Diagnostic Systems

Abstract

To allow an image forming apparatus to execute image diagnosis even if the apparatus does not include an image sensor.SOLUTION: A diagnostic system has an image forming apparatus that forms an image for diagnosis on a sheet, and an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus picks up an image of the sheet on which the image for diagnosis is formed and outputs a sheet image. The imaging apparatus executes diagnosis of a component of the image forming apparatus based on the position of the occurrence of an image defect in the sheet image and outputs a diagnostic result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a diagnostic system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] When components of an image forming device reach the end of their useful life, defects may occur in the image. Patent Document 1 describes identifying the component that is causing the image defect by reading an image on a sheet with an image sensor built into the image forming device. Patent Document 2 describes capturing an image on a sheet with an imaging device such as a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone, and calibrating the image forming device based on the captured image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5164458 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6350474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the invention of Patent Document 1, an image forming device that does not have an image sensor cannot identify the component that is causing the image defect. In this case, the user must purchase an image forming device that has an image sensor. The invention of Patent Document 2 cannot detect the image defect in the first place, nor can it identify the component that is causing the image defect. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform image diagnosis even on an image forming device that does not have an image sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, an image forming device for forming a diagnostic image on a sheet; an imaging device that images the sheet on which the diagnostic image is formed and that is discharged from the image forming device, and outputs the sheet image, The imaging device is a diagnostic unit for diagnosing components of the image forming apparatus based on the location of the image defect in the sheet image; an output means for outputting a diagnosis result of the diagnosis means; a setting means for setting the number of sheets on which the diagnostic images are to be formed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the maximum circumferential length of the plurality of rotating bodies constituting the image forming apparatus; With death, The diagnostic means executes the diagnosis based on the number of sheet images corresponding to the number of sheets. The present invention provides a diagnostic system characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, image diagnosis can be performed even on an image forming apparatus that does not have an image sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a diagnostic system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a server and a control unit of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an image diagnosis method. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a diagnostic image and a sheet image. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing processing by a server and processing by an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image diagnostic method using a plurality of sheets. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image diagnostic method relating to a fixing unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an image diagnosis method using an arbitrary image. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing an image diagnosis method. [Figure 12]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating user input of a print direction using a direction discrimination image. [Figure 13] A diagram explaining the functions of a CPU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 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.

[0009] First Embodiment [Diagnostic System] As shown in FIG. 1, diagnostic system 100 includes image forming device 101 to be diagnosed and imaging device 102. Server 103 is optional. Here, it is assumed that image forming device 101 does not have an image sensor that reads a diagnostic image formed on a sheet. However, image forming device 101 may have an image sensor that reads a diagnostic image formed on a sheet. For example, if the diagnostic function of imaging device 102 is superior to the diagnostic function of image forming device 101, a user may want to diagnose image forming device 101 using the diagnostic function of imaging device 102.

[0010] The imaging device 102 is a communication device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a digital camera) that has a camera and can be carried by a user. Here, the user is a person who can operate the imaging device 102, and includes the owner, user, and maintenance worker of the image forming device 101. The imaging device 102 has a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), cellular wireless) and a wired communication circuit (e.g., a USB interface), and can communicate with the image forming device 101 and the server 103.

[0011] In the first embodiment, the imaging device 102 functions as a diagnostic device that diagnoses the image forming device 101. The imaging device 102 may capture a diagnostic image formed on a sheet to generate a sheet image and transfer the sheet image to the server 103. The server 103 may diagnose the image forming device 101 based on the sheet image. The server 103 may be a personal computer (PC).

[0012] [Imaging device] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the imaging device 102. The control unit 201 controls the interface unit 202, camera 203, communication unit 204, and memory unit 205 in accordance with a control program stored in the memory unit 205. The control unit 201 includes hardware circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The interface unit 202 includes an output device (display device) that outputs information to a user and an input device (e.g., a touch panel sensor) that accepts user input. The camera 203 includes an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor) and a light source that emits illumination light. The communication unit 204 includes the wireless communication circuit and wired communication circuit described above. The memory unit 205 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The storage unit 205 stores a control program (diagnostic program 206) executed by the control unit 201 and control data (diagnostic image data 207) in its ROM area. The diagnostic image data 207 is image data that is the basis for a diagnostic image formed on a sheet. The storage unit 205 stores a sheet image 208 acquired by the camera 203, a diagnostic result 209, and the like in its RAM area.

[0013] [Image forming device] 3 shows an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 101, but the technical concept of this embodiment can be applied to any image forming apparatus that uses components such as a rotating body to form an image. For example, the technical concept of this embodiment can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which image defects occur in an image formed on a sheet P because a component has reached the end of its designed service life or because of a component malfunction. Alternatively, the technical concept of this embodiment can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which image defects occur when components that require periodic maintenance (e.g., cleaning, adjustment, and replacement) are not regularly maintained.

[0014] 3, the letters Y, M, C, and K added to the end of the reference numerals indicate the toner colors, such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. For example, a component with a reference numeral having a suffix Y is involved in forming a yellow toner image. When it is not necessary to distinguish between colors in the description of a component, a reference numeral without the suffix letter is used.

[0015] The control unit 40 is a control circuit (e.g., CPU, ASIC, and FPGA) that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 101. The control unit 40 receives image data and a print instruction from an external device (e.g., the imaging device 102) via the communication unit 41. The control unit 40 converts the image data to generate an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the exposure device 7.

[0016] The photoreceptor 1 is driven by a drive source such as a motor to rotate clockwise and is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. Because the photoreceptor 1 is a cylindrical rotating body, it is sometimes called a photosensitive drum. The charging roller 2 is applied with a charging bias voltage by the control unit 40, thereby charging the surface of the photoreceptor 1 to a uniform potential. The exposure device 7 irradiates the photoreceptor 1 with laser light corresponding to an image signal, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface (periphery) of the photoreceptor 1. The developing roller 3 is applied with a developing bias voltage by the control unit 40, which causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image, forming a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 1. The primary transfer roller 6 is applied with a primary transfer bias voltage by the control unit 40, which transfers the toner image from the photoreceptor 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 8. The cleaner 4 is a cleaning member that removes and collects toner that was not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8 and remains on the photoreceptor 1. The photoconductor 1, developing roller 3, charging roller 2, and cleaner 4 may be housed and integrated in a cartridge. Such a cartridge is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus 101. The photoconductor 1, charging roller 2, exposure device 7, developing roller 3, and primary transfer roller 6 function as an image forming unit that forms an image on an intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0017] The intermediate transfer belt 8 is an endless belt, and is sometimes called an intermediate transfer body. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is driven by a drive source such as a motor to rotate counterclockwise. The toner images from the four photosensitive drums 1 are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in a superimposed state, forming a full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8. The toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 are transported to a secondary transfer section. The secondary transfer section is a nip formed by the intermediate transfer belt 8 and a secondary transfer roller 11.

[0018] The cassette 13 is a storage container that stores a large number of sheets P. The feed roller 14 sends the sheet P from the cassette 13 to the conveying path 15 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 40. The sheet P is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit by conveying rollers provided along the conveying path 15. A secondary transfer bias voltage is applied by the control unit 40 to the secondary transfer roller 11, which transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 8 to the sheet P. The secondary transfer roller 11 conveys the sheet P to the fixing unit 17. The fixing unit 17 has two rotating bodies (a fixing roller 22 and a pressure roller 21) and applies heat and pressure to the sheet P and the toner image to fix the toner image on the sheet P. As the fixing roller 22 and the pressure roller 21 rotate, the sheet P is conveyed to the discharge roller 20. The discharge roller 20 discharges the sheet P to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0019] [Server control section] As shown in FIG. 4A, the server 103 includes a control unit 401, a communication unit 404, and a storage unit 405. The control unit 401 includes a CPU that executes a control program stored in the storage unit 405. The communication unit 404 is a communication circuit that communicates with the image capture device 102 via a network. The storage unit 405 includes a ROM, a RAM, a solid-state drive (SSD), and a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 405 stores, for example, print orientation data 406 that associates model information of the image forming device 101 with its standard print orientation. When the control unit 401 receives an inquiry from the image capture device 102 along with the model information of the image forming device 101, the control unit 401 reads the print orientation corresponding to the model information from the print orientation data 406 and returns information indicating the print orientation (print orientation information) to the image capture device 102. The print orientation refers to the orientation of the image relative to the sheet P. The printing direction can be, for example, a forward direction in which the top side (header side) of the image is located at the leading edge of the sheet P in the transport direction of the sheet P, or a reverse direction in which the bottom side (footer side) of the image is located at the leading edge of the sheet P in the transport direction of the sheet P. Note that even if the standard printing direction is the forward direction, reverse printing can sometimes be achieved by rotating the printing direction 180 degrees using the printer driver.

[0020] Incidentally, when a rotating body such as the photosensitive member 1 reaches the end of its life (replacement period), image defects may occur on the sheet P at intervals corresponding to the rotation period of the photosensitive member 1. Similarly, when the developing roller 3 reaches the end of its life (replacement period), image defects may occur on the sheet P at intervals corresponding to the rotation period of the developing roller 3. The same applies to the charging roller 2, intermediate transfer belt 8, fixing roller 22, and pressure roller 21. The imaging device 102 measures the distance from a reference position (e.g., the leading edge of the sheet, a test pattern, or another position where an image defect occurs) in the sheet image generated by capturing a diagnostic image to the position where the image defect occurs. Based on the measurement result, the imaging device 102 can identify which component requires maintenance. In other words, the imaging device 102 identifies the component causing the image defect and notifies the user.

[0021] To accurately perform image diagnosis, the imaging device 102 must determine whether the top of the diagnostic image corresponds to the leading edge or trailing edge of the sheet P in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. As described above, the image forming device 101 has two printing directions: a forward direction and a reverse direction. Some image forming devices 101 use the forward direction as the standard printing direction, while others use the reverse direction as the standard printing direction. The imaging device 102 captures the diagnostic image formed on the sheet P to generate a sheet image. However, it is difficult for the imaging device 102 to determine from this sheet image whether the diagnostic image was printed in the forward direction relative to the sheet P or in the reverse direction relative to the sheet P. Therefore, it is important for the imaging device 102, which performs image diagnosis, to acquire the printing direction of the diagnostic image. For example, the imaging device 102 acquires the printing direction of the image forming device 101 from the server 103 by transmitting model information of the image forming device 101 to the server 103.

[0022] [Control unit of image forming device] 4B shows the control unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 411 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 101 by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 415. Control For example, when the CPU 411 receives a print instruction for a diagnostic image from the imaging device 102, it controls the image forming apparatus 101 to form the diagnostic image on the sheet P. At this time, the CPU 411 controls the power supply circuit 421 to generate a charging bias voltage, a developing bias voltage, and a transfer bias voltage. The CPU 411 also drives the motor 422 to rotate various rotating bodies such as the photoconductor 1. The storage unit 415 includes a RAM, a ROM, an SSD, and an HDD. The storage unit 415 stores model information 416, which is identification information for the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 411 may store, in the storage unit 415, history data 417, information indicating the usage history of the image forming apparatus 101 (e.g., the cumulative number of images formed) or the replacement timing of each component. The storage unit 415 may also store print direction information 418, which indicates the standard print direction of the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the imaging device 102 can acquire print orientation information 418 from the image forming device 101. The standard print orientation is the default print orientation determined by the design of the image forming device 101. The user can specify, via the printer driver of the image forming device 101, that the print orientation of the image be rotated 180 degrees from the standard print orientation.

[0023] [flowchart] 5 shows an image diagnosis method executed by a CPU built in the control unit 201 in accordance with the diagnostic program 206. When the control unit 201 is instructed to start the diagnostic program 206 through the interface unit 202, the control unit 201 starts the diagnostic program 206 and executes the following processing.

[0024] In S501, the control unit 201 acquires model information 416 of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the control unit 201 connects to the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication unit 204 and transmits a request to the image forming apparatus 101. As a result, the control unit 201 receives the model information 416 from the image forming apparatus 101 via the communication unit 204. The model information 416 includes identification information such as the product number and model name of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0025] In S502, the control unit 201 acquires print orientation information of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the control unit 201 connects to the server 103 via the communication unit 204 and transmits a query for print orientation information. This query includes the model information 416. The control unit 201 acquires print orientation information 418 corresponding to the model information 416 from the server 103 via the communication unit 204.

[0026] In S503, the control unit 201 sets the printing direction of the diagnostic image based on the printing direction information 418.

[0027] FIG. 6A shows an example of a diagnostic image 600. The diagnostic image 600 includes a monochromatic pattern 601 and a halftone pattern 602. The monochromatic pattern 601 includes a test image formed using the monochromatic colors Y, M, C, and K. The halftone pattern 602 includes a gradation image formed by mixing all of Y, M, C, and K. The control unit 201 specifies the print direction of the image forming device 101 based on the standard print direction of the image forming device 101 indicated by the print direction information 418 so that the header side of the diagnostic image 600 is formed on the leading edge of the sheet P in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. For example, if the standard print direction is forward, the control unit 201 sets the rotation angle of the image orientation to 0 degrees. If the standard print direction is reverse, the control unit 201 sets the rotation angle of the image orientation to 180 degrees. As a result, the monochromatic pattern 601 of the diagnostic image 600 is formed on the leading edge of the sheet P. The leading edge of the sheet P passes through the secondary transfer portion before the trailing edge of the sheet P passes through the secondary transfer portion.

[0028] In S504, the control unit 201 transmits a print instruction for the diagnostic image 600 to the image forming apparatus 101. The print instruction includes the diagnostic image data 207 that is the basis for the diagnostic image 600 and information specifying the print direction (print orientation) set in S503.

[0029] In S505, the control unit 201 controls the camera 203 to capture (photograph) the diagnostic image formed on the sheet P by the image forming apparatus 101, and generate a sheet image. For example, the control unit 201 may display a guidance message on the display device of the interface unit 202 to prompt the user to capture the diagnostic image 600. The user operates the input device of the interface unit 202 according to the guidance, and captures the diagnostic image 600 on the sheet P. As a result, the sheet image 208 is generated and stored in the RAM area of ​​the storage unit 205.

[0030] FIG. 6B shows a sheet image 208a with a drum ghost. As can be seen from FIG. 6B, the leading edge of the sheet P coincides with the header side of the diagnostic image 600. The monochromatic pattern 601 is an image pattern useful for detecting an image defect known as a drum ghost. A drum ghost is an image defect that can occur due to deterioration of the photoconductor 1. As shown in FIG. 6B, the previously formed monochromatic pattern 601 appears as an afterimage 603. The distance L1 between the monochromatic pattern 601 and the afterimage 603 corresponds to the perimeter of the photoconductor 1. The density of the afterimage 603 differs from the density of the regular halftone pattern 602. The control unit 201 can determine the presence or absence of a drum ghost by comparing the image density at a position distance L1 from the monochromatic pattern 601 with a reference density (the density of the halftone pattern 602).

[0031] Thus, it is important that the monochromatic pattern 601 is printed on the sheet P before the halftone pattern 602. If the printing direction is incorrect, the monochromatic pattern 601 will be formed after the halftone pattern 602, and the residual image 603 of the monochromatic pattern 601 will not appear on the halftone pattern 602. In other words, the control unit 201 will not be able to correctly diagnose the deterioration of the photoconductor 1. The halftone pattern 602 is an image pattern used to detect defects primarily caused by the transport of the sheet P. Wear over many years of use can cause deterioration or damage to the drive gear, transport roller, or the like. Image defects 604a to 604c have occurred on the halftone pattern 602 of the sheet image 208b shown in FIG. 6(C). The interval L2 between the image defects 604a to 604c corresponds to the circumferential length of the drive gear or transport roller, so the control unit 201 can identify that the drive gear or transport roller is the problem.

[0032] In S506, the control unit 201 analyzes the sheet image 208 to detect an image defect. For example, the control unit 201 determines whether an afterimage 603 has occurred at a position that is a distance L1 away from the monochromatic pattern 601. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may detect the afterimage 603, identify the position where the afterimage 603 has occurred, and determine whether the distance between the monochromatic pattern 601 and the afterimage 603 is the distance L1. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may detect multiple image defects 604a to 604c that occur periodically and measure the interval L2 between the multiple image defects 604a to 604c. The distance L1 and the interval L2 are values ​​that correlate with the rotation period (perimeter) of the rotating body that is causing the image defect, and therefore the rotating body that is causing the image defect can be identified.

[0033] In S507, the control unit 201 generates a diagnosis result. The control unit 201 identifies a component (causing component) that configures the image forming apparatus 101 based on the location where the image defect occurred. The control unit 201 generates a diagnosis result that indicates the installation location of the causative component within the image forming apparatus 101, the wear state of the causative component, the replacement time for the causative component, and the method for ordering the causative component. The diagnosis result may include status information that indicates whether each of the multiple components is in a normal state or requires maintenance. The diagnosis result may also include information that indicates measures to reduce image defects (e.g., replacement, repair, cleaning, etc.). If no image defect is detected in S506, the diagnosis result includes information that all of the components that configure the image forming apparatus 101 are operating normally.

[0034] In S508, the control unit 201 displays the diagnostic result on the display device of the interface unit 202. The control unit 201 may output (transmit) the diagnostic result to the server 103, the image forming apparatus 101, or a personal computer via the communication unit 204, thereby notifying the administrator or maintenance person of the diagnostic result.

[0035] 7A shows a method for providing model information executed by the CPU 411 of the image forming apparatus 101. In S701, the CPU 411 receives a request (transmission request) for model information 416 from the imaging device 102. In S702, the CPU 411 reads out the model information 416 from the storage unit 415 and transmits the model information 416 to the imaging device 102 via the communication unit 41.

[0036] In S703, the CPU 411 receives a print instruction for the diagnostic image 600 from the imaging device 102 via the communication unit 41. In S704, the CPU 411 forms the diagnostic image 600 on the sheet P in the print direction according to the print instruction.

[0037] 7B shows a method for providing print orientation information executed by the CPU 411 of the server 103. In S711, the CPU 411 receives a print orientation inquiry from the imaging device 102 via the communication unit 404. In S712, the CPU 411 searches for and reads print orientation information corresponding to the model information included in the inquiry from the print orientation data 406. In S713, the CPU 411 transmits the print orientation information to the imaging device 102 via the communication unit 404.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the diagnostic system 100 can diagnose components of the image forming device 101 using an imaging device 102 such as a smartphone, regardless of the model of the image forming device 101. Therefore, even if the image forming device 101 does not have an image sensor for diagnosis, the user can obtain a diagnostic result. Note that the imaging device 102 may also perform a similar diagnosis on an image forming device 101 that has an image sensor.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the leading edge of the sheet P coincides with the header side of the diagnostic image 600, so that a more accurate diagnosis result can be obtained. In other words, the component causing the image defect can be identified with high accuracy.

[0040] Because the leading edge of the sheet P and the header side of the diagnostic image 600 are aligned, the imaging device 102 can identify the printing orientation of the diagnostic image from the sheet image 208. In other words, the imaging device 102 can identify the edge (diagnostic reference edge) that first passed through the secondary transfer unit among the four edges that make up the sheet image 208. For example, the imaging device 102 may measure the distance from the identified diagnostic reference edge to the position where the image defect occurred, and identify the component that is causing the image defect based on the measured distance.

[0041] 6(B) and 6(C), diagnosis is performed using one sheet image 208a, 208b, but this is merely an example. The number of sheets P on which diagnostic images 600 are printed may be determined depending on the size of the components (parts) of image forming apparatus 101 to be diagnosed. For example, multiple sheets P are required to detect image defects caused by scratches on the surface of intermediate transfer belt 8. This is because the circumferential length L3 of intermediate transfer belt 8 is much longer than the length Lp of sheet P in the conveying direction of sheet P. Therefore, diagnostic images 600 may be formed consecutively on N sheets P corresponding to a length equal to or greater than 1x the circumferential length L3.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the peripheral length L3 of the intermediate transfer belt 8 and three sheets Pa, Pb, and Pc on which diagnostic images 600 are formed. The first sheet Pa has the diagnostic image 600 formed thereon. The second sheet Pb has only the halftone pattern 602 of the diagnostic image 600 formed thereon. The third sheet Pc has only the halftone pattern 602 of the diagnostic image 600 formed thereon. Furthermore, identification patterns 801a, 801b, and 801c indicating the page number and printing orientation are printed on the header side of each of the sheets Pa, Pb, and Pc. The imaging device 102 detects image defects and measures the distance to the location of the image defects. In particular, image defects 802a and 802b caused by the intermediate transfer belt 8 occur periodically at intervals corresponding to the peripheral length L3. Therefore, the imaging device 102 identifies the arrangement of the three sheet images based on the identification patterns 801a, 801b, and 801c, and measures the distance from the diagnostic reference edge to the location where the image defect occurs according to the identified arrangement. Because the arrangement of the three sheet images can be identified in this way, it is possible to measure distances across multiple sheet images. For example, assume that the distance from the reference edge of sheet Pa to the location where image defect 802a occurs is La, and the distance from the reference edge of sheet Pb to the location where image defect 802b occurs is Lb. The length of each sheet P and the paper spacing d are known. In this case, the spacing L3 is Lp-La+d+Lb.

[0043] In step S502, the imaging device 102 may acquire print orientation information and the circumferential length L3 of the intermediate transfer belt 8 from the server 103. The storage unit 405 of the server 103 stores the circumferential length L3 associated with (linked to) the model information of the image forming device 101. In response to a query from the imaging device 102, the server 103 may transmit the print orientation information and the circumferential length L3 to the imaging device 102. The control unit 201 determines the number N of sheets P based on the circumferential length L3. For example, N is determined so that the length Lp×N of the sheets P stored in the cassette 13 is equal to or greater than L3 or equal to or greater than 2×L3. As shown in FIG. 8, the distance (sheet distance d) between the preceding sheet P and the succeeding sheet P may also be taken into consideration. In this case, N is determined so that Lp×N+d(N−1) is equal to or greater than L3 or equal to or greater than 2×L3.

[0044] The storage unit 205 of the imaging device 102 may store multiple diagnostic image data 207. Each of the multiple diagnostic image data 207 may be prepared according to the usage history of the image forming device 101 or the durability status of various consumables. The control unit 201 may acquire history data 417 from the image forming device 101 and, based on the history data 417, determine whether any of the multiple consumables has been used beyond its designed lifespan. The control unit 201 may select diagnostic image data 207 suitable for diagnosing consumable parts that have been used beyond their designed lifespan. If there are no consumable parts that have been used beyond their designed lifespan, the control unit 201 may select diagnostic image data 207 suitable for diagnosing consumable parts that are close to their designed lifespan. For example, if one or more of the photoconductors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K have reached the end of their designed lifespan, the diagnostic image 600 shown in FIG. 6A is selected. This enables accurate detection of defects caused by deterioration of the photoconductor 1.

[0045] If the fixing device 17 continues to be used beyond its designed lifespan, scratches or wear will occur on the surface of the fixing roller 22 or the pressure roller 21. As a result, toner adhering to the scratches will be offset and transferred onto the sheet P.

[0046] 9A shows a diagnostic image 900 suitable for use when the fixing unit 17 has exceeded its designed lifespan. FIG. 9B shows a sheet image 208d acquired by using the imaging device 102 to capture an image of the sheet P on which the diagnostic image 900 has been formed. L4 is the circumferential length of the fixing roller 22 or the pressure roller 21. According to FIG. 9B, toner adhering to scratches during the fixing of the single-color pattern 601 causes the image defect 901. Because the interval between the occurrence positions of the image defect 901 matches the circumferential length L4, the imaging device 102 can identify the fixing unit 17 as the part or component causing the image defect 901.

[0047] There may be cases where multiple consumable parts have been used beyond their designed lifespan. In this case, the control unit 201 may identify the most deteriorated consumable part and select a diagnostic image corresponding to the identified consumable part. Alternatively, multiple diagnostic images corresponding to multiple consumable parts that have been used beyond their designed lifespan may be selected in order. This allows for more accurate diagnosis of multiple consumable parts that have been used beyond their designed lifespan.

[0048] In the above description, the imaging device 102 acquires the print orientation information from the server 103, but this is merely an example. The storage unit 205 of the imaging device 102 may store the print orientation data 406. In this case, the control unit 201 can acquire the print orientation information corresponding to the model information of the image forming device 101 from the print orientation data 406 in the storage unit 205. Alternatively, the imaging device 102 may acquire the print orientation information 418 from the image forming device 101. For example, the control unit 201 transmits a transmission request for the print orientation information 418 along with the model information 416 to the image forming device 101. Upon receiving this request, the CPU 411 reads the model information 416 and the print orientation information 418 from the storage unit 415 and transmits them to the imaging device 102. In this case, the imaging device 102 does not need to communicate with the server 103. In other words, the imaging device 102 can omit a network environment for communicating with the server 103.

[0049] In the above description, the imaging device 102 acquires the model information 416 from the image forming device 101, but this is merely an example. For example, the imaging device 102 may acquire model information such as a product number and model name through user input via the interface unit 202. In this case, the process of acquiring model information is unnecessary. Similarly, the control unit 201 may acquire print orientation information through user input via the interface unit 202. In this case, the process of acquiring print orientation information from the server 103 or the image forming device 101 is also unnecessary. This allows the user to shorten the time required from the start to the end of the diagnosis.

[0050] The above description uses dedicated diagnostic images 600 and 900 including test patterns, but this is merely an example. The diagnostic images may be any images prepared by the user. Furthermore, such diagnostic images may be provided with an identification pattern that allows identification of the print orientation and page number. FIG. 10(A) shows an arbitrary diagnostic image 1000 prepared by the user. FIG. 10(B) shows a sheet image 208e acquired by capturing the diagnostic image 1000 formed on a sheet P with the imaging device 102. In this case, the control unit 201 compares the diagnostic image 1000 with the sheet image 208e to detect differences. Since differences correspond to image defects, the control unit 201 measures the distance L5 from the diagnostic reference edge in the sheet image 208e to the location where the difference occurs and identifies the component corresponding to the distance L5. Specific examples of differences include differences in image density and irregular toner adhesion to white areas (e.g., horizontal streaks).

[0051] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the print orientation of the image forming device 101 is acquired from the server 103, the image forming device 101, or a user. In the second embodiment, a method for identifying the print orientation of the image forming device 101 using an orientation discrimination image for discriminating the print orientation will be described.

[0052] 11(A) is a flowchart showing an image diagnosis method executed by the control unit 201. The control unit 201 starts the diagnostic program 206 in accordance with an instruction to start the diagnostic program 206 input from the interface unit 202. Note that in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to processes common to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 11A, in S1101, the control unit 201 transmits a print instruction for an orientation discrimination image to the image forming apparatus 101. Fig. 12A illustrates an example of an orientation discrimination image 1200. The orientation discrimination image 1200 is an image including an image pattern 1201 formed so as to be asymmetrical in the top-bottom direction with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet P in the image forming apparatus 101. Image data for the orientation discrimination image 1200 is stored in the storage unit 205, and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 together with the print instruction.

[0054] 11B, in S1111, the CPU 411 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives a print instruction and image data of the orientation discriminant image 1200 from the imaging device 102. In S1112, the CPU 411 controls the image forming apparatus 101 to form the orientation discriminant image 1200 on the sheet P in the standard print direction. As shown in FIG. 12B, the sheet P on which the orientation discriminant image 1200 is formed is discharged in the discharge direction indicated by arrow 1211. At this time, the user 1210 observes the discharge direction of the sheet P and the orientation of the orientation discriminant image 1200.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11A, in S1102, the control unit 201 acquires print orientation information for the image forming apparatus 101 based on user input via the interface unit 202. As shown in FIG. 12C, the interface unit 202 displays a guidance message 1220 and two operation buttons 1221a and 1221b for the user. The user 1210 operates either operation button 1221a or 1221b in accordance with the guidance message 1220. In this example, if the ejection direction of the sheet P on which the orientation discriminant image 1200 is formed is the same as the orientation of the orientation discriminant image 1200, the user 1210 presses operation button 1221a. If the ejection direction of the sheet P on which the orientation discriminant image 1200 is formed is opposite to the orientation of the orientation discriminant image 1200, the user 1210 presses operation button 1221b. The control unit 201 determines the standard print direction of the image forming apparatus 101 based on whether the operation button 1221a or 1221b is pressed in the interface unit 202. When the operation button 1221a is pressed, the control unit 201 determines the standard print direction to be the forward direction. When the operation button 1221b is pressed, the control unit 201 determines the standard print direction to be the reverse direction.

[0056] <Other embodiments> 13 shows functions realized by the CPU 1300 installed in the control unit 201 executing the diagnostic program 206. The acquisition unit 1301 acquires the model information 416 or print orientation information 418 of the image forming apparatus 101. The acquisition unit 1301 may acquire the model information 416 or print orientation information 418 from the image forming apparatus 101. The acquisition unit 1301 may acquire the print orientation information 418 from the server 103 by transmitting the model information 416 to the server 103. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 1301 may acquire the model information 416 or print orientation information 418 through a user input via the interface unit 202.

[0057] The orientation setting unit 1302 sets the printing orientation of the diagnostic image 600 in accordance with the print orientation information 418. Top PThe print orientation is set so that the leading edge of the image 600 coincides with the header of the diagnostic image 600.

[0058] The number setting unit 1303 compares the sizes of multiple components and determines the number of sheets P on which the diagnostic image 600 is formed according to the maximum size. For example, since the circumferential length L3 of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is longer than the circumferential lengths of the other rotating bodies, the number of sheets P is set based on the circumferential length L3.

[0059] The obtaining unit 1304 obtains history data 417 from the image forming apparatus 101. The selecting unit 1305 identifies components that have been used beyond their designed lifespan or are nearing the end of their designed lifespan based on the history data 417. Furthermore, the selecting unit 1305 selects, from among the multiple diagnostic images, a diagnostic image that is suitable for detecting an image defect caused by the component in question.

[0060] The instruction unit 1306 transmits a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 based on the orientation set by the orientation setting unit 1302, the number of sheets P set by the number setting unit 1303, and the diagnostic image 600 selected by the selection unit 1305. The instruction unit 1306 may instruct the image forming apparatus 101 to print the orientation discrimination image 1200 before instructing the image forming apparatus 101 to print the diagnostic image 600. In this case, the acquisition unit 1301 may display a guidance message 1220 and operation buttons 1221a and 1221b on the interface unit 202 to receive user input of the print orientation information 418.

[0061] An OCR unit 1310 performs optical character recognition (OCR) on the sheet images to obtain identification information such as page numbers, etc. An order determination unit 1311 determines the printing order of a plurality of sheet images based on the identification information of each sheet image.

[0062] The reference determination unit 1312 determines a reference position that serves as a reference for measuring the distance related to the occurrence position of an image defect. In the example shown in Fig. 6(B), the leading edge of the single-color pattern 601 is detected by edge detection or pattern matching, and the position of the detected leading edge is output to the measurement unit 1314 as the reference position. Note that the reference position may be the occurrence position of one of multiple defective images that occur at regular intervals.

[0063] The defect detection unit 1313 detects an image defect from the sheet image and outputs position information indicating the position where the image defect occurred to the measurement unit 1314. When there are multiple sheet images, the defect detection unit 1313 links the position information of the image defect with the identification information (e.g., page number) of each sheet and passes it to the measurement unit 1314. The measurement unit 1314 measures the distance between the reference position and the position where the image defect occurred, and passes the distance to the cause identification unit 1315.

[0064] The cause identification unit 1315 identifies the component that is causing the image defect based on the distance measured by the measurement unit 1314. For example, the cause identification unit 1315 may identify the component that is causing the image defect by comparing the distance with the perimeter of each component. The result notification unit 1316 creates a diagnosis result and outputs it to the interface unit 202. The diagnosis result includes information about the component identified by the cause identification unit 1315.

[0065] A program that realizes one or more functions described in the above-described embodiments may be supplied to a computer system or computer device via a network or a storage medium. The above-described embodiments may be realized by one or more processors installed in the computer system or computer device executing the program.

[0066] <Technical concepts derived from the embodiments> [Points of View 1, 28, 29] As shown in FIG. 1, the above embodiment provides a diagnostic system 100. The camera 203 of the imaging device functions as an imaging unit that captures an image of a sheet on which a diagnostic image is formed and outputs the sheet image. The control unit 201 functions as a diagnostic unit that diagnoses components of the image forming device based on the location of an image defect in the sheet image. The interface unit 202 functions as an output unit that outputs the diagnostic result of the diagnostic unit. Therefore, image diagnosis can be performed on image forming devices that do not have an image sensor. However, the imaging device 102 may also perform image diagnosis on image forming devices that have an image sensor in the transport path or an image forming device that has an image scanner.

[0067] [Point 2] The control unit 201, the communication unit 204, and the interface unit 202 function as an acquisition unit that acquires direction information regarding the direction in which the image forming apparatus forms a diagnostic image on a sheet. The control unit 201 diagnoses components of the image forming apparatus using the direction information and the location of an image defect in the sheet image. For example, the control unit 201 may set the printing orientation of the diagnostic image relative to the sheet transport direction according to the direction information. By matching the sheet transport direction and the printing orientation of the diagnostic image, the diagnosis results using the sheet image become more accurate.

[0068] [Point 3] The control unit 201 may determine a reference position that serves as a reference for diagnosis based on the direction information. In FIG. 6B, the leading edge of the single-color pattern 601 in the conveyance direction of the sheet P is determined as the reference position. According to FIGS. 6C, 8, and 9B, one of the occurrence positions of a plurality of image defects is determined as the reference position. The control unit 201 may identify the component that is causing the image defect among the plurality of components that make up the image forming apparatus, based on the distance from the reference position to the occurrence position of the image defect.

[0069] The control unit 201 may determine a reference side, which serves as a basis for diagnosis, from among the four sides constituting the sheet image based on the direction information. The control unit 201 may identify a component that is causing the image defect from among multiple components constituting the image forming apparatus, based on the distance from the reference side to the position where the image defect occurs. The reference side is the side on the leading edge side in the sheet conveyance direction in the image forming apparatus, from among the four sides constituting the sheet image.

[0070] [Points 4 and 5] Based on the orientation information, the control unit 201 may set the print orientation of the diagnostic image in the image forming apparatus so that the orientation of the diagnostic image matches the sheet transport direction. Based on the orientation information, the control unit 201 may determine the print orientation so that the orientation of the diagnostic image matches the sheet ejection direction from the image forming apparatus. The control unit 201 may send designation information specifying the print orientation and image data for forming the diagnostic image to the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the image forming apparatus to form the diagnostic image. Here, the alignment of the orientation of the diagnostic image with the sheet transport direction means that the header side of the diagnostic image matches the leading edge of the sheet in the sheet transport direction. As shown in FIG. 6A, the residual image 603 of the single-color pattern 601 appears downstream of the single-color pattern 601 in the transport direction of the sheet P. Therefore, to detect this type of image defect, the header side of the diagnostic image must, in principle, match the leading edge of the sheet in the sheet transport direction.

[0071] [Points 6-11] The control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information from the image forming apparatus. The communication unit 204 may function as a communication unit for communicating with the server 103. The control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information from the server 103. In this case, the control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information from the server 103 by transmitting identification information of the image forming apparatus to the server 103. The input device of the interface unit 202 functions as an input unit for accepting user input. The control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information through the input unit. The control unit 201 functions as an instruction unit for instructing the image forming apparatus to form an orientation discrimination image on a sheet. In this case, the control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information based on information input by a user after the orientation discrimination image is formed on the sheet. As shown in FIG. 12(C), there may be a user input regarding whether the orientation of the orientation discrimination image matches the ejection direction of the sheet on which the orientation discrimination image is formed from the image forming apparatus. The control unit 201 may acquire the orientation information based on such a user input.

[0072] [Points 12-16] The control unit 201 functions as a setting unit that sets the number of sheets on which diagnostic images are formed in the image forming apparatus according to the size of the components constituting the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 201 may perform diagnosis based on a number of sheet images corresponding to the number of sheets. This makes it possible to identify the causative component from image defects occurring at intervals longer than the length of a single sheet. Therefore, the number of sheets may be set based on the longest circumferential length of the multiple rotating bodies constituting the image forming apparatus. The number of sheets may also be set based on a length at least one or two times the longest circumferential length. When the image forming apparatus has two or more sheets, the image forming apparatus may form a diagnostic image and identification information (e.g., page number) for each sheet on each sheet. The control unit 201 may determine the printing order and printing direction of the multiple sheet images based on the position of the sheet identification information in the sheet image. The control unit 201 may measure the intervals between image defects occurring across the multiple sheet images based on the printing order and printing direction, and identify the component causing the image defect among the multiple components constituting the image forming apparatus based on the intervals. 8, when the page number is formed on the header side, the control unit 201 can determine that the side of the sheet image closest to the page number is the leading edge side of the sheet image. Furthermore, the control unit 201 can obtain the page number by optical character recognition (OCR), so that the printing order of multiple sheet images can be determined.

[0073] [Points 17-19] The control unit 201 and the communication unit 204 function as an acquisition unit that acquires status information indicating the usage history of the image forming apparatus or the wear state of components. Furthermore, the control unit 201 functions as a selection unit that selects, from among multiple diagnostic images, a diagnostic image corresponding to the status information. The image forming apparatus forms the diagnostic image selected by the selection unit on a sheet. The control unit 201 may identify, based on the status information, components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines among multiple components that make up the image forming apparatus. The control unit 201 may select a diagnostic image corresponding to the components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines. The control unit 201 may identify, based on the status information, components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines among multiple components that make up the image forming apparatus. The control unit 201 may select a diagnostic image corresponding to the components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines. This may result in more accurate detection of image defects.

[0074] [Points of View 20, 21] The component may be a rotating body or a plate-like member such as the cleaner 4. The control unit 201 may identify the rotating body that caused the image defect based on a distance correlated with the rotation cycle of the rotating body and a distance determined from the position where the image defect occurred. When the cleaner 4 is worn out, streaks that extend parallel to the conveyance direction of the sheet P may appear.

[0075] [Points 22-25] The diagnostic image may be any image prepared by a user. The diagnostic image may include a first pattern formed with monochromatic toner and a second pattern formed by mixing a plurality of different colors. In the image forming apparatus, the first pattern (e.g., monochromatic pattern 601) is formed before the second pattern (halftone pattern 602). As shown in FIGS. 6A and 9A, the cross-sectional image may include a pattern area including a monochromatic pattern and a blank area or a mixed-color pattern area formed closer to the footer side of the diagnostic image than the pattern area. In this case, the pattern area is formed before the blank area or the mixed-color pattern area. In other words, the toner in the pattern area adheres to the surface of the component, and the adhered toner is retransferred from the pattern area to the blank area or the mixed-color pattern area. This may reveal image defects.

[0076] [Point of View 26] The diagnostic results may include information indicating which component is causing the image defect, allowing the user to understand which component needs maintenance (cleaning, repair, or replacement).

[0077] [Point of View 27] Imaging devices include digital cameras or portable communication devices equipped with cameras (e.g., smartphones and tablet computers), which are widely used and will enable users to easily perform diagnostics.

[0078] The imaging device 102 is an example of an imaging device that forms a diagnostic image on a sheet ejected from an image forming device and outputs the sheet image. The server 103 may function as a diagnostic device that diagnoses components of the image forming device based on the location of image defects in the sheet image acquired by the imaging device and outputs the diagnostic results. In this case, the functions of the control unit 201 shown in FIG. 13 are implemented in the control unit 401 of the server 103. Furthermore, instead of the imaging device 102 or the server 103, another information processing device may function as the diagnostic device.

[0079] 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]

[0080] 101: Image forming device, 102: Imaging device, 201: Control unit, 202: Interface unit, 203: Camera

Claims

1. an image forming device for forming a diagnostic image on a sheet; an imaging device that images the sheet on which the diagnostic image is formed and that is discharged from the image forming device, and outputs the sheet image, The imaging device is a diagnostic unit for diagnosing components of the image forming apparatus based on the location of the image defect in the sheet image; an output means for outputting a diagnosis result of the diagnosis means; a setting means for setting the number of sheets on which the diagnostic images are to be formed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the maximum circumferential length of the plurality of rotating bodies constituting the image forming apparatus; and The diagnostic system is characterized in that the diagnostic means executes the diagnosis based on sheet images of a number corresponding to the number of sheets.

2. An image forming apparatus for forming a diagnostic image on a sheet; an imaging device that images the sheet on which the diagnostic image is formed and that is discharged from the image forming device, and outputs the sheet image, The imaging device is a diagnostic unit for diagnosing components of the image forming apparatus based on the location of the image defect in the sheet image; an output means for outputting a diagnosis result of the diagnosis means; a setting unit for setting the number of sheets on which the diagnostic images are to be formed in the image forming device in accordance with the sizes of components constituting the image forming device; and When the number of sheets is two or more, the image forming device forms the diagnostic image and identification information of each sheet on each sheet; The diagnostic system is characterized in that the diagnostic means executes the diagnosis based on sheet images of a number corresponding to the number of sheets.

3. The imaging device further comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring direction information relating to a direction in which the image forming device forms the diagnostic image on the sheet; 3. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic unit diagnoses components of the image forming apparatus using the direction information and the position of the image defect in the sheet image.

4. The diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the diagnostic means is configured to determine a reference position serving as a basis for the diagnosis based on the direction information, and to identify the component that is causing the image defect among multiple components that make up the image forming apparatus based on the distance from the reference position to the position where the image defect occurs.

5. The diagnostic system described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the diagnostic means sets the printing direction of the diagnostic image in the image forming device based on the direction information so that the orientation of the diagnostic image matches the transport direction of the sheet.

6. The diagnostic system described in claim 5, characterized in that the orientation of the diagnostic image and the transport direction of the sheet coincide with each other, meaning that the header side of the diagnostic image coincides with the leading end side of the sheet in the transport direction of the sheet.

7. 7. The diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the direction information from the image forming device.

8. the imaging device further comprises a communication means for communicating with a server; 7. The diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the direction information from the server.

9. 9. The diagnostic system according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the direction information from the server by transmitting identification information of the image forming device to the server.

10. the imaging device further comprises an input unit for accepting a user input; 7. The diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition means acquires the direction information through the input means.

11. the imaging device further includes an instruction means for instructing the image forming device to form an orientation determination image on the sheet; 11. The diagnostic system according to claim 10, wherein the acquiring means acquires the direction information based on information input by a user after the direction determination image is formed on the sheet.

12. The diagnostic system described in claim 11, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the direction information based on user input regarding whether the orientation of the direction discrimination image matches the discharge direction of the sheet on which the direction discrimination image is formed from the image forming device.

13. The diagnostic system according to claim 1 , wherein the number of sheets is set based on a length that is at least one or two times the maximum perimeter.

14. The diagnostic system described in claim 2, characterized in that the diagnostic means identifies the printing order and printing direction of multiple sheet images based on the position of the sheet identification information in the sheet images, measures the intervals between image defects that occur across the multiple sheet images based on the printing order and printing direction, and identifies the component that is causing the image defect among the multiple components that make up the image forming device based on the intervals.

15. The imaging device is obtaining means for obtaining status information indicating a usage history of the image forming apparatus or a wear state of the component parts; a selection means for selecting a diagnostic image corresponding to the condition information from among a plurality of diagnostic images; 15. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming device forms the diagnostic image selected by the selection means on a sheet.

16. The diagnostic system according to claim 15, characterized in that the selection means identifies, from among the plurality of components constituting the image forming apparatus, components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines based on the status information, and selects diagnostic images corresponding to the components that are approaching their design maintenance deadlines.

17. The diagnostic system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the selection means identifies, from among the plurality of components constituting the image forming apparatus, components whose design maintenance deadline is approaching based on the status information, and selects a diagnostic image corresponding to the component whose design maintenance deadline is approaching.

18. 18. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the component is a rotating body.

19. The diagnostic system according to claim 18, wherein the diagnostic means identifies the rotating body that caused the image defect based on a distance correlated with the rotation period of the rotating body and a distance calculated from the position where the image defect occurred.

20. 20. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic image is an arbitrary image prepared by a user.

21. 20. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic image includes a first pattern formed with a single color toner and a second pattern formed by mixing a plurality of different colors.

22. 22. The diagnostic system according to claim 21, wherein the first pattern is formed before the second pattern is formed in the image forming device.

23. The diagnostic system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the diagnostic image includes a pattern area including a monochrome pattern and a blank area or a mixed-color pattern area formed on the footer side of the diagnostic image relative to the pattern area.

24. 24. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic result includes information indicating a component part that is causing the image defect.

25. 25. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes a digital camera or a portable communication device equipped with a camera.

Images