Diagnostic devices, systems, and diagnostic methods

Abstract

To facilitate fault diagnosis. [Solution] A diagnostic device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the transport speed of a medium in a transport device that transports a medium to a printing unit; a storage unit that stores the acquired transport speed; and a determination unit that performs a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing at which a change in the transport speed occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic apparatus, a system, and a diagnostic method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for conveying apparatuses that convey recording paper (hereinafter referred to as paper) in printers and the like, there exist apparatuses that diagnose failures related to the conveying apparatus such as banding. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that estimates conveyance intervals of a plurality of sheets of paper, and estimates a component corresponding to a specific periodicity as a failure location when it is determined that there is a specific periodicity based on the estimated conveyance intervals and the positions of image abnormalities detected from each sheet of paper. Patent Document 2 discloses a failure location determination apparatus that reads an output image from an image forming apparatus and determines a failure location based on a feature amount of an image defect in the read image.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, in order to perform failure diagnosis, it is necessary to form an image on paper by the image forming apparatus and read the formed image, and thus further improvement in failure diagnosis has been desired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is a diagnostic device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of a medium in a transport device that transports a medium to a printing unit; a storage unit for storing the acquired transport speed; and a determination unit for performing a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determining the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing of the fluctuation in the transport speed.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a system in which a transport device for transporting a medium to a printing unit and a diagnostic device are communicated with each other via a network, wherein the diagnostic device comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of the medium in the transport device for transporting the medium to the printing unit; a storage unit for storing the acquired transport speed; and a determination unit for performing a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determining the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing of the fluctuation in the transport speed.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a diagnostic method in which a computer performs the following processes: acquires the transport speed of a medium in a transport device that transports the medium to the printing unit, stores the acquired transport speed in a memory unit, performs a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed, and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing at which a change in the transport speed occurred. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the printer's functional configuration. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the printing mechanism. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server device. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of fluctuations in paper transport speed. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of measurement data. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of server device operation. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the overview of PTS correction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some descriptions may be omitted to avoid unnecessary detail. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0010] In addition, this disclosure may use common abbreviations. For example, LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. SoC is an abbreviation for System-on-a-Chip. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor. PTS is an abbreviation for Pulse Timing Signal. LSI is an abbreviation for Large Scale Integration. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. PLD is an abbreviation for Programmable Logic Device. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0011] Furthermore, in the description of this disclosure, alphanumeric characters or the like may be added to the end of reference numerals to distinguish and describe components having the same or similar functions. Also, in the description of this embodiment, alphanumeric characters or the like may be omitted to describe multiple components having the same or similar functions without distinction.

[0012] For example, in Figure 2, transport rollers 131a to 131k will be referred to as transport roller 131 unless otherwise specified. Similarly, sensors 141a to 141k will be referred to as sensor 141 unless otherwise specified. Also, paper sheets P1 and P2 will be referred to as paper sheet P unless otherwise specified.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of a system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, system 1 includes a printer 100, a server device 200, and a terminal device 300. The printer 100, the server device 200, and the terminal device 300 are connected to each other via a network NW so that they can communicate with one another. The network NW is, for example, the internet or a LAN.

[0014] The printer 100 has a transport mechanism for transporting paper and a printing mechanism for printing on the transported paper using a predetermined printing method such as electrophotography or inkjet. The printer 100 is an example of a transport device for transporting paper, which is an example of a medium. The transport device may be incorporated as a transport mechanism within the printer 100, or it may be a separate, independent device. Furthermore, the medium is not limited to paper, but may be cloth, for example.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of printer 100. As shown in Figure 2, printer 100 includes a control device 110, a printing mechanism 120, a transport mechanism 130, a sensor device 140, and a display device 150.

[0016] The control device 110 is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU. The control device 110 provides functions as a printer control unit 111 and a printer communication unit 112, for example, by having the CPU execute a program.

[0017] The printer control unit 111 is a processing unit that controls the operation of the printer 100. For example, the printer control unit 111 drives the conveyance mechanism 130 and the printing mechanism 120 to perform printing on the paper P based on print requests from a server device 200, a terminal device 300 and the like connected via a network NW.

[0018] Specifically, when receiving a print request, the printer control unit 111 drives a predetermined conveyance roller 131 of the conveyance mechanism 130, and causes the paper P1 and P2 placed in paper feed cassettes 132a, 132c and a paper feed tray 132b to be conveyed to the printing mechanism 120. Next, the printer control unit 111 performs printing on the conveyed papers P1 and P2 in the printing mechanism 120 based on the printing conditions included in the print request. Then, the printer control unit 111 drives the predetermined conveyance roller 131 of the conveyance mechanism 130, and conveys the printed papers P1 and P2 to a first paper discharge tray 133 or a second paper discharge tray 134.

[0019] The printer communication unit 112 is a processing unit that performs communication with external devices such as the server device 200 and the terminal device 300 connected via the network NW. Specifically, the printer communication unit 112 receives various requests and instructions such as print requests from the server device 200 or the terminal device 300. Further, the printer communication unit 112 makes a response in accordance with a request from the server device 200 or the terminal device 300.

[0020] For example, when there is an acquisition request for measurement data measured by the sensor device 140 from the server device 200 or the terminal device 300, the printer communication unit 112 transmits the measurement data together with identification information indicating the sensor that is the acquisition source to the request source.

[0021] The printing mechanism 120 prints on the paper P conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 130 under the control of the printer control unit 111 by a predetermined printing method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0022] The transport mechanism 130 includes paper feed cassettes 132a, 132c and paper feed tray 132b on which the papers P1 and P2 are placed, and transport rollers 131 that transport the papers P1 and P2.

[0023] Specifically, the transport rollers 131a to 131d are transport rollers that transport the paper P1 and P2 placed in the paper cassettes 132a, 132c or the paper tray 132b to the printing mechanism 120.

[0024] The transport rollers 131e to 131k are transport rollers that transport the paper P1 and P2 printed by the printing mechanism 120 from the printing mechanism 120 to the first paper output tray 133 or the second paper output tray 134. The transport rollers 131e to 131k also transport the paper P1 and P2 printed by the printing mechanism 120 back to the printing mechanism 120 after flipping them over. Further details regarding the transport of paper P within the printing mechanism 120 by the transport mechanism 130 will be described later.

[0025] The sensor device 140 is a sensor that detects various states of the printer 100, and includes, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor that detects the temperature and humidity of the printer 100. The sensor device 140 also includes a sensor 141 for detecting the paper P at a predetermined transport position on the transport path through which the paper P is transported.

[0026] For example, sensor 141 is an optical sensor that detects the paper P as it passes over it. Sensors 141a to 141h are installed at predetermined transport positions, such as the entrance and exit of the printing mechanism 120, along the transport path from paper feeding to printing in the printing mechanism 120 and then to paper discharge. Details of the sensor device 140 that performs detection related to the transport of paper P within the printing mechanism 120 will be described later.

[0027] The display device 150 is a display that shows various information under the control of the control device 110. For example, the display device 150 displays various statuses when the printer control unit 111 prints on paper P. The display device 150 also displays various notifications received by the printer communication unit 112 from server devices 200, terminal devices 300, etc., connected via the network NW.

[0028] Here, we will describe the outline of the printing mechanism 120. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the outline of the printing mechanism 120. As shown in Figure 3, the printing mechanism 120 has a printing unit 121 that prints on paper P transported by the transport mechanism 130 under the control of the printer control unit 111. In this embodiment, the printing unit 121 prints on paper P using an inkjet method, as an example.

[0029] The printer control unit 111 operates the printing unit 121 to eject ink at predetermined timings based on the transport position and transport speed of the paper P detected by the sensor device 140, thereby forming an image on the paper P.

[0030] The transport mechanism 130, which transports the paper P conveyed by the transport roller 131d to the printing unit 121, includes transport rollers 131m and 131n, a transport belt 131o, a motor 135, and a gear 136. The transport mechanism 130, which includes transport rollers 131m and 131n, a transport belt 131o, a motor 135, and a gear 136, is an example of a transport device. Furthermore, the transport rollers 131m and 131n, the transport belt 131o, the motor 135, and the gear 136 are examples of drive components involved in the transport of the paper P. For example, the transport roller 131m is the first drive component detected by the encoder 142 for obtaining the transport speed of the paper P. In addition, the transport rollers 131n, the transport belt 131o, the motor 135, and the gear 136, other than the transport roller 131m, are second drive components involved in the transport of the paper P.

[0031] A wide, loop-shaped conveyor belt 131o is wound around a conveyor roller 131m located near the entrance of the printing mechanism 120 and a conveyor roller 131n located near the exit of the printing mechanism 120. The conveyor rollers 131m and 131n are rotationally driven by the driving force of a motor 135, which is driven under the control of the printer control unit 111. Specifically, the conveyor roller 131m is rotationally driven via a gear 136 that transmits the driving force of the motor 135 to the conveyor roller 131m. This rotational drive of the conveyor roller 131m causes the conveyor belt 131o to move along the conveying direction, and also causes the conveyor roller 131n to rotate.

[0032] As the conveyor belt 131o moves in conjunction with the rotational drive of the conveyor rollers 131m and 131n, the paper P placed on the conveyor belt 131o is conveyed from the entrance of the printing mechanism 120, through the printing section 121, towards the exit of the printing mechanism 120.

[0033] The sensor device 140, which detects the transport of paper P within the printing mechanism 120, includes sensors 141i, 141j, 141k, an encoder 142, and a scale 143.

[0034] Sensors 141i, 141j, and 141k detect the paper P at predetermined transport positions, such as the entrance to the printing mechanism 120 or before and after the printing section 121. Encoder 142 is a rotary encoder incorporating a circular scale 143 that is linked to the rotation axis of the transport roller 131m. Encoder 142 detects the amount of movement and angle of rotation of the transport roller 131m. In other words, encoder 142 is an example of a sensor used to obtain the transport speed of the paper P transported as the transport roller 131m rotates.

[0035] Returning to Figure 1, the server device 200 manages the operation of the printer 100. For example, the server device 200 receives print instructions from the terminal device 300, including text data, image data, paper size, and print area related to printing to the printer 100. Based on the print instructions from the terminal device 300, the server device 200 issues a print request to transport paper P1 and P2 of a predetermined size and print on the specified print area. Next, the server device 200 notifies the printer 100 of the issued print request, causing the printer 100 to execute the print corresponding to the print instructions from the terminal device 300.

[0036] Next, the server device 200 notifies the terminal device 300 based on the data obtained from the printer 100 after notifying the printer of the print request. For example, if the printer 100 notifies the server device 200 that printing has been completed, the server device 200 notifies the terminal device 300 of the completion of printing.

[0037] Furthermore, the server device 200 acquires measurement data measured by the sensor device 140 during printing. Then, based on the acquired measurement data, the server device 200 determines where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the paper P during printing, and notifies the printer 100 or terminal device 300 of the determination result. In other words, the server device 200 is an example of a diagnostic device.

[0038] The terminal device 300 is a computer device used by the user, and can be, for example, a PC or a smartphone.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server device 200. As shown in Figure 4, the server device 200 comprises a control unit 201 and a communication unit 202.

[0040] The control unit 201 includes a storage unit 210 and a processor 220. The storage unit 210 includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM and volatile memory such as RAM. The storage unit 210 may also be configured to include auxiliary storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs.

[0041] The storage unit 210 stores a program 211 that controls the operation of each part of the server device 200, measurement data 212, and judgment criteria 213 in non-volatile memory or auxiliary storage device. The volatile memory of the storage unit 210 is used as a work area when the processor 220 executes the program 211.

[0042] Measurement data 212 is data measured by the sensor device 140 of the printer 100. Specifically, measurement data 212 includes the measured value along with the date and time of measurement. For example, measurement data 212 includes the temperature and humidity of the printer 100 measured by the sensor device 140, along with the date and time of measurement.

[0043] Furthermore, the measurement data 212 includes data measured by the sensor device 140 for each print on the paper P, along with the date and time of measurement. For example, the measurement data 212 includes the output values ​​of sensors 141i to 141k within the printing mechanism 120 and the transport speed of the paper P based on the detection value of the encoder 142 for each print on the paper P.

[0044] Criterion 213 includes criteria for determining errors related to the transport of paper P. For example, Criterion 213 includes information that serves as a criterion for determining where an abnormality occurred in the transport of paper P, based on the transport speed of paper P. Details of the information that serves as a criterion for determining where an abnormality occurred will be described later.

[0045] The processor 220 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or MPU. The processor 220 may consist of a single arithmetic processing unit or multiple arithmetic processing units. Furthermore, the processor 220 may consist of part or all of the memory unit 210, or an SoC integrated with other circuits. Alternatively, the processor 220 may consist of a combination of a CPU that executes program 211 and a DSP that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. In addition, the processor 220 may be configured with all its functions implemented in hardware, or it may be configured using programmable devices. The communication unit 202 is a communication interface that communicates with external devices via a network NW.

[0046] The processor 220 reads the program 211 from the memory unit 210 and executes it sequentially, thereby providing the functions of an acquisition unit 221, a determination unit 222, a notification unit 223, and a correction unit 224.

[0047] The acquisition unit 221 is a processing unit that acquires measurement data 212 measured by the sensor device 140 from the printer 100. Specifically, the acquisition unit 221 acquires measurement data 212 measured by the sensor device 140 during paper transport and printing in the printer 100. Then, the acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired measurement data 212 in the storage unit 210 along with the recording date and time.

[0048] For example, when printing on paper P, the acquisition unit 221 requests data measured by the sensor device 140 from the printer 100. As a result, the acquisition unit 221 acquires measurement data 212 measured by the sensor device 140 each time printing is performed on paper P. This measurement data 212 acquired by the acquisition unit 221 includes the output values ​​of sensors 141i to 141k within the printing mechanism 120 and the transport speed of paper P based on the detection value of the encoder 142 during the printing of paper P.

[0049] The determination unit 222 is a processing unit that determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the paper transport of the printer 100, based on a time-series analysis of the measurement data 212 stored in the storage unit 210.

[0050] Specifically, the determination unit 222 performs a time-series analysis of the paper transport speed of the paper P measured during printing, which is included in the measurement data 212. Based on the timing of the paper transport speed fluctuations obtained from this time-series analysis, the determination unit 222 determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the paper P.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of fluctuations in the paper transport speed P. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis shows the output of sensor 141 at a predetermined transport position and the fluctuations in the paper transport speed P for each case C1 to C3.

[0052] For example, the sensor output is the output value of sensor 141i located near the entrance of the printing mechanism 120. As this sensor output indicates, the period from time t10, when the first transported paper P is detected, to time t12, when the next transported paper P is detected, corresponds to the time it takes to print on the first transported sheet of paper P.

[0053] Here, Case C1 shows the fluctuation in the transport speed of the paper P when the abnormality in the transport of the paper P occurs at the encoder 142. For example, in Case C1, dust or other debris may be attached to a part of the scale 143 of the encoder 142.

[0054] Case C2 illustrates the fluctuation in the transport speed of the paper P when the abnormality in the transport of the paper P is in the gear 136 that drives the transport roller 131m. For example, in case C2, there may be a malfunction in the meshing of some of the gears 136.

[0055] Case C3 illustrates the fluctuation in the transport speed of paper P when an abnormality occurs at transport rollers 131m and 131n during paper P transport. For example, in Case C3, this could include paper P slipping out of the transport path on transport rollers 131m and 131n, or other load fluctuations during paper P transport.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the timing of fluctuations in the paper transport speed during the printing process on a single sheet of paper P varies depending on the location where the abnormality in the transport of paper P occurs.

[0057] For example, in case C1, where the abnormality occurs in encoder 142, the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates corresponds to period t1, which is the period of scale 143.

[0058] Furthermore, in case C2, where the abnormality occurs in gear 136, the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed corresponds to the period t2 that corresponds to the rotation of gear 136.

[0059] Furthermore, in case C3, where the abnormality occurs at transport rollers 131m and 131n, the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is after the start of paper transport t10 and t12, at the time t11 and t13 when paper P is transported to the predetermined position where paper P is missing. This predetermined position where paper P is missing is synchronized with the position of transport rollers 131m and 131n relative to the starting position of paper transport. In other words, in case C3, the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is the transport time t3 to the predetermined position where paper P is missing, corresponding to the transport speed.

[0060] The judgment criterion 213 has pre-set information regarding the timing at which the transport speed of the paper P changes, which differs for each location where an abnormality occurs in the transport of the paper P. The judgment unit 222 refers to the information set in the judgment criterion 213 and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the paper P based on the timing at which the transport speed of the paper P changed.

[0061] Furthermore, regarding fluctuations in the transport speed of paper P in the event of an abnormality during paper transport, if the cause is ink stains or damage, the fluctuation will be sudden, while if the cause is aging, the fluctuation will be gradual.

[0062] The determination unit 222 determines whether the fluctuation is sudden or not based on the trend of fluctuations in the transport speed of the paper P described above, thereby determining the cause of the abnormality at the location where the abnormality occurred.

[0063] For example, the determination unit 222 arranges past measurement data 212 in chronological order and determines the trend of fluctuations in the paper transport speed P. As an example, the determination unit 222 determines the slope of the fluctuations in the paper transport speed P from the past measurement data 212. Based on this trend of fluctuations in the paper transport speed P, the determination unit 222 sets a threshold to determine whether or not there is a sudden change.

[0064] Figure 6 shows an example of measurement data 212. As shown in Figure 6, the determination unit 222 arranges the fluctuations in the transport speed of the paper P included in the past measurement data 212 in chronological order. Next, the determination unit 222 determines a threshold TH for the slope of the fluctuations in the transport speed of the paper P, for example, determining that a sudden change is present if the fluctuation is ±30% or more.

[0065] Based on this threshold TH, the determination unit 222 determines the cause of the abnormality at the location where the abnormality occurred during the transport of the paper P. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated example, if the threshold TH is exceeded, the determination unit 222 considers that there has been a sudden fluctuation compared to past trends.

[0066] Returning to Figure 4, the notification unit 223 is a processing unit that notifies a message corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit 222. For example, the notification unit 223 notifies the printer 100 or terminal device 300 of a message corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit 222. This allows the user of the printer 100 or terminal device 300 to recognize the determination result of the determination unit 222. Details of the message corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit 222 will be described later.

[0067] The correction unit 224 is a processing unit that corrects the printing timing on the paper P in the printing unit 121 of the printer 100. Specifically, the correction unit 224 corrects the PTS which defines the printing timing of the printing unit 121, which is notified to the printing unit 121 by the printer control unit 111 based on the detection results of the sensor device 140. Details of the PTS correction by the correction unit 224 will be described later.

[0068] Next, the details of the processing in the server device 200 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 200. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an overview of PTS correction.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, once processing begins, the determination unit 222 performs a time-series analysis of the transport speed of the paper P included in the measurement data 212 to determine the fluctuation in transport speed during the period in which printing is performed on the paper P. Next, the determination unit 222 determines whether the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed corresponds to the period t1 of the scale 143 of the encoder 142 (S10).

[0070] If the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is period t1 (S10: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the scale 143 (S11). Next, the determination unit 222 compares the fluctuation in transport speed with past trends and determines whether or not it is a sudden fluctuation (S12).

[0071] If the fluctuation is sudden (S12: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that there is ink adhesion to the scale 143 or damage to the scale 143 (S13). Based on the determination result of the determination unit 222 in S13, the notification unit 223 notifies a message indicating an abnormality in the scale 143 and the countermeasures to address that abnormality (S14). Specifically, the notification unit 223 notifies that cleaning or replacement of the scale 143 is necessary as a countermeasure to the abnormality in the scale 143.

[0072] If the change is not sudden (S12: No), the determination unit 222 determines that the scale 143 is covered with paper dust over time (S15). Note that paper dust is just one example of a powder, and other dust or similar materials may also be present.

[0073] In cases where the fluctuation is not sudden, the fluctuation in transport speed is small enough to be resolved by PTS correction. Therefore, as a countermeasure for cases where the fluctuation is not sudden, the correction unit 224 performs PTS correction to resolve the fluctuation in transport speed (S16).

[0074] Case C4 in Figure 8 shows the signal from encoder 142 and the ink ejection timing in the printing unit 121 when paper dust is present on scale 143. Case C5 in Figure 8 shows the signal from encoder 142 and the ink ejection timing in the printing unit 121 after PTS correction. This encoder 142 signal is an example of a sensor detection value.

[0075] As shown in case C4 of Figure 8, if paper dust is present on the scale 143, an abnormality occurs in the signal from the encoder 142 only in the slit portion where the paper dust is attached. Therefore, the correction unit 224 performs PTS correction based on the statistical values ​​of the encoder 142 signal so that the signal corresponding to the slit portion where the paper dust is attached becomes the same as the other signals.

[0076] For example, the signals from the correction unit 224 and encoder 142 are corrected by taking the average of the three previous cycles so that the signal corresponding to the slit portion where paper dust is attached is the same as the other signals.

[0077] Next, based on the judgment result of the determination unit 222 in S15, the notification unit 223 periodically notifies the system to clean or replace the scale 143 as a countermeasure against the abnormality of the scale 143 (S17).

[0078] If the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is not period t1 (S10: No), the determination unit 222 determines whether the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is period t2 corresponding to the gear 136 (S20).

[0079] If the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is period t2 (S20: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the gear 136 (S21). Next, the determination unit 222 compares the fluctuation in transport speed with past trends and determines whether or not it is a sudden fluctuation (S22).

[0080] If the fluctuation is sudden (S22: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that the gear 136 has lost teeth due to locking or the like (S23). Based on the determination result of the determination unit 222 in S23, the notification unit 223 notifies a message indicating the abnormality of the gear 136 and the countermeasures to address that abnormality (S24). Specifically, the notification unit 223 notifies that the gear 136 should be replaced as a countermeasure to the abnormality of the gear 136.

[0081] If the fluctuation is not sudden (S22: No), the determination unit 222 determines that the gear 136 is worn down over time (S25).

[0082] The wear of gear 136 over time causes small fluctuations in the transport speed that can be resolved by PTS correction. Therefore, as a countermeasure against the wear of gear 136 over time, the correction unit 224 performs PTS correction to resolve the fluctuations in the transport speed, similar to S16 (S26).

[0083] Next, based on the determination result of the judgment unit 222 in S25, the notification unit 223 periodically notifies the system that the gear 136 should be replaced as a countermeasure against the abnormality of the gear 136 (S27).

[0084] If the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed is not period t2 (S20: No), the determination unit 222 determines whether the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed corresponds to the transport time t3 synchronized with the positions of the transport rollers 131m and 131n (S30).

[0085] If the timing of the change in transport speed corresponds to the transport time t3 (S30: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transport rollers 131m and 131n (S31). Next, the determination unit 222 compares the change in transport speed with past trends and determines whether or not it is a sudden change (S32).

[0086] If the fluctuation is sudden (S32: Yes), the determination unit 222 determines that it is a sudden increase in load (S33). In response to this sudden increase in load, the correction unit 224 corrects the printing timing to match the fluctuation in transport speed (S34). Specifically, it corrects the printing timing to be earlier or later depending on the magnitude of the fluctuation in the transport speed of the paper P.

[0087] Next, the correction unit 224 determines whether the fluctuation in the paper transport speed P has returned to its original state, that is, to the state before the fluctuation (S35). If the fluctuation in the paper transport speed P does not return to its original state (S35: No), the correction unit 224 waits for processing and continues the correction.

[0088] If the fluctuation in the paper transport speed P returns to normal (S35: Yes), the correction unit 224 stops correcting the printing timing in accordance with the fluctuation in the paper transport speed P (S36).

[0089] If the fluctuation is not sudden (S32: No), the determination unit 222 determines that the load on the transport rollers 131m and 131n has increased due to aging (S37). In response to the increased load on the transport rollers 131m and 131n due to aging, the correction unit 224 corrects the printing timing to match the fluctuation in transport speed due to aging (S38). Specifically, it corrects the printing timing to advance or delay it according to the magnitude of the fluctuation in the transport speed of the paper P due to aging.

[0090] Next, the notification unit 223, based on the judgment result of the determination unit 222 in S37, notifies the system of the need to replace the transport rollers 131m and 131n that have deteriorated over time at regular intervals (S39).

[0091] If the timing of the change in transport speed does not correspond to the transport time t3 (S30: No), the determination unit 222 determines that an abnormality has occurred in a part other than the scale 143, gear 136, and transport rollers 131m and 131n (S40). Based on the determination result of the determination unit 222 in S40, the notification unit 223 notifies that an abnormality has occurred in a part other than the scale 143, gear 136, and transport rollers 131m and 131n (S41). As an example, the notification unit 223 notifies that a service dispatch is necessary to address the abnormality.

[0092] As described above, the server device 200 comprises an acquisition unit 221, a storage unit 210, and a determination unit 222. The acquisition unit 221 acquires the transport speed of the paper P in the transport mechanism 130 that transports the paper P to the printing unit 121. The storage unit 210 stores the transport speed of the paper P acquired by the acquisition unit 221. The determination unit 222 performs a time-series analysis of the transport speed stored in the storage unit 210 and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the paper P based on the timing of the change in transport speed.

[0093] Therefore, in System 1, there is no need to form an image on paper P for printer 100 fault diagnosis, or to read the formed paper P, making fault diagnosis easy.

[0094] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the paper transport based on the timing periods t1 and t2 of the timings in which fluctuations occurred in the transport speed of the paper P.

[0095] Therefore, System 1 can identify abnormal locations characterized by the timing at which fluctuations occur in the paper transport speed P.

[0096] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 is driven together with the transport roller 131m, which is the target of detection by the encoder 142 for acquiring the transport speed of the paper P, and determines the location where an abnormality has occurred among the gear 136, transport roller 131n, etc. involved in transporting the paper P.

[0097] Therefore, in System 1, it is possible to identify the location of the abnormality not only from the transport roller 131m detected by the encoder 142 for acquiring the transport speed of the paper P, but also from the gear 136, transport roller 131n, and other components involved in transporting the paper P.

[0098] Furthermore, the encoder 142 detects the rotation of the transport roller 131m based on a scale 143 provided on the transport roller 131m that transports the paper P. The determination unit 222 determines that the location where the abnormality occurred is the scale 143 of the encoder 142 when the period of the timing when a change in transport speed occurs is the period t1 corresponding to the interval of the scale 143.

[0099] This allows System 1 to identify that the location where the abnormality occurred during the transport of paper P is scale 143.

[0100] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that a fluctuation in transport speed is a sudden fluctuation if the period of the timing of the fluctuation is period t1 and the fluctuation in transport speed exceeds the threshold TH. If it is a sudden fluctuation, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is ink adhesion to the scale 143 or damage to the scale 143.

[0101] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of paper P is either ink adhering to the scale 143 or damage to the scale.

[0102] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that the fluctuation in transport speed is not sudden if the period of the timing of the fluctuation is period t1 and the fluctuation in transport speed does not exceed the threshold TH. If the fluctuation is not sudden, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is powder contamination by scale 143.

[0103] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of paper P is powder contamination from scale 143.

[0104] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that the gear 136 is the location where the abnormality occurred if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates is period t2.

[0105] This allows System 1 to identify the gear 136 as the location where the abnormality occurred during the transport of the paper P.

[0106] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that a fluctuation in transport speed is a sudden fluctuation if the period of the timing of the fluctuation is period t2 and the fluctuation in transport speed exceeds the threshold TH. If it is a sudden fluctuation, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is a missing tooth in the gear 136.

[0107] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of the paper P is a missing tooth in the gear 136.

[0108] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that the fluctuation in transport speed is not sudden if the period of the timing of the fluctuation is period t2 and the fluctuation in transport speed does not exceed the threshold TH. If the fluctuation is not sudden, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is wear of the gear 136.

[0109] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of the paper P is wear on the gear 136.

[0110] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that the location where the abnormality occurred is the transport rollers 131m and 131n if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates corresponds to the transport time t3 which is the distance between the predetermined transport position of the paper P and the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0111] This allows System 1 to identify that the abnormality in the transport of the paper P occurred at the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0112] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that a sudden fluctuation occurs if the timing of the fluctuation in transport speed corresponds to the transport time t3 and the fluctuation in transport speed exceeds the threshold TH. If it is a sudden fluctuation, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is a sudden load fluctuation of the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0113] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of paper P is a sudden load fluctuation of the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0114] Furthermore, the server device 200 includes a correction unit 224 that corrects the printing timing on the paper P in the printing unit 121. If the correction unit 224 determines that the cause of the abnormality is a sudden load fluctuation of the transport rollers 131m and 131n, it corrects the printing timing based on the amount of fluctuation in the transport speed calculated by statistical processing of the detected values ​​of the encoder 142.

[0115] This allows System 1 to print on paper P in response to sudden load fluctuations on the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0116] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 determines that the fluctuation in transport speed is not sudden if the timing of the fluctuation corresponds to the transport time t3 and the fluctuation in transport speed does not exceed the threshold TH. If the fluctuation is not sudden, the determination unit 222 determines that the cause of the abnormality is the aging of the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0117] This allows System 1 to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of paper P is due to the aging of the transport rollers 131m and 131n.

[0118] Furthermore, if the fluctuation in transport speed is not sudden, the correction unit 224 performs PTS correction based on the statistical values ​​detected by the encoder 142.

[0119] This allows System 1 to print on paper P in accordance with fluctuations in transport speed.

[0120] Furthermore, the server device 200 is equipped with a notification unit 223 that notifies a message corresponding to the location where the abnormality determined by the determination unit 222 occurred.

[0121] This allows users of System 1 to easily identify the location of the anomaly and take appropriate action to address it.

[0122] The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0123] The functional units of the control unit 201 shown in Figure 4 represent a functional configuration realized through the cooperation of hardware and software, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Therefore, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional unit be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to have a single processor 220 that executes program 211 to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, and some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, in the configuration of the control unit 201 shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the acquisition unit 221, determination unit 222, notification unit 223, and correction unit 224 may be configured using integrated circuits or other digital circuits. Also, at least a portion of each of the above parts may include analog circuits. Integrated circuits include LSIs, ASICs, and PLDs. PLDs include, for example, FPGAs. Each of the above parts may be a combination of a processor 220 and integrated circuits. Such combinations are called, for example, MCUs, SoCs, system LSIs, chipsets, etc.

[0125] Furthermore, the program 211 executed by the processor 220 to implement the diagnostic method described above may be provided on a recording medium readable by the processor 220. The recording medium readable by the processor 220 may be an optical recording medium such as a DVD, a USB memory, a semiconductor memory device such as an SSD, etc. Also, the program 211 may be provided or distributed in the form of a transmission medium, stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided or distributed by downloading it over the network.

[0126] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 are divided according to their main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing of the processor 220, and the present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowchart in Figure 7. In addition, the processing of the processor 220 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content, or it can be divided so that one processing unit contains even more processing. Moreover, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the example shown.

[0127] Furthermore, although a server device 200 was exemplified as an example of a diagnostic device in the above embodiment, the diagnostic device may be the control device 110 of the printer 100 or the terminal device 300. For example, the processor of the control device 110 of the printer 100 or the terminal device 300 may execute the program 211. In this way, the processor of the control device 110 of the printer 100 or the terminal device 300 can function as an acquisition unit 221, a determination unit 222, a notification unit 223, and a correction unit 224.

[0128] Furthermore, the drive components that are judged to be abnormal are not limited to the gear 136, conveyor rollers 131m and 131n mentioned above. For example, an abnormality in the motor 135 may be identified based on fluctuations in the conveyor speed that occur at a timing synchronized with the rotation of the motor 135.

[0129] [Summary of this disclosure] A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0130] (Note 1) A diagnostic device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of a medium in a transport device that transports the medium to a printing unit; a storage unit for storing the acquired transport speed; and a determination unit for performing a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determining the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing at which a change in the transport speed occurred. This eliminates the need to form images on a medium for fault diagnosis or to read the formed images, making fault diagnosis easy.

[0131] (Note 2) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 1, wherein the determination unit determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the period of timing at which fluctuations occurred in the transport speed. This allows for the identification of the location where an anomaly occurred in the transport of the medium, based on the periodicity of the timing of fluctuations in the transport speed.

[0132] (Note 3) The diagnostic device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the determination unit is driven together with the first drive component that is the target of detection by a sensor for acquiring the transport speed of the medium, and determines the occurrence of the abnormality with respect to the second drive component for transporting the medium. This makes it possible to identify the occurrence of an abnormality in the second drive component, which is driven together with the first drive component detected by the sensor and is involved in the transport of the medium.

[0133] (Note 4) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 3, wherein the sensor detects the rotation of the transport roller based on a scale provided on the transport roller that transports the medium, and the determination unit determines the location where the abnormality occurred to be the scale when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates is a first period corresponding to the interval of the scale. This makes it possible to identify the location where an abnormality occurred during media transport as being on the scale installed on the transport roller.

[0134] (Note 5) The diagnostic device as described in Appendix 4, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is ink adhesion to the scale or damage to the scale when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurs is the first period and the fluctuation in the transport speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to identify whether the cause of the abnormality in media transport is ink adhesion to the scale on the transport roller or damage to the scale.

[0135] (Note 6) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 4 or 5, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is the powder covering of scale when the period of the timing at which the change in the transport speed occurs is the first period and the change in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This allows us to identify that the cause of the abnormality in the transport of the medium was the accumulation of scale powder on the transport rollers.

[0136] (Note 7) The conveying device has a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the conveying roller, and the determination unit determines that the location where the abnormality occurred is the gear when the period of the timing at which the conveying speed fluctuates is a second period corresponding to the rotation period of the gear. This is the diagnostic device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6. This allows us to identify the gear that transmits the motor's driving force to the transport roller as the point where the abnormality occurred during media transport.

[0137] (Note 8) The diagnostic device as described in Appendix 7, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is a broken tooth in the gear when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates is the second period and the fluctuation in the transport speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. This allows us to identify that the cause of the abnormality in media transport is a missing tooth in the gear that transmits the motor's driving force to the transport roller.

[0138] (Note 9) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 7 or 8, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is wear of the gear when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurs is the second period and the fluctuation in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This allows us to identify that the cause of the abnormality in media transport is wear on the gears that transmit the motor's driving force to the transport rollers.

[0139] (Note 10) The diagnostic device according to any one of Appendix 4 to 9, wherein the determination unit determines the location where the abnormality occurred to be the conveying roller when the period of the timing at which the change in the conveying speed occurs is a third period corresponding to the distance between a predetermined conveying position of the medium and the conveying roller. This allows us to identify the transport roller as the location where an abnormality occurred during media transport.

[0140] (Note 11) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 10, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is a sudden load fluctuation of the transport roller when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurs is the third period and the fluctuation of the transport speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. This allows us to identify that the cause of the abnormality in media transport is a sudden change in the load on the transport rollers.

[0141] (Note 12) The diagnostic device according to Appendix 11, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the printing timing on the medium in the printing unit based on the amount of change in the transport speed calculated by statistical processing of the detected values ​​of the sensor, when the cause of the abnormality is determined to be a sudden load fluctuation of the transport roller. This allows printing on media that can withstand sudden load fluctuations on the transport rollers.

[0142] (Note 13) The diagnostic device according to any one of appendices 10 to 12, wherein the determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is the aging of the transport roller when the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuates is the third period and the fluctuation in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This allows us to identify that the cause of the abnormality in media transport is due to the aging of the transport rollers.

[0143] (Note 14) The diagnostic device according to any one of appendices 6, 9, or 13, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the printing timing on the medium in the printing unit based on a statistical amount of the detected value of the sensor when the fluctuation of the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This allows printing on a medium that accommodates variations in transport speed, provided that the variation in transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0144] (Note 15) The diagnostic device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a message corresponding to the location where the abnormality determined by the determination unit occurred. This allows users to easily identify the location of the anomaly and take appropriate action to address it.

[0145] (Note 16) A system comprising a transport device for transporting media to a printing unit and a diagnostic device, which are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other, wherein the diagnostic device comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of the media in the transport device for transporting the media to the printing unit, a storage unit for storing the acquired transport speed, and a determination unit for performing a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determining the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the media based on the timing at which a change occurred in the transport speed. This eliminates the need to form images on a medium for fault diagnosis or to read the formed images, making fault diagnosis easy.

[0146] (Note 17) A diagnostic method comprising the following processes: a computer acquires the transport speed of a medium in a transport device that transports the medium to the printing unit; stores the acquired transport speed in a memory unit; performs a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed; and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing of the fluctuation in the transport speed. This eliminates the need to form images on a medium for fault diagnosis or to read the formed images, making fault diagnosis easy. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 1...System, 100...Printer, 110...Control device, 111...Printer control unit, 112...Printer communication unit, 120...Printing mechanism, 121...Printing unit, 130...Transport mechanism, 131, 131a~131n...Transport rollers, 131o...Transport belt, 132a, 132c...Paper feed cassette, 132b...Paper feed tray, 133...First output tray, 134...Second output tray, 135...Motor, 136...Gears, 140...Sensor device, 141, 141a~141k...Sensors, 1 42...Encoder, 143...Scale, 150...Display device, 200...Server device, 201...Control unit, 202...Communication unit, 210...Storage unit, 211...Program, 212...Measurement data, 213...Judgment criteria, 220...Processor, 221...Acquisition unit, 222...Judgment unit, 223...Notification unit, 224...Correction unit, 300...Terminal device, C1~C5...Case, NW...Network, P, P1, P2...Paper, TH...Threshold, t1, t2...Period, t3...Transportation time, t10~t13...Time.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of the medium in a transport device that transports the medium to the printing section, A storage unit that stores the acquired transport speed, The system includes a determination unit that performs a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing at which a change in the transport speed occurred. Diagnostic equipment.

2. The determination unit determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the period of timing at which fluctuations occurred in the transport speed. The diagnostic device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit drives together with the first drive component, which is the target of detection by a sensor for acquiring the transport speed of the medium, and determines the occurrence of the abnormality with respect to the second drive component involved in transporting the medium. The diagnostic device according to claim 2.

4. The sensor detects the rotation of the conveying roller based on a scale provided on the conveying roller that transports the medium, The determination unit determines the location where the abnormality occurred to be the scale if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurred is the first period corresponding to the interval of the scale. The diagnostic device according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is ink adhesion to the scale or damage to the scale if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurred is the first period and the fluctuation in the transport speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 4.

6. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is the powder covering of scale if the period at which the change in the transport speed occurs is the first period and the change in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 4.

7. The conveying device has gears that transmit the driving force of the motor to the conveying rollers. The determination unit determines that the location where the abnormality occurred is the gear if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurred is the second period corresponding to the rotation period of the gear. The diagnostic device according to claim 4.

8. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is a broken tooth in the gear if the period at which the change in transport speed occurred is the second period and the change in transport speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 7.

9. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is wear of the gear if the period of the timing at which the transport speed fluctuation occurred is the second period and the fluctuation in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 7.

10. The determination unit determines that the location where the abnormality occurred is the conveying roller when the period of the timing at which the change in conveying speed occurs is a third period corresponding to the distance between the predetermined conveying position of the medium and the conveying roller. The diagnostic device according to claim 4.

11. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is a sudden load fluctuation of the conveying roller if the period at which the change in conveying speed occurred is the third period and the change in conveying speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 10.

12. If the cause of the abnormality is determined to be a sudden load fluctuation of the transport roller, the system further includes a correction unit that corrects the printing timing on the medium in the printing unit based on the amount of fluctuation in the transport speed calculated by statistical processing of the detected values ​​of the sensor. The diagnostic device according to claim 11.

13. The determination unit determines that the cause of the abnormality is the aging of the transport roller if the period at which the fluctuation in the transport speed occurred is the third period and the fluctuation in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. The diagnostic device according to claim 10.

14. The system further includes a correction unit that corrects the printing timing on the medium in the printing unit based on a statistical amount of the sensor's detected value when the fluctuation in the transport speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold. A diagnostic device according to any one of claims 6, 9, or 13.

15. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies a message corresponding to the location where the abnormality determined by the determination unit occurred. The diagnostic device according to claim 1.

16. A system in which a transport device for transporting media to the printing section and a diagnostic device are connected to each other via a network so that they can communicate with each other, The diagnostic device is An acquisition unit for acquiring the transport speed of the medium in a transport device that transports the medium to the printing section, A storage unit that stores the acquired transport speed, The system includes a determination unit that performs a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed and determines the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium based on the timing at which a change in the transport speed occurred. system.

17. Computers The transport speed of the medium in the transport device that transports the medium to the printing section is obtained. The acquired transport speed is stored in the memory unit. The following processes are performed: a time-series analysis of the stored transport speed is conducted, and based on the timing of the fluctuation in the transport speed, the location where an abnormality occurred in the transport of the medium is determined. Diagnostic methods.

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