Medical imaging system, and method for controlling the medical imaging system

Abstract

The location of a malfunction in the image processing device is diagnosed using printing defects that occur at long intervals. [Solution] An image diagnostic system including an image processing device and an information processing device comprises: a printing means that prints a diagnostic chart image, which includes a diagnostic pattern with added printing order information for diagnosing a periodic printing defect spanning multiple printed sheets, onto multiple sheets using the image processing device; a reading means that reads multiple printed sheets, on which the diagnostic chart image has been printed by the printing means, set by the user, using the image processing device; a control means that controls the printing direction and printing order of multiple sheet images obtained by reading the multiple printed sheets to be consistent; a diagnostic means that performs a diagnosis related to printing defects using the multiple sheet images whose printing direction and printing order have been consistent by the control means; and a storage means that stores the diagnosis results using the information processing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for diagnosing a failure location of an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, there is an image diagnosis service premised on a configuration in which an image diagnosis system identifies a failure location that causes defects in printed images such as streaks or spots (hereinafter referred to as "printing defects") occurring in an image processing apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction device. Some of the printing defects such as streaks or spots occur periodically. Here, the period represents the occurrence interval (distance) of the printing defect. In a rotating body component such as a drum or an intermediate transfer belt, the printing defect occurs at the rotation period, so the printing defect may have a period specific to the component. Thus, it is possible to identify the component that causes the printing defect from the period of the printing defect. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for identifying a component that causes a printing defect that appears periodically in a sheet based on the printing result by printing a diagnosis chart on one sheet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of components with large rotation periods, such as intermediate transfer belts, it is difficult to determine whether periodic contamination exists using only a single sheet. In such cases, diagnostic charts are printed on multiple sheets, and the multiple printed sheets are read using an image reading device such as a scanner to perform image diagnosis. However, if the user sets multiple printed sheets in the scanner in the wrong order, a discrepancy will occur between the order in which the sheets were printed (hereinafter referred to as the "printing order") and the order in which they were scanned (hereinafter referred to as the "scanning order"). In such cases, there is a risk of detecting printing defects with the wrong period and misdiagnosing the component that is causing the printing defect. This disclosure has been made in view of the above problem and aims to provide a technology for diagnosing the location of a failure in an image processing device using printing defects with long occurrence intervals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image diagnostic system according to this disclosure is an image diagnostic system including an image processing device and an information processing device, characterized in that the image processing device prints a diagnostic chart image, which includes a diagnostic pattern to which printing order information is added in order to diagnose printing defects having a periodicity across a plurality of printed sheets, onto a plurality of sheets using the image processing device; the image processing device reads a plurality of printed sheets on which the diagnostic chart image has been printed by the printing device, which have been set by a user; the image processing device controls the printing direction and printing order of a plurality of sheet images obtained by reading the plurality of printed sheets to be consistent; the image processing device performs a diagnosis related to printing defects using the plurality of sheet images on which the printing direction and printing order have been consistent by the control device; and the information processing device stores the results of the diagnosis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technology disclosed herein, it becomes possible to diagnose the location of a malfunction in an image processing device using printing defects with long intervals between occurrences. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Diagram of the diagnostic imaging system. [Figure 2] Hardware configuration diagram of the medical imaging system. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of an image processing device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a printing defect that occurred on a sheet printed with an abnormal image and a diagnostic chart. [Figure 5] This figure shows examples of the diagnostic chart print UI screen and the scan execution UI screen. [Figure 6] Software configuration diagram for a medical imaging system. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a printed diagnostic chart sheet and decoded information. [Figure 8] Flowchart for processing diagnostic chart printouts. [Figure 9] Flowchart for detailed processing of diagnostic chart printouts. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the process of scanning diagnostic charts and transmitting diagnostic image data. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the process for generating diagnostic image data. [Figure 12] Flowchart of the overall processing of the first and second information processing devices. [Figure 13] Flowchart for image diagnostic processing. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the process for generating diagnostic image data. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are not limiting to this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, each step in the flowchart will be indicated by a reference numeral beginning with "S".

[0009] [First Embodiment] The image diagnostic system according to this embodiment receives a print defect notification from an image processing device, diagnoses a diagnostic chart image sent by the user, and estimates the faulty part or corrective action corresponding to the print defect. The user who sends the diagnostic chart image may be a maintenance worker performing the service or the user of the image processing device. The data used in image diagnosis is referred to as "diagnostic image data".

[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the image diagnostic system 100 that provides online image diagnostic services for implementing this embodiment will be described. The image diagnostic system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first information processing device 102, a second information processing device 103, an image processing device 104, and a network 101. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the first information processing device 102, the second information processing device 103, and the image processing device 104 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network 101.

[0011] The image processing device 104 is, for example, a digital multifunction printer, a facsimile machine, a laser beam printer, or a scanner. The image processing device 104 may be one unit or multiple units. The first information processing device 102 is an image diagnostic server that collects and stores image data transmitted from the image processing device 104 via the network 101, performs image diagnostics, and stores the diagnostic results. The first information processing device 102 may also function as the image processing device 104. The second information processing device 103 is an information processing device that allows viewing of the diagnostic results managed by the first information processing device 102 via the network 101. For example, the diagnostic results are displayed on the display device (display) of the second information processing device. The second information processing device 103 is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 2(a), the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 104 according to the present embodiment will be described. The image processing apparatus 104 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a network interface card 205, an external memory 206, an operation panel 207, a storage device 208, a device interface 209, a printer 210, and a scanner 202. Each component is connected by a system bus 200.

[0013] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected via the system bus 200. The CPU 201 reads out a control program and the like stored in the ROM 203 and a control program and resource data (resource information) and the like stored in the external memory 206 connected via a disk controller and the like into the RAM 204 and executes them. The CPU 201 controls the image processing apparatus 104 by executing the read control program and the like.

[0014] The ROM 203 stores programs such as a basic I / O program, font data used during document processing, and various data such as template data. The RAM 204 functions as a main memory of the CPU 201 and a work area, etc., and is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

[0015] The network interface card 205 is an interface with an external device. The image processing device 104 transmits and receives data with the external device via the network interface card 205. Therefore, the network interface card 205 functions as a communication unit that performs data communication with the external device. The operation panel 207 displays a screen and receives operation instructions from the user via the screen. Also, buttons and display units such as a liquid crystal panel (touch panel) for setting the operation mode of the printing device, etc., displaying the operation status of the printing device, and performing operations such as copy specification are arranged. The storage device 208 is an external storage means that functions as a large-capacity memory. Specifically, the storage device 208 may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, or cloud storage, etc. The device interface 209 is a connection interface with an external device that can be connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc.

[0016] The printer 210 is a device that utilizes known printing technology. Examples of the printer 210 include an electrophotographic method (laser beam method), an inkjet method, or a sublimation thermal transfer method, etc. The printer 210 prints image data converted from PDL (Page Description Language) or PDF (Portable Document Format), etc. as printing data on a sheet.

[0017] The scanner 202 is a device that utilizes known image reading technology. The scanner 202 optically scans a sheet placed on a transparent top plate and converts it into image data. Alternatively, it may continuously read a plurality of sheets placed on an automatic document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) and convert them into image data.

[0018] Referring to Figure 2(b), the hardware configurations of the first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 according to this embodiment will be described. The hardware configurations of the first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 are basically the same.

[0019] The first information processing unit 102 and the second information processing unit 103 include a CPU 221, a GPU 222, a ROM 223, and a RAM 224. The first information processing unit 102 and the second information processing unit 103 also include a network interface card 225, an external memory 226, an input / output interface 227, a storage device 228, and a device interface 229. Each component is connected by a system bus 220.

[0020] The CPU 221 controls the entire system and provides comprehensive control over access to various devices connected to the system bus 220. The CPU 221 reads control programs stored in the ROM 223 or control programs and resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 226 connected via the disk controller into the RAM 224 and executes them. The CPU 221 controls the entire system by executing the read control programs. The GPU 222 is a processing unit specialized for vector operations such as image processing or machine learning.

[0021] ROM223 is a storage means that stores various data such as basic I / O programs. RAM224 is RAM that functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU221 and GPU222, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).

[0022] The network interface card 225 is an interface with external devices. The first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 send and receive data with external devices via the network interface card 225. Therefore, the network interface card 225 functions as a communication unit that performs data communication with external devices. The input / output interface 227 receives screen displays and user operation instructions via devices such as display devices (displays), keyboards, mice, smartphones, or tablet terminals. For example, the first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 receive data from external devices via the network interface card 225 and display the received data on a display device (display) via the input / output interface 227. The storage device 228 is an external storage means that functions as a large-capacity memory. Specifically, the storage device 228 may be an HDD, SSD, flash memory, or cloud storage, etc. The device interface 229 is a connection interface with external devices that can be connected via USB, etc.

[0023] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are cross-sectional views of the image processing apparatus 104 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 3(a), the operation of forming an image on sheet P will be described. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 104 forms an image using an electrophotographic method. A so-called tandem method is employed as the method for forming the image.

[0024] The drum cartridge consists of four drum cartridges arranged side by side, each producing an image of toner in four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, the symbols Y, M, C, and K are omitted, and only the numbers are shown, indicating parts common to the four drum cartridges in Figure 3(a).

[0025] The image processing device 104 has one or more paper feed cassettes 10. The pick roller 11 picks up the sheets P contained in the paper feed cassettes 10 and feeds them onto the transport path. The separation roller 12 is a transport roller that separates only the top sheet P when multiple sheets P are pulled out and transports it further downstream. The register roller 13, located downstream of the separation roller 12, is a transport roller that transports the sheets P further downstream. "Register" is an abbreviation for registration.

[0026] The register roller 14, located downstream of the register roller 13, is a conveyor roller that transports the sheet P further downstream. The register sensor 15, located downstream of the register roller 14, outputs a signal indicating that the sheet P is passing through during the period from when it detects the leading edge of the sheet P until it detects the trailing edge. The transport time from when the pick roller 11 is instructed to drive until the register sensor 15 detects the leading edge of the sheet P is monitored to detect transport delays or jams.

[0027] Image formation in the image processing apparatus 104 is performed as follows. First, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 is uniformly charged by the charger 22. By exposing the charged surface with a laser 23, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 21. The electrostatic latent image thus obtained is developed as a toner image by depositing toner from the developer 24. This toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 26 by the primary transfer roller 25.

[0028] In parallel with the toner image formation operation, the sheets P are transported one by one from the paper feed cassette 10 through the transport path to the register roller 14. The register roller 14 corrects the skew of the sheets P. After the skew is corrected, the sheets P are transported by the register roller 14 to the secondary transfer section. The multiple color toner images transferred in layers on the intermediate transfer belt 26 are transferred to the transported sheets P in the secondary transfer section where the secondary transfer inner roller 31 and the secondary transfer outer roller 32 come into contact. After the toner images on the sheets P are heated and pressurized by the fixing device 4 and fixed, the sheets P are discharged to the outside of the image processing device 104.

[0029] The secondary transfer section comprises a secondary transfer inner roller 31 and a secondary transfer outer roller 32. The secondary transfer inner roller 31 is positioned opposite the secondary transfer outer roller 32 via an intermediate transfer belt 26. The secondary transfer outer roller 32 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 26, forming a secondary transfer section with the intermediate transfer belt 26. By applying a secondary transfer voltage opposite in polarity to the toner to the secondary transfer section, the secondary transfer outer roller 32 secondary transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 26 to the sheet P supplied to the secondary transfer section. The core metal of the secondary transfer inner roller 31 is connected to ground potential.

[0030] Figure 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing device 4. The fixing device 4 includes a fixing film 42 with a heating element 41 inside, and a pressure roller 43 that forms a fixing nip with the heating element 41 and transmits drive to the fixing film 42. The heating element 41 heats the fixing film 42 at the fixing nip. The fixing device 4 also includes a first thermistor 44a and a second thermistor 44b as temperature sensing devices for detecting the temperature of the heating element 41.

[0031] Figure 4(a) is an example of an abnormal image 401 for illustrating an abnormal image according to this embodiment. Printing defects 402, 403, and 404 are printing defects included in the abnormal image 401. Here, the direction in which printing defects periodically appear is set as the first direction. The distance from one printing defect to an adjacent printing defect in the first direction is defined as the appearance period D, and the appearance period of printing defects on the abnormal image 401 is indicated by the symbol D. For example, the abnormal image 401 shows that the distance from printing defect 402 to the adjacent printing defect 403 in the first direction, and the distance from printing defect 403 to the adjacent printing defect 404 in the first direction, are both the appearance period D.

[0032] Figure 4(b) shows an example of a printing defect that occurred on a sheet 451 on which a diagnostic chart for diagnosing abnormal images according to this embodiment has been printed. Printing defects 452, 453, and 454 are printing defects included in the sheet 451 on which the diagnostic chart has been printed. Here, the diagnostic chart is a chart for identifying the type of printing defect and the faulty part that caused the printing defect when an abnormal image 401 occurs. The diagnostic chart includes a diagnostic code image 455 and a diagnostic chart image 456. In addition, multiple diagnostic charts are printed on multiple sheets in order to extract printing defects.

[0033] The diagnostic code image 455 is an image that encodes the machine number information of the image processing device 104 that prints the diagnostic chart, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the printing order information of the diagnostic chart. The diagnostic code image 455 only needs to be positioned so that the orientation of the paper on each sheet 451 on which the diagnostic chart is printed can be determined.

[0034] Examples of diagnostic code images 455 include code images such as 2D codes or 1D codes such as barcodes. The information on the diagnostic chart is not limited to code images. For example, text information may be printed on the sheet. The diagnostic chart image 456 is a diagnostic pattern image printed on sheet 451. For example, the diagnostic chart image 456 is an image of halftones of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0035] Figure 5(a) is an example of a screen displaying the diagnostic chart print instruction screen 501 for receiving a diagnostic chart print instruction from the user. The diagnostic chart print instruction screen 501 is displayed on the operation panel 207. The diagnostic chart print instruction screen 501 includes a diagnostic chart screen image 502, a diagnostic chart print permission button 503, and a diagnostic chart print rejection button 504. The diagnostic chart print instruction screen 501 indicates to the user that the diagnostic chart image 506 and the diagnostic code image 505 will be printed on the diagnostic chart screen image 502. The diagnostic code image 505 also includes information such as the machine number information of the image processing device 104, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the print order information of the diagnostic chart screen image 502. The diagnostic code image 505 may also include information such as the file name of the diagnostic chart screen image 502 and the diagnostic pattern.

[0036] Figure 5(b) shows an example of a screen displaying the diagnostic chart scan instruction screen 551 for receiving a diagnostic chart scan instruction from the user. The diagnostic chart scan instruction screen 551 includes a diagnostic request permission button 552 and a diagnostic request rejection button 553. The diagnostic chart scan instruction screen 551 prompts the user to set the printed sheet of the diagnostic chart into the scanner 202 and displays a message indicating that the sheet image of the set sheet will be diagnosed.

[0037] Medical Imaging In this embodiment, the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 transmits diagnostic image data read by the scanner 202 via the network 101 to the first information processing device 102. The CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102 is capable of performing image diagnostic processing to identify the type of printing defect included in the diagnostic image data, candidate faulty parts indicating the faulty parts that caused the printing defects, and candidate action content indicating the action content to be taken for the faulty parts. Action content for faulty parts may include replacement, cleaning, adjustment, or repair of the faulty parts.

[0038] The following describes the overview of the image diagnostic processing performed in this embodiment. Referring to Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the software configuration of the image processing device 104 and the first information processing device 102 in this embodiment will be described. The program for the image processing device 104 is read from RAM 204, storage device 208, and secondary storage device connected via the device interface 209, and executed by the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104. External access to the first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 is performed via the network interface card 225.

[0039] The image processing device 104 includes, as software functional units, a diagnostic chart print instruction unit 601, a print sheet determination unit 602, a diagnostic chart image generation determination unit 603, a diagnostic code image generation unit 604, and a diagnostic chart synthesis unit 605. The image processing device 104 also includes, as software functional units, a diagnostic chart print unit 606, a diagnostic chart scan instruction unit 607, a diagnostic chart scan unit 608, and a diagnostic code image decoding unit 609. Furthermore, the image processing device 104 includes, as software functional units, a scan image orientation correction unit 610, a scan image order sorting unit 611, and a diagnostic image data transmission unit 612. Here, the scan image orientation correction unit 610 and the scan image order sorting unit 611 may be considered as a control unit that controls the functions of the scan image orientation correction unit 610 and the scan image order sorting unit 611, and also controls the image processing device 104 as a whole.

[0040] The diagnostic chart print instruction unit 601 receives a print instruction for the diagnostic chart from the user, as shown in Figure 5(a), via the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104. The print sheet determination unit 602 determines the sheet to print, based on the sheet size information set in the paper cassette, obtained from the storage device 208 by the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104. This is because the size of the print sheet used varies depending on the user of the image processing device 104. The diagnostic chart is determined based on the largest print sheet size used by the user.

[0041] The diagnostic chart image generation determination unit 603 determines the number of diagnostic charts to be output according to the sheet size information acquired by the print sheet determination unit 602 by the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104, and generates a diagnostic chart image 456. The diagnostic code image generation unit 604 generates a diagnostic code image 455 for each diagnostic chart by the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104. The diagnostic code image 455 is an image that encodes the machine number information of the image processing device 104 that prints the diagnostic charts, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the printing order information of the diagnostic charts. The printing order information is unique numerical information that indicates which number each diagnostic chart was printed on, based on the information of the number of diagnostic charts to be printed in one diagnosis. For example, if a total of 10 diagnostic charts are printed in one diagnosis, the information "1 / 10" is assigned to the first diagnostic chart, "2 / 10" to the second diagnostic chart, and so on for all 10 charts.

[0042] The diagnostic chart synthesis unit 605 generates a composite diagnostic chart image by combining the diagnostic chart image 456 generated by the diagnostic chart image generation determination unit 603 and the diagnostic code image 455 generated by the diagnostic code image generation unit 604, as performed by the CPU 201. The diagnostic chart print unit 606 prints the composite diagnostic chart image generated by the CPU 201 in the diagnostic chart synthesis unit 605, producing a sheet with the composite diagnostic chart image printed on it. The diagnostic chart scan instruction unit 607 receives a scan instruction from the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104, as shown in Figure 5(b). The diagnostic chart scan unit 608 has the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 scan the sheet with the composite diagnostic chart image printed on it, which is set in the scanner 202. For example, if there are 10 sheets of composite diagnostic chart images printed by the diagnostic chart print unit 606, the user sets all 10 sheets with the composite diagnostic chart images printed on them in the scanner 202, and the sheets are scanned.

[0043] The diagnostic code image decoding unit 609 decodes the diagnostic code image 455 of each scan image scanned by the diagnostic chart scanning unit 608, which is performed by the CPU 201 of the image processing unit 104. From the decoding results, the diagnostic code image decoding unit 609 obtains the machine number information of the image processing unit 104 that printed the scan image, the product type information of the image processing unit 104, and the printing order information of the scan image. The diagnostic code image decoding unit 609 also obtains the orientation information of the scan image from the position information of the diagnostic code image 455.

[0044] Figure 7(a) shows an example of a scan image acquired by the diagnostic chart scan unit 608 and decoded information decoded by the diagnostic code image decoding unit 609. Decoded information 701 to 703 is the decoded information of scan images 704 to 706. Scan images 704 to 706 are scan images acquired by the diagnostic chart scan unit 608 and are arranged from left to right in scan order. Decoded information 701 to 703 also includes the machine number information of the image processing device 104 at the time of decoding, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the print order information. The decoded information may also include the file name of the diagnostic chart and the diagnostic pattern of the diagnostic chart.

[0045] For example, the decoded information 701 shows that the print order information is "1 / 10," indicating that it is the first sheet out of a total of 10 printed sheets. The serial number information for the image processing device 104 is "DEV0001." Furthermore, the product type information for the image processing device 104 is "PRO1001." In addition, the diagnostic code image is positioned in the upper right corner of scanned images 704 and 705. On the other hand, the diagnostic code image 455 is positioned in the lower left corner of scanned image 706. This means that scanned image 706 was scanned in the wrong orientation. Also, from the print order of the decoded information 701 to 703, it can be seen that the scan order of scanned image 705 and scanned image 706 was swapped.

[0046] The scan image orientation correction unit 610 corrects the orientation of the scan image by having the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 rotate the scan image based on the orientation information of the scan image so that the diagnostic code image 455 is in a predetermined position. In the examples of Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the predetermined position is the upper right of the sheet. Figure 7(b) is an example in which the orientation of the diagnostic code image 455 of scan image 704 in Figure 7(a) has been corrected. Decode information 707 to 709 is the decode information of scan images 710 to 712. Scan image 712 is the result of correcting the orientation of scan image 706.

[0047] The scan image sorting unit 611 sorts the scanned images in the order they will be printed, based on the print order information, using the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104. Figure 7(c) shows the result of sorting the scanned images 710 to 712 in the order they will be printed, based on the print order information from decoded information 707 to 709, as shown in Figure 7(b). Decoded information 713 to 715 is the decoded information for scanned images 716 to 718. For example, the print order of decoded information 708 is "3 / 10", and decoded information 709 is "2 / 10". Scanned images 716 to 718 are the result of sorting them from left to right in the order they will be printed. By correcting the orientation of the scanned images using the scan image orientation correction unit 610 and sorting the order using the scan image sorting unit 611, "diagnostic image data" is obtained. The diagnostic image data transmission unit 612 transmits the diagnostic image data, along with decoded information including machine number information, product type information, and print order information, etc., from the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 to the first information processing device 102 via the network 101.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6(b), the software configuration of the first information processing device 102 in this embodiment will be described. The first information processing device 102 includes, as software functional units, a diagnostic image data receiving unit 651, a diagnostic image data management unit 652, a diagnostic image data retrieval unit 653, a diagnostic unit 654, and a diagnostic result management unit 655.

[0049] The diagnostic image data receiving unit 651 receives the diagnostic image data transmitted by the diagnostic image data transmission unit 612 of the image processing device 104, as well as decoded information including aircraft number information, product type information, and print order information, etc., via the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102. The diagnostic image data management unit 652 stores the diagnostic image data received by the diagnostic image data receiving unit 651, as well as decoded information including aircraft number information, product type information, and print order information, etc., via the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102. The diagnostic image data retrieval unit 653 retrieves the diagnostic image data stored in the diagnostic image data management unit 652, as well as decoded information including aircraft number information, product type information, and print order information, etc., via the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102.

[0050] The diagnostic unit 654 diagnoses the diagnostic image data acquired by the diagnostic image data retrieval unit 653 from the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102. The diagnostic unit 654 also creates a diagnostic result that includes the diagnostic image data, the type of printing defect contained in the diagnostic image data, information on the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and the information obtained by decoding the code image. The diagnostic result management unit 655 stores the diagnostic result created by the diagnostic unit 654 from the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102. The diagnostic result management unit 655 also transmits the diagnostic result to the second information processing device 103 via the network 101. Alternatively, the first information processing device 102 may receive a request to transmit the diagnostic result from the second information processing device 103 via the network 101 and return the diagnostic result to the second information processing device 103.

[0051] Figures 8 to 13 are flowcharts relating to the processing in this embodiment. The program that executes the processing shown in Figures 8 to 11 is read from the RAM 204, storage device 208, and secondary storage device connected via the device interface 209, and the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 executes the program.

[0052] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the diagnostic chart printing process shown in this embodiment. In S801, the CPU 201 executes a diagnostic chart print reception, receiving a print instruction for the diagnostic chart from the diagnostic chart print instruction unit 601, and determines whether a diagnostic chart print reception exists. If a diagnostic chart print reception exists, the process proceeds to S802. If no diagnostic chart print reception exists, the process waits for one. In S802, the CPU 201 prints a "composite diagnostic chart image," which is a composite of the diagnostic chart image and the diagnostic code image, onto the sheet, and the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 is completed.

[0053] Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the process of printing the diagnostic chart of the image processing device 104 in S802 of Figure 8. In S901, the CPU 201 obtains sheet size information from the storage device 208 via the print sheet determination unit 602, and the process proceeds to S902. In S902, the CPU 201, in the diagnostic chart image generation determination unit 603, determines the required number of diagnostic charts to be output according to the sheet size information obtained in S901, and generates the diagnostic chart image. Once the diagnostic chart image is generated, the process proceeds to S903. By performing the processes in S901 and S902, it becomes possible to reduce the number of sheets to be printed by selecting the largest sheet size from among the sheets set in the paper cassette.

[0054] In S903, the CPU 201 generates a diagnostic code image for each diagnostic chart image in the diagnostic code image generation unit 604, as shown in the diagnostic code image 455. Once the diagnostic code image is generated, the process proceeds to S904. The diagnostic code image is an image that encodes the machine number information of the image processing device 104 that prints the diagnostic chart, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the printing order information of the diagnostic chart.

[0055] In S904, the CPU 201, in the diagnostic chart synthesis unit 605, synthesizes the diagnostic code image generated in S903 with the diagnostic chart image generated in S902. Once the diagnostic code image is synthesized with the diagnostic chart image, the process proceeds to S905. In S905, the CPU 201, in the diagnostic chart printing unit 606, prints the "synthesized diagnostic chart image" synthesized in S904 onto a sheet. Once the synthesized diagnostic chart image is printed onto the sheet, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 9 is completed. The diagnostic code image may be, for example, a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. The addition of information to the diagnostic chart is not limited to codes; textual information may also be added.

[0056] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the execution of a diagnostic chart scan by the image processing device 104 and the transmission of diagnostic image data and decoded information of the diagnostic code image to the first information processing device 102. In S1001, the CPU 201 receives a scan request for a diagnostic chart in the diagnostic chart scan instruction unit 607, which receives a scan request for a "sheet on which a composite diagnostic chart image is printed," and determines whether or not a scan request for a diagnostic chart exists. If a scan request for a diagnostic chart exists, the process proceeds to S1003. If no scan request for a diagnostic chart exists, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0057] In S1002, CPU201 executes a diagnostic request cancellation request, which accepts instructions to cancel a diagnostic request, and determines whether a diagnostic request cancellation request exists. If a diagnostic request cancellation request exists, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 ends without performing the scan process. If no diagnostic request cancellation request exists, the process returns to S1001 to wait for a scan request for the diagnostic chart.

[0058] In S1003, the CPU 201 obtains a scanned image (sheet image) by scanning a printed sheet on which a composite diagnostic chart image has been printed in the diagnostic chart scanning unit 608. Once the scanned image is obtained, the process proceeds to S1004. In S1004, the CPU 201 decodes the diagnostic code image in the diagnostic code image decoding unit 609 and obtains decoded information including the machine number information of the image processing device 104, the product type information of the image processing device 104, and the print order information. The CPU 201 also determines the orientation of the sheet from the position of the diagnostic code image. Once various information has been obtained from the diagnostic code image, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0059] In S1005, the CPU 201 generates diagnostic image data from the decoded information of the diagnostic code image acquired in S1004 and the scanned image. Once the diagnostic image data is generated, the process proceeds to S1006. In S1006, the CPU 201 transmits the decoded information acquired in S1004 and the diagnostic image data generated in S1005 to the first information processing device 102 via the network 101 using the diagnostic image data transmission unit 612. Once the decoded information and diagnostic image data have been transmitted to the first information processing device, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 is completed.

[0060] Figure 11 is a flowchart detailing the process of generating diagnostic image data from scanned images in S1005 of Figure 10. In S1101, the CPU 201 corrects the orientation of the scanned images in the scanned image orientation correction unit 610 based on the sheet orientation identified in S1004. Once the orientation of the scanned images is corrected, the process proceeds to S1102. In S1102, the CPU 201 sorts the scanned images in the scan image order sorting unit 611 based on the print order information acquired in S1004, and generates diagnostic image data from the sorted scanned images. Once the sorting of the scanned images is complete and the diagnostic image data is generated, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 is completed.

[0061] The processing shown in Figures 12 and 13 is achieved, for example, by the CPU 221 and GPU 222 of the first information processing device 102 reading programs stored in ROM 223 and external memory 226 into RAM 224 and executing them. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the overall processing of the first information processing device 102 and the second information processing device 103 in this embodiment.

[0062] In S1201, the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102 determines whether or not there is a diagnostic information reception, in which the diagnostic image data receiving unit 651 receives the diagnostic image data and decoded information transmitted to the first information processing device 102. If there is a diagnostic information reception, the process proceeds to S1202. If there is no diagnostic information reception, the process waits for a diagnostic information reception.

[0063] In S1202, the CPU 221 saves the diagnostic image data received by the diagnostic image data receiving unit 651 to the diagnostic image data management unit 652, and the process proceeds to S1203. In S1203, the CPU 221 diagnoses the diagnostic image data stored in the diagnostic image data management unit 652, and the process proceeds to S1204.

[0064] In S1204, the CPU 221 saves the diagnostic results obtained in S1203 to the diagnostic result management unit 655, and processing proceeds to S1205. In S1205, the CPU 221 transmits the diagnostic results to the second information processing device 103 via the network 101 from the diagnostic result management unit 655. Alternatively, the CPU 221 may receive a request to transmit diagnostic results from the second information processing device 103 via the network 101 and return the diagnostic results to the second information processing device 103. Once the transmission of the diagnostic results is complete, the diagnostic results are displayed on the display device of the second information processing device 103. When the diagnostic results are displayed, the processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is completed.

[0065] Figure 13 is a flowchart detailing the image diagnostic processing in S1203 of Figure 12. In S1301, the CPU 221 of the first information processing device 102 reads information including machine number information, product type information, and print order information from the diagnostic image data stored in the diagnostic image data management unit 652, as well as decoded information, in the diagnostic image data retrieval unit 653. Once the various information has been read, the process proceeds to S1302. In S1302, the CPU 221 uses the diagnostic image data retrieved in the diagnostic image data retrieval unit 653 and the product type information as input data to diagnose whether there are printing defects in the diagnostic image data. The CPU 221 then creates a diagnostic result that includes the diagnostic image data, the type of printing defect contained in the diagnostic image data, information on the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and the decoded information of the code image. Once the diagnosis of the diagnostic image data is complete and the diagnostic result is created, the processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 13 is completed.

[0066] As described above, the technology of this embodiment makes it possible to diagnose the location of a malfunction in an image processing device using printing defects with long intervals between occurrences.

[0067] [Example 1] In the first embodiment described above, the control unit that controls the functions of the scan image orientation correction unit 610 and the scan image order sorting unit 611 is incorporated into the image processing device 104. The diagnostic unit 654 is incorporated into the first information processing device 102. As a result, the image processing device 104 acquires diagnostic image data and decoded information by aligning the printing direction and printing order of the scanned images, but is not limited to this. The image processing device 104 may transmit the scanned images and decoded information to the first information processing device 102, and the first information processing device 102 may acquire diagnostic image data by aligning the printing direction and printing order of the scanned images using the decoded information. In other words, the control unit that controls the functions of the scan image orientation correction unit 610 and the scan image order sorting unit 611 may be incorporated into the first information processing device 102.

[0068] [Differentiation 2] In the first embodiment described above, the first information processing device 102 diagnoses the presence or absence of printing defects using diagnostic image data and decoded information including machine number information, product type information, and print order information, but is not limited to this. The image processing device 104 may also diagnose the presence or absence of printing defects using diagnostic image data and decoded information including machine number information, product type information, and print order information. The image processing device 104 may transmit a diagnostic result to the first information processing device 102, which includes the diagnostic image data, the type of printing defect contained in the diagnostic image data, information on the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and the information obtained by decoding the code image. In other words, the diagnostic unit 654 may be incorporated into the image processing device 104.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which image diagnosis was performed without being affected by the user's scanning order by ensuring consistency between the printing order and scanning order of the original documents. However, if sheets other than diagnostic charts are mixed in with multiple diagnostic charts, it is possible that the system may determine that there are missing diagnostic charts. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is described that focuses on whether there are any deficiencies or excesses in the diagnostic image data generated from the scanned images scanned by the user.

[0070] Figure 14 is a flowchart detailing the diagnostic image data generation process S1005 in this embodiment. The process in Figure 14 is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 reading the programs stored in the ROM 203 and external memory 206 into the RAM 204 and executing them.

[0071] In S1401, the CPU 201 of the image processing device 104 checks the scanned image acquired in S1002 and determines whether the scanned image consists only of a diagnostic chart. If the scanned image consists only of a diagnostic chart, the process proceeds to S1403. If the scanned image consists of more than just a diagnostic chart, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0072] In S1402, CPU201 removes unnecessary image data, and processing proceeds to S1403. In S1403, CPU201 uses the decoded information obtained in S1003 to determine whether the scan image contains the entire diagnostic chart. If the scan image contains the entire diagnostic chart, processing proceeds to S1405. If the scan image does not contain the entire diagnostic chart, processing proceeds to S1404.

[0073] In S1404, the CPU 201 terminates the diagnostic process and finishes the flowchart shown in Figure 14. At S1404, the CPU 201 may not only terminate the diagnosis but also request another scan. Alternatively, the CPU 201 may display a message on the display device of the second information processing device 103 via the operation panel 207 or the network interface card 205 indicating that there are discrepancies in the diagnostic chart.

[0074] In S1405, CPU201 corrects the orientation of the scanned image. This process is the same as in S1101, so the explanation is omitted. Once the orientation correction of the scanned image is complete, the process proceeds to S1406. In S1406, CPU201 sorts the scanned images in the order they will be printed. This process is the same as in S1102, so the explanation is omitted. Once the scanned images are sorted in the order they will be printed and the diagnostic image data is generated, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 is completed.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is possible to perform image diagnosis using predetermined diagnostic image data to confirm that there are no discrepancies in the scanned image obtained by scanning a sheet printed by the user with a diagnostic chart. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose the location of a failure in the image processing device using printing defects that occur at long intervals.

[0076] [Other embodiments] 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) that implements one or more functions.

[0077] The above-described embodiments include the following configurations.

[0078] (Configuration 1) An image diagnostic system comprising an image processing device and a first information processing device, wherein the image processing device prints a diagnostic chart image on a plurality of sheets, which includes a diagnostic pattern to which information on the printing order is added in order to diagnose a printing defect having a periodicity across a plurality of printed sheets; a reading means for the image processing device to read a plurality of printed sheets on which the diagnostic chart image has been printed by the printing means, which have been set by the user; a control means for controlling the printing direction and printing order of a plurality of sheet images obtained by reading the plurality of printed sheets to be consistent; a diagnostic means for the image processing device to perform a diagnosis related to the printing defect using the plurality of sheet images on which the printing direction and printing order have been consistent by the control means; and a storage means for the first information processing device to store the results of the diagnosis.

[0079] (Configuration 2) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a communicative manner, the control means and the diagnostic means are incorporated into the image processing device, and the results of the diagnosis performed by the diagnostic means are transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device.

[0080] (Configuration 3) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a communicative manner, the information of the plurality of sheet images and the printing order is transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device, and the control means and the diagnostic means are incorporated into the first information processing device.

[0081] (Configuration 4) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a communicative manner, the control means is incorporated into the image processing device, the coordinated plurality of sheet images and the printing order information are transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device, and the diagnostic means is incorporated into the first information processing device.

[0082] (Configuration 5) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the diagnostic means does not perform a diagnosis related to printing defects of the image processing device when the control means determines that there is an excess or deficiency in the plurality of sheet images.

[0083] (Configuration 6) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the information on the printing order is included in the information obtained by decoding the code images printed at predetermined positions on the plurality of printed sheets.

[0084] (Configuration 7) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 6, characterized in that the predetermined position is the upper right of the plurality of printed sheets.

[0085] (Configuration 8) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the code image is a one-dimensional code.

[0086] (Configuration 9) The image diagnostic system according to Configuration 6 or 7, characterized in that the code image is a two-dimensional code.

[0087] (Configuration 10) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the diagnostic result includes the plurality of aligned sheet images, the type of the printing defect, information about the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and information about the printing order.

[0088] (Configuration 11) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 6 to 9, characterized in that the diagnostic result includes the plurality of aligned sheet images, the type of the printing defect, information about the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and information obtained by decoding the code image.

[0089] (Configuration 12) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the printing means prints the diagnostic pattern on the sheet with the largest sheet size among the sheets set in the image processing device.

[0090] (Configuration 13) The image diagnostic system according to any one of Configurations 2 to 4, wherein the image diagnostic system further includes a second information processing device, the second information processing device having a display device and being communicably connected to the first information processing device, the first information processing device transmitting the results of the diagnosis to the second information processing device, and the second information processing device displaying the received results of the diagnosis on the display device.

[0091] (Configuration 14) A method for controlling an image diagnostic system including an image processing device and a first information processing device, comprising: the steps of: printing a diagnostic chart image on a plurality of sheets using the image processing device, which includes a diagnostic pattern to which information on the printing order is added in order to diagnose a printing defect having a periodicity across a plurality of printed sheets; reading a plurality of printed sheets on which the diagnostic chart image was printed in the printing step, which have been set by the user, using the image processing device; controlling the plurality of sheet images obtained by reading the plurality of printed sheets so that the printing direction and printing order are aligned; performing a diagnosis of printing defects using the plurality of sheet images on which the printing direction and printing order have been aligned in the control step, using the image processing device; and saving the result of the diagnosis using the first information processing device.

Claims

1. An image diagnostic system including an image processing device and a first information processing device, The image processing apparatus includes a printing means for printing a diagnostic chart image on multiple sheets, which includes a diagnostic pattern to which printing order information is added in order to diagnose printing defects having a periodicity across multiple printed sheets. A reading means for reading a plurality of printed sheets on which the diagnostic chart image has been printed by the printing means, which have been set by the user, using the image processing device, A control means for controlling the printing direction and printing order of multiple sheet images obtained by reading the multiple printed sheets to ensure consistency, A diagnostic means for performing a diagnosis of printing defects in the image processing device using the plurality of sheet images whose printing direction and printing order have been aligned by the control means, The first information processing device includes a storage means for storing the results of the diagnosis, An image diagnostic system characterized by having the following features.

2. The image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. The control means and the diagnostic means are incorporated into the image processing device. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the result of the diagnosis performed by the diagnostic means is transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device.

3. The image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. The information regarding the plurality of sheet images and the printing order is transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means and the diagnostic means are incorporated into the first information processing device.

4. The image processing device and the first information processing device are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. The control means is incorporated into the image processing device. The aligned plurality of sheet images and the printing order information are transmitted from the image processing device to the first information processing device. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic means is incorporated into the first information processing device.

5. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic means does not perform a diagnosis related to printing defects in the image processing device when the control means determines that there are excesses or deficiencies in the plurality of sheet images.

6. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information regarding the printing order is included in the information obtained by decoding the code images printed at predetermined positions on the plurality of printed sheets.

7. The image diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined position is the upper right of the plurality of printed sheets.

8. The image diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that the code image is a one-dimensional code.

9. The image diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that the code image is a two-dimensional code.

10. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the results of the diagnosis include the plurality of aligned sheet images, the type of the printing defect, information about the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and information about the printing order.

11. The image diagnostic system according to claim 6, characterized in that the results of the diagnosis include the plurality of aligned sheet images, the type of the printing defect, information about the faulty part that caused the printing defect, the action taken for the faulty part, and information obtained by decoding the code image.

12. The image diagnostic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing means prints the diagnostic pattern on the sheet with the largest sheet size among the sheets set in the image processing device.

13. The aforementioned image diagnostic system further includes a second information processing device, The second information processing device has a display device and is connected to the first information processing device in a manner that allows communication. The image diagnostic system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first information processing device transmits the result of the diagnosis to the second information processing device, and the second information processing device displays the received result of the diagnosis on the display device.

14. A control method for an image diagnostic system including an image processing device and a first information processing device, The image processing apparatus prints a diagnostic chart image on multiple sheets, which includes a diagnostic pattern to which printing order information is added in order to diagnose printing defects having a periodicity across multiple printed sheets. The image processing device reads a plurality of printed sheets, each containing the diagnostic chart image, which have been set by the user during the printing step. The steps include controlling the printing direction and printing order of multiple sheet images obtained by reading the multiple printed sheets so that they are consistent, The control step includes a step of performing a diagnosis of printing defects in the image processing device using the plurality of sheet images whose printing direction and printing order are aligned, The first information processing device performs the step of saving the results of the diagnosis, A control method for an image diagnostic system, characterized by having the following features.

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