming system 10A is in a sleep state.
[0095] By referring to the sixth environmental information image 33f, the user can confirm, for example, that during the 8 o'clock hour in summer, when the first image forming system 10A is in operation, the humidity is high and the moisture content of the paper S is high. The user can also confirm that the curling of the paper S has increased along with the increase in moisture content, indicating a change in the condition of the paper S. This is thought to be caused, for example, by leaving the paper S in the paper tray in a high-humidity environment between the end of operation and the start of operation of the first image forming system 10A. In this case, the likelihood of errors related to paper S transport and errors related to image quality increases. Also, if cut paper S is left stacked in a high-humidity environment, the paper S may absorb moisture, which may cause problems with paper transport or finish. On the other hand, although not shown in the sixth environmental information image 33f, if the humidity is low, leaving paper S in the paper tray may increase the effect of static electricity, making double feeding more likely and potentially increasing the occurrence of transport errors. As shown in the sixth environmental information image 33f, the relationship between paper characteristics and temperature / humidity can be visualized, making it possible to clearly identify the correlation between paper characteristics and temperature / humidity. This allows for adjustments to settings and a review of printing operations to address errors related to paper transport S and image quality.
[0096] [Example of display of Environmental Information Image 33g (7th)] Figure 14 shows an example of a seventh environmental information image 33g displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30 according to this embodiment. The management device 40 displays the seventh environmental information image 33g on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30, based on environmental information, paper characteristic information, etc., acquired from, for example, the first image forming system 10A. The seventh environmental information image 33g displays line graphs and bar graphs showing the correlation between changes in paper characteristics, including the amount of curl and moisture content of paper S in three paper feed trays and one manual feed tray, and changes in temperature and humidity. The horizontal axis of the graph is time. The horizontal axis of the graph mainly includes the period of July 6th, and this period is divided into approximately one-hour units. In addition, each of the divided time units is assigned to three paper feed trays and one manual feed tray. The left side of the vertical axis of the graph is the moisture content of paper S, and the right side of the vertical axis is the amount of curl of paper S. The temperature and humidity in the graph also include changes in the temperature and humidity of the first image forming system 10A during periods when the first image forming system 10A is not executing a print job, such as when it is in a sleep state.
[0097] By referring to the seventh environmental information image 33g, the user can confirm that, for example, during the 8 o'clock hour in summer, when the first image forming system 10A is in operation, the humidity is high and the moisture content of the paper S is high. The user can also confirm that the curling of the paper S has increased along with the increase in moisture content, indicating a change in the condition of the paper S. This is thought to be caused, for example, by leaving the paper S in the paper feed tray in a high-humidity environment between the end of operation and the start of operation of the first image forming system 10A. In this case, there is a high possibility of errors related to the transport of paper S and errors related to image quality. Also, if cut paper S is left stacked in a high-humidity environment, the paper S may absorb moisture, which may cause problems with paper transport or the finished product. Furthermore, by referring to the seventh environmental information image 33g, the user can confirm that the moisture content and curling of the paper S fed from the manual feed tray attached to the device are high. As shown in the 7th environmental information image 33g, the relationship between paper characteristics and temperature / humidity can be visualized, making it possible to clearly identify the correlation between paper characteristics and temperature / humidity. This allows for adjustments to settings and a review of printing operations to address errors related to paper transport and image quality.
[0098] As described above, according to this embodiment, an environmental information image, which visualizes the environmental information of the image forming system 10, including temperature and humidity, in a time series during periods when no print jobs are being executed, is displayed on an external device such as a client terminal 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an environmental information image that visualizes the remaining paper amount information in a time series in relation to the environmental information, and an environmental information image that visualizes the paper characteristics information in a time series in relation to the environmental information are displayed on the display unit 33 of the client terminal 30. This allows the user to determine whether the current printing operation, production workflow, and external production environment are appropriate. As a result, improvements can be made to printing operations, etc., according to the environmental conditions in which the image forming system 10 is located, and productivity can be improved by increasing the operating rate of the image forming system 10. In particular, print shops that manage multiple image forming systems 10 can increase the operating rate of the image forming system 10 and recover their capital investment more quickly.
[0099] Although preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure, within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims for those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0100] 10 Image Forming Systems 10A First Image Forming System 10B Second Image Forming System 30 client terminals 33 Display section 33a 1st environmental information image 33b Second environment information image 33c Third Environmental Information Image 33d Fourth Environmental Information Image 33e Fifth Environmental Information Image 33f 6th Environmental Information Image 33g 7th Environmental Information Image 40 Management device 41 Control Unit 70 Paper supply unit (paper tray) 71 First detection unit (paper characteristics detection unit) 72 Second detection unit (paper characteristics detection unit)
Claims
1. The control device that manages the image forming apparatus, Environmental information about the image forming apparatus is acquired during a period that includes a time when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The acquired environmental information is presented in chronological order. Management method.
2. The aforementioned management device manages multiple image forming apparatuses, For each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, environmental information for that image forming apparatus is acquired during a period that includes a time when no print jobs are being executed. The acquired environmental information is presented in chronological order. The management method described in claim 1.
3. The acquired environmental information is presented in chronological order for each of the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses. The management method described in claim 2.
4. The state in which the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job means that the image forming apparatus is in standby or sleep mode. The management method described in claim 1.
5. The image forming apparatus is equipped with a paper feed tray, The aforementioned control device The image forming apparatus acquires information on the remaining amount of paper in the paper tray during a period that includes a time when it is not executing a print job. The information on the remaining amount of paper obtained is presented in chronological order in relation to the environmental information. The management method described in claim 1.
6. The image forming apparatus is equipped with multiple paper feed trays, For each of the aforementioned paper trays, information on the remaining amount of paper is obtained for a period including when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The information on the remaining amount of paper in the multiple paper trays obtained above is presented in chronological order in relation to the environmental information. The management method described in claim 1.
7. The image forming apparatus includes a paper characteristics detection unit that detects paper characteristics, The aforementioned control device Information regarding the detection results by the paper characteristics detection unit during a period including when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job is acquired. The information regarding the detection results is presented in chronological order in relation to the environmental information. The management method described in claim 1.
8. The image forming apparatus comprises a paper characteristics detection unit for detecting paper characteristics and a plurality of paper feed trays. For each of the plurality of paper feed trays, information is obtained regarding the detection results by the paper characteristics detection unit during a period that includes a time when the image forming apparatus is not executing a print job. The information regarding the detection results for the multiple paper trays obtained is presented in chronological order in relation to the environmental information. The management method described in claim 1.
9. The aforementioned environmental information includes at least one of temperature and humidity. The management method described in claim 1.
10. The system displays environmental information when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on. The management method described in claim 1.
11. When the power to the image forming apparatus is turned off, or a predetermined time before the power is turned off, environmental information is displayed. The management method described in claim 1.
12. The system displays environmental information from the time a predetermined period has elapsed since the power of the image forming apparatus was turned on until the power was turned off. The management method described in claim 1.
13. The acquired environmental information is presented in a time-series format in a two-dimensional form, with the first axis representing time and the second axis representing environmental information. The management method described in claim 1.
14. The first axis is divided into predetermined periods, The calculation results of the environmental information during the predetermined period are presented along the first axis. The management method according to claim 13.
15. A control unit that performs the management method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, Management device.
16. The computer of the control device that manages the image forming apparatus, A control unit that performs the management method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, A program designed to function as such.