Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling notification related to the maintenance of a device at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: analysis means for obtaining an evaluation value indicating a degree of deterioration of a replacement unit on the basis of a value related to the state of a device's replacement unit acquired from the device; notification means for notifying a user or a manager of the device of a maintenance message related to the maintenance of the replacement unit according to the evaluation value; acquisition means for acquiring feedback from the user or the manager for notification timing of the maintenance message; and change means for changing a range of the evaluation value to determine whether to notify the user or the manager of the maintenance message according to the feedback.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program for analyzing the status of a device and issuing a notification regarding maintenance of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] A system has been proposed that analyzes the operation history of an image forming device and notifies the user of the image forming device of the need for maintenance. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a server analyzes the operation history of the image forming device based on analysis rules, notifies the user of the image forming device of necessary measures such as the timing of part replacement, and modifies the analysis rules based on the appropriateness of the measures. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a threshold value for determining whether or not the image forming device is in a state requiring maintenance is preset in the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-071657 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-133307 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described in Patent Document 2, if the need for maintenance is determined based on a preset threshold, it may not be possible to respond to changes in the actual printing volume or how the image forming device is used, and it may not be possible to notify the need for maintenance at an appropriate time.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique that enables notification regarding device maintenance to be given at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device includes an analysis means for calculating an evaluation value indicating the degree of deterioration of a replacement unit of the device based on a value related to the state of the replacement unit of the device obtained from the device, a notification means for notifying a user or administrator of the device of a maintenance message regarding maintenance of the replacement unit according to the evaluation value, an acquisition means for acquiring feedback from the user or administrator regarding the timing of notification of the maintenance message, and a modification means for modifying the range of the evaluation value for determining whether to notify the user or administrator of the maintenance message according to the feedback. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, notification regarding device maintenance can be made at an appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a feeding unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of sheets on which images are formed and feeding time. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of information stored on a server according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a host computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of information stored on a server according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by a host computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by a server according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus PR according to this embodiment. The letters Y, M, C, and K at the end of the reference numbers in Fig. 1 indicate that the colors of the toner images formed by the components indicated by the reference numbers are yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between colors, reference numbers without the letters Y, M, C, and K at the end will be used.

[0011] During image formation, the photoconductors 1 are rotated clockwise in the figure. The charging rollers 2 are set to a charging potential and charge the corresponding photoconductors 1 to a predetermined potential. The scanning unit 8 scans and exposes the corresponding photoconductors 1 with light, forming electrostatic latent images on the corresponding photoconductors 1. The developing rollers 3 are set to a developing potential and develop the electrostatic latent images on the corresponding photoconductors 1 with toner, forming toner images on the corresponding photoconductors 1. The primary transfer rollers 10 are set to a primary transfer potential and transfer the toner images on the corresponding photoconductors 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 11. Note that by transferring the toner images of each photoconductor 1 onto the intermediate transfer belt 11 in an overlapping manner, different colors, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, can be reproduced. The intermediate transfer belt 11 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure during image formation. As a result, the toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 11 are transported to a position facing the secondary transfer roller 14.

[0012] The feeding unit 20 feeds the sheet S stored in the cassette 21 to a conveying path provided within the image forming apparatus PR. The sheet S fed to the conveying path is transported by a pair of registration rollers 25 (hereinafter referred to as the registration roller pair 25) to a position facing the secondary transfer roller 14. The secondary transfer roller 14 is set to a secondary transfer potential and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 to the sheet S. The sheet S with the transferred toner image is transported to a fixing device 30 (fixing unit). The fixing device 30 fixes the toner image to the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S. After the toner image is fixed, the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus PR by a discharge roller pair 33. A conveying path sensor 27 for detecting the sheet S is provided downstream of the registration roller pair 25.

[0013] Next, details of the feeding unit 20 will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2A shows the feeding unit 20 and its vicinity at the timing when feeding of the uppermost sheet S1 stored in the cassette 21 is started. In the cassette 21, the position of the sheet S in the conveying direction is restricted by the trailing edge restricting plate 26. At this time, the leading edge of the sheet S in the conveying direction is at position Ps shown in FIG. 2A. When the feeding operation starts and the feed roller 22 and the conveying roller 23 are rotated, the sheet S1 starts to move to the right in FIG. 2A due to friction with the feed roller 22. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2B, the sheet S1 reaches the separation nip Pn formed by the conveying roller 23 and the separation roller 24. In FIG. 2B, the sheet S2 below the sheet S1 is also moving due to the frictional force between the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 below it. The separation nip Pn is configured so that when two or more sheets S are fed to the separation nip Pn by the feed roller 22, only the uppermost sheet S1 is fed downstream.

[0014] Specifically, a torque limiter (not shown) is connected to the separation roller 24, and applies torque as a resistance force in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the sheet S1. This torque is set so that when only one sheet S enters the separation nip Pn, the separation roller 24 rotates in response to the conveying roller 23, but stops when two or more sheets S enter the separation nip Pn. Therefore, the sheets S are conveyed downstream one by one by the separation nip Pn.

[0015] Even after the leading edge of sheet S1 passes through separation nip Pn, sheet S1 passes through registration roller pair 25 due to the rotation of feed roller 22 and conveyance roller 23, and reaches detection position Pr of conveyance path sensor 27 as shown in Fig. 2(C). The time from the start of the feeding operation shown in Fig. 2(A) until the leading edge of sheet S1 reaches detection position Pr of conveyance path sensor 27 is hereinafter referred to as feeding time.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the feeding time when the feeding operation was repeated for 400,000 sheets. Note that FIG. 3(A) shows the feeding time for the first 2,000 sheets, and FIG. 3(B) shows the feeding time for the last 2,000 sheets. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), as the number of repeated feeding operations increases, the increase in feeding time becomes sporadic, and the variation in feeding time becomes greater. This is thought to be mainly due to the fact that repeated feeding operations wear out the feed roller 22, and the frictional force between the feed roller 22 and the sheet S decreases in areas with greater wear. In this way, the feeding time is a value related to the condition of the feed roller 22.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus PR according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a host computer HC, an image forming apparatus PR, and a server SV, which is an information processing apparatus, are configured to be able to communicate with each other, for example, via a network. A control unit 201 of the host computer HC includes a CPU, which is a processor, and executes control programs stored in a storage device (not shown) to perform various processes described below. An operation display unit 202 includes a display, keyboard, mouse, etc., and provides a user interface. For example, in response to user operations on the operation display unit 202, the control unit 201 sends a print job including image data to the image forming apparatus PR, causing the image forming apparatus PR to form an image based on the image data.

[0018] The video controller 85 of the image forming apparatus PR performs communication processing with the host computer HC and the server SV. When the video controller 85 receives a print job from the host computer HC, it controls the printer engine 84 to form an image based on the print job. The operation display unit 86 includes an operation panel, operation buttons, and the like, and provides a user interface. The printer engine 84 has an engine control unit 87 including a CPU 80 (a processor), a ROM 81, and a RAM 82. The ROM 81 is a nonvolatile memory that holds and stores control programs and various data. Note that a rewritable nonvolatile memory can be used instead of the ROM 81. The RAM 82 is a volatile memory that stores temporary data, etc. The CPU 80 executes the control program stored in the ROM 81 to control the components shown in FIG. 1 via the I / O port 83 to form an image on the sheet S. Note that the motor 28, a component not shown in FIG. 1, is a drive source that rotates the conveyance roller 23. The solenoid 29, not shown in FIG. 1, is a drive source that drives the feed roller 22.

[0019] The computing unit 301 of the server SV includes one or more processors (CPUs) and performs various processes by executing control programs stored in the storage device 302. The storage device 302 includes any volatile and non-volatile storage device. In addition to the programs executed by the computing unit 301, the storage device 302 also stores data used by the computing unit 301 in various processes. In this embodiment, the storage device 302 is a component of the server SV, but some or all of the data described below as being stored in the storage device 302 may be stored in an external device that the server SV can access via a network.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 4. The functional blocks shown in Fig. 5 can be realized by the CPU 80 of the engine control unit 87 of the image forming apparatus PR, the CPU of the calculation unit 301 of the server SV, and the CPU of the control unit 201 of the host computer HC executing corresponding control programs, respectively.

[0021] The feeding control unit 871 controls the motor 28 and the solenoid 29 to control the feeding of the sheet S. The feeding control unit 871 notifies the measurement unit 872 of the timing to start feeding the sheet S. The measurement unit 872 measures the feeding time based on the feeding start timing and the timing of detection of the leading edge of the sheet S notified by the transport path sensor 27. The measurement unit 872 stores the measured feeding time in RAM 82 together with the timing at which the feeding time was measured (hereinafter referred to as measurement timing). The measurement timing can be, for example, the feeding start timing or the detection timing. The operation history collection unit 873 transmits the measurement timing and the feeding time at the measurement timing, which are stored in RAM 82, to the server SV as an operation history.

[0022] When the server SV receives the operation history, it stores the received history as operation history information in the storage device 302. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of operation history information according to this embodiment. Each time the analysis unit 3011 receives the operation history of X sheets S, it calculates a variance value V of the feeding time for the X sheets S. In this embodiment, as an example, X = 1000. Based on the variance value V, the analysis unit 3011 calculates an evaluation value E for evaluating the degree of deterioration due to wear of the feed roller 22.

[0023] For this reason, evaluation value determination information indicating the relationship between the variance value V and the evaluation value E is stored in advance in the storage device 302 of the server SV. In this example, it is assumed that the determination formula shown in the following formula (1) is stored in the storage device 302 as the evaluation value determination information. E=400-5V / 4 (1) According to formula (1), when the variance value V is 0, the evaluation value E is 400; when the variance value V is 240, the evaluation value E is 100; and when the variance value V is 320, the evaluation value E is 0. The greater the degree of deterioration due to wear of the feed roller 22, the greater the variance value V. Therefore, the smaller the evaluation value E calculated by formula (1), the greater the degree of deterioration due to wear of the feed roller 22. Note that the evaluation value E may be set so that the greater the degree of deterioration due to wear of the feed roller 22. Furthermore, instead of calculating the evaluation value E using a judgment formula, a table showing the relationship between each variance value V and the evaluation value E may be used as the evaluation value judgment information.

[0024] When the analysis unit 3011 determines the evaluation value E, the notification unit 3012 determines, based on the notification determination information shown in FIG. 6(B), whether to notify the host computer HC of a maintenance message regarding maintenance of the feed roller 22, and if so, the content of the maintenance message to be notified. The notification determination information is stored in the storage device 302 of the server SV. As shown in FIG. 6(B), the notification determination information has two thresholds: a first threshold and a second threshold. In FIG. 6(B), the value of the first threshold is 20, and the value of the second threshold is 0. The first threshold is a threshold for determining whether to notify a maintenance message. The second threshold is a threshold for determining whether replacement of the feed roller 22 is currently required.

[0025] According to the notification determination information in FIG. 6B, if the evaluation value E is greater than 20, the notification unit 3012 does not notify the host computer HC of a maintenance message. Furthermore, if the evaluation value E is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 20, the notification unit 3012 notifies the host computer HC of a maintenance message stating, "Please prepare to replace the feed roller." This maintenance message is a warning that the feed roller 22 will soon need to be replaced. In other words, this maintenance message predicts that the feed roller 22 will need to be replaced in the near future, and urges the user to prepare for the replacement of the feed roller 22, i.e., to arrange for the replacement feed roller 22. Furthermore, if the evaluation value E is less than or equal to 0, the notification unit 3012 notifies the host computer HC of a maintenance message stating, "Please replace the feed roller." This maintenance message urges the user to replace the feed roller 22.

[0026] In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the explanation will be given assuming that maintenance messages and the like are notified to a "user" who uses the image forming apparatus PR. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that maintenance messages and the like are notified to an "administrator" who performs maintenance and management for those who use the image forming apparatus PR, rather than to a "user." In other words, in the explanation of the processing performed for the "user" in this embodiment and the processing performed by the "user," the term "user" can be replaced with an "administrator" who performs maintenance and management of the image forming apparatus PR based on a contract with the person using the image forming apparatus PR, such as a dealer of the image forming apparatus PR.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 5, when the display control unit 2011 of the host computer HC receives the maintenance message from the notification unit 3012, it displays the maintenance message on the operation display unit 202 to prompt the user to perform maintenance on the feed roller 22.

[0028] 7 on the operation display unit 202 of the host computer HC via the notification unit 3012. The threshold change unit 3013 may display the screen shown in Fig. 7 periodically, for example, once a month, once every six months, or once a year. Alternatively, the threshold change unit 3013 may display the screen shown in Fig. 7 when the notification unit 3012 sends a maintenance message to the display control unit 2011 urging the user to prepare for replacement, or a predetermined time after the message is sent.

[0029] For example, the user selects "late," "as is," or "early" as the timing of the notification for replacement preparation according to the screen shown in FIG. 7 and presses the "Answer" button to input feedback regarding the notification timing to the host computer HC. For example, for a user who prints a small number of sheets per day, even if they receive a notification for replacement preparation of the feed roller 22 and make preparations, it may be a year before the actual replacement timing arrives. Conversely, for a user who prints a large number of sheets, it may be too late to arrange for replacement parts after receiving a notification for replacement preparation of the feed roller 22. The feedback acquisition unit 2012 notifies the server SV of the feedback acquired from the user.

[0030] When the threshold change unit 3013 receives feedback from the host computer HC, it changes the first threshold of the notification determination information based on the change information shown in FIG. 8A. That is, the threshold change unit 3013 changes the range of the evaluation value E for determining whether to notify a maintenance message prompting replacement preparation. For example, if the feedback is "early," the threshold change unit 3013 reduces the first threshold of the notification determination information by 3 to 17, as shown in FIG. 8B. Therefore, the range of the evaluation value E for determining whether to notify a maintenance message prompting replacement preparation is changed from a range greater than 0 and equal to or less than 20 to a range greater than 0 and equal to or less than 17. Because the first threshold is changed to be smaller, the timing for prompting replacement preparation of the feed roller 22 is delayed. On the other hand, if the feedback is "late," the threshold change unit 3013 increases the first threshold of the notification determination information by 3 to 23, the current value. Because the first threshold is changed to be smaller, the timing for prompting replacement preparation of the feed roller 22 is advanced.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process executed by the calculation unit 301 of the server SV. In S10, the analysis unit 3011 waits until the number of printed sheets since the previous analysis reaches X. That is, after executing the previous analysis, the analysis unit 3011 waits until it acquires a predetermined number, X, of feed times, which are values ​​indicating the state of the feed roller 22. When the number of printed sheets since the previous analysis reaches X, the analysis unit 3011 executes the analysis described below. First, in S11, the analysis unit 3011 calculates a variance V of the feed times for the past X sheets. Next, in S12, the analysis unit 3011 calculates an evaluation value E of the deterioration level of the feed roller 22 based on the variance V. In S13, the analysis unit 3011 references notification determination information based on the deterioration level evaluation value E to determine whether a maintenance message notification is necessary for the host computer HC, and, if a notification is necessary, the content of the maintenance message to be notified. If a notification is not necessary, the analysis unit 3011 repeats the process from S10. On the other hand, if notification is necessary, in S14 the analysis unit 3011 notifies the host computer HC of the determined maintenance message, and then repeats the process from S10.

[0032] In this embodiment, when feedback is received from the user, the threshold change unit 3013 of the server SV transmits the information of the screen shown in FIG. 7 to the host computer HC via the notification unit 3012 and displays it on the operation display unit 202. However, instead of the threshold change unit 3013 controlling the timing of feedback reception, the display control unit 2011 may determine the timing of feedback reception. In this case, the information of the screen shown in FIG. 7 may be set in the host computer HC in advance. Furthermore, the host computer HC displays the screen shown in FIG. 7 to prompt the user to input feedback at predetermined intervals or upon receiving a maintenance message from the notification unit 3012 of the server SV urging the user to prepare for replacement.

[0033] In this embodiment, only the first threshold value of the notification determination information is changed based on feedback from the user. However, the second threshold value may also be changed. For example, in FIG. 7, only the timing of notification for replacement preparation is inquired. However, the timing of notification for replacement may be inquired separately, and the second threshold value may be changed based on the feedback. The timing for inquiring about the timing of notification for replacement may be at predetermined intervals or after a maintenance message urging replacement is displayed on the operation / display unit 202. Also, both the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be changed based on feedback regarding the timing of notification for replacement preparation. In this case, if the feedback in response to the inquiry in FIG. 7 is "early," the first threshold value is changed to 17, as shown in FIG. 8(A), and the second threshold value is changed from 0 to -3. The amount of change in the thresholds may differ between the first threshold value and the second threshold value.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two types of maintenance messages are used: one that prompts preparation for replacement, and another that prompts replacement. However, the number of maintenance messages used may be any number equal to or greater than one. Also, in this embodiment, maintenance messages are sent to the host computer HC, but they may be sent to the image forming apparatus PR and displayed on the operation display unit 86 of the image forming apparatus PR. Furthermore, regarding feedback, an inquiry screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the operation display unit 86 of the image forming apparatus PR, and the server SV may acquire the feedback from the image forming apparatus PR.

[0035] Furthermore, although the image forming apparatus RP has one feed unit 20 in the present embodiment, it may have multiple feed units 20. In this case, an analysis is performed for each feed roller 22, and a maintenance message is issued for each feed roller 22. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the analysis target is the feed unit 20 of the image forming apparatus PR, more specifically, the feeding operation of the feed unit 20. However, the analysis target is not limited to this. For example, the transport operation of the sheet S can be analyzed. In this case, analysis is performed using the transport time, which is the time it takes for the sheet S to be transported through a predetermined section of the transport path, instead of the feed time in the present embodiment. Note that the feed time is the transport time from the start position of the transport path to the detection position of the transport path sensor 27. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the feed roller 22 is used as the replaceable unit (replaceable part) for determining the need for maintenance, but the replaceable unit for determining the need for maintenance is not limited to the feed roller 22. For example, the degree of deterioration of any replaceable unit, such as the fixing device 30, the intermediate transfer belt 11, or the secondary transfer roller 14, can be analyzed to determine the need for maintenance or preparation for maintenance.

[0036] Furthermore, the apparatus to be analyzed is not limited to the image forming apparatus PR, and any replacement part of any apparatus can be analyzed. For example, the apparatus to be analyzed can be a sheet conveying apparatus that conveys sheets, or an apparatus including such a sheet conveying apparatus. The sheet conveying apparatus feeds sheets to a conveying path and conveys the sheets along the conveying path. Therefore, based on the above-mentioned feeding time and conveying time, it is possible to determine the degree of deterioration of a replacement unit related to sheet feeding or a replacement unit related to sheet conveyance. In addition, an apparatus including a sheet conveying apparatus is, for example, an image forming apparatus or an image reading apparatus.

[0037] As described above, the range of evaluation values ​​used to determine whether a maintenance message should be sent is changed based on feedback from the user. Specifically, if the timing of the maintenance message is "early," the range is changed so that the timing of the maintenance message is delayed. If the timing of the maintenance message is "late," the range is changed so that the timing of the maintenance message is accelerated. However, if the timing of the maintenance message is "just right," the range is not changed. This configuration allows maintenance messages to be sent at appropriate times depending on the usage status of the image forming device, etc.

[0038] Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of this embodiment of the system shown in Figure 4. Note that functional blocks similar to those of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5 are given the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the differences. Also, in this embodiment, the term "administrator" is used instead of "user" of the image forming apparatus PR. However, the "administrator" in this embodiment can also be read as "user."

[0039] The administrator inputs the administrator's identification information (administrator ID) and the identification information (device ID) of the image forming device PR to be managed, for example, via the operation display unit 202 of the host computer HC. The registration unit 2013 of the host computer HC notifies the management unit 3014 of the server SV of the pair of administrator ID and device ID. The storage device 302 of the server SV stores the administrator information shown in FIG. 11A. The administrator information is information indicating the relationship between the administrator ID and the device ID of the image forming device PR managed by the administrator of the administrator ID, that is, information indicating the image forming device PR managed by each administrator. When the management unit 3014 receives the pair of administrator ID and device ID from the registration unit 2013, it adds the received pair to the administrator information. Note that the configuration may also be such that the pair of administrator ID and device ID is input from the server SV or the image forming device PR.

[0040] In this embodiment, the operation history collection unit 873 notifies the server SV of the device ID when notifying the server SV of the history. Therefore, each piece of operation history information stored in the storage device 302 of the server SV is associated with the device ID. As in the first embodiment, the analysis unit 3011 performs an analysis each time X pieces of operation history for a certain device ID are added, and stores the analysis result history, i.e., the evaluation value E history, in the storage device 302 as evaluation history information. FIG. 11B shows an example of evaluation history information for the device ID #567 in FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11B, the evaluation value E increases significantly on January 9, 2020, because the feed roller 22 was replaced. For example, when the feed roller 22 is replaced, the replacement is input to the operation / display unit 86 of the image forming device PR or the operation / display unit 202 of the host computer HC. Based on this input, the image forming apparatus PR or the host computer HC notifies the server SV that the feed roller 22 has been replaced, and the server SV can thereby obtain the replacement timing for the feed roller 22. The analysis unit 3011 can also determine that the feed roller 22 has been replaced based on the evaluation history information. For example, the analysis unit 3011 can compare a certain evaluation value E with the subsequent evaluation value E, and if the subsequent evaluation value E is greater and the amount of change is greater than a predetermined value, determine that the feed roller 22 has been replaced.

[0041] In the first embodiment, only the inquiry screen shown in FIG. 7 was displayed on the operation display unit 202 of the host computer HC to obtain feedback from the administrator. In this embodiment, the threshold change unit 3013 selects one of three screens to display on the operation display unit 202 of the host computer HC to obtain feedback. FIG. 7 shows one of the three screens, and FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) show examples of the remaining two of the three screens. FIG. 7 shows three options for the timing of maintenance message notification: "late," "as is," and "early." In other words, there are three options. On the other hand, FIG. 12(A) shows two options: whether to advance the timing of maintenance message notification or keep it as is, and FIG. 12(B) shows two options: whether to delay the timing of maintenance message notification or keep it as is. In other words, the screens in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) only offer two options.

[0042] The threshold change unit 3013 uses the evaluation history information shown in FIG. 11B to select a screen to be used from the three screens. First, the threshold change unit 3013 divides the range of continuous evaluation values ​​E into three sections. An example is shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the range is divided into section C#1, which is greater than 13 and less than or equal to 20; section C#2, which is greater than 7 and less than or equal to 13; and section C#3, which is less than or equal to 7. Note that section C#1, which includes the evaluation value E indicating the lowest level of deterioration among the three sections, includes the evaluation value E (20 in FIG. 6B) indicating the lowest level of deterioration within the range in which a message prompting replacement preparation is notified. Furthermore, section C#3, which includes the evaluation value E indicating the highest level of deterioration among the three sections, includes the evaluation value E (0 in FIG. 6B) indicating the highest level of deterioration within the range in which a message prompting replacement preparation is notified. The threshold change unit 3013 determines the evaluation value immediately before the feed roller 22 is replaced based on the evaluation history information. Hereinafter, the evaluation value immediately before (when) the feed roller 22 is replaced will be referred to as the "first evaluation value." The threshold change unit 3013 calculates the number N#1 of first evaluation values ​​in section C#1, the number N#2 of first evaluation values ​​in section C#2, and the number N#3 of first evaluation values ​​in section C#3. Note that the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 are counted based on the evaluation history information of all image forming devices PR managed by a certain administrator.

[0043] FIG. 13 shows the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 for the administrator with administrator ID#ABC shown in FIG. 11(A). According to FIG. 11(A), the numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 for the image forming device PR with device ID#567 are 2, 0, and 0, respectively. The numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 for the image forming device PR with device ID#568 are 1, 1, and 0, respectively. The numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 for the image forming device PR with device ID#569 are 1, 0, and 0, respectively. Therefore, the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 for the administrator with administrator ID#ABC are 4, 1, and 0, which are the sum of the numbers for the three image forming devices PR. The threshold change unit 3013 then calculates the ratios R#1, R#2, and R#3 of the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 to the total number of first thresholds. Since the total number is 5, the proportions R#1, R#2, and R#3 are 80%, 20%, and 0%, respectively, as shown in Figure 13. The numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 correspond to the frequencies in a histogram that uses evaluation values ​​as classes. The proportions R#1, R#2, and R#3 correspond to the normalized frequencies.

[0044] 14 is a flowchart of the process performed by the threshold modification unit 3013 to select a screen to be used from three screens. In S20, the threshold modification unit 3013 determines the numbers N#1 to N#3 for each of the sections C#1 to C#3 based on the evaluation history information, and in S21 determines the proportions R#1 to R#3 of the numbers N#1 to N#3. In S22, the threshold modification unit 3013 determines whether the proportion R#1 is equal to or greater than the threshold of 70%. If R#1 is equal to or greater than the threshold of 70%, the threshold modification unit 3013 determines in S24 that the screen shown in FIG. 12(A) (two-choice A) will be used. On the other hand, if the proportion R#1 is not equal to or greater than 70% in S22, the threshold modification unit 3013 determines in S23 whether the proportion R#3 is equal to or greater than the threshold of 70%. If R#3 is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 70%, the threshold change unit 3013 determines in S25 to use the screen (2-choice B) shown in Fig. 12(B). On the other hand, if the ratio R#3 is not equal to or greater than 70% in S23, the threshold change unit 3013 determines in S26 to use the screen (3-choice) shown in Fig. 7.

[0045] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an administrator who frequently replaces the feed roller 22 when the evaluation value E is within section C#1 can be determined to be an administrator who replaces the roller early. In this case, even if the administrator is presented with the option of "delay" (or "early notification"), the administrator is unlikely to select that option. Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to display the screen shown in FIG. 12A to inquire about whether to advance the notification timing or leave it as is. On the other hand, an administrator who frequently replaces the feed roller 22 when the evaluation value E is within section C#3 can be determined to be an administrator who replaces the roller late. Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to display the screen shown in FIG. 12B to inquire about whether to delay the notification timing or leave it as is. Furthermore, in the case of an administrator who frequently replaces the feed roller 22 when the evaluation value E is within section C#2 or an administrator whose frequency of replacements in each section is averaged, it is preferable to inquire about whether to advance the notification timing, delay the notification timing, or leave it as is using the basic screen shown in FIG. 7.

[0046] In summary, in this embodiment, three options ("Speed ​​up", "Delay", "Leave as is") are used as feedback options for the administrator to select. Three sets are prepared, each associated with two or more options (presented options) of the three options. Here, the first set corresponds to the screen of FIG. 12(A) and is associated with two options: whether to speed up the timing of the notification of replacement preparation or leave as is. The second set corresponds to the screen of FIG. 7 and is associated with three options: whether to speed up the timing of the notification of replacement preparation, whether to delay, or leave as is. Furthermore, the third set corresponds to the screen of FIG. 12(B) and is associated with two options: whether to delay the timing of the notification of replacement preparation or leave as is. The second set, which includes all three options used, is a reference set.

[0047] Since there are three sets, in this embodiment, three sections C#1 to C#3 are set, and the first to third sets are associated with the sections, respectively. For example, in this embodiment, the first set corresponds to section C#1, the second set corresponds to section C#2, and the third set corresponds to section C#3. Of sections C#1 to C#3, section C#1, which includes the largest evaluation value E, is the section including the largest evaluation value within the range for which it is determined that a maintenance message prompting replacement preparation should be sent. Also, of sections C#1 to C#3, section C#3, which includes the smallest evaluation value E, is the section including the smallest evaluation value within the range for which it is determined that a maintenance message prompting replacement preparation should be sent.

[0048] The threshold change unit 3013 determines to present to the administrator options associated with sets corresponding to sections where the ratio of the number of first evaluation values ​​within each section (R#1 to R#3) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Note that the predetermined value is 70% in the example of FIG. 14, and is selected so that the ratios of two or more sections do not simultaneously exceed the predetermined value. Furthermore, if there is no section where the ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the threshold change unit 3013 determines to present to the administrator options associated with the reference set, that is, the second set in this example.

[0049] Although the above describes a case where three sets are provided, the number of options used can be any number greater than or equal to three. For example, by using "slightly faster" and "much faster" instead of the option "speed up," and by using "slightly slower" and "much slower" instead of the option "slow down," a configuration can be achieved in which a total of five options are used. Note that the increase amount of the first threshold is different for "slightly faster" and "much faster." The same applies to slowing down. Then, by associating two or more of the five options with each set, a configuration can be achieved in which four or more sets are set. In this case, four or more intervals can be set.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the options presented to the administrator are determined based on the administrator's timing for replacing the replacement unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the administrator from being presented with options deemed unnecessary. Furthermore, the timing of the maintenance message notification can be optimized for the administrator based on the administrator's feedback. In this embodiment, a query screen is selected in S24, S25, and S26 of the flowchart in FIG. 14 . However, instead of selecting a query screen, the first threshold value of the notification determination information can be changed in S24, S25, and S26. For example, the first threshold value can be increased by a predetermined value in S24, decreased by a predetermined value in S25, and not changed in S26. In other words, the threshold value of the notification determination information can be adjusted by determining the administrator's tendencies based on evaluation history information without asking the administrator whether the timing of the maintenance message is appropriate.

[0051] Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a functional block diagram of this embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 4. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate functional blocks that are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 10, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0052] In this embodiment, the operation history collection unit 873 collects values ​​related to the operation state of each of the fixing device 30 and the secondary transfer roller 14. For example, for the fixing device 30, the rotation time of the rollers in the fixing device 30 can be collected. Also, for the secondary transfer roller 14, the resistance value can be collected. The resistance value can be determined based on the potential of the secondary transfer roller 14, which transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 11 to the sheet S, and the transfer current flowing through the secondary transfer roller 14. The operation history collection unit 873 also transmits the collected values ​​for each of the fixing device 30 and the secondary transfer roller 14 to the server SV as operation history.

[0053] The analysis unit 3011 calculates an evaluation value E for each of the feed roller 22, the fixing device 30, and the secondary transfer roller 14 each time X sheets are printed. The evaluation values ​​E for the feed roller 22, the fixing device 30, and the secondary transfer roller 14 are set to be similar values ​​when the degree of deterioration is the same. The analysis unit 3011 individually determines whether to notify a maintenance message for each of the feed roller 22, the fixing device 30, and the secondary transfer roller 14 based on the evaluation value E. The first and second thresholds of the notification determination information can be set independently for each of the feed roller 22, the fixing device 30, and the secondary transfer roller 14. In this example, the evaluation values ​​are set to be similar values ​​when the degree of deterioration is the same, so the first and second thresholds can be common to the feed roller 22, the fixing device 30, and the secondary transfer roller 14.

[0054] Furthermore, after performing the analysis, the analysis unit 3011 records the results as evaluation history information shown in FIG. 11B, as in the second embodiment. The threshold change unit 3013 selects an inquiry screen for the administrator based on the evaluation history information, as described in FIG. 13 of the second embodiment. The inquiry screen is similar to the screens shown in FIGS. 7, 12A, and 12B, except that the "feed roller" part is changed to a generic term, such as "replacement unit," that does not refer to a specific replacement part. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the process by which the threshold change unit 3013 selects the screen to use from three screens. In FIG. 16, for the feed roller 22, the numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 are 0, 1, and 2. For the fixing device 30, the numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 are 1, 0, and 1. For the secondary transfer roller 14, the numbers in sections C#1, C#2, and C#3 are 0, 0, and 2. Therefore, the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 for the administrator with administrator ID#ABC are 1, 1, and 5, which is the total for all replacement units. The threshold change unit 3013 then calculates the percentages R#1, R#2, and R#3 of the numbers N#1, N#2, and N#3 to the total number. Since the total number is 7, the percentages R#1, R#2, and R#3 are approximately 14.5%, 14.5%, and 71%, as shown in FIG.

[0055] In this embodiment, the flowchart of the process for selecting the screen to be used from the three screens is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 14. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the process proceeds to S25, and the threshold change unit 3013 causes the host computer HC to display a screen that asks the administrator for two options B, that is, whether to slow down the first threshold or leave it as is.

[0056] In this embodiment, the options to be presented to the manager are determined based on the trend in the replacement timing for multiple replacement units, rather than the trend in the replacement timing for a single replacement unit. Therefore, the trend regarding replacement of replacement units can be accurately determined, and appropriate options can be presented to the manager. Note that the second and third embodiments can also be combined to form a configuration in which the options to be presented to the manager are determined based on the replacement timing for multiple replacement units in each of multiple devices.

[0057] [Other embodiments] The server SV according to each of the above embodiments may be realized by a plurality of devices configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network. The server SV may also be installed in a location different from the image forming device PR. Furthermore, the functions of the server SV may be realized on the functions provided by a cloud computing service.

[0058] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 302: Storage device, 3011: Analysis unit, 3012: Notification unit, 3013: Threshold value change unit

Claims

1. an analysis means for determining an evaluation value indicating a degree of deterioration of the replaceable unit based on a value related to the state of the replaceable unit of the device acquired from the device; a notification means for notifying a user or an administrator of the device of a maintenance message regarding maintenance of the replacement unit according to the evaluation value; an acquisition means for acquiring feedback from the user or the administrator regarding the timing of notification of the maintenance message; a change unit that changes the range of the evaluation value for determining whether the maintenance message should be notified to the user or the administrator in response to the feedback; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the obtaining means obtains the feedback by having the user or the administrator select one option from a plurality of options presented to the user or the administrator.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of options include at least an option to make the timing of notification of the maintenance message earlier than the current timing, an option to make the timing of notification of the maintenance message later than the current timing, and an option to keep the timing of notification of the maintenance message as it is.

4. The analysis means records a history of the evaluation values ​​as an evaluation history; 2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the change means determines a first evaluation value immediately before the replacement unit was replaced based on the evaluation history, selects a plurality of presented options to be presented to the user or the administrator from a plurality of options based on the first evaluation value, and obtains the feedback by having the user or the administrator select one presented option from the plurality of presented options.

5. the change means selects one set from a plurality of sets, each of which is associated with at least two options among the plurality of options, based on the first evaluation value; The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of presented options are the at least two options associated with the selected set.

6. each of the plurality of sets is associated with one of a plurality of intervals into which the consecutive evaluation values ​​are divided; The change means determines the total number of the first evaluation values ​​and the number of the first evaluation values ​​in each of the plurality of sections based on the evaluation history, and determines whether one section can be determined from the plurality of sections based on the ratio of the number of the first evaluation values ​​in each of the plurality of sections to the total number, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein, when the one section can be determined from the plurality of sections, the one set selected by the change means is a set associated with the one section.

7. When there is a section in which the ratio of the first evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the change means determines that the section in which the ratio of the first evaluation value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value is the one section, The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined value is set so that the ratio of two or more sections among the plurality of sections does not exceed the predetermined value.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the change means, when it is not possible to determine the one section from the plurality of sections, selects a set including the plurality of options from among the plurality of sets as the one set.

9. the at least two options associated with a first set of the plurality of sets include a first option for making the timing of the notification of the maintenance message earlier than the current timing, but do not include a second option for making the timing of the notification of the maintenance message later than the current timing; The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the at least two options associated with a second set of the plurality of sets includes the second option but does not include the first option.

10. 10. The information processing device of claim 9, wherein an evaluation value within a first section corresponding to the first set among the plurality of sections indicates a lower degree of deterioration of the replacement unit than an evaluation value within a second section corresponding to the second set among the plurality of sections.

11. the first section is a section including the evaluation value that indicates the lowest degree of deterioration of the replacement unit within the range of the evaluation value for determining that the maintenance message should be notified to the user or the administrator, 11. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the second section is a section including an evaluation value that indicates the highest degree of deterioration of the replacement unit within the range of evaluation values ​​for determining whether the maintenance message should be notified to the user or the administrator.

12. the at least two options associated with a third set of the plurality of sets include the first option and the second option; 12. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein an evaluation value in a third section corresponding to the third set among the plurality of sections indicates a higher degree of deterioration of the replacement unit than an evaluation value in the first section, and indicates a lower degree of deterioration of the replacement unit than an evaluation value in the second section.

13. The information processing device according to claim 12 , wherein the first set, the second set, and the third set each include a third option that leaves the notification timing of the maintenance message unchanged.

14. the analysis means calculates the evaluation value for each of the plurality of devices based on values ​​related to the state of the replacement unit acquired from each of the plurality of devices used by the user or the administrator, and records the evaluation history for each of the plurality of devices; The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the total number of the first evaluation values ​​and the number of the first evaluation values ​​in each of the plurality of sections are numbers based on the first evaluation value of each of the plurality of devices.

15. the analysis means determines the evaluation value for each of the plurality of replaceable units based on values ​​related to the state of each of the plurality of replaceable units of the device acquired from the device, and records the evaluation history for each of the plurality of replaceable units; The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the total number of the first evaluation values ​​and the number of the first evaluation values ​​in each of the plurality of sections are numbers based on the first evaluation value of each of the plurality of replaceable units.

16. 16. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the change means obtains the timing at which the replacement unit was replaced from the user or the administrator, and determines the first evaluation value immediately before the replacement unit was replaced based on the evaluation history.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the change means determines the first evaluation value based on a change in the evaluation value indicated by the evaluation history.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the obtaining unit obtains feedback from the user or the administrator periodically or after notifying the user or the administrator of the maintenance message.

19. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance message is a message urging replacement of the replaceable unit or a message notifying that replacement of the replaceable unit will soon be required.

20. the analysis means repeatedly obtains values ​​relating to the status of the replacement unit from the device; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the evaluation value is a value based on a variance of the repeatedly acquired values.

21. The information processing device according to claim 20 , wherein the larger the variance value, the higher the degree of deterioration of the replaceable unit indicated by the evaluation value.

22. the device has a sheet transport path; the replacement unit includes a unit that transports the sheet in a predetermined section of the transport path, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the value related to the state of the unit that transports the sheet is a time required to transport the sheet in the predetermined section of the transport path.

23. The predetermined section is The information processing apparatus according to claim 22 , further comprising a position on the transport path where the sheet is fed to the transport path.

24. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the sheet transported along the transport path.

25. the image forming apparatus includes a secondary transfer roller that transfers the image onto the sheet, and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred onto the sheet, the replacement unit includes at least one of the secondary transfer roller and the fixing unit, the value related to the state of the secondary transfer roller is a resistance value of the secondary transfer roller; The information processing device according to claim 24 , wherein the value related to the state of the fixing unit is a rotation time of a roller included in the fixing unit.

26. A program characterized in that, when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus having one or more processors, the program causes the apparatus having the one or more processors to function as an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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