Image forming apparatus and system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus diagnostic system that can improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis and life prediction without inhibiting the other processing in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus diagnostic system has a configuration in which image forming apparatuses 100 and a diagnostic server 101 are communicably connected with each other. The image forming apparatuses 100 includes a mechanical completion control unit that performs mechanical control of an image forming unit and causes the image forming unit to execute image forming processing, and a controller control unit that instructs the mechanical completion control unit to execute the image forming processing. A first transmission line for transmitting data related to the execution of the image forming processing and a second transmission line for transmitting diagnostic data are provided between the mechanical completion control unit and the controller control unit. The mechanical completion control unit transmits the diagnostic data acquired from the image forming unit to the controller control unit through the second transmission line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and Bishi The present invention relates to a diagnostic system, and more particularly to a technique for increasing the frequency of acquiring diagnostic data in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system that uses a diagnostic server to remotely diagnose faults and predict the lifespan of an image forming device. The image forming device is equipped with a mechanical control unit that performs mechanical control to execute image formation processing, and a controller control unit that accepts jobs from users and has the mechanical control unit execute them. The mechanical control unit refers to the output of various sensors and acquires sensor data, which the controller control unit transmits to the diagnostic server. Using this sensor data, the image forming device and the diagnostic server perform fault diagnosis and predict the lifespan.

[0003] The communication path that transmits sensor data from the mecha-controller control unit to the controller control unit is also used for sending operation instructions and modes from the controller control unit to the mecha-controller control unit. In recent years, real-time performance has been required for such applications, so delays in the operation instructions and modes from the controller control unit to the mecha-controller control unit cannot be tolerated. However, if the amount of sensor data being sent becomes too large, there is a risk that communication of operation instructions, modes, etc. will be delayed.

[0004] For example, if 200 bytes of data are sent between the controller control unit and the mechanism control unit each time an image is formed, and if the user of the image forming device prints 1,000 sheets a day, then 200 kilobytes of data will be sent and received per day. If the user prints 3,000 sheets a day, then the amount of data sent and received per day will triple to 600 kilobytes.

[0005] Furthermore, such data is not sent and received evenly throughout the 24 hours of the day, but is often concentrated in specific time periods, which inevitably results in a high communication load between the controller control unit and the mecha control unit.

[0006] Therefore, if sensor data is frequently sent using the same communication path for sending and receiving image formation data, communication delays due to image formation processing may occur depending on the time of day, which may ultimately cause delays in the image formation processing itself or result in a deterioration in image quality.

[0007] To address this issue, for example, the amount of sensor data sent can be reduced by calculating the average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the sensor data in the mecha-con control unit and sending only the average values ​​to the controller control unit, allowing communications for other purposes to be carried out smoothly without delay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-30258 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-92593 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, if the number of sensor data samples used to calculate the average value is large, there is a risk that the sample value when a sudden change occurs will be buried in the normal sample value and become difficult to understand. In addition, since the maximum and minimum values ​​are calculated for a certain length of time, although the data value when a sudden change in the sensor data occurs can be sent to the diagnostic server, it is not possible to convey sufficient information about when the change occurred and how many times it occurred. For this reason, when using the average value, there is inevitably a limit to improving the accuracy of fault diagnosis and life prediction.

[0010] However, if all sensor data is sent from the mechanism control unit to the controller control unit, there is a risk that communication for other purposes, such as the above-mentioned operation instructions and modes during image formation, may be hindered.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides an image forming apparatus and method capable of improving the accuracy of fault diagnosis and life prediction without impeding other processes in the image forming apparatus. Bishi The present invention aims to provide a stem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that executes an image forming process for forming an image on a recording sheet, A first CPU is provided, A first control unit that controls the image forming process; A second CPU is provided, a second control unit that instructs the first control unit to execute the image forming process; at least one sensor; and the first control unit. The first CPU that executes the process of and the second control unit The second CPU that executes the process of a first transmission path for transmitting data related to the execution of the image forming process during the execution of the image forming process, the first transmission path being provided between the first transmission path and the second transmission path; 1st CPU and the above 2nd CPU and a second transmission path different from the first transmission path, the second transmission path being provided between the first control unit and the second control unit, and the first control unit transmits data related to the detection value of the sensor via the second transmission path during the execution of the image formation process. From the first CPU to the second CPU and a transmitting means for transmitting the same to the

[0013] In addition, Second The control unit No. 1 The above-mentioned received from the control unit Related to the sensor detection value data A The data may be sent to the server.

[0014] The above Second The control unit includes a load determining unit for determining whether the control unit is in a high load state, Second When the result of the determination by the load determining means is affirmative, the control unit No. 1 To the control unit Related to the sensor detection value a stop instruction means for transmitting an instruction to temporarily stop the transmission of data; No. 1 The control unit Related to the sensor detection value When an instruction to suspend data transmission is received, Related to the sensor detection value The transmission means continues transmitting the data until it receives an instruction to resume transmitting the data. Related to the sensor detection value The transmission of data may be stopped.

[0015] By the transmitting means Related to the detection value of the sensor A determination means for determining whether data transmission is necessary, and a transmission means for transmitting the data when the determination result of the determination means is negative. Related to the detection value of the sensor The communication device may further include a prohibition means for prohibiting the transmission of data. The data relating to the detection value of the sensor may be sensor data which is the detection value of the sensor and / or processed data obtained by processing the sensor data. Furthermore, the data relating to the detection value of the sensor may be data relating to the detection value detected by the sensor during execution of the image forming process.

[0016] before The sensor is provided in a plurality of Related to the sensor detection value The data may include uncompressed sensor data from any of the plurality of sensors. Related to the sensor detection value The data may include compressed sensor data from any of the plurality of sensors.

[0017] The above Related to the sensor detection valueThe data includes the sensor data and data obtained by compressing the sensor data, and the sensor data and the compressed data may be provided with identification data for identifying which sensor data the compressed data is.

[0018] The detection value of the sensor A receiving unit is provided for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to compress the sensor data, Related to the sensor detection value The data may include the sensor data in a compressed state when the receiving means receives an instruction to compress the sensor data, and may include the sensor data in an uncompressed state when the receiving means receives an instruction not to compress the sensor data.

[0019] The above No. 1 The control unit The detection value of the sensor a compression unit that compresses sensor data; and an association unit that assigns identification data that associates the sensor data with compressed data obtained by compressing the sensor data to the sensor data and the compressed data, No. 1 The transmitting means of the control unit transmits the Second The compressed data is transmitted to a control unit via the second transmission path. Related to the sensor detection value As data, the sensor data Second It may be transmitted to the control unit.

[0020] The compression means may calculate, as the compressed data, at least one of an average value, a maximum value, and a minimum value of a predetermined number of pieces of sensor data.

[0021] The sensor may be a sensor for detecting a recording sheet conveyed in an image forming apparatus. good.

[0022] electric A photoconductor for forming a toner image by photolithography. The sensor includes: Surface condition sensor that detects the surface condition of the photoconductor Even if good.

[0023] pictureA rotating member used for image formation, and a drive motor for rotating the rotating member. and the sensor comprises: Torque of the drive motor Check Torque sensor that outputs Even if good.

[0024] Ta Random image formation Device An intermediate transfer belt conveys the toner image transferred primarily to a secondary transfer position. and the sensor includes An adhesion amount sensor that detects the amount of toner carried by the intermediate transfer belt Even if good.

[0025] to A transfer device that electrostatically transfers the toner image onto the recording sheet. and the sensor comprises: A voltage detection circuit for detecting a transfer voltage for electrostatic transfer Even if it is a sensor good.

[0026] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Rusi The system includes an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a Related to the sensor detection value Receive data ,analysis I'll do it Usa and a bar. Effect of the Invention

[0028] In this way, the mechanism control unit transmits the diagnostic data to the controller control unit via the second transmission path for transmitting the diagnostic data, not via the first transmission path for transmitting data related to the execution of the image formation process, so that the diagnostic data can be transmitted without impeding the execution of the image formation process. This increases the frequency at which diagnostic data is transmitted to the diagnostic server, and improves the accuracy of the fault diagnosis and life diagnosis in the diagnostic server. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an image forming apparatus diagnosis system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus 100. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating a conveying path of a recording sheet in the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a mechanism control unit 200 and a controller control unit 201. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a surface condition sensor 431 and its arrangement in the imaging unit. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a toner cartridge 601 and a sub-hopper 603. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the mechanical control control unit 200. [Figure 8] 13 is a table illustrating examples of the reception date and time and the value of the paper arrival time T. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a process of transmitting diagnostic data of a mechanism control control unit 200. [Figure 10] 11 is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition between a normal diagnostic data transmission state and a diagnostic data transmission pause state of the mechanism control control unit 200. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controller control section 201. [Figure 12] 11 is a table illustrating an example of jobs being executed by the image forming apparatus and the determination results of the load state of the controller control unit 201. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mechanical control control unit 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mechanical control control unit 200 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13A is a table showing an example of paper arrival time T and average values, and FIG. 13B is a table showing an example of accumulated data in diagnostic server 101. FIG. [Figure 16](a) is a table illustrating the number of sheets counted, the paper arrival time T, and the average value when slippage of the recording sheet occurs, and (b) is a table illustrating the number of sheets counted, the paper arrival time T, and the average value when slippage of the recording sheet does not occur. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mechanical control control unit 200 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13A is a table showing an example of paper arrival time T and average values, FIG. 13B is a table showing an example of diagnostic data, and FIG. 13C is a table showing an example of accumulated data in diagnostic server 101. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a main system configuration of an image forming apparatus diagnosis system 1 according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] 13A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mechanism control control unit 200 according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the communication load between the mechanism control control unit 200 and a controller control unit 201. [Figure 21] (a) is a table illustrating paper arrival time T and average values, (b) is a table illustrating paper arrival time T, which is diagnostic data to be sent to the diagnostic server, (c) is a table illustrating average values, which is diagnostic data to be sent to the diagnostic server, and (d) is a table illustrating accumulated data of diagnostic server 101. [Figure 22] 13A is a table showing an example of data transmitted from the diagnostic server 101 to the diagnostic parent server 2201, and FIG. 13B is a table showing an example of data stored in the diagnostic parent server. [Figure 23] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a mechanical control control unit 200 according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 24] (a) is a table illustrating the paper arrival time T and maximum values, (b) is a table illustrating maximum values ​​that are diagnostic data to be sent to diagnostic server 101, and (c) is a table illustrating accumulated data in diagnostic server 101. [Diagram 25](a) is a table showing examples of paper arrival time T and minimum values, (b) is a table showing examples of minimum values ​​that are diagnostic data to be sent to diagnostic server 101, and (c) is a table showing examples of accumulated data in diagnostic server 101. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus diagnostic system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1] First embodiment An image forming apparatus diagnostic system according to a first embodiment will be described. (1-1) Configuration of image forming device diagnostic system First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus diagnostic system will be described.

[0031] 1, image forming device diagnostic system 1 includes multiple image forming devices 100, a diagnostic server / image forming device management server (hereinafter simply referred to as "diagnostic server") 101, and a personal computer (PC) 102 connected via a communication network 110. Communication network 110 may be a LAN (Local Area Network), or may be composed of both a LAN and the Internet.

[0032] Image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem type color multi-function peripheral (MFP: Multi-Function Peripheral) equipped with various sensors, and transmits detection values ​​(sensor data) of these sensors to diagnostic server 101 via communication network 110. Diagnostic server 101 accumulates the received sensor data and performs fault diagnosis to identify fault locations in image forming apparatus 100 and predicts the life span of each component. By analyzing the sensor data and feeding back the analysis results to algorithms for fault diagnosis and life span prediction, it is possible to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prediction. This analysis may be performed automatically by diagnostic server 101 or manually. The PC 102 transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 100 to cause the image forming apparatus 100 to execute image forming processing. (1-2) Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100 Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 210, a main body unit 220, and a paper feed unit 230, and further includes a mechanical control unit 200 and a controller control unit 201 for controlling the operations of these units. The main body unit 220 and the paper feed unit 230 are collectively referred to as an image forming unit. When reading an original using a sheet-through method, the image reading unit 210 uses an automatic document feeder (ADF) 212 to feed and read the original one by one from a stack of originals placed on an original tray 211, and generates image data. The read original is discharged onto an output tray 213.

[0034] The controller control unit 201 receives a print job from the personal computer 102 via the communication network 110, and instructs the mechanism control control unit 200 to execute the print job. The controller control unit 201 can also instruct the mechanism control control unit 200 to cause the paper feed unit 230 to supply a recording sheet and the main body unit 220 to execute an image forming process, using image data generated by the image reading unit 210. The controller control unit 201 also receives diagnostic data (detection values ​​(sensor data) of various sensors provided in the main body unit 220 and the paper feed unit 230, and / or data processed from the detected values) from the mechanism control unit and transmits it to the diagnostic server 101.

[0035] When the mechanism control control unit 200 receives an instruction from the controller control unit 201, it controls the main body unit 220 and the paper feed unit 230 to execute the image forming process. The mechanism control control unit 200 also acquires sensor data and transmits it to the controller control unit 201. The sensor data is transmitted to the controller control unit 201 via a transmission path different from that used for the instruction from the controller control unit 201.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the case will be described in which the main body 220 is a so-called tandem type color printer, but the main body 220 may be a color printer of another type, or may be a monochrome printer.

[0037] When main body 220 executes image forming processing, paper feed unit 230 supplies recording sheets designated by a user of image forming apparatus 100 via a print job or operation panel 202. In the present embodiment, paper feed unit 230 has two paper feed trays that accommodate stacks of recording sheets, but may have one tray or three or more trays.

[0038] The main body 220 is provided with a toner cartridge door cover 222 and a front cover 223. When the toner cartridge door cover 222 is opened, the toner cartridges of each color, YMCK, can be attached and detached. When the front cover 223 is opened, the power switch can be accessed. As will be described later, the toner cartridge door cover 222 and the front cover 223 are each provided with a sensor that detects whether the cover is open or closed. (1-3) Configuration of controller control unit 201 Next, the configuration of controller control section 201 will be described.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the controller control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413. When the CPU 411 is reset, it reads a boot program from the ROM 413 and starts it up, and executes an OS (Operating System) and application programs read from a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 414, using the RAM 413 as a working memory area.

[0040] The controller control unit 201 also includes a LAN interface 419 , an image memory 416 , a DIP (Digital Image Processing) unit 415 , and UARTs (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitters) 417 and 418 .

[0041] The LAN interface 419 executes processing for the controller control unit 201 to communicate with the diagnostic server 101, the PC 102, and other devices via the communication network 110. The image memory 416 is a storage device that stores image data generated by the image reading unit 210 and image data received from devices such as the PC 102. The mechanical control control unit 200 can read out image data stored in the image memory 416. The DIP unit 415 performs image processing on the image data stored in the image memory 416. The image processing is, for example, a bitmap development process that converts image data in a format other than the bitmap format into image data in the bitmap format.

[0042] The UART 417 converts a parallel digital signal into a serial signal and transmits it to the serial transmission path 420. For example, the UART 417 converts a command related to the execution of image formation processing received from the CPU 411 into a serial signal and transmits it to the serial transmission path 420, thereby instructing the mechanism control control unit 200 to execute the image formation processing. The UART 417 also converts a serial signal received from the serial transmission path 420 into a parallel digital signal. For example, the UART 417 receives a serial signal of information such as a paper jam or the opening and closing of a door from the serial transmission path 420 and converts it to obtain information such as a paper jam or the opening and closing of a door from the mechanism control control unit 200.

[0043] The UART 418 converts a serial signal received from the serial transmission path 421 into a parallel digital signal. For example, the diagnostic data is acquired from the mechanism control control unit 200 by receiving a serial signal of diagnostic data from the serial transmission path 421 and converting it. The UART 418 also converts a parallel digital signal into a serial signal and transmits it to the serial transmission path 421. For example, the UART 418 converts a command received from the CPU 411 instructing to suspend or resume transmission of diagnostic data into a serial signal and transmits it to the serial transmission path 420, thereby instructing the mechanism control control unit 200 to suspend or resume transmission of diagnostic data.

[0044] By executing the application program, the controller control unit 201 can accept a print job from the PC 102, store print data related to the print job in the image memory 416, and perform image processing on the print data using the DIP unit 415, or perform image processing on the image data generated by the image reading unit 210.

[0045] Controller control section 201 also controls operation panel 202 to present information to a user of image forming apparatus 100 and to accept operation inputs from the user. (1-4) Configuration of the Mechacon Control Unit 200 Next, the configuration of the mechanical control unit 200 will be described.

[0046] 4, the mechanism control control unit 200 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and a timer 404. When the CPU 401 is reset, it reads a boot program from the ROM 403, starts it up, and executes a control program read from the ROM 402, using the RAM 403 as a working storage area. The CPU 401 acquires the current time by referring to the timer 404. Also, as described above, image data can be read from the image memory 416 of the controller control unit 201.

[0047] The mechanical control unit 200 also includes UARTs 405 and 406 .

[0048] The UART 405 converts the serial signal received from the serial transmission line 420 into a parallel digital signal, and also converts the parallel digital signal into a serial signal and transmits it to the serial transmission line 420.

[0049] The UART 406 converts a parallel digital signal into a serial signal and transmits it to a serial transmission line 421. The UART 406 also converts a serial signal received from the serial transmission line 421 into a parallel digital signal. (1-5) Operation of the controller control unit 201 The image forming apparatus of this embodiment has a mechanism for temporarily stopping the transmission of diagnostic data to the diagnostic server when the processing load on the controller control unit is high, and for transmitting diagnostic data to the diagnostic server when the processing load on the controller control unit is normal.

[0050] The controller control unit 201 monitors the processing load of the controller control unit 201 in parallel with processes similar to those of conventional image forming devices, such as initial setting processing when the power is turned on, job acceptance processing, and instructions to execute accepted jobs, and temporarily suspends the transmission of diagnostic data depending on whether or not the load is high.

[0051] The process of temporarily stopping transmission of diagnostic data to the diagnostic server in controller control section 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] When the transmission of diagnostic data is temporarily halted (S1101: YES), controller control part 201 checks the current processing load (S1102).

[0053] If the current processing load is high (S1103: YES), it is determined that the suspension of the transmission of diagnostic data is to be maintained (S1104).

[0054] On the other hand, if the current processing load is not high (S1103: NO), it is determined to resume transmission of diagnostic data (S1105), and a command to resume transmission of diagnostic data is sent to the mechanical control unit 200 (S1106).

[0055] If controller control part 201 has not temporarily stopped transmitting diagnostic data (S1101: NO), the current processing load is confirmed (S1107).

[0056] If the current processing load is high (S1108: YES), it is determined to suspend the transmission of diagnostic data (S1109), and a command to suspend the transmission of diagnostic data is sent to the mechanical control unit 200 (S1110).

[0057] If the current processing load is not high (S1108: NO), it is determined to continue transmitting diagnostic data (S1111).

[0058] After the processes of steps S1104, S1106, S1110, and S1111, the process waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1000 milliseconds) (S1112), and then returns to step S1101 to repeat the process.

[0059] The determination of whether the processing load of controller control unit 201 is in a high load state in steps S1102 and S1107 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. When a print job (print job) is not being executed and an image reading job (scan job) is not being executed, controller control unit 201 determines that the load is normal, i.e., not high load. When a print job is being executed and an image reading job is not being executed, controller control unit 201 determines that the load is normal, i.e., not high load. When a print job is not being executed and an image reading job is being executed, controller control unit 201 determines that the load is normal, i.e., not high load. When a print job is being executed and an image reading job is being executed, controller control unit 201 determines that the load is high. The reason is that in the case of a print job, the DIP section 415 of the controller control section 201 converts the received job data into YMCK data and performs image processing including various corrections such as gamma correction, while in the case of a scan job, it must perform processing in parallel to apply various corrections such as shading correction to the read data to generate image data, which places a much heavier processing load on the CPU 411 than in other cases.

[0060] When the processing load of the controller control unit 200 is high, communication related to the diagnostic data is temporarily stopped, and then communication related to the diagnostic data is resumed after the processing load returns to normal, thereby enabling diagnostic data to be sent to the diagnostic server 101 without interfering with the execution of other processes in the image forming device 100. (1-6) Operation of the Mechacon Control Unit 200 The mechanical control unit performs the same processes as conventional image forming devices, such as initialization and setting loading when the power is turned on, and execution control of image formation processing, and also creates and transmits diagnostic data.

[0061] Here, a process of calculating and transmitting the paper arrival time T as diagnostic data will be described.

[0062] The paper arrival time T is the time required for a recording sheet to reach a predetermined destination position from a predetermined starting position on the sheet transport path during image formation.

[0063] For example, when performing image formation processing on a recording sheet stored in the first-stage paper feed tray, as shown in FIG. 3, first-stage pickup roller 301a is used to feed the topmost recording sheet of the stack of recording sheets stored in the first-stage paper feed tray, and first-stage separation roller 303a is used to prevent double feeding of lower recording sheets, while first-stage paper feed roller 302a is used to supply the topmost recording sheet to the transport path.

[0064] When the first-stage paper feed sensor 331a detects the leading edge of the recording sheet fed by the first-stage paper feed roller 302a, it switches its output signal from OFF to ON, allowing the mechanism control unit 200 to detect the timing T1a at which the first-stage paper feed sensor 331a detects the recording sheet.

[0065] The recording sheet is then guided by a transport guide (not shown) to a detection position of the timing sensor 333. When the timing sensor 333 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet, it switches its output signal from OFF to ON. As a result, when the timing sensor 333 detects timing T2b at which it detects the recording sheet, the mechanism control unit 200 calculates the paper arrival time T from timing T1a to timing T2b, and transmits this calculated value to the diagnostic server 101 as sensor data.

[0066] To describe in detail the processing of the mechanism control control unit 200 in this case, as shown in FIG. 7, when feeding a recording sheet (S701: YES), the mechanism control control unit 200 starts driving the paper feed motor 321 corresponding to the paper feed tray containing the specified paper type (S702), and also refers to the timer 404 to obtain the current time as the drive start time T0 (S703).

[0067] Thereafter, the current time T1 is obtained by referring to the timer 404 (S704). If the elapsed time from the drive start time (T1-T0) is greater than a predetermined threshold #1 (S705: YES), it is assumed that the leading edge of the recording sheet has not reached the paper feed sensor 331 and a paper jam has occurred, and the controller control unit 201 is notified of the occurrence of a paper jam (S712).

[0068] When notified of the occurrence of a paper jam, controller control unit 201 displays a message to that effect on operation panel 202 to notify the user of image forming apparatus 100. Mecha-control unit 200 may also notify diagnostic server 101 of the occurrence of a paper jam.

[0069] If the paper feed sensor 331 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet (S706: YES) before the elapsed time (T1-T0) from the start of operation becomes greater than a predetermined threshold #1 (S705: NO), the current time (the time when the leading edge of the recording sheet is detected by the paper feed sensor 331) T1 is retained and the next process is performed.

[0070] That is, the current time T2 is acquired by referring to the timer 404 (S707). The elapsed time (T2-T1) from when the leading edge of the recording sheet was detected by the paper feed sensor 331 is calculated, and if the elapsed time (T2-T1) is greater than a predetermined threshold #2 (S708: YES), it is considered that a paper jam has occurred because the leading edge of the recording sheet fed from the first paper feed tray did not reach the timing sensor 333, or the leading edge of the recording sheet fed from the second paper feed tray did not reach the second-stage vertical transport sensor 332, and the occurrence of a paper jam is notified to the controller control unit 201 (S712).

[0071] In this case, similarly to the above case (S706: YES), controller control unit 201 that has been notified of the occurrence of a paper jam displays that fact on operation panel 202 to notify the user of image forming apparatus 100. Mecha-control unit 200 may also notify diagnostic server 101 of the occurrence of a paper jam.

[0072] If the timing sensor 333 or the second-stage vertical conveyance sensor 332 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet (S709: YES) before the elapsed time (T2-T1) from the detection of the leading edge of the recording sheet by the paper feed sensor 331 becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value #2 (S708: NO), the timing sensor 333 or the second-stage vertical conveyance sensor 332 subtracts the time T1 from the current time (the time when the leading edge of the recording sheet is detected by the timing sensor 333 or the second-stage vertical conveyance sensor 332) T2 to calculate the paper arrival time T (S710). The mechanism control unit 200 transmits the paper arrival time T to the controller control unit 201 as diagnostic data (S711). In this case, the diagnostic data is transmitted to the controller control unit 201 via the transmission path 421 exclusively used for transmitting diagnostic data, not the transmission path 420 used for transmitting instructions related to the execution of the image forming process. This allows the diagnostic data to be transmitted to the controller control unit 201 without impeding the execution of other processes in the image forming apparatus, such as the image forming process. Then, controller control unit 201 transmits the received diagnostic data to diagnostic server 101 .

[0073] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S701 and the above processing is repeated.

[0074] Here, the process (S711) of transmitting diagnostic data such as the paper arrival time T to controller control part 201 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] The mechanism control control unit 200 transitions between two states: a diagnostic data transmission paused state in which the transmission of diagnostic data is temporarily stopped, and a diagnostic data transmission normal state in which the transmission of diagnostic data is normally performed. As shown in Fig. 10, the mechanism control control unit 200 is in the diagnostic data transmission normal state in its initial state (when the power is turned on), and transitions to the diagnostic data transmission paused state upon receiving a command from the controller control unit 201 to temporarily stop the transmission of diagnostic data. Then, when the mechanism control control unit 200 is in the diagnostic data transmission paused state, transitions to the diagnostic data transmission normal state upon receiving a command from the controller control unit 201 to resume the transmission of diagnostic data.

[0076] If the current state is a diagnostic data transmission pause state (S901: YES), the diagnostic data to be transmitted is temporarily stored in the RAM 403 (S906).

[0077] If the current state is not the diagnostic data transmission pause state (S901: NO), it is confirmed whether or not the temporarily saved diagnostic data is stored in the RAM 403 (S902).

[0078] If temporarily stored diagnostic data is stored in RAM 403 (S902: YES), the temporarily stored diagnostic data stored in RAM 403 is transmitted to the controller control unit 201 via the transmission path 421 (S903), and the temporarily stored diagnostic data is deleted from RAM 403 (S904).

[0079] If no temporarily stored diagnostic data is stored in RAM 403 (S902: NO), or after the temporarily stored diagnostic data is deleted, the diagnostic data to be sent is transmitted to controller control unit 201 via transmission path 421 (S905). (1-7) Calculating the paper arrival time T as diagnostic data If pickup roller 301, paper feed roller 302, or separation roller 303 deteriorates or if paper dust adheres to these rollers, slippage occurs between these rollers and the recording sheet, extending paper arrival time T. Conventionally, when notifying diagnostic server 110 of this paper arrival time T, in order to reduce the communication load between mechanism control unit 200 and controller control unit 201, for example, every time paper arrival time T is calculated 50 times, the average value of the 50 paper arrival times T is calculated and transmitted to diagnostic server 101.

[0080] Therefore, if slippage between the roller and the recording sheet occurs infrequently, even if the paper arrival time T is extended due to slippage, the average value does not fluctuate much, and the diagnostic server 101 cannot detect deterioration of the roller, etc.

[0081] Also, for example, if the maximum value of the paper arrival time T for each of the 50 calculations of the paper arrival time T is calculated and sent to the diagnostic server 101, the communication load can be reduced in the same way as when the average value for the 50 calculations is sent. However, there is a problem that if slippage occurs the first time out of the 50 calculations, the diagnostic server will be late in detecting deterioration of the roller.

[0082] Furthermore, if you want to wait until the frequency of slippage reaches a certain level in order to optimize the replacement frequency of deteriorated rollers, reporting only the maximum value is inappropriate because it makes it impossible to grasp the frequency of slippage.

[0083] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the paper arrival time T is notified to the controller control unit 201 via a transmission path 421 that is used exclusively for transmitting diagnostic data, so that notification can be made each time the paper arrival time T is calculated without interfering with the execution of other processes in the image forming device, such as image formation processing.

[0084] Therefore, by notifying the diagnostic server of each individual paper arrival time T for each image forming device 100, the maximum value of paper arrival time T will not be buried due to excessive averaging, and the occurrence timing and frequency will not become unclear when only the maximum value is notified, and the diagnostic server 101 will be able to reliably and immediately detect slippage of the recording sheet and take appropriate action.

[0085] 8, the paper arrival time T for image forming device #1 is 270 milliseconds at 10:00:03 on May 10, 2018, but remains at approximately 250 milliseconds at other times. For example, if the paper arrival time T is 270 milliseconds only once and 250 milliseconds the other 49 times, the average value for the 50 times is (270+250×49) / 50=251 milliseconds.

[0086] If the threshold value of the paper arrival time T for detecting slippage of a recording sheet is 260 milliseconds, 251 milliseconds is smaller than the threshold, and therefore diagnostic server 101 cannot detect slippage of a recording sheet. On the other hand, in this embodiment, all paper arrival times T are notified to diagnostic server 101 without calculating an average value, and since the paper arrival time T at 10:00:03 on May 10, 2018, 270 milliseconds, is larger than the threshold, diagnostic server 101 can detect slippage of a recording sheet.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, if the paper arrival time T at 10:00:03 on May 10, 2018 becomes 270 milliseconds and exceeds the threshold, diagnostic server 101 may cause image forming apparatus 100 to stop the image formation process, which may prevent paper jams caused by slippage of the recording sheet in the subsequent image formation process. If the maximum value of paper arrival time T for, for example, 50 times is determined and then the maximum value is notified to diagnostic server 101 as in the conventional technology, paper jams caused by slippage of the recording sheet cannot be reliably prevented.

[0088] The paper arrival time T is then notified to the controller control unit 201 via a transmission path 421 that is used exclusively for transmitting diagnostic data, so that the image formation process can be carried out smoothly without interfering with the execution of other processes in the image forming device, such as the image formation process.

[0089] Note that the mechanical control unit 200 and the controller control unit 201 may perform communication for image formation processing using a shared memory instead of a UART.

[0090] Furthermore, the mechanism control control unit 200 may transmit multiple paper arrival times T together within the range of the accuracy of the fault diagnosis and life expectancy prediction by the diagnostic server 101. If the diagnostic server 101 itself is unable to notify the paper arrival time T due to a breakdown or maintenance of the diagnostic server 101 itself, the mechanism control control unit 200 or the controller control unit 201 may hold the paper arrival time T until notification becomes possible, and when notification becomes possible, the held paper arrival times T may be notified to the diagnostic server 101 all at once. (1-8) Examples of other diagnostic data As other diagnostic data, the following diagnostic data can be exemplified. (1-8-1) Cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor drum 311 The mechanical control unit 200 may transmit the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor drum 311 to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data.

[0091] Photoconductor drum 311 has a photoconductor layer that forms an electrostatic latent image by charging and exposing it to light, and is covered with a protective layer. If the protective layer wears out, the photoconductor layer provided underneath the protective layer will also wear out, causing uneven charging, uneven exposure, and uneven development, which may result in a deterioration in the quality of the toner image.

[0092] Since the wear state of the protective layer and the photosensitive layer correlates with the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 311, if the mecha-con control unit 200 transmits the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 311 to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data, the diagnostic server 101 can estimate the wear state of the photosensitive drum 311 from the received cumulative number of rotations and predict its lifespan.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus 100, in which the photoconductor drums 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K of the respective colors YMCK shown in FIG.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, during image formation, the image forming apparatus 100 rotates the photosensitive drum 311 in the direction of the arrow D while the charging device 501 uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 311, the exposure device 502 irradiates the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 311 with laser light L modulated according to image data to form an electrostatic latent image, the developing device 503 supplies toner of the corresponding color to visualize the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and the primary transfer roller 504 electrostatically transfers the toner image onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 310 (primary transfer).

[0095] The mechanical control unit 200 counts the cumulative number of rotations for each photoconductor drum 311 of each color YMCK, and each time the photoconductor drum 311 rotates a predetermined number of rotations, it transmits the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor drum 311 to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data.

[0096] The mechanism control unit 200 uses the LAN interface 400 to transmit the cumulative rotation count for each photoconductor drum 311 of each color, YMCK, to the diagnostic server 101 without going through the controller control unit 201. This increases the frequency of transmission of the cumulative rotation count without increasing the amount of communication with the controller control unit 201, thereby improving the accuracy of fault diagnosis and life prediction by the diagnostic server 101.

[0097] It should be noted that if a predetermined toner patch is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 311 and the amount of specularly reflected light from the toner patch is detected using the above-mentioned surface condition sensor 431, it is possible to detect the amount of toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 311. The amount of toner adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 311 can vary depending on the condition of the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 311. For this reason, if the mechanism control unit 200 transmits the amount of specularly reflected light from the toner patch to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data, the diagnostic server 101 can also predict the life of the photoconductor drum 311. (1-8-2) Fixing heater supply voltage The mechanical control unit 200 may transmit the supply voltage value of the fixing heater to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data.

[0098] Image forming apparatus 100 supplies high voltage power to a fixing heater (not shown) for heating fixing roller 312, and this supply voltage varies according to deterioration of the fixing heater over time. Therefore, if mechanical control unit 200 transmits the supply voltage value to the fixing heater as diagnostic data to diagnostic server 101, the diagnostic server can perform a fault diagnosis and a life prediction for the fixing heater. (1-8-3) Cartridge motor rotation amount The mechanical control unit 200 may transmit the amount of rotation of the cartridge motor to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data.

[0099] 6, the developer contained in the toner cartridge 601 is transported in the direction of arrow E by driving the cartridge motor 437 to rotate the spiral spring 602, and falls into the sub-hopper 603. The cartridge motor 437 is, for example, a stepping motor, and adjusts the amount of developer dropped into the sub-hopper 603 by controlling the amount of rotation of the spiral spring 602. The developer that has fallen into the sub-hopper 603 is transported to the developing device 503 by the sub-hopper motor 438 rotating a paddle (not shown). A piezo sensor 432 is provided in the sub-hopper 603 to detect the amount of developer in the sub-hopper 603.

[0100] When the mechanism control unit 200 detects that the toner cartridge door cover 222 has been opened or closed by referring to the output signal of the toner cartridge door cover sensor 435, it refers to the output signal of the toner cartridge (TC: Toner Cartridge) set sensor 434. When it detects from the output signal of the toner cartridge (TC: Toner Cartridge) set sensor 434 that the toner cartridge 601 has been mounted, the mechanism control unit 200 drives the cartridge motor 437 to start supplying the developer.

[0101] When the cover that must be opened and closed to access the toner cartridge 601 is the front cover 223, the mechanical control unit 200 can perform similar processing by referring to the output signal of the front cover sensor 436 that detects the open / closed state of the front cover 223.

[0102] Moreover, the developing device 503 is adapted to store a developer therein, and has a built-in TCR (Toner Carrier Ratio) sensor 433 to detect the toner concentration of the stored developer. For example, a magnetic permeability sensor can be used as the TCR sensor 433. That is, by noting that the toner and carrier constituting the developer have different magnetic permeabilities, the toner concentration can be specified by detecting the magnetic permeability of the developer.

[0103] When the mechanical control unit 200 determines by referring to the output signal of the TCR sensor 433 that the toner concentration in the developing device 503 has decreased, it drives the cartridge motor 437 to replenish the developer from the toner cartridge 601 to the developing device 503.

[0104] Therefore, if the mechanical control unit 200 transmits the amount of rotation of the cartridge motor 327 to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data, the diagnostic server 101 can use the diagnostic data to know the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 601, and can therefore predict the life of the toner cartridge 601. (1-8-4) Surface condition of the photoconductor drum 311 If the mechanical control unit 200 transmits the surface condition of the photoconductor drum 311 as diagnostic data to the diagnostic server 101, the diagnostic server 101 can predict the life of the lubricant supplying member 505 that supplies a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor drum 311.

[0105] 5 uses a cleaning blade 507a to scrape off and discard the toner remaining on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 310 after the primary transfer. If the friction between the photoconductor drum 311 and the cleaning blade 507a is too large during this cleaning, the cleaning blade 507a will turn over due to the frictional force, making it difficult to scrape off the remaining toner.

[0106] Therefore, in order to reduce this frictional force, a lubricant is applied to the photoconductor drum 311 using the lubricant supplying member 505. However, when the lubricant supplying member 505 wears out due to aging, the amount of lubricant applied decreases, and there is a risk that the frictional force between the photoconductor drum 311 and the cleaning blade 507a cannot be sufficiently reduced.

[0107] Surface condition sensor 431 is a specular reflection type surface condition sensor disposed facing the outer circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 311 between developing device 503 and the primary transfer roller in the rotation direction of photoconductor drum 311. Surface condition sensor 431 is composed of a light emitting element 431a made of a light emitting diode (LED) and a light receiving element 431b made of a phototransistor. Light emitting element 431a irradiates the outer circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 311 with laser light at an incident angle of 45°, and light receiving element 431b receives specularly reflected light from photoconductor drum 311, i.e., reflected light at a reflection angle of 45°.

[0108] When an appropriate amount of lubricant is present on the surface of photoconductor drum 311, the surface of photoconductor drum 311 is cloudy and exhibits diffuse reflection, but as the amount of lubricant on the photoconductor surface decreases, the surface of photoconductor drum 311 becomes closer to a mirror surface, and the reflected light from photoconductor drum 311 contains more specular reflected light components.

[0109] Therefore, the amount of specularly reflected light received by light receiving element 431b varies in proportion to the amount of lubricant on the outer circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 311. The output signal of surface condition sensor 431, in other words the output signal of light receiving element 431b, is input to mechanism control control unit 200. When mechanism control control unit 200 refers to the output signal of surface condition sensor 431, generates diagnostic data and transmits it to diagnostic server 101, diagnostic server 101 can predict the life of lubricant supplying member 505 by referring to the diagnostic data. (1-8-5) Other paper arrival time T In addition to the above-mentioned paper arrival time T, the paper arrival time T can be the following.

[0110] For example, when performing image formation processing on a recording sheet stored in the second-stage paper feed tray, the second-stage pickup roller 301b is used to feed the topmost recording sheet of the stack of recording sheets stored in the second-stage paper feed tray, and the second-stage separation roller 303b is used to prevent double feeding of lower recording sheets, while the second-stage paper feed roller 302b is used to supply the topmost recording sheet to the transport path.

[0111] When the second-stage paper feed sensor 331b detects the leading edge of the recording sheet fed by the second-stage paper feed roller 302b, it switches its output signal from OFF to ON, allowing the mechanism control unit 200 to detect the timing T1b at which the second-stage paper feed sensor 331b detects the recording sheet.

[0112] The recording sheet is then guided by a conveyance guide (not shown) to the detection position of the second-stage vertical conveyance sensor 332. When the second-stage vertical conveyance timing sensor 332 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet, it switches its output signal from OFF to ON. As a result, when the second-stage vertical conveyance sensor 332 detects timing T2b at which it detects the recording sheet, the mechanism control control unit 200 calculates the second-stage paper arrival time T from timing T1b to timing T2b, and transmits this calculated value to the diagnostic server 101 as sensor data.

[0113] The first-stage pickup roller 301a, the first-stage paper feed roller 302a, and the first-stage separation roller 302a are rotated by a first-stage paper feed motor 321a, and the second-stage pickup roller 301b, the second-stage paper feed roller 302b, and the second-stage separation roller 302b are rotated by a second-stage paper feed motor 321b. The mechanical control unit 200 controls the drive of the first-stage paper feed motor 321a and the second-stage paper feed motor 321b.

[0114] The image forming apparatus 100 can feed recording sheets from a multi-manual feed tray in addition to the first and second feed trays. The recording sheets set in the multi-manual feed unit are fed one by one starting from the topmost sheet using a multi-manual feed roller 305 that is driven to rotate by a multi-manual feed motor 323.

[0115] The recording sheet thus fed is further conveyed as follows, and an image is formed on it.

[0116] Timing motor 324 stops the rotation of timing roller 306 before the recording sheet arrives, and starts driving the rotation of timing roller 306 a predetermined time after timing sensor 332 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet. In this way, the recording sheet is transported with its leading edge abutting against the transport nip of timing roller 306, which is stopped from rotating, to form a loop, so that the skew of the recording sheet can be corrected. Also, by controlling the timing at which timing roller 306 starts to rotate, the toner image can be transferred to an appropriate position on the recording sheet.

[0117] Image creating unit 341 includes photoconductor drums 311Y, 311M, 311C and 311K for forming toner images of each of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), and forms toner images of each of the colors YMCK sequentially on the outer peripheral surfaces of photoconductor drums 311Y, 311M, 311C and 311K using a charging device, an exposure device and a developing device not shown.

[0118] The toner images of each color, YMCK, are electrostatically transferred by a primary transfer roller (not shown) from the outer circumferential surfaces of the photoconductor drums 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K to the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 310 so as to overlap each other and form a color toner image. The intermediate transfer belt 310 is passed around a drive roller 308 and a driven roller 309, and is rotated in the direction of arrow A by a main motor 325 driving and rotating the drive roller 308.

[0119] A secondary transfer roller 307 is pressed against the driving roller 308 with an intermediate transfer belt 310 sandwiched therebetween, thereby forming a secondary transfer nip. When a timing roller 306 transports a recording sheet to the secondary transfer nip in synchronization with the intermediate transfer belt 310 transporting the color toner image, the color toner image is electrostatically transferred to the recording sheet in the secondary transfer nip.

[0120] The recording sheet onto which the color toner image has been electrostatically transferred has the color toner image thermally fixed by fixing roller 312, and is then further conveyed by pre-discharge roller 313. A paper discharge sensor 334 is disposed downstream of pre-discharge roller 313 in the sheet conveyance direction, and detects the leading edge of the recording sheet. Depending on the timing at which the leading edge of the recording sheet is detected by paper discharge sensor 334, a reversal path switching solenoid 337 switches the direction of switching claw 314.

[0121] This switches the conveyance path of the recording sheet to either the paper discharge path 341 or the paper inversion path 342. In particular, when performing double-sided printing across multiple pages, the direction of the switching claw 314 is switched so that the paper discharge sensor 334 can detect the leading edge of the recording sheet to alternately guide the recording sheet with only one side printed to the paper inversion path 342 and the recording sheet with both sides printed to the paper discharge path 341.

[0122] The recording sheet guided to the paper discharge path 341 is discharged outside the apparatus by the paper discharge motor 327 rotating and driving the paper discharge roller 315. Meanwhile, the recording sheet guided to the paper inversion path 342 is further drawn into the paper inversion path 342 by the inversion motor 327 rotating and driving the inversion roller 316 in the direction of the arrow B, and then the inversion motor 327 rotates in the reverse direction to rotate the inversion roller 316 in the direction of the arrow C, so that the recording sheet is sent toward the ADU (Automatic Duplex Unit) transport roller 317.

[0123] The recording sheet is transported by ADU transport rollers 317 , 318 , 319 and 320 along a paper inversion path 342 until the leading edge of the sheet abuts against a timing roller 306 .

[0124] ADU transport rollers 317 and 318 are rotated by an ADU transport motor 329, and ADU transport rollers 319 and 320 are rotated by an ADU transport motor 330. Also, by monitoring the timing at which ADU transport sensors 335 and 336 detect the leading edge of the recording sheet, a paper jam on paper reversal path 342 can be detected.

[0125] The recording sheet that enters the secondary transfer nip via the paper inversion path 342 has a color toner image electrostatically transferred to its back surface, and the color toner image is thermally fixed by a fixing roller 312. After that, the recording sheet is guided by a switching claw 314 to a paper discharge path 341 and discharged outside the device.

[0126] In image forming apparatus 100 having such a configuration, mechatron control unit 200 refers to output signals from paper sensors 331, such as first stage paper feed sensor 331a, second stage paper feed sensor 331b, second stage vertical transport sensor 332, timing sensor 333, paper discharge sensor 334, and ADU transport sensors 335 and 336, to detect the timing when the leading or trailing edge of the recording sheet reaches the detection position of the paper sensor.

[0127] This controls the drive of transport motors 321, such as first-stage feed motor 321a, second-stage feed motor 321b, second-stage vertical transport motor 322, multi-manual feed motor 323, timing motor 324, main motor 325, fixing motor 326, discharge motor 327, reversal motor 328, and ADU transport motors 329 and 330, as well as reversal path switching solenoid 337.

[0128] Furthermore, due to the delay in the arrival timing, the mechanism control unit 200 detects the occurrence of a paper jam.

[0129] In addition, if the mechanical control unit 200 calculates the paper arrival time T, which indicates the above-mentioned arrival timing, and sends it to the diagnostic server, the diagnostic server can refer to the received paper arrival time T to determine whether the timing roller 306, secondary transfer roller 307, fixing roller 312, pre-discharge roller 313, discharge roller 315, reversal roller 316, and ADU transport rollers 317, 318, 319, and 320 have deteriorated, such as worn out, or have been soiled, such as by the adhesion of paper powder, and can perform fault diagnosis and life prediction. (1-8-6) Torque value of conveyor motor 321, etc. The mechanical control control unit 200 may calculate the torque value of each motor by referring to the drive current of the conveyor motor 321 and the like, and transmit the calculated torque value to the diagnostic server as diagnostic data.

[0130] The torque of the transport motor 321 etc. varies depending on the wear state of the transport rollers 301 etc., such as first stage pickup roller 301a, first stage feed roller 302a, first stage separation roller 303a, second stage pickup roller 301b, second stage feed roller 302b, second stage separation roller 303b, second stage transport roller 304, multi manual feed roller 305, timing roller 306, secondary transfer roller 307, fixing roller 312, pre-discharge roller 313, discharge roller 315, reversal roller 316, and ADU transport rollers 317, 318, 319, and 320.

[0131] Therefore, if the mechanical control unit 200 transmits the torque value of the transport motor 321 and the like to the diagnostic server 101 as diagnostic data, the diagnostic server 101 can predict the lifespan of the transport rollers 301 and the like. [2] Second embodiment The image forming device diagnostic system 1 of this embodiment can be set to allow or prohibit the transmission of diagnostic data, and transmits diagnostic data to diagnostic server 101 only when the transmission of diagnostic data is set to allow and the user of image forming device 100 has signed a contract to use the diagnostic service provided by diagnostic server 101.

[0132] In this embodiment, the transmission of diagnostic data is set to "permitted" or "prohibited" using operation panel 202. This setting value is stored, for example, in HDD 414 of controller control unit 201, and is notified to mechanism control control unit 200 from controller control unit 201 when power is turned on, etc. In addition, the contract details as to whether or not a diagnostic service contract has been made are also stored in HDD 414 of controller control unit 201, and is notified to mechanism control control unit 200 from controller control unit 201 when power is turned on, etc.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, the mechanism control unit 200 refers to the setting value notified by the controller control unit 201 and checks whether the transmission of diagnostic data is prohibited (S1301).

[0134] If the transmission of diagnostic data is prohibited (S1302: YES), the transmission of diagnostic data from the mechanism control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 is prohibited (S1306).

[0135] If the transmission of diagnostic data is not prohibited (S1302: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 checks whether or not a diagnostic service contract has been made (S1303) by referring to the contract details notified by the controller control unit 201 when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. If the image forming apparatus 100 does not have a diagnostic service contract (S1304: NO), the image forming apparatus 100 prohibits the transmission of diagnostic data from the mechanical control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 (S1306).

[0136] On the other hand, if a contract for the diagnostic service has been made (S1304: YES), transmission of diagnostic data from the mechanism control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 is permitted (S1305).

[0137] This prevents the mechanism control control unit 200 from sending diagnostic data to the diagnostic server 101 even though it does not need to do so, which can prevent an increase in the processing load on the mechanism control control unit 200, the controller control unit 201, and the diagnostic server 101, and an increase in the load on the communication network 110. In particular, when there are a large number of image forming apparatuses 100 under the control of the diagnostic server 101, this is effective in reducing the processing load on the diagnostic server 101. [3] Third embodiment The mechanical control unit 200 according to this embodiment calculates an average value of the paper arrival time T within a range in which the diagnostic server 101 can detect slippage of the recording sheet, and transmits the average value to the diagnostic server 101.

[0138] FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mechanical control control unit 200, and shows the process when the result of step S709 in FIG. 7 is YES.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 14, after calculating the paper arrival time T (S1401), if the calculation of the paper arrival time T is the third calculation after transmitting the average value of the previous paper arrival time T to the diagnostic server 101 (S1402: YES), the mechanical control control unit 200 calculates the average value of the three paper arrival times T (S1403) and transmits the average value to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 (S1404). If the calculation is not the third calculation (S1402: NO), the paper arrival time T is stored to calculate the average value later (S1405). After the processing of steps S1504 and S1505, the process proceeds to step S701 in Fig. 7 and the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

[0140] 15(a), in this embodiment, the average value of the three paper arrival times T with measured sheet counts of 1 to 3 is calculated, and only the average value is sent to the diagnostic server 101 without sending each individual paper arrival time T to the diagnostic server 101. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), each of the multiple image forming devices 100 sends only the average value to the diagnostic server 101.

[0141] For example, if image forming device 100 with an image forming speed of 60 sheets per minute transmits all of the paper arrival times T to diagnostic server 101, the paper arrival times T will be transmitted every second. Also, if there are multiple image forming devices 100, the same number of paper arrival times T as the number of image forming devices 100 will be transmitted every second, which will increase the load on communication network 110.

[0142] In contrast, if the average value of the paper arrival time T is sent to the diagnostic server 101 instead of the paper arrival time T, the number of times diagnostic data is sent can be reduced to one divided by the number of paper arrival times T used to calculate the average value. In this sense, the amount of diagnostic data can be compressed.

[0143] Furthermore, by reducing the number of paper arrival times T used to calculate the average value, slippage of the recording sheet can be detected with high accuracy. For example, as shown in Fig. 16(a), even if there is only one paper arrival time T when slippage of the recording sheet occurs, if there are three paper arrival times T to take the average value, as shown in Fig. 16(b), the average value will be 6.7 milliseconds larger than the average value of 261.3 milliseconds when slippage of the recording sheet does not occur.

[0144] In other words, by adopting a number of paper arrival times T for which the average value is taken so that the average value is always greater when slippage of the recording sheet occurs than when slippage does not occur, the intermediate value between these two types of average values ​​is set as a threshold value, and the average value of the paper arrival times T is compared with this threshold value, slippage of the recording sheet, in other words, deterioration of the paper feed roller 302, etc., can be accurately detected. [4] Fourth embodiment In this embodiment, the user is prompted to select whether to transmit all paper arrival times T from mechanism control unit 200 to diagnostic server 101 via controller control unit 201, or to transmit only the average value of paper arrival times T. The format of diagnostic data to be transmitted to diagnostic server 101 (hereinafter referred to as "diagnostic data format") is set, for example, using operation panel 202 to determine whether the diagnostic data format is "all data" which transmits all paper arrival times T, or "average value" which transmits only the average value of paper arrival times T. The set value of the diagnostic data format is stored, for example, in HDD 414 of controller control unit 201, and is notified to mechanism control control unit 200 from controller control unit 201 when power is turned on, etc.

[0145] FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mechanical control unit 200, and shows the process when the result of step S709 in FIG. 7 is YES.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 17, after the mechanism control unit 200 calculates the paper arrival time T (S1701), if the format of the diagnostic data to be sent to the diagnostic server 101 is “all data” (S1702: YES), the mechanism control unit 200 sends the calculated paper arrival time T as is to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 (S1703).

[0147] On the other hand, if the diagnostic data format is "average value", and the calculation of the paper arrival time T in step S1701 is the third calculation after the average value of the previous paper arrival times T was sent to diagnostic server 101 (S1704: YES), the average value of the three paper arrival times T is calculated (S1705), and the average value is sent to diagnostic server 101 via controller control unit 201 (S1706). If the calculation is not the third calculation (S1704: NO), the paper arrival time T is stored to calculate the average value later (S1707). After the processing of steps S1706 and S1707, the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG. 7, and the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 18(a), in this embodiment, when the diagnostic data format is "all data", only the paper arrival time T is calculated and transmitted to diagnostic server 101 each time.

[0149] When the diagnostic data format is "average value," the average value of three consecutive paper arrival times T is calculated, and as shown in Fig. 18(b), only the average value is sent to the diagnostic server 101, without sending the paper arrival times T. In this case, as shown in Fig. 18(c), the average values ​​of the paper arrival times T are stored in order in the diagnostic server 101.

[0150] In this way, by selecting the diagnostic data format according to the load on communication network 110, image forming device 100 can notify diagnostic server 101 of the diagnostic data, thereby preventing communication network 110 from becoming overloaded.

[0151] In addition, when the load on communication network 110 is low or the communication capacity of communication network 110 is sufficiently large, the accuracy of fault diagnosis and life prediction by diagnostic server 101 can be improved by selecting “all data” as the diagnostic data format.

[0152] Regarding the diagnostic data format in which image forming device 100 transmits diagnostic data, information indicating the diagnostic data format may be added to each piece of diagnostic data, or when the diagnostic data format is set in image forming device 100, the diagnostic data format may also be notified to diagnostic server 101.

[0153] When the diagnostic data format is switched, there is a possibility that the diagnostic data stored in the diagnostic server 101 will contain a mixture of paper arrival time T and its average value. However, each time diagnostic data is received, the diagnostic server 101 can determine and store whether the diagnostic data is paper arrival time T or its average value, so that the two can be distinguished when diagnosing faults or checking the accuracy of life prediction. [5] Fifth embodiment In this embodiment, in addition to the diagnostic server 101 performing fault diagnosis and life prediction using the paper arrival time T, the diagnostic parent server analyzes the average value and the diagnostic results of the diagnostic server 101, and the diagnostic parent server feeds back the analysis results to the diagnostic server 101, thereby updating the algorithms for fault diagnosis and life prediction and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.

[0154] 19, the image forming apparatus diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of in-house systems in which an image forming apparatus 100, a diagnostic server 101, and a PC 102 are connected to a LAN 2202, and the LAN 2202 is connected to the Internet 2204 using a router 2203. A diagnostic parent server 2201 is connected to the Internet 2204, and communicates with each diagnostic server 101 via the Internet 2204, etc.

[0155] FIG. 20A is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mechanical control unit 200, and shows the process when the answer is YES in step S709 in FIG.

[0156] As shown in Fig. 20(a), the mechanism control control unit 200 calculates the paper arrival time T (S2001). Fig. 21(a) is a table illustrating an example of the paper arrival time T calculated by the mechanism control control unit 200. After that, the mechanism control control unit 200 transmits the paper arrival time T to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201 (S2002). Fig. 21(b) illustrates an example of the paper arrival time T transmitted by the mechanism control control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101.

[0157] In this case, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the mechanism control unit 200 transmits the paper arrival time T to the controller control unit 201 using the UART 406. When the controller control unit 201 receives the paper arrival time T using the UART 418, it transmits it to the diagnostic server 101 via the LAN 2202. The diagnostic server 101 accumulates the paper arrival time T as shown in Fig. 21(d), performs fault diagnosis and life prediction using the accumulated paper arrival time T, and transmits the diagnosis results to the diagnostic parent server 2201 via the LAN 2202 and the Internet 2204.

[0158] Next, the number of times the paper arrival time T has been calculated since the last average value of the paper arrival time T was sent to the diagnostic parent server 2201 is referenced, and if the number of times the paper arrival time T has been calculated has not reached a predetermined number, for example, 100 times (S2003: NO), the calculated paper arrival time T is stored (S2006). If the number of times the paper arrival time T has been calculated has reached 100 times (S2003: YES), the average value of the 100 paper arrival times T is calculated (S2004).

[0159] 21(a) illustrates an example of an average value of the paper arrival time T. The mechanism control control unit 200 transmits the average value to the diagnostic parent server 2201 via the controller control unit 201 (S2005). FIG. 21(c) illustrates an example of the average value that the mechanism control control unit 200 transmits to the diagnostic parent server 2201 via the controller control unit 201.

[0160] 21(b), the mechanical control control unit 200 transmits the average value to the controller control unit 201 using the UART 406. When the controller control unit 201 receives the average value using the UART 418, it transmits the average value to the diagnostic parent server 2201 using the LAN interface 419 via the LAN 2202 and the Internet 2204. The diagnostic parent server 2201 stores the received average value.

[0161] Note that identification information indicating the mutual correspondence is assigned to the paper arrival time T, the average value calculated using the paper arrival time T, and the diagnosis result using the paper arrival time T. When analyzing the average value received from the image forming apparatus 100, the diagnostic parent server 2201 refers to the identification information of the diagnosis result received from the diagnostic server 101 and uses the diagnosis result corresponding to the average value as a reference. The analysis result by the diagnostic parent server 2201 is fed back to the algorithm of the failure diagnosis and life prediction by the diagnostic server 101, and is used to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

[0162] The diagnostic server 101 performs fault diagnosis and life prediction, for example, once a week at midnight, and transmits the diagnosis results to the diagnostic parent server 2201. FIG. 22(a) illustrates a life prediction result as a diagnostic result transmitted by the diagnostic server 101 to the diagnostic parent server 2201. Upon receiving the diagnostic results from the diagnostic server 101, the diagnostic parent server 2201 sequentially accumulates and analyzes the received diagnostic results. FIG. 22(b) illustrates data accumulated by the diagnostic parent server 2201.

[0163] 22(b), diagnostic parent server 2201 sequentially accumulates the average value of paper arrival time T received from image forming apparatus 100 and the diagnosis result received from the diagnostic server. In this case, the average value and the diagnosis result are sent to diagnostic parent server 2201 with an ID for clearly indicating the relationship between them, a counted number of sheets which is the number of times paper arrival time T has been calculated, and an image forming apparatus IP (Internet Protocol) address. Diagnostic parent server 2201 also accumulates this information that has been accumulated in the average value and the diagnosis result. [6] Sixth embodiment In this embodiment, image forming apparatus 100 transmits the maximum value of paper arrival time T to diagnostic server 101.

[0164] FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mechanical control control unit 200 according to this embodiment, and shows the process performed when the answer is YES in step S709 in FIG.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 23, when the mechanical control unit 200 calculates the paper arrival time T (S2301), it compares the paper arrival time T with the maximum paper arrival time Tmax, and if the newly calculated paper arrival time T is longer (S2302: YES), it sets the newly calculated paper arrival time T to the maximum paper arrival time Tmax (S2303).

[0166] If the newly calculated paper arrival time T is less than or equal to the maximum value Tmax (S2302: NO), and if after the processing of step S2303, this calculation of the paper arrival time T is the tenth calculation since the last time the maximum paper arrival time Tmax was sent to the diagnostic server 101 (S2304: YES), the maximum paper arrival time Tmax is sent to the diagnostic server 101 (S2305), and the value of the maximum value Tmax is initialized to 0 (S2306).

[0167] If the calculation of the paper arrival time T is not the tenth calculation since the maximum paper arrival time Tmax was last transmitted to the diagnostic server 101 (S2304: NO), or after the processing of step S2306, the process proceeds to step S701 and the above-mentioned processing is repeated.

[0168] In the example of Fig. 24(a), the paper arrival time T for 10 recording sheets is calculated, and the maximum value is 262 milliseconds. Therefore, the mechanism control control unit 200 checks the paper arrival time T for the 10th recording sheet, and then transmits the maximum value of 262 milliseconds to the diagnostic server 101. In this case, as shown in Fig. 24(b), format information may be added to indicate that this is the maximum value of the paper arrival time T for every 10 recording sheets.

[0169] In this way, the diagnostic server 101 can distinguish between a case where the paper arrival times T of all recording sheets are transmitted and a case where only the maximum value is transmitted, and perform fault diagnosis and life prediction. As shown in Fig. 24(c), the diagnostic server 101 accumulates the maximum values ​​received from the mechanical control control unit 200 and uses them for fault diagnosis and life prediction.

[0170] In this way, compared to when the average value is transmitted from the mechanical control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201, it is possible to transmit suddenly occurring data as is to the diagnostic server 101. Also, since the maximum value is for every 10 sheets, the time lag between when the sudden data occurs and when the maximum value is transmitted to the diagnostic server 101 can be kept to a minimum.

[0171] Note that the minimum value may be used instead of the maximum value, or both the maximum value and the minimum value may be transmitted from the mechanical control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201. In either case, the amount of diagnostic data can be compressed, as in the case where the maximum value is transmitted.

[0172] For example, when transmitting only the minimum value, first, as shown in Fig. 25(a), the paper arrival time is calculated for each of 10 recording sheets used for image formation in succession, and the minimum value is determined. In the example of Fig. 25(a), the minimum value is 260 milliseconds.

[0173] When the minimum value is transmitted from the mechanism control unit 200 to the diagnostic server 101 via the controller control unit 201, a value of 1 is transmitted as format information in addition to the minimum value of 260 milliseconds, as shown in Fig. 25(b). The format information takes a value of 1 when transmitting the minimum value of the paper arrival time T for every 10 recording sheets, and takes a value of 0 when transmitting the paper arrival time T for all recording sheets. In this way, it is possible to have the diagnostic server 101 perform appropriate fault diagnosis and life prediction according to the format of the diagnostic data. [7] Variations While the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modified examples can be implemented. (7-1) In the above embodiment, the example was mainly described using the paper arrival time T as diagnostic data, but it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the following diagnostic data may be used instead of or in addition to this.

[0174] For example, a photoconductor current value may be used as the diagnostic data. The photoconductor current is a current that flows from the photoconductor drum 311 to the ground when the potential of the charged photoconductor drum 311 is attenuated by exposing the charged photoconductor drum 311 to light. When the film thickness d of the photoconductor drum becomes smaller, the electrostatic capacitance C of the photoconductor drum 311 increases accordingly, and the photoconductor current increases.

[0175] In light of this, if the mechanism control unit 200 measures the photoconductor current using a photoconductor current monitor and transmits the measured value to the diagnostic server 101, the diagnostic server 101 can estimate the film thickness of the photoconductor, thereby predicting the life of the photoconductor drum 311. When measuring the photoconductor current, the photoconductor current may be measured at multiple points (e.g., 10 points) on the surface of the photoconductor, and all of the obtained measured values ​​may be transmitted to the diagnostic server 101.

[0176] Furthermore, the drive current value of the fixing motor 326 may be used as the diagnostic data. When the surface of the fixing roller 312 deteriorates, the torque for rotating the fixing roller 312 increases, and the drive current value of the fixing motor 326 increases. For this reason, the mechanical control control unit 200 may transmit the drive current value of the fixing motor 326 to the diagnostic server 101, and the diagnostic server 101 may perform a fault diagnosis and a life prediction of the fixing roller 312.

[0177] Since the driving current value of the fixing motor 326 fluctuates when a recording sheet is passed through or when the temperature of the fixing motor 312 fluctuates, it is desirable to measure it 10 times under specified conditions (measurement mode) and send all 10 measurement values ​​to the diagnostic server 101.

[0178] Furthermore, during image stabilization processing or the like, the mechanical control control unit 200 may form a predetermined toner patch on the intermediate transfer belt 310, measure the density of the toner patch at, for example, 10 points using an IDC (Image Density Control) sensor, and transmit all 10 measured values ​​to the diagnostic server 101. By referring to the diagnostic data, the diagnostic server 101 can perform failure diagnosis and life prediction of the intermediate transfer belt, primary transfer roller, photoconductor drum, etc.

[0179] Furthermore, the mechanical control unit 200 may use a transfer voltage monitor to measure the secondary transfer voltage at, for example, 10 points under predetermined measurement conditions, and transmit the voltage values ​​at the 10 points to the diagnostic server 101. The diagnostic server 101 can perform fault diagnosis and life prediction of the secondary transfer roller 307 and the intermediate transfer belt 310 by referring to the secondary transfer voltage. (7-2) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiments, the diagnostic server 101 and the diagnostic parent server may be a so-called computer or a cloud server. In either case, by applying the present disclosure, the effects described in the above embodiments can be obtained. (7-3) In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has been described as a tandem color multifunction device, but it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be a color multifunction device of a type other than the tandem type, or may be a monochrome multifunction device. In addition, the same effects can be obtained by applying the present disclosure to a single-function device such as a printer, copy machine, or facsimile machine. (7-4) In the above embodiment, the diagnostic data is transmitted from the controller control unit 201 to the diagnostic server 101, and the diagnostic server 101 performs fault diagnosis and life prediction based on the received diagnostic data, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 100 may have a diagnostic function for performing fault diagnosis and life prediction, and the image forming apparatus 100 may perform fault diagnosis and life prediction of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the configuration for transmitting diagnostic data to the diagnostic server 101 may not be necessary. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus diagnostic system according to the present disclosure are useful as apparatuses that improve the diagnostic accuracy of the image forming apparatus by increasing the frequency of acquiring diagnostic data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1. Image forming device diagnostic system 100...Image forming apparatus 101...Diagnostic server 200...Mechacon control unit 201...Controller control section 2201…Diagnosis parent server

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that performs an image forming process to form an image on a recording sheet, a first control unit including a first CPU and configured to control the image forming process; a second control unit including a second CPU for instructing the first control unit to execute the image forming process; At least one sensor; a first transmission path provided between the first CPU that executes the process of the first control unit and the second CPU that executes the process of the second control unit, for transmitting data related to the execution of the image formation process during the execution of the image formation process; a second transmission path provided between the first CPU and the second CPU and different from the first transmission path; The first control unit is a transmission means for transmitting data relating to the detection value of the sensor from the first CPU to the second CPU via the second transmission path during execution of the image forming process.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The second control unit transmits data related to the detection value of the sensor received from the first control unit to a server.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. a load determination means for determining whether the second control unit is in a high load state; the second control unit includes a stop instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the first control unit to temporarily stop transmission of data related to the detection value of the sensor when a result of the determination by the load determination means is affirmative; When the first control unit receives an instruction to temporarily suspend transmission of data related to the detection value of the sensor, the first control unit stops transmission of the data related to the detection value of the sensor by the transmission means until an instruction to resume transmission of the data related to the detection value of the sensor is received.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ink cartridges are arranged on a first surface side.

4. a determination means for determining whether or not the transmission means needs to transmit data related to the detection value of the sensor; and a prohibition unit that prohibits the transmission unit from transmitting data related to the detection value of the sensor when the determination result by the determination unit is negative.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

5. The data related to the detection value of the sensor is sensor data which is the detection value of the sensor and / or processed data obtained by processing the sensor data.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

6. The data relating to the detection value of the sensor is data relating to the detection value detected by the sensor during the execution of the image forming process.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

7. A plurality of the sensors are provided, The data relating to the detection values ​​of the sensors includes uncompressed sensor data obtained from any of the sensors.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

8. A plurality of the sensors are provided, The data relating to the detection values ​​of the sensors includes sensor data obtained from any of the sensors in a compressed state.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

9. The data related to the detection value of the sensor includes the sensor data and data obtained by compressing the sensor data, The sensor data and compressed data are provided with identification data for identifying which sensor data the compressed data is.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. a receiving means for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to compress the sensor data, which is a detection value of the sensor; The data relating to the detection value of the sensor is When the reception means receives an instruction to compress the sensor data, the sensor data is included in a compressed state; When the reception means receives an instruction not to compress the sensor data, the sensor data is included in an uncompressed state.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

11. The first control unit is A compression means for compressing sensor data which is a detection value of the sensor; an association means for assigning identification data for associating the sensor data with compressed data obtained by compressing the sensor data to the sensor data and the compressed data, The transmission means of the first control unit Transmitting the compressed data to the second control unit via the second transmission path; The sensor data is transmitted to the second control unit via the second transmission path as data related to the detection value of the sensor.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

12. The compression means calculates at least one of an average value, a maximum value, and a minimum value of a predetermined number of pieces of sensor data as the compressed data.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The sensor detects a recording sheet being transported in the image forming apparatus.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

14. A photoconductor is provided for forming a toner image by an electrophotographic method, The sensor is a surface condition sensor that detects the surface condition of the photoconductor.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

15. a rotating member used in image formation; a drive motor that rotates the rotary member; The sensor is a torque sensor that detects the torque of the drive motor.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

16. A tandem type image forming apparatus, An intermediate transfer belt is provided to transport the toner image transferred primarily to a secondary transfer position. The sensor is an adhesion amount sensor that detects the amount of toner carried by the intermediate transfer belt.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

17. A transfer means is provided for electrostatically transferring a toner image onto a recording sheet, The sensor is a voltage detection sensor that detects a transfer voltage for electrostatic transfer.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

18. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a server that receives data related to the detection value of the sensor from the image forming apparatus and analyzes the data. A system characterized by:

Images