Image forming apparatus, malfunction solution support method, and malfunction solution support program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily find the cause of a malfunction.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a detection sensor that detects an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is executed; a specification unit 53 that specifies a plurality of malfunctions in the apparatus based on output from the detection sensor; a first guidance unit 57 that outputs predetermined first guidance information as a user's operations to solve malfunctions in correspondence with the malfunctions specified by the specification unit 53; a reset detection unit 55 that detects the reset of the apparatus after the malfunctions are detected by the specification unit 53; and a second guidance unit 58 that, when the same malfunctions as the malfunctions specified by the specification unit 53 before the reset of the apparatus is detected by the reset detection unit 55 are specified by the specification unit 53 after the reset of the apparatus is detected by the reset detection unit 55, outputs second guidance information different from the first guidance information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a malfunction resolution support method, and a malfunction resolution support program, and in particular to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, a malfunction resolution support method executed in the image forming apparatus, and a malfunction resolution support program that causes a computer to execute the malfunction resolution support method. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices, such as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), form images on paper using toner and discharge the paper with the image formed on it. These image forming devices transport paper and process the paper with the image formed on it by, for example, driving staples into the paper. In the event that a problem occurs with paper or staples being jammed in such an image forming device, the user is required to remove the jammed paper or staples.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art In order to assist in the operation of solving a problem occurring in an image forming apparatus, a technique is known that displays guidance information showing the procedure for the operation of removing jammed paper or staples. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-49855 describes an image forming apparatus including an error detection unit that detects an operation error, a guidance storage unit that stores guidance data showing a procedure for resolving the operation error, a display unit that displays the guidance, a display control unit that extracts guidance corresponding to the operation error detected by the error detection unit from the guidance stored in the guidance storage unit and displays it on the display unit, a resolution operation detection unit that detects a user's error resolution operation, a judgment unit that judges whether to acquire detailed guidance showing an error resolution procedure that is more detailed than the guidance stored in the guidance storage unit based on an error resolution operation by the user after the guidance is displayed on the display unit, and a detailed guidance acquisition unit that acquires data of the detailed guidance corresponding to the operation error detected by the error detection unit from an external device in accordance with the error resolution operation performed by the user and displays the acquired detailed guidance on the display unit, and the judgment unit judges to acquire the detailed guidance when the user has not performed an error resolution operation for a pre-specified period after the guidance is displayed on the display unit.

[0004] In the image forming device described in JP 2012-49855 A, when an operation error occurs, if a user who receives an error notification performs an operation to resolve the error without any particular hesitation, detailed guidance is not acquired and the detailed guidance is not displayed. Even if the user performs an operation to resolve the error according to the guidance displayed on the display unit, there are cases where the operation error cannot be resolved, and in such cases, detailed guidance is not displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-49855 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to easily find the cause of a malfunction.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assisting a user in finding the cause of a malfunction.

[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a malfunction solving support program that enables a user to easily find the cause of a malfunction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus detects an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed. Multiple the device includes a detection sensor; identification means for identifying a malfunction of the device based on an output of the detection sensor; first guidance means for outputting first guidance information predetermined as an operation for a user to release the malfunction in response to the malfunction identified by the identification means; reset detection means for detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected by the identification means; and second guidance means for outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when the identification means identifies a malfunction that is the same as the malfunction identified by the identification means before the reset of the device is detected by the reset detection means after the malfunction is detected by the identification means and after the reset of the device is first detected by the reset detection means. The second guidance means generates the second guidance information by arranging, in an image specified from among the plurality of images included in the first guidance information, an indication image indicating a position where a detection sensor, which is the basis for the defect identified by the identification means, among the plurality of detection sensors, is located. do.

[0010] According to this aspect, the second guidance information is output when the malfunction is not resolved after the user performs an operation to resolve the malfunction according to the first guidance information. When the malfunction is not resolved despite the user performing an operation to resolve the malfunction according to the first guidance information, the user may overlook the cause of the malfunction even if the user performs all of the operations defined in the first guidance information. Since the user has already performed an operation to resolve the malfunction according to the first guidance information, the user can easily repeatedly perform the operations defined in the first guidance information. Therefore, instead of outputting the first guidance information again, the second guidance information different from the first guidance information is output, so that the user can find the cause of the malfunction based on the second guidance information. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that makes it easier for the user to find the cause of the malfunction.

[0019] Preferably, the second guidance means determines a position at which the detection sensor is located, based on which a malfunction is identified by the identification means, after the reset of the device is detected by the reset detection means.

[0020] According to this aspect, it is possible to notify the user of the location of the defect that is not resolved even after the user has performed all of the operations defined in the first guidance information.

[0021] Preferably, the device further includes a door for opening the inside of the device and an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door, and the reset detection means detects the reset of the device in response to the opening and closing of the door being detected by the opening and closing sensor.

[0022] According to this aspect, a reset of the device is detected in response to detecting the opening of the door that opens the inside of the device and then detecting the closing of the door, so that it is possible to detect that the user has completed the operation to release the malfunction in accordance with the first guidance information.

[0023] Preferably, the identifying means is adapted to identify any one of a plurality of pieces of defect identification information for identifying each of the plurality of defects. Multiple Detection Sensor At least one of The first guidance means determines the first guidance information using first guidance associated information that associates each of the plurality of pieces of defect identification information with the first guidance information.

[0024] According to this aspect, it becomes easy to identify the malfunction based on the output of the detection sensor, and it becomes easy to identify the first guidance information, which can simplify the processing.

[0025] Preferably, the detection sensor detects a paper or staple jam.

[0026] According to this aspect, it is possible to assist the operation of clearing a jam of paper or staples.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a malfunction solution support method executed in an image forming apparatus, the malfunction solution support method including: detecting an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is executed; Multiple The method includes a determination step of determining a malfunction of the device based on an output of the detection sensor, a first guidance step of outputting first guidance information predetermined as a procedure for a user to release the malfunction in response to the malfunction determined in the determination step, a reset detection step of detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected in the determination step, and a second guidance step of outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when a malfunction is determined in the determination step after the malfunction is detected in the determination step and after the reset of the device is first detected in the reset detection step and before the reset of the device is detected in the reset detection step. The second guidance step includes a step of generating the second guidance information by arranging an indication image indicating a position where a detection sensor, which is a basis for identifying a defect by the identifying means, among the plurality of detection sensors is located, in an image identified from among the plurality of images included in the first guidance information. nothing.

[0028] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for assisting a user in finding the cause of a malfunction.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a malfunction solution support program is executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, and detects an abnormal state that is different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed. Multiple The method causes a computer to execute a determination step of determining a malfunction of the device based on an output of the detection sensor, a first guidance step of outputting first guidance information predetermined as a procedure for a user to release the malfunction in response to the malfunction determined in the determination step, a reset detection step of detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected in the determination step, and a second guidance step of outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when a malfunction is determined in the determination step after the malfunction is detected in the determination step and after the reset of the device is detected in the reset detection step, the same malfunction as the malfunction determined in the determination step before the reset of the device was first detected in the reset detection step. The second guidance step includes a step of generating the second guidance information by arranging an indication image indicating a position where a detection sensor, which is the basis for identifying a defect by the identifying means, among the plurality of detection sensors is located, in an image identified from among the plurality of images included in the first guidance information. .

[0030] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a malfunction solving support program that allows the user to easily find the cause of the malfunction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic example of an internal configuration of an MFP main body. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an error table. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first still image of the first guidance information. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second still image of the first guidance information. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third still image of the first guidance information. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth still image of the first guidance information. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth still image of the first guidance information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of second guidance information. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a malfunction resolution support process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0033] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and includes a main body 101 and a post-processing device 200.

[0034] The main body 101 includes a document reading unit 130 that reads a document, an automatic document feeder 120 that transports the document to the document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140 that forms an image on paper based on image data, and a paper feeding unit 150 that supplies paper to the image forming unit 140.

[0035] The automatic document feeder 120 has an original tray on which one or more originals are placed, and an original discharge tray on which the originals are accumulated after being read by the document reading unit 130. The automatic document feeder 120 transports an original set on the original tray by a user to an original reading position of the document reading unit 130, and discharges the original to the original discharge tray. The automatic document feeder 120 has an original transport path formed from the original tray to the original discharge tray, and a plurality of original transport rollers are disposed on the original transport path. The automatic document feeder 120 transports the original along the original transport path by rotating the original transport rollers.

[0036] The automatic document feeder 120 is provided with an upper door 120A that can be opened and closed by the user. When the upper door 120A is open, a part of the document transport path is exposed to the outside, and the user can access the document transport path from the outside. The automatic document feeder 120 is provided with an opening / closing sensor OS3 for detecting whether the upper door 120A is open or closed. Furthermore, the automatic document feeder 120 is provided with a detection sensor SN on the document transport path. The detection sensor SN detects a document present on the document transport path.

[0037] A front door 140A is provided in the housing of the main body 101 at a position corresponding to the image forming unit 140. The front door 140A has a horizontal rotation shaft below, and the rotation shaft is supported by the housing of the main body 101. The front door 140A rotates about the rotation shaft and can be changed between a state in which the housing of the main body 101 is open and a state in which the housing is closed. When the front door 140A is open, the image forming unit 140 is exposed to the outside, and the user can access the image forming unit 140 from the outside. The main body 101 is provided with an opening / closing sensor OS1 for detecting whether the front door 140A is open or closed.

[0038] Further, a side door 140B is provided on the right side surface of the housing of the main body 101. The side door 140B has a vertical rotation shaft, which is supported by the housing of the main body 101. The side door 140B rotates about the rotation shaft, and can change the housing of the main body 101 between an open state and a closed state. When the side door 140B is in an open state, a part of a paper transport path 39 (see FIG. 2) described later is exposed to the outside, allowing a user to access the paper transport path 39 from the outside. The main body 101 is provided with an opening / closing sensor OS2 for detecting whether the side door 140B is open or closed.

[0039] The post-processing device 200 performs post-processing on a plurality of sheets of paper on which images have been formed by the main body 101. The post-processing includes a sorting process for rearranging the plurality of sheets of paper, a hole processing process for punching holes in the plurality of sheets of paper, and a stapling process for driving staples into the plurality of sheets of paper. The post-processing device 200 is provided with a detection sensor SL for detecting staples and a detection sensor SM for detecting sheets of paper.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic example of the internal configuration of the MFP main body. Referring to Fig. 2, the document reading unit 130 exposes the image of the document set on the document glass 11 with an exposure lamp 13 attached to a slider 12 that moves below the document glass 11. The reflected light from the document is guided to a lens 16 by a mirror 14 and two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A, and forms an image on a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

[0041] The reflected light that forms an image on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into printing data for cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) and output to the image forming unit 140.

[0042] The image forming section 140 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y", "M", "C", and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by driving at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are driven, a full-color image is formed. Print data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of the toner they handle, so here, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described.

[0043] The image forming unit 20Y includes an exposure device 21Y to which yellow printing data is input, a photoconductor drum 23Y which is an image carrier, a charging roller 22Y for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor drum 23Y, a developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 which is an image carrier by the action of an electric field force, a drum cleaning blade 27Y for removing residual toner on the photoconductor drum 23Y, a toner storage container 41Y, and a toner hopper 42Y.

[0044] The toner storage container 41Y is detachable from the main body 101, and is stored in the container housing section 41 while attached to the main body 101. The toner storage container 41Y stores yellow toner. The toner storage container 41Y is driven by a toner storage container motor provided on the frame of the main body 101 as a drive source, and discharges toner to the outside. The toner discharged from the toner storage container 41Y is supplied to a toner hopper 42Y. The toner hopper 42Y supplies toner to the developing device 24Y when the remaining amount of toner contained in the developing device 24Y falls below a predetermined lower limit.

[0045] Around the photoconductor drum 23Y, a charging roller 22Y, an exposure device 21Y, a developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, and a drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of the photoconductor drum 23Y.

[0046] After being charged by the charging roller 22Y, the photoconductor drum 23Y is irradiated with a laser beam emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes the image corresponding portion of the surface of the photoconductor drum 23Y. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y. Then, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y with the charged toner. Specifically, the toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y by the action of the electric field force, so that a toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of the electric field force by the primary transfer roller 25Y. The toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 23Y without being transferred is removed from the photoconductor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0047] Meanwhile, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended by a driving roller 33 and a driven roller 34 so as not to slacken. When the driving roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the figure at a predetermined speed. In conjunction with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0048] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer the toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on detection of a reference mark provided on the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0049] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to paper by the action of an electric field force by the secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper is transported by timing roller 31 to a nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 30 and the secondary transfer roller 26 come into contact. The paper with the toner image transferred thereto is transported to fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressurized. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then discharged to a paper output tray.

[0050] A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided upstream of the image forming unit 20Y of the intermediate transfer belt 30. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 that has not been transferred to paper.

[0051] Paper of different sizes is set in the paper feed trays 35 and 35A. The paper stored in the paper feed trays 35 and 35A is fed to a paper transport path 39 by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to the paper feed trays 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to the timing rollers 31 by paper feed rollers 37.

[0052] A user may set paper of any size in manual feed tray 35B. The paper set in manual feed tray 35B is supplied to paper transport path 39 by take-out roller 36B attached to manual feed tray 35B, and sent to timing roller 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0053] The paper transport path 39 includes a common path 38C shared by the paper feed trays 35, 35A and the manual feed tray 35B, a first path 38 through which paper transported from the paper feed tray 35 passes, a second path 38A through which paper transported from the paper feed tray 35A passes, and a third path 38B through which paper transported from the manual feed tray 35B passes. Paper stored in the paper feed tray 35 is transported through the first path 38 and the common path 38C, paper stored in the paper feed tray 35A is transported through the second path 38A and the common path 38C, and paper stored in the manual feed tray 35B is transported through the third path 38B and the common path 38C.

[0054] Corresponding to the paper feed tray 35, detection sensors SA, SB, and SC are arranged to detect paper. The detection sensors SA, SB, and SC are installed on a first path 38 of the paper transport path 39, and detect paper present on the first path 38. Corresponding to the paper feed tray 35A, detection sensors SD, SE, and SF are arranged to detect paper. The detection sensors SD, SE, and SF are installed on a second path 38A of the paper transport path 39, and detect paper present on the second path 38A. Corresponding to the manual feed tray 35B, detection sensors SG, SH, and SI are arranged to detect paper. The detection sensors SG, SH, and SI are installed on a third path 38B of the paper transport path 39, and detect paper present on the third path 38B. The detection sensor SJ and the detection sensor SK are arranged on the common path 38C of the paper transport path 39, and detect paper.

[0055] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 100 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, but when forming a monochrome image, it drives any one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. In addition, an image can be formed by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Note that, here, an example is described in which the MFP 100 employs a tandem system equipped with the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form four color toners on paper, but a four-cycle system in which the four color toners are transferred to paper in sequence using one photosensitive drum may also be employed.

[0056] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to Fig. 3, the MFP 100 includes a main circuit 110. An automatic document feeder 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper feed unit 150, a post-processing device 200, and an operation panel 160 are connected to the main circuit 110.

[0057] The main circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls the entire MFP 100, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a large-capacity storage device, a facsimile unit 116, and an external storage device 118. The CPU 111 is connected to an automatic document feeder 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper feeding unit 150, a post-processing device 200, and an operation panel 160, and controls the entire MFP 100.

[0058] The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data required to execute the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes the program. The RAM 114 also temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

[0059] Operation panel 160 is provided on the top of MFP 100. Operation panel 160 includes display unit 161 and operation unit 163. Display unit 161 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information related to acquired image data, and the like. Note that instead of an LCD, for example, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display can be used as long as it is a device that displays images.

[0060] The operation unit 163 includes a touch panel 165 and a hard key unit 167. The touch panel 165 is of a capacitance type. Note that the touch panel 165 is not limited to the capacitance type, and other types such as a resistive film type, a surface acoustic wave type, an infrared type, and an electromagnetic induction type can be used.

[0061] Touch panel 165 is provided with its detection surface superimposed on the upper or lower surface of display unit 161. Here, the size of the detection surface of touch panel 165 is the same as the size of the display surface of display unit 161. Therefore, the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same. Touch panel 165 detects, on the detection surface, a position indicated by the user on the display surface of display unit 161, and outputs the coordinates of the detected position to CPU 111. Since the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same, the coordinates output by touch panel 165 can be replaced with the coordinates of the display surface.

[0062] Hard key unit 167 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches. Touch panel 165 detects a position on the display surface of display unit 161 designated by the user. When operating MFP 100, the user is often in an upright position, and therefore the display surface of display unit 161, the operation surface of touch panel 165, and hard key unit 167 are arranged facing upward. This is so that the user can easily view the display surface of display unit 161 and can easily designate operation unit 163 with a finger.

[0063] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the MFP 100 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or data processing devices connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol). The network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be either wired or wireless. The network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

[0064] Facsimile unit 116 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. Facsimile unit 116 stores the received facsimile data in HDD 115, converts the data into print data that can be printed by image forming unit 140, and outputs the data to image forming unit 140. As a result, image forming unit 140 forms an image of the facsimile data received by facsimile unit 116 on paper. Facsimile unit 116 also converts the data stored in HDD 115 into facsimile data and transmits the data to a facsimile device connected to the PSTN.

[0065] External storage device 118 is controlled by CPU 111, and is equipped with CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 118A or a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, an example in which CPU 111 executes a program stored in ROM 113 will be described, but CPU 111 may control external storage device 118 to read a program to be executed by CPU 111 from CD-ROM 118A, store the read program in RAM 114, and execute it.

[0066] The recording medium for storing the program executed by CPU 111 is not limited to CD-ROM 118A, but may be a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), an IC card, an optical card, a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM). Furthermore, CPU 111 may download a program from a computer connected to the network and store it in HDD 115, or a computer connected to the network may write a program to HDD 115, and the program stored in HDD 115 may be loaded into RAM 114 and executed by CPU 111. The program here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by CPU 111, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[0067] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functions of a CPU included in the MFP. The functions shown in Fig. 4 are realized by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as a result of CPU 111 executing a malfunction solution support program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118A. Referring to Fig. 4, CPU 111 includes a sensor control unit 51, an identification unit 53, a reset detection unit 55, a first guidance unit 57, and a second guidance unit 59.

[0068] The sensor control unit 51 controls various sensors included in the MFP 100. The various sensors included in the MFP 100 include detection sensors SA to SN and open / close sensors OS1 to OS3. The detection sensors SA to SN and the open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 are sensors that detect tangible objects, and are photoelectric sensors or proximity sensors. Note that the detection sensors SA to SN and the open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 may be sensors of a type other than photoelectric sensors and proximity sensors.

[0069] The sensor control unit 51 outputs the sensor identification information and output for each of the multiple detection sensors SA to SN to the identification unit 53. For example, when the detection sensor SA detects a sheet of paper, which is a tangible object to be detected, the sensor control unit 51 outputs a pair of the sensor identification information for identifying the detection sensor SA and a signal indicating ON to the identification unit 53, and when the detection sensor SA does not detect a sheet of paper, the sensor control unit 51 outputs a pair of the sensor identification information of the detection sensor SA and a signal indicating OFF to the identification unit 53.

[0070] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 51 outputs the sensor identification information and output for each of the multiple opening and closing sensors OS1 to OS3 to the reset detection unit 55. For example, when the opening and closing sensor OS1 detects the front door 140A, which is a tangible object to be detected, the sensor control unit 51 outputs a set of the sensor identification information for identifying the opening and closing sensor OS1 and a signal indicating ON to the reset detection unit 55, and when the opening and closing sensor OS1 does not detect the front door 140A, the sensor control unit 51 outputs a set of the sensor identification information of the opening and closing sensor OS1 and a signal indicating OFF to the identification unit 53.

[0071] The detection sensors SA to SN include detection sensors SA to SM which detect paper, detection sensor SN which detects an original, and detection sensor SL which detects staples. The detection sensors SA to SM which detect paper are disposed on paper transport path 39 of paper feeder 150, and detect paper as a tangible object present on paper transport path 39. The detection sensor SN which detects an original is disposed on the original transport path of automatic document feeder 120, and detects an original as a tangible object present on the original transport path. The detection sensor SL which detects staples is disposed in the staple processing section of post-processing device 200, and detects staples as a tangible object and detects a staple jam.

[0072] The opening and closing sensors OS1 to OS3 detect the opening and closing of a plurality of front doors 140A, side doors 140B, and top door 120A of the main body 101 of the MFP 100. The opening and closing sensor OS1 detects the opening and closing of the front door 140A provided on the housing of the main body 101 of the MFP 100. The opening and closing sensor OS2 detects the opening and closing of the side door 140B provided on the right side surface of the housing of the MFP 100. The opening and closing sensor OS3 detects the opening and closing of the top door 120A provided on the automatic document feeder 120.

[0073] The identifying unit 53 detects an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed in the MFP 100, based on the outputs of the multiple detection sensors SA to SN. In the normal state, each of the detection sensors SA to SN detects paper for a predetermined time while the paper passes the position where the detection sensor SA is placed. In the abnormal state, each of the detection sensors SA to SN detects paper continuously for a predetermined time or more. For example, in an abnormal state in which the detection sensor SA detects paper continuously for a predetermined time or more, the paper is jammed and stopped at the position where the detection sensor SA is placed. Also, in the normal state, the detection sensor SL detects the document for a predetermined time while the document passes the position where the detection sensor SA is placed. In the abnormal state, the detection sensor SL detects the document for a predetermined time or more. Similarly, in the normal state, the detection sensor SN detects the staple for a predetermined time while the staple passes the position where the detection sensor SA is placed. In the abnormal state, the detection sensor SN detects the staple for a predetermined time or more.

[0074] When detecting an abnormal state, the identifying unit 53 identifies a malfunction of the device corresponding to the abnormal state. Specifically, the identifying unit 53 detects the abnormal state when there is a detection sensor among the multiple detection sensors SA to SN that continues to be ON for a predetermined time or more after detecting a tangible object and turning ON. When detecting an abnormal state, the identifying unit 53 identifies the malfunction based on the detection sensor that continues to be ON for a predetermined time or more.

[0075] Specifically, an error table is stored in HDD 115. The error table associates a malfunction with a detection sensor. Specifically, the error table is association information that associates a detection sensor with any of a plurality of malfunctions. The identification unit 53 refers to the error table to identify a malfunction associated with a detection sensor that is continuously ON for a predetermined time or more. When identifying a malfunction, the identification unit 53 outputs malfunction identification information for identifying the identified malfunction to the first guidance unit 57 and the second guidance unit 59, and outputs a reset detection instruction to the reset detection unit 55. When outputting malfunction identification information to the second guidance unit 59, the identification unit 53 outputs sensor identification information for identifying the detection sensor that is continuously ON for a predetermined time or more in addition to the malfunction identification information.

[0076] Moreover, the error table associates the defect with the first guidance information. The first guidance information is information indicating an operation procedure required of the user to resolve the defect. Specifically, the error table is first guidance related information that associates each of a plurality of defects with the first guidance information. In response to input of defect identification information from the identification unit 53, the first guidance unit 57 refers to the error table and outputs the first guidance information associated with the defect identified by the defect identification information. The first guidance unit 57 outputs the first guidance information to the display unit 161, and also outputs guidance identification information for identifying the first guidance information to the second guidance unit 59.

[0077] Here, the first guidance information includes a plurality of still images whose output order is determined in advance. The first guidance information may be a moving image. The moving image includes a plurality of frames as still images. Each of the plurality of still images is an image showing a user's operation. For example, the plurality of still images include an image showing an operation of opening a door of the MFP100, an image showing an operation of moving an internal part of the MFP100, an image showing an operation of removing a paper jammed in a conveyance path of the MFP100, an image showing an operation of removing a paper or document jammed in the conveyance path, an image showing an operation of returning an internal part of the MFP100 to a state before being moved, and an image showing an operation of closing a door of the MFP100. The plurality of still images also include an image showing an operation of opening a door of the post-processing device 200, an image showing an operation of removing a staple jammed in the post-processing device 200, and an image showing an operation of closing the door of the post-processing device 200.

[0078] First guidance unit 57 displays the first guidance information on display unit 161. Specifically, first guidance unit 57 displays a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information on display unit 161 in an order determined by the first guidance information. The timing for switching the plurality of still images may be at a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, first guidance unit 57 may detect a user operation and switch the timing for displaying the plurality of still images in response to the user operation.

[0079] The reset detection unit 55 detects a reset of the MFP 100 after the identification unit 53 detects a malfunction. The reset detection unit 55 detects a reset of the MFP 100 in response to the identification unit 53 detecting a malfunction and inputting a reset detection instruction. The reset detection unit 55 detects a reset based on the opening and closing of a door of the MFP 100. Specifically, the reset detection unit 55 detects a reset of the MFP 100 when, after the identification unit 53 inputs a reset detection instruction, at least one of the doors of the MFP 100 is opened and then all of the doors of the MFP 100 are closed.

[0080] The reset detection unit 55 detects the reset of the MFP 100 based on the outputs of the opening and closing sensors OS1, OS2, and OS3. Here, the opening and closing sensors OS1, OS2, and OS3 detect the opening and closing of the front door 140A, the side door 140B, and the top door 120A. Therefore, the reset detection unit 55 detects the reset of the MFP 100 when the outputs of at least one of the opening and closing sensors OS1, OS2, and OS3 input from the sensor control unit 51 change from a signal indicating ON to a signal indicating OFF, and then the outputs of all of the opening and closing sensors OS1, OS2, and OS3 become signals indicating ON. When the reset detection unit 55 detects the reset of the MFP 100, it outputs a reset completion signal to the second guidance unit 59. Note that the reset detection unit 55 may detect the reset of the MFP 100 when the reset key provided in the operation unit 163 is instructed by the user in addition to the change in the signal output by the opening and closing sensors OS1, OS2, and OS3.

[0081] Second guidance unit 59 receives the guidance identification information from first guidance unit 57, the reset completion signal from reset detection unit 55, and the malfunction identification information and sensor identification information from identification unit 53. After the malfunction identification information is input from identification unit 53, second guidance unit 59 receives the guidance identification information from first guidance unit 57, and then receives the reset completion signal from reset detection unit 55. In this case, there is a case where the malfunction identification information and the sensor identification information are input from identification unit 53 immediately after the reset completion signal is input from reset detection unit 55 to second guidance unit 59. The period immediately after the reset completion signal is input from reset detection unit 55 to second guidance unit 59 is the time from when reset detection unit 55 detects the reset of MFP 100 to before CPU 111 starts preparation processing to enable execution of an image forming operation.

[0082] When malfunction identification information and sensor identification information are input from identification unit 53 immediately after a reset completion signal is input from reset detection unit 55 to second guidance unit 59, and the malfunction identification information identified by identification unit 53 before the reset completion signal is input is the same as the malfunction identification information input from identification unit 53 immediately after the reset completion signal is input, second guidance unit 59 outputs a second support image. The second guidance unit 59 determines the malfunction identification information identified by identification unit 53 before the reset completion signal is input to be the malfunction identification information associated with the guidance identification information input from first guidance unit 57 by the error table.

[0083] After the reset completion signal is input, the second guidance unit 59 determines the second guidance information based on the malfunction identification information and the sensor identification information input from the identification unit 53. The first guidance information corresponds to a malfunction that occurred in the MFP 100 before the reset completion signal is input to the second guidance unit 59. The second guidance information corresponds to a malfunction that is identified by the identification unit 53 before the reset completion signal is input to the second guidance unit 59, when the same malfunction is identified by the identification unit 53 immediately after the reset completion signal is input. Therefore, the second guidance information and the first guidance information correspond to the same malfunction. The second guidance information is different in that the second guidance information is output before the reset detection unit 55 detects a reset, whereas the second guidance information is output after the reset detection unit 55 detects a reset.

[0084] The second guidance information differs from the first guidance information in that it includes a part of the first guidance information. The second guidance information is information in which additional information is added to a part of the first guidance information. The additional information indicates the position where the detection sensor is disposed.

[0085] The second guidance unit 59 determines the second guidance information based on the malfunction identification information and the sensor identification information input from the identification unit 53. Specifically, the second guidance unit 59 determines the second guidance information by referring to an error table stored in the HDD 115. The error table is second guidance related information in which each of a plurality of malfunctions is associated with the second guidance identification information. The second guidance identification information includes one or more of the plurality of still images included in the first guidance information and one or more pieces of position information. The position information corresponds to the detection sensor and indicates the position of the corresponding detection sensor. Therefore, the second guidance unit 59 determines the second guidance identification information based on the malfunction identification information input from the identification unit 53 by referring to the error table. At this stage, one or more of the plurality of still images included in the first guidance information and one or more pieces of position information are determined. Here, a case in which one still image and one or more pieces of position information are determined will be described as an example.

[0086] The second guidance unit 59 determines position information corresponding to the sensor identification information input from the identification unit 53 from among one or more pieces of position information included in the second guidance identification information. The second guidance unit 59 generates and outputs a still image in which an indication image is added to a still image determined from among a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information at a position specified by the position information corresponding to the sensor identification information, as the second guidance information. The indication image is an image indicating the position of the detection sensor, and is, for example, a circular, elliptical, or rectangular image. Here, an example will be described in which the indication image is an elliptical image. For this reason, the second guidance unit 59 generates, as the second guidance information, an image in which an elliptical indication image is superimposed at a position determined by the position information on a still image determined from among a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information. Since the second guidance identification information is associated with the first guidance information by the error table, the second guidance unit 59 can easily generate the second guidance information.

[0087] Note that instead of generating the second guidance information, the second guidance unit 59 may store the second guidance information in association with the sensor identification information. In this case, the size of the error table increases, but the load on the second guidance unit 59 can be reduced.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the error table. Referring to FIG. 5, the error table associates a detection sensor, first guidance information, and second guidance identification information for each malfunction. The error table includes association information, and one or more detection sensors are associated with one malfunction by the association information. The error table includes first guidance related information, and one piece of first guidance information is associated with one malfunction by the first guidance related information. The error table includes second guidance related information, and one piece of second guidance identification information is associated with one malfunction by the second guidance related information. The second guidance identification information includes one or more of the multiple still images included in the first guidance information and one or more pieces of additional information. The number of detection sensors associated with one malfunction by the association information is the same as the number of pieces of additional information associated with the malfunction by the second guidance related information.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 5, the error table includes a defect name field, a detection sensor field, a first guidance information field, and a second guidance identification information field. In the defect name field, defect identification information for identifying the defect is set. In the detection sensor field, sensor identification information for identifying the detection sensor is set. In the first guidance information field, still image identification information for identifying each of a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information and an output order of the plurality of still images are set. The second guidance identification information field includes an image field and a position information field. In the image field, still image identification information for identifying one or more of the plurality of still images included in the first guidance information is set. In the position information field, information indicating the position of the detection sensor identified by the sensor identification information set in the detection sensor field is set. Here, the information set in the position information field is information indicating the position of the detection sensor in the still image identified by the still image identification information set in the image field.

[0090] For example, the malfunction identification information is associated with a malfunction of the first paper feed tray, and the sensor identification information is associated with three detection sensors SA to SC, detection A, detection B, and detection C. Also, the malfunction identification information is associated with a malfunction of the first paper feed tray, and the first guidance information including three still images, tray door open, first jam removal, and tray door close, is associated with the malfunction identification information. The output order of the still images is set to the still image identification information of tray door open, first jam removal, and tray door close in that order.

[0091] Furthermore, for a malfunction identification information for a malfunction of the first paper feed tray, still image identification information is associated with a still image of the first jam removal and position information including position A, position B, and position C as second guidance identification information. For position A, the still image identification information indicates a position in the still image of the first jam removal with the sensor identification information indicating the position of the detection sensor SA of detection A. For position B, the still image identification information indicates a position in the still image of the first jam removal with the sensor identification information indicating the position of the detection sensor SB of detection B. For position C, the still image identification information indicates a position in the still image of the first jam removal with the sensor identification information indicating the position of the detection sensor SC of detection C.

[0092] Furthermore, the malfunction identification information is associated with a malfunction in the paper transport path, and the sensor identification information is associated with two detection sensors SJ, SK, detection J and detection K. Furthermore, the malfunction identification information is associated with a malfunction in the paper transport path, and the first guidance information is associated with still image identification information including five still images, side door open, path open, fourth jam removal, path blocked, and side door blocked. The output order of each still image is set in the order of the still image identification information, side door open, path open, fourth jam removal, path blocked, and side door blocked.

[0093] Furthermore, the malfunction identification information is associated with a malfunction in the paper transport path as second guidance identification information, and the still image identification information is associated with a still image of the fourth jam removal and position information including position J and position K. Position J is associated with still image identification information indicating a position in the still image of the fourth jam removal as sensor identification information indicates the position of detection sensor SJ of detection J, and position K is associated with still image identification information indicating a position in the still image of the fourth jam removal as sensor identification information indicates the position of detection sensor SK of detection K.

[0094] For example, when the detection sensor SJ outputs an ON signal for a predetermined period of time or longer, the malfunction identification information identifies a malfunction in the paper transport path, and five still images, side door open, path open, fourth jam removal, path blocked, and side door blocked, are displayed in order as the first guidance information on the display unit 161 as still image identification information. After that, when the detection sensor SJ outputs an ON signal immediately after a reset is detected, a still image in which the still image identification information is the fourth jam removal and an oval image is superimposed at a position specified by position J of the still image is generated as the second guidance information, and the second guidance information is displayed on the display unit 161.

[0095] 6 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of the first guidance information. Five still images shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 show the first guidance information whose defect name corresponds to the paper transport path. The first guidance information whose defect name corresponds to the paper transport path includes five still images whose still image identification information is "side door open," "path open," "fourth jam removal," "path blocked," and "side door blocked." FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a still image whose still image identification information is "side door open" included in the first guidance information. The still image whose still image identification information is "side door open" is a still image whose output order is assigned first in the first guidance information. Referring to FIG. 6, the still image whose still image identification information is "side door open" shows an operation of opening side door 140B provided in main body 101 of MFP 100.

[0096] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a still image whose still image identification information included in the first guidance information is "path open." The still image whose still image identification information is "path open" is a still image that is assigned second in the output order in the first guidance information. Referring to FIG. 7, the still image whose still image identification information is "path open" shows an operation to open a part of the paper transport path 39.

[0097] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a still image in which still image identification information included in the first guidance information indicates the fourth jam removal. The still image in which still image identification information indicates the fourth jam removal is a still image that is assigned third in the output order in the first guidance information. When side door 140B is open, MFP 100 exposes paper transport path 39. Referring to FIG. 8, the still image in which still image identification information indicates the fourth jam removal shows an operation of removing paper jammed in paper transport path 39.

[0098] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a still image whose still image identification information included in the first guidance information is path blocked. The still image whose still image identification information is path blocked is a still image assigned as the fourth output order in the first guidance information. Referring to FIG. 9, the still image whose still image identification information is path blocked is a still image showing an operation to block a part of paper transport path 39.

[0099] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a still image whose still image identification information of the first guidance information is "side door closed." The still image whose still image identification information is "side door closed" is a still image whose output order is assigned fifth in the first guidance information. Referring to FIG. 10, the still image whose still image identification information is "side door closed" shows an operation of closing side door 140B provided in main body 101 of MFP 100.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second guidance information. The second guidance information shown in FIG. 11 shows second guidance information in which the defect name corresponds to the paper transport path. Referring to FIG. 11, the second guidance information includes two pieces of additional information 301J, 301K in the still image whose still image identification information shown in FIG. 8 is the fourth jam removal. The additional information 301J corresponds to the detection sensor SJ of the sensor identification information detection J, and is an elliptical instruction image surrounding the position where the detection sensor SJ of the sensor identification information detection J is disposed. The additional information 301K corresponds to the detection sensor SK of the sensor identification information detection K, and is an elliptical instruction image surrounding the position where the detection sensor SK of the sensor identification information detection K is disposed.

[0101] Therefore, a user who sees the second guidance information can be notified that the paper is jammed at the position indicated by the oval-shaped indication image, which is the additional information 301J, 301K. Therefore, the user can know the location of the jammed paper.

[0102] Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of a malfunction solution support process. The malfunction solution support process is a process executed by CPU 111 included in MFP 100 as CPU 111 executes a malfunction solution support program stored in ROM 113, HDD 115, or CD-ROM 118A. With reference to Fig. 12, CPU 111 included in MFP 100 starts an image forming operation (step S01), and advances the process to step S02. The image forming operation includes at least an operation of causing paper feed unit 150 to convey paper stored in a paper feed tray, and an operation of image forming unit 140 to form an image on the paper. The image forming operation may include an operation of causing automatic document feeder 120 to convey a document and causing document reading unit 130 to read the document.

[0103] In step S02, it is determined whether an error has occurred. If any of the multiple detection sensors detects paper or an original continuously for a predetermined period of time or more after detecting the paper or original, an error is detected. If a detection sensor detects paper continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, the paper, original or staples have stopped at the position where the detection sensor is located. If an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S03, but if not, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0104] In step S03, the image forming operation is interrupted, and the process proceeds to step S04. The image forming operation is interrupted by stopping the image forming unit 140 and the paper feeding unit 150. If the document is being read, the automatic document feeder 120 and the document reading unit 130 are stopped. If post-processing is being performed, the post-processing device 200 is stopped. In step S04, the malfunction is identified, and the process proceeds to step S05. In step S02, the malfunction is identified based on the detection sensor in which the error was detected. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the error table stored in the HDD 115 and identifies the malfunction associated with the detection sensor in which the error occurred.

[0105] In step S05, the first guidance information is determined, and the process proceeds to step S06. For the defect identified in step S04, the first guidance information associated in the error table is determined. In step S06, the first guidance information is displayed on the display unit 161. The first guidance information defines a plurality of still images and an output order of the plurality of still images. Therefore, the plurality of still images defined by the first guidance information are displayed on the display unit 161 in order according to the output order.

[0106] In step S07, it is determined whether the signal output by the open / close sensor indicates OFF. The open / close sensor outputs a signal indicating OFF when a door is opened, so it is determined whether any of the multiple doors equipped in the MFP100 has been opened. If any of the signals output by the multiple open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 has turned OFF, the process proceeds to step S08, but if not, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S08, it is determined whether the signals output by all of the multiple open / close sensors have turned ON. It is determined whether all of the multiple doors equipped in the MFP100 have been closed. The open / close sensor outputs a signal indicating ON when a door is closed, so the process is in a standby state until all of the signals output by the multiple open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 have turned ON (NO in step S08), and if all of the signals output by the multiple open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 have turned ON (YES in step S08), the process proceeds to step S09. Note that if the power supply of the MFP100 is turned off before all of the signals output by the multiple open / close sensors OS1 to OS3 have turned ON, the process ends.

[0107] In step S09, it is determined whether an error has occurred, similarly to step S02. If an error is detected in any of the detection sensors SA to SN, the process proceeds to step S10, otherwise the process proceeds to step S13. If an error is detected in any of the detection sensors associated in the error table with respect to the malfunction identified in step S04 among the detection sensors SA to SN, the process proceeds to step S10, and if an error is detected in another detection sensor, the process returns to step S02. For example, after an error is detected in any of the detection sensors SA, SB, SC in step S02 and the malfunction is identified, if an error is detected in any of the detection sensors SA, SB, SC in step S09, the process proceeds to step S10, and if an error is detected in any of the other detection sensors SD to SN, the process returns to step S02.

[0108] In step S13, the image forming operation interrupted in step S03 is resumed, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether the image forming operation is completed. If all images of the image data to be the target of image formation have been formed, the process ends, but if not, the process returns to step S02.

[0109] In step S10, the second guidance information is determined, and the process proceeds to step S11. For the detection sensor in which the error was detected in step S09, the second guidance information associated in the error table is determined. Since the detection sensor in which the error was detected in step S09 is one of the multiple detection sensors associated in the error table with the malfunction identified in step S04, the second guidance information associated with the first guidance information determined in step S05 by the error table is determined.

[0110] In step S11, the second guidance information is displayed on the display unit 161, and the process proceeds to step S12. The second guidance information includes any one of a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information and additional information. The additional information includes an instruction image and position information indicating the position of the detection sensor in the still image. Therefore, the second guidance information is an image in which the instruction image is arranged in any one of a plurality of still images included in the first guidance information at a position determined by the position information. The instruction image may be, for example, a graphic shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or an arrow.

[0111] In step S12, it is determined whether or not an end operation has been accepted. It is determined whether or not an operation instructing the user to end the operation has been input to operation unit 163. If the end operation has not been accepted, the process returns to step S07, but if the end operation has been accepted, the process ends.

[0112] In the present embodiment, jamming of paper, documents, or staples has been described as an example of a malfunction that occurs in the MFP 100. Malfunctions that occur in the MFP 100 are not limited to these, and include all malfunctions defined by the MFP 100. Malfunctions that occur in the MFP 100 include, for example, a decrease in the remaining amount of toner, when the amount of waste toner reaches an upper limit, the life of consumables, a decrease in the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed trays 35 and 35A, and the like. The consumables include the photoconductor drums 23Y, 23M, 23C, and 23K, and the timing roller 31.

[0113] As described above, the MFP 100 in this embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus and includes detection sensors SA to SN that detect an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed, and a CPU 111. The CPU 111 identifies a malfunction of the apparatus based on the output of the detection sensors SA to SN, outputs first guidance information that is predetermined as an operation for the user to release the malfunction in response to the identified malfunction, and outputs second guidance information different from the first guidance information when a malfunction is detected and then a reset of the apparatus is detected, and then a malfunction that is the same as the malfunction identified before the reset of the apparatus is detected. Since the user has already performed an operation to release the malfunction according to the first guidance information, the user can easily repeat the operation defined in the first guidance information. Therefore, instead of outputting the first guidance information again, second guidance information different from the first guidance information is output, and the user can find the cause of the malfunction based on the second guidance information.

[0114] In addition, the second guidance information includes a part of the first guidance information. Therefore, the second guidance information can be limited to operations for removing the cause of the malfunction among the operations defined in the first guidance information. In addition, since the user has already seen the first guidance information, the user can easily understand the second guidance information.

[0115] Moreover, the second guidance information includes one or more images among the multiple images included in the first guidance information. In the present embodiment, the second guidance information includes one or more still images among the multiple still images included in the first guidance information. Therefore, the second guidance information can be generated from the first guidance information.

[0116] In addition, the second guidance information includes additional information indicating the location of the detection sensor. Therefore, since the second guidance information indicates the location of the detection sensor, it is possible to notify the user of the location where the malfunction is occurring.

[0117] Moreover, the second guidance information is generated by arranging the instruction image in one of the images included in the first guidance information based on position information indicating the position where the detection sensor is arranged, which makes it easier to generate the second guidance information.

[0118] The device further includes a front door 140A, a side door 140B, and a top door 120A that open the inside of the device, and opening / closing sensors OS1, OS2, OS3 that detect the opening and closing of the front door 140A, the side door 140B, and the top door 120A, respectively, and detects a reset of the device in response to detecting that the front door 140A, the side door 140B, and the top door 120A are all closed after the opening / closing sensors OS1, OS2, OS3 detect the opening of any of the front door 140A, the side door 140B, and the top door 120A. This makes it possible to detect that the user has completed the operation to release the malfunction in accordance with the first guidance information.

[0119] The error table also includes association information that associates the detection sensor with any one of a plurality of pieces of malfunction identification information for identifying each of a plurality of malfunctions, and further includes first guidance association information that associates each of the plurality of malfunction identification information with the first guidance information. This makes it easy to identify the malfunction based on the outputs of the detection sensors SA to SN, and easy to identify the first guidance information. This makes it possible to simplify the malfunction resolution support process executed by the MFP100.

[0120] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100 MFP, 101 main body, 110 main circuit, 111 CPU, 112 communication I / F section, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 116 facsimile section, 118 external storage device, 118A CD-ROM, 120 automatic document feeder, 120A top door, 130 document reading section, 140 image forming section, 140A front door, 140B side door, 150 paper feed section, 160 operation panel, 161 display section, 163 operation section, 165 touch panel, 167 hard key section, OS1, OS2, OS3 opening / closing sensor, SA~SN detection sensor, 200 post-processing device, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K image forming unit, 21Y exposure device, 22Y charging roller, 23Y photosensitive drum, 24Y Developing unit, 25Y primary transfer roller, 26 secondary transfer roller, 30 intermediate transfer belt, 31 timing roller, 32 fixing roller, 33 drive roller, 34 driven roller, 35, 35A paper feed tray, 35C manual feed tray, 36, 36A, 36B removal roller, 37 paper feed roller, 39 paper transport path, 51 sensor control unit, 53 identification unit, 55 reset detection unit, 57 first guidance unit, 59 second guidance unit, 301J, 301K additional information.

Claims

1. a plurality of detection sensors for detecting an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed; A means for identifying a malfunction of the device based on an output of the detection sensor; a first guidance means for outputting first guidance information corresponding to the malfunction identified by the identifying means and predetermined as an operation for a user to resolve the malfunction; a reset detection means for detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected by the identification means; a second guidance means for outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when, after the malfunction is detected by the identification means and after a reset of the device is first detected by the reset detection means, the identification means identifies a malfunction that is the same as the malfunction identified by the identification means before the reset of the device is detected by the reset detection means, The second guidance means generates the second guidance information by placing an indication image indicating a position at which one of the multiple detection sensors, that is the basis for identifying the defect by the identification means, is located in an image identified from among the multiple images included in the first guidance information, of the image forming device.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second guidance unit determines a position at which the detection sensor, which is the basis for identifying the malfunction, is disposed after the reset detection unit detects that the apparatus has been reset.

3. A door for opening the inside of the device; An opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reset detection unit detects a reset of the apparatus in response to the opening and closing of the door being detected by the opening and closing sensor after the opening and closing of the door are detected by the opening and closing sensor.

4. the identifying means identifies the malfunction using association information in which at least one of the detection sensors is associated with any one of a plurality of pieces of malfunction identification information for identifying each of the plurality of malfunctions; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first guidance unit determines the first guidance information by using first guidance related information in which each of the plurality of pieces of defect identification information is associated with the first guidance information.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor detects a jam of paper or staples.

6. A malfunction solving support method executed in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a step of identifying a malfunction of the apparatus based on outputs of a plurality of detection sensors that detect an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed; a first guidance step of outputting first guidance information, the first guidance information being predetermined as a procedure for a user to resolve the malfunction identified in the identifying step; a reset detection step of detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected in the identifying step; a second guidance step of outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when a malfunction is identified in the identification step after the malfunction is detected in the identification step and after a reset of the device is first detected in the reset detection step, the malfunction being the same as the malfunction identified in the identification step before a reset of the device is detected in the reset detection step, The second guidance step is a fault resolution support method including a step of generating the second guidance information by placing an indication image indicating a position at which one of the plurality of detection sensors, which is the basis for identifying the fault by the identification means, is located in an image identified from among a plurality of images included in the first guidance information.

7. A malfunction solving support program executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, a step of identifying a malfunction of the apparatus based on outputs of a plurality of detection sensors that detect an abnormal state different from a normal state in which an image forming operation is performed; a first guidance step of outputting first guidance information, the first guidance information being predetermined as a procedure for a user to resolve the malfunction identified in the identifying step; a reset detection step of detecting a reset of the device after the malfunction is detected in the identifying step; a second guidance step of outputting second guidance information different from the first guidance information when a malfunction is identified in the identification step after the malfunction is detected in the identification step and after a reset of the device is first detected in the reset detection step and a malfunction is identified in the identification step that is the same as the malfunction identified in the identification step before a reset of the device is detected in the reset detection step, The second guidance step is a malfunction resolution support program that includes a step of generating the second guidance information by placing an indication image indicating a position at which the detection sensor based on which the malfunction was identified by the identification means is located, among the multiple detection sensors, in an image identified from among the multiple images included in the first guidance information.

Images