Image forming apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a technique that can support the optimal condition setting based on a result of a questionnaire about an apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a display control unit, a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a transmission unit. The display control unit displays a questionnaire about the apparatus. The first acquisition unit acquires answer data to the questionnaire. The second acquisition unit acquires associated data related to the apparatus. The transmission unit transmits the answer data to another apparatus different from the apparatus in linkage with the associated data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique for automatically setting various conditions of an image forming apparatus to be optimal by having a user decide whether to prioritize image quality or printing speed in the image forming apparatus.

[0003] However, to enable such automatic setting of optimal conditions, the user must answer multiple questionnaires regarding preferences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-159274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it possible to support optimal condition setting based on the results of a questionnaire regarding a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a display control unit, a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a transmission unit. The display control unit displays a questionnaire about the apparatus. The first acquisition unit acquires response data to the questionnaire. The second acquisition unit acquires related data about the apparatus. The transmission unit links the related data to the response data and transmits the data to another apparatus different from the apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating data transmitted by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a function selection image displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a questionnaire image displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a voice acquisition permission / prohibition image displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals whenever possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0009] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication system S according to the embodiment. The communication system S includes an image forming apparatus 1, a camera 2, a sensor 3, an air conditioner 4, and a router 5. The image forming apparatus 1, the camera 2, the sensor 3, the air conditioner 4, and the router 5 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate freely via a network 6. For example, the network 6 is a local area network (LAN). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. While FIG. 1 illustrates the air conditioner 4, the communication system S may also include other devices such as IT / network devices that cooperate with the image forming apparatus 1. The communication system S may also refer to a system including at least two electronic devices. The communication system S is an example of an information processing system.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 is an electronic device equipped with an electrophotographic printing function. The image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, etc. An example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described later.

[0011] The camera 2 acquires image data of the imaging range and outputs the acquired image data to the image forming apparatus 1 or the server 8.

[0012] The sensor 3 outputs data acquired within the detection range. The sensor 3 outputs the acquired sensing data to the image forming apparatus 1 or the server 8. For example, the sensor 3 may be an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, or other sensor. The sensor 3 may also be other sensors. The sensor 3 is an example of a sensing device.

[0013] The air conditioner 4 is an electronic device that operates in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 1. The air conditioner 4 is an example of a device that is different from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] The router 5 relays data communication between the network 6 and the network 7. For example, the network 7 is the Internet. The image forming device 1 can communicate with a server 8 via the network 7. The server 8 is an electronic device having an information processing function. The server 8 is an example of another device.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is an electronic device having an electrophotographic printing function, and will be described as an MFP having a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a control panel 20, a scanner unit 30, a communication circuit 40, an input / output interface 50, an audio output device 60, a printer unit 70, and a microphone 80.

[0017] The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 10 includes a control circuit 11, a main memory 12, and a storage 13.

[0018] The control circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the image forming apparatus 1. The control circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the image forming apparatus 1. The control circuit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition to or instead of the CPU, the control circuit 11 may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control circuit 11 loads programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the storage 13 into the main memory 12. The control circuit 11 executes the programs loaded into the main memory 12 to perform various processes. The programs are programs that cause the control circuit 11 to realize each unit described below and to execute the processes of each unit.

[0019] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the image forming apparatus 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the image forming apparatus 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the control circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0020] The storage 13 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage 13 is an element that constitutes the computer of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the storage 13 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage 13 may include a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the control circuit 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes of the control circuit 11. The storage 13 is an example of a storage device.

[0021] The control panel 20 includes a touch panel 21 and input buttons 22 .

[0022] The touch panel 21 is a device capable of displaying images and capable of inputting instructions based on user operations on the touch panel 21. The touch panel 21 includes a display device capable of displaying images. The display device is, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The touch panel 21 includes an input device that is stacked on the display device and capable of inputting instructions based on user operations on the touch panel 21. A user operation on the touch panel 21 is a user operation that involves touching the touch panel 21. The touch panel 21 is also called a touch screen.

[0023] The input button 22 is a button that can be pressed, such as a print start button, etc. The input button 22 is an interface that allows instructions to be input based on a user operation on the input button 22.

[0024] The scanner unit 30 is a device that reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a sheet placed at a predetermined position. The scanner unit 30 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scanner unit 30 generates image data based on an image read using the line sensor. The scanner unit 30 transmits the generated image data to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 stores the received image data in the storage 13 or transmits it to the printer unit 70.

[0025] The communication circuit 40 is an interface for communicatively connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and a user terminal via a wired or wireless network. For example, the user terminal is a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, but is not limited to this.

[0026] The input / output interface 50 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to an external device. The input / output interface 50 includes a connector for a wired cable. For example, the external device may be, but is not limited to, an audio output device.

[0027] The audio output device 60 is a device that can output audio under the control of the control circuit 11. For example, the audio output device 60 is a speaker.

[0028] The printer unit 70 is a unit that forms an image on a sheet. The printer unit 70 uses a print function to form an image on a sheet based on image data transmitted from a user terminal via a network. The printer unit 70 uses a copy function to form an image on a sheet based on image data generated by the scanner unit 30. Here, an example of a printer unit 70 that uses a tandem toner image transfer unit will be described. The printer unit 70 includes a storage section 71, a conveying section 72, an image forming section 73, and a fixing unit 74.

[0029] The storage unit 71 stores sheets. The storage unit 71 includes a paper feed cassette and a pickup roller. The paper feed cassette stores sheets. The pickup roller picks up sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette. The pickup roller supplies the picked-up sheets to the conveying unit 72.

[0030] The conveying section 72 conveys a sheet in the printer unit 70. The conveying section 72 includes a plurality of rollers and a registration roller. The plurality of rollers includes a roller that conveys the sheet supplied by the pickup roller to the registration roller. The plurality of rollers includes a roller that is provided downstream of a fixing device 74 (described later) and discharges the sheet to an output tray. The registration roller conveys the sheet to a transfer section in accordance with the timing at which the transfer section of the image forming section 73 (described later) transfers a toner image onto the sheet.

[0031] The image forming unit 73 forms a toner image on a sheet. The image forming unit 73 includes an intermediate transfer belt, multiple developing units, an exposure unit, a transfer unit, and the like. The intermediate transfer belt is an endless belt. The multiple developing units correspond to the number of toner types. The multiple developing units include a black developing unit, a cyan developing unit, a magenta developing unit, and a yellow developing unit. Each developing unit includes a photosensitive drum. Each developing unit includes a charger, a developing device, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning unit, and a static eliminator around the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is a drum with a photosensitive layer on its surface. The charger uniformly charges the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum with toner. The developing device forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The primary transfer roller faces the photosensitive drum, sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt between them. The primary transfer roller transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt. The cleaning unit removes untransferred toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum. The static eliminator irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum with light. The static eliminator eliminates static electricity from the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum by irradiating it with light. The exposure unit irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum in each development unit with laser light via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. The exposure unit forms an electrostatic pattern on the surface of the photosensitive drum as an electrostatic latent image. The transfer unit transfers the charged toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet. The transfer unit includes a support roller and a secondary transfer roller configured to sandwich the intermediate transfer belt and the sheet from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0032] The fixing device 74 applies heat and pressure to the sheet on which the toner image is formed and which is supplied from the image forming unit 73. The fixing device 74 fixes the toner image formed on the sheet to the sheet by the heat and pressure.

[0033] The microphone 80 is a device that can input voice under the control of the control circuit 11.

[0034] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the above configuration. The image forming apparatus 1 allows the above components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate. The image forming apparatus 1 does not need to have an audio output device 60. The audio output device 60 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the input / output interface 50. The image forming apparatus 1 does not need to have a microphone 80. The microphone 80 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the input / output interface 50.

[0035] Each unit realized in the above-mentioned control circuit 11 will be described. The control circuit 11 realizes a display control unit 111, a first acquisition unit 112, a second acquisition unit 113, a third acquisition unit 114, and a transmission unit 115. Each unit realized in the control circuit 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized in the control circuit 11 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the control circuit 11 and the main memory 12.

[0036] The display control unit 111 displays a questionnaire about the device on the touch panel 21. The device may be the image forming device 1, or a device other than the image forming device 1 that is connected to the image forming device 1 via the network 6. The device other than the image forming device 1 may be, for example, an air conditioner 4. The device other than the image forming device 1 may be multiple devices. The questionnaire about the device includes a questionnaire about the functions of the device. The functions include copying, scanning, printing, fax sending / receiving, etc. The functions include cooling, heating, humidifying, dehumidifying, etc. The functions may vary depending on the device. The questionnaire about the device may be a single question to which the user inputs an answer by selecting an option. The questionnaire about the device includes a questionnaire about the use of the device. The usage questionnaire includes a questionnaire about the user's impressions of using the device. The impressions of use may include, for example, "satisfied" and "dissatisfied." If the device is an air conditioner 4, the impressions of use may include, for example, "hot," "cold," and "comfortable." The display control unit 111 may display the questionnaire on the touch panel 21 in response to the user's use of the image forming device 1. The display control unit 111 may display a questionnaire on the touch panel 21 in response to the user selecting to link the image forming apparatus 1 with a device different from the image forming apparatus 1. The display control unit 111 may display a questionnaire on the touch panel 21 in response to the user approaching the image forming apparatus 1. The display control unit 111 may display the questionnaire on the touch panel 21 based on a detection result by a human presence sensor or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1. In the following description, "in response" may be read as "based on."

[0037] The first acquisition unit 112 acquires response data to the questionnaire. Based on the response data, the first acquisition unit 112 determines whether the user is satisfied or dissatisfied with the device's functions. The second acquisition unit 113 acquires related data related to the device. The related data includes various setting information associated with the device's functions. For example, in the case of a scanner function, the setting information includes the reading speed, image data at the time of reading, image processing settings, log information, etc. For example, in the case of a copy function, the setting information includes the transport direction of the medium on which the image is formed, double-sided / single-sided printing, enlargement / reduction settings, density settings, information set when forming the image, image processing settings, log information, etc. For example, in the case of an air conditioning function, the setting information includes the temperature setting, air volume setting, mode setting, log information, etc. The related data includes sensing data around the device. The sensing data includes, for example, image data acquired by the camera 2 and detection data detected by the sensor 3. The image data may include image data indicating population density based on occupancy information, image data indicating whether a window is open or closed, etc. The detection data may include data such as temperature and humidity. The second acquiring section 113 may determine the related data to be acquired based on the content of the response data.

[0038] The third acquisition unit 114 acquires audio data around the device. The audio data includes various types of audio data acquired via the microphone 80. The audio data includes, for example, data on audio uttered by the user. The audio uttered by the user includes impressions of using the device, such as "it's slow to operate," "the color of the printed or scanned image is different from the original," and "the paper gets wrinkled." If the device is an air conditioner 4, the audio uttered by the user may include, for example, "it's hot," "it's cold," and "it's comfortable." The audio data includes, for example, data on the operating sounds of the device. The third acquisition unit 114 may acquire audio data based on permission for recording from the user.

[0039] The transmitting unit 115 transmits various data to the server 8 via the input / output interface 50. The transmitting unit 115 transmits the answer data acquired by the first acquiring unit 112 to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 links the answer data with the related data acquired by the second acquiring unit 113 and transmits the linked answer data to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 links the answer data with the voice data acquired by the third acquiring unit 114 and transmits the linked answer data to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit at least one of the answer data, the related data, and the voice data to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 determines the related data to be transmitted based on the content of the answer data. For example, if the answer data indicates "satisfied," the transmitting unit 115 may transmit part of the related data to the server 8. If the answer data indicates "dissatisfied," the transmitting unit 115 may transmit all of the related data to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit the voice data to the server 8 based on the user's permission to record. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit a portion of the voice data to the server 8 based on the user's permission to record. The transmitting unit 115 may decide whether to transmit the voice data based on the content of the answer data. For example, if the answer data indicates "satisfied", the transmitting unit 115 may transmit a portion of the voice data to the server 8. If the answer data indicates "dissatisfied", the transmitting unit 115 may transmit all of the voice data to the server 8. If the answer data indicates "satisfied", the transmitting unit 115 may decide not to transmit the voice data to the server 8. If the answer data indicates "dissatisfied", the transmitting unit 115 may decide to transmit the voice data to the server 8. In the following description, "transmit" may be read as "output".

[0040] An example of the survey results and data to be transmitted will be described. FIG. 3 is a table illustrating data transmitted by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows examples of response data, related data, and voice data to a questionnaire transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to another apparatus. The table in FIG. 3 has records linking functions used by a user, information indicating whether a questionnaire has been acquired, information indicating the questionnaire result, voice data transmission information, and related data transmission information. The functions used by a user include, for example, functions of the image forming apparatus 1 and functions of the air conditioner 4 linked to the image forming apparatus 1. The information indicating whether a questionnaire has been acquired is information indicating whether response data to the questionnaire has been acquired by the first acquisition unit 112. The information indicating the questionnaire result is information indicating the content of the response data acquired by the first acquisition unit 112. The content of the response data includes user impressions of using the apparatus, such as "satisfied" and "dissatisfied." The response data acquired by the first acquisition unit 112 includes information indicating whether a questionnaire has been acquired and information indicating the survey result. The voice data transmission information is information indicating whether voice data has been transmitted. The related data transmission information is information indicating whether related data has been transmitted. The related data includes setting information, image data, and detection data. The transmission information regarding the setting information may be set for each function, and may include, for example, information indicating whether or not to transmit scan-related information indicating setting information related to the scan function, and information indicating whether or not to transmit print-related information indicating setting information related to the print function.

[0042] For example, a case where the scan function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used will be described. FIG. 3 shows that, for the scan function, the information indicating whether a survey was acquired is "acquired," and the survey result is "unsatisfactory." In this case, for the scan function, the voice data is "transmitted," the scan-related information is "batch transmitted," the print-related information is "not transmitted," the image data is "not transmitted," and the detection data is "batch transmitted." Because the survey result for the scan function is "unsatisfactory," the transmission unit 115 links the response data with the voice data, the scan-related information, and the detection data and transmits them to the server 8. The transmission unit 115 may select data to be linked with the response data and transmitted based on the survey result. For example, if the survey result is "satisfactory," the transmission unit 115 may link only the response data with the scan-related information and transmit them to the server 8. The transmission unit 115 may transmit only the response data.

[0043] A case where the copy function of the image forming device 1 is used will be described. FIG. 3 shows that for the copy function, the information indicating whether a survey has been obtained is "not obtained," and the survey result is "none." In this case, for the copy function, the voice data is "not transmitted," the scan-related information is "not transmitted," the print-related information is "not transmitted," the image data is "not transmitted," and the detection data is "not transmitted." Because the survey result for the copy function has not been obtained, the transmission unit 115 does not transmit the voice data and related data to the server 8. Note that the transmission unit 115 may transmit the voice data and related data to the server 8 even if the survey result has not been obtained.

[0044] A case where the cooling function of the air conditioner 4 is used will be described. FIG. 3 shows that, for the cooling function, the information indicating whether a questionnaire has been acquired is "acquired," and the questionnaire result is "satisfied." In this case, for the cooling function, the voice data is "sent," the scan-related information is "not sent," the print-related information is "not sent," the image data is "batch sent," and the detection data is "batch sent." In this example, the transmission unit 115 links the response data, voice data, and detection data and transmits them to the server 8. The transmission unit 115 may select data to be linked with the response data and transmitted based on the survey result. For example, if the survey result is "satisfied," the transmission unit 115 may transmit only the response data, or may link only the response data and detection data and transmit them to the server 8. If the survey result is "dissatisfied," the transmission unit 115 may link the response data, voice data, image data, and detection data and transmit them to the server 8.

[0045] An image displayed on the touch panel of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a function selection image displayed on the touch panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0046] 4 includes selection buttons indicating functions such as copy, scan, print, fax sending, fax receiving, and device linkage. Device linkage is a function that links the image forming apparatus 1 with an air conditioning device 4 or the like located in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1. The user selects the function they want to use and executes the various functions.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a questionnaire image displayed on the touch panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0048] The questionnaire image shown in FIG. 5 includes text information indicating the questionnaire and answer buttons for inputting answers to the questionnaire. The text information may indicate, for example, "Are you satisfied with the scanning function you used?" The answer buttons may include, for example, a "Satisfied" button and a "Dissatisfied" button. The user answers the questionnaire by inputting information via the answer buttons.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a voice acquisition permission / prohibition image displayed on the touch panel 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0050] The audio capture permission / denial image shown in FIG. 6 includes text information indicating a questionnaire regarding audio capture, and answer buttons for inputting an answer regarding whether or not audio capture is permitted. The text information may indicate, for example, "Collecting surrounding sounds and device sounds will help maintain the device in optimal condition. Do you allow recording with the microphone?" The answer buttons may include, for example, an "Allow" button and a "Reject" button. The user provides an answer regarding audio capture by inputting information via the answer buttons.

[0051] (Example of operation) FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. In the processing procedure, each process may be omitted or replaced depending on the embodiment, and new processes may also be added.

[0052] The following process will be described taking as an example a case where a user uses the scan function of the image forming device 1. The user inputs the selection button indicating the scan function on the function selection image. After the user uses the scan function, the image forming device 1 performs the following process.

[0053] The display control unit 111 displays a questionnaire about the image forming apparatus 1 on the touch panel 21 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the display control unit 111 detects that the user will use the scan function based on the user's input of a selection button indicating the scan function. The display control unit 111 displays a questionnaire about the scan function of the image forming apparatus 1 on the touch panel 21.

[0054] The first acquisition unit 112 determines whether or not response data to the questionnaire has been acquired (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the first acquisition unit 112 determines whether or not response data has been acquired based on an input by the user via the touch panel 21 in the questionnaire image. If the first acquisition unit 112 determines that response data has been acquired (ACT2: YES), the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT3. If the first acquisition unit 112 determines that response data has not been acquired (ACT2: NO), the process ends.

[0055] The second acquisition unit 113 acquires related data related to the image forming device 1 (ACT 3). In ACT 3, for example, the second acquisition unit 113 acquires related data related to the image forming device 1 based on the content of the response data. If the response data is "satisfied," the second acquisition unit 113 may acquire part of the related data. If the response data is "dissatisfied," the second acquisition unit 113 may acquire all of the related data. For example, a case will be described in which the first acquisition unit 112 acquires response data indicating "satisfied." The second acquisition unit 113 may acquire only scan-related information from the related data related to the image forming device 1. The second acquisition unit 113 may not acquire the related data related to the image forming device 1. A case will be described in which the first acquisition unit 112 acquires response data indicating "dissatisfied." The second acquisition unit 113 may acquire all of the related data related to the image forming device 1. The second acquisition unit 113 may not acquire part of the related data related to the image forming device 1. The second acquiring unit 113 may acquire all related data regardless of the content of the response data.

[0056] The third acquisition unit 114 determines whether acquisition of audio data around the image forming apparatus 1 is permitted (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the third acquisition unit 114 determines whether audio acquisition is permitted by the user based on an input by the user via the touch panel 21 on the audio acquisition permission / prohibition image. If the third acquisition unit 114 determines that acquisition of audio data is permitted (ACT4: YES), the process transitions from ACT4 to ACT5. If the third acquisition unit 114 determines that acquisition of audio data is not permitted (ACT4: NO), the process transitions from ACT4 to ACT6.

[0057] The third acquisition unit 114 acquires audio data around the image forming device 1 (ACT 5). In ACT 5, for example, the third acquisition unit 114 acquires data on the audio uttered by the user and data on the operating sounds of the image forming device 1 via the microphone 80. The third acquisition unit 114 may acquire at least one of data on the audio uttered by the user and data on the operating sounds of the image forming device 1. If it is determined in ACT 4 that acquisition of audio data is not permitted, the third acquisition unit 114 may acquire only data on the operating sounds of the image forming device 1. For example, a case will be described in which the first acquisition unit 112 acquires answer data indicating "satisfied." The third acquisition unit 114 may acquire only data on the audio uttered by the user from the audio data. The third acquisition unit 114 does not need to acquire audio data related to the image forming device 1. A case will be described in which the first acquisition unit 112 acquires answer data indicating "dissatisfied." The third acquisition unit 114 may acquire all of the audio data. The third acquisition unit 114 may not acquire some of the related data from the audio data. The third acquiring unit 114 may acquire all the voice data regardless of the content of the answer data.

[0058] The transmitting unit 115 transmits the acquired data to the server 8 via the input / output interface 50 (ACT 6). In ACT 6, for example, the transmitting unit 115 associates the related data with the answer data and transmits them to the server 8. When voice data is acquired by the third acquiring unit 114, the transmitting unit 115 associates the related data and voice data with the answer data and transmits them to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 may determine data to transmit to the server 8 from the acquired related data and voice data based on the content of the answer data. For example, a case will be described in which answer data indicating "satisfied" is acquired by the first acquiring unit 112. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit only scan-related information to the server 8 from the acquired related data and voice data. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit only scan-related information and voice data uttered by the user to the server 8 from the acquired related data and voice data. A case will be described in which answer data indicating "dissatisfied" is acquired by the first acquiring unit 112. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit all of the acquired related data and voice data to the server 8. The transmitting unit 115 may transmit a part of the acquired related data and voice data. Note that the transmitting unit 115 may also acquire all of the voice data regardless of the content of the answer data.

[0059] The server 8 acquires data from the transmission unit 115 and analyzes the status of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the acquired data. Based on the analysis results, the server 8 automatically updates various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 to optimize the status of the image forming apparatus 1. This allows the server 8 to maintain various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 in an optimal state. Note that, if the image forming apparatus 1 performs personal authentication of a user, the server 8 may automatically update various settings of the image forming apparatus 1 only when used by a specific individual. This allows the server 8 to control the image forming apparatus 1 so that various settings used by a specific individual do not affect other users. The server 8 can customize the optimization of various settings of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that, based on the analysis results, the server 8 may transmit information to a manufacturer's service center or the like to urge the replacement of a specific consumable part if the specific consumable part is nearing the end of its life.

[0060] The above-described processing procedure can be similarly applied when the user uses the functions of the air conditioner 4. The server 8 acquires data from the transmission unit 115 and analyzes the state of the air conditioner 4 based on the acquired data. Based on the analysis results, the server 8 automatically updates various settings of the air conditioner 4 to optimize the state of the air conditioner 4. This allows the server 8 to maintain various settings of the air conditioner 4 in an optimal state. Note that, if the image forming device 1 performs personal authentication of the user, the server 8 may automatically update various settings of the air conditioner 4 only when used by a specific individual. This allows the server 8 to control the air conditioner 4 so that the various settings used by a specific individual do not affect the settings used by other people. The server 8 can customize the optimization of various settings of the air conditioner 4.

[0061] The above-described embodiment has been described using an image forming apparatus as an example, but is not limited thereto. The embodiment can be applied to an apparatus having at least one of a sensor, a camera, and a microphone. The embodiment can also be applied to a POS (Point of Sales) device.

[0062] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...image forming apparatus, 2...camera, 3...sensor, 4...air conditioning unit, 5...router, 6...network, 7...network, 8...server, 10...control unit, 11...control circuit, 12...main memory, 13...storage, 20...control panel, 21...touch panel, 22...input button, 30...scanner unit, 40...communication circuit, 50...input / output interface, 60...audio output device, 70...printer unit, 71...accommodation section, 72...conveyor section, 73...image forming section, 74...fixing unit, 80...microphone, 111...display control section, 112...first acquisition section, 113...second acquisition section, 114...third acquisition section, 115...transmission section, S...communication system.

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays a questionnaire regarding the device; a first acquisition unit that acquires response data to the questionnaire; a second acquisition unit for acquiring relevant data relating to the device; a transmitting unit that determines related data to be transmitted based on the content of the response data, associates the related data with the response data, and transmits the data to another device different from the device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a third acquisition unit that acquires audio data around the device; the transmitting unit links the voice data to the answer data and transmits the answer data to the other device; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the device is a device different from the image forming device, the questionnaire is a questionnaire about the different devices; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. Displaying a questionnaire about the device; acquiring response data to the questionnaire; obtaining relevant data about the device; determining related data to be transmitted based on the content of the response data, and transmitting the response data to another device different from the device; An information processing method comprising:

Images