Image forming apparatus and program

Abstract

To reduce a processing load of an apparatus and a work load of a user when processing for adjustment of an image formation apparatus and processing for diagnosis of the image formation apparatus are performed at mutually-different timing.SOLUTION: In each image formation apparatus 100, generation of a chart sheet CP is performed, reading of the chart sheet CP is performed and adjustment of an image formation unit 100A is performed. In each image formation apparatus 100, generation of the chart sheet CP and reading of the chart sheet CP are formed, for example, for each predetermined specific period like everyday, and adjustment of the image formation unit 100A is performed. In a case of daily adjustment, read image data is transmitted to a server device 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a process in which an operation unit receives a selection input of a function of an image forming apparatus that is a target of output image evaluation, and a control unit controls the output of a test pattern by an image output unit based on the selection input. Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus that transmits image data of a printed matter to a server device for defect diagnosis. Patent Document 3 discloses a process of determining a setting that minimizes the image data size for each analysis method while satisfying the image quality required for image analysis, editing a scanned image, and then transmitting it to an image analysis server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, adjustment processing is performed daily or diagnostic processing is performed when a failure occurs or the like in order to maintain the quality of the formed image. An object of the present invention is to reduce the processing load of the apparatus and the work load of the user as compared with the case where the processing for adjusting the image forming apparatus and the processing for diagnosing the image forming apparatus are performed at different timings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium; an image reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium; an adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on a reading result obtained by the image reading means reading the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means; and a processor that causes the reading result for the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed to be output to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus, wherein the image used for diagnosis in the reading result is also the image used for adjustment. The invention described in claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to output a portion of the reading results to the external device. The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to output to the external device the reading results used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus from among the reading results. The invention described in claim 4 is, before The note processor is, When the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed, an image is formed on the recording medium on which the image forming means forms an image, which includes information indicating that the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium is to be output to the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which enables the following: The invention described in claim 5 is that the processor is If the user has permission, the above Reading results but Output to the aforementioned external device ru Claims to make it so 1 This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. The invention described in claim 6 is, An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium; an image reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium; an adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on a reading result obtained by the image reading means reading the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means; and a processor that causes the reading result for the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed to be output to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus, wherein when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed, the image forming means forms a first image on the recording medium which is used for the adjustment by the adjustment means and is used for the diagnosis, and a second image which is not used for the adjustment but is used for the diagnosis. The aforementioned processor, The reading results of the first image and the second image are output to the external device. To make it happen picture It is an image forming apparatus. The invention described in claim 7 is, The image forming means forms a third image on a recording medium, which is an image used for the adjustment and not used for the diagnosis, when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed. The aforementioned processor, The third image Reading results Regarding Output to the aforementioned external device do not have Claims to make it so 6 This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. The invention described in claim 8 is a program for a computer device that controls an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium; an image reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium; and an adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on a reading result obtained by the image reading means reading the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, wherein the reading result is output to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus, and the image used for diagnosis in the reading result is also the image used for adjustment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, compared to the case where the processing for adjusting the image forming apparatus and the processing for diagnosing the image forming apparatus are performed at different times, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on the apparatus and the workload on the user. According to the invention of claim 2, the amount of information output to the external device can be reduced compared to the case where all of the reading results are output to the external device. According to the invention of claim 3, the reading results used for diagnosis in the image forming apparatus can be output to an external device. 。 Claim 4 According to this invention, the user can be notified that the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium will be output to the outside. Claim 5 According to this invention, the reading results can be output to an external device with the user's permission. According to the invention of claim 6, the reading results of an image used for diagnosis but not for adjustment can be output to an external device. According to the invention of claim 7, the amount of information output to an external device can be reduced compared to the case where the reading results of images not used for diagnosis are output to an external device. According to the invention of claim 8, compared to the case where the processing for adjusting the image forming apparatus and the processing for diagnosing the image forming apparatus are performed at different times, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on the apparatus and the workload on the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of an information processing unit provided in a server device and an image forming device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram for explaining an image forming device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram for explaining chart paper. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining transmission processing for each mode of an image forming device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a reference table referred to by an image forming device. [Figure 7] This shows an example of processing when reading this chart paper with an image forming device different from the image forming device that generated the chart paper. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing another specific example of transmission control information included in a code image formed on chart paper. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the relationship between transmission levels and permission / non - permission of transmission. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining the details of processing when reading chart paper in a second image forming device. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the above display screen generated by a server device. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing another example of a display screen. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing paper for the self - device generated by a second image forming device. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing specific examples of chart image data, image formation surface data, and blank paper surface data. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing other specific examples of chart image data, image formation surface data, and blank paper surface data. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing the relationship between the occurring lines and the causes.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of information processing system 1. In this embodiment of the information processing system 1, there are multiple image forming apparatuses 100 and a server device 200 connected to each of these multiple image forming apparatuses 100 via a communication line 190. Figure 1 shows one of the multiple image forming apparatuses 100.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A, which is an example of an image forming means for forming an image on paper, which is an example of a recording medium. The image formation on the paper by the image forming unit 100A is performed using, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. However, the image formation on the paper by the image forming unit 100A is not limited to an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method; other methods may also be used.

[0010] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 performs adjustment processing on the image forming unit 100A. In addition, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is diagnosed in a server device 200, which is an example of an information processing device. The image forming apparatus 100 has an information processing unit 100B, which performs various processes on the image forming apparatus 100, as described below.

[0011] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing unit 100B provided in the server device 200 and the image forming apparatus 100. The information processing unit 100B provided in the server device 200 and the image forming apparatus 100 is implemented by a computer. Each of the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that performs digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 12 on which files and the like are recorded. The secondary storage unit 12 is implemented using existing information storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0012] The arithmetic processing unit 11 is equipped with a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 11 includes RAM 11b, which is used as working memory for the CPU 11a, and ROM 11c, which stores programs executed by the CPU 11a. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 11e that controls various parts such as the communication unit connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0013] The non-volatile memory 11d consists of, for example, SRAM or flash memory backed up by a battery. The secondary storage unit 12 stores files and other data, as well as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11. In this embodiment, each process is executed when the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads a program stored in the secondary storage unit 12 or the like.

[0014] The program executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B while stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the server device 200 and the information processing unit 100B using communication means such as the Internet.

[0015] In this specification, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and specialized processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0016] Of the processes described below, those performed by the image forming apparatus 100 are carried out by a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, among the processes described below, those performed by the server device 200 are carried out by the CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor provided in the server device 200.

[0017] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image forming unit 100A that forms an image on a sheet of paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. In this embodiment, when the paper P passes through the image forming unit 100A, one side of the paper P faces the image forming unit 100A as it passes through the image forming unit 100A. In this case, the other side of the paper P faces away from the image forming unit 100A, and this other side is not affected by the image forming unit 100A. In this embodiment, even if there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A, ink or toner will not adhere to the other surface.

[0018] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an image reading device 130, which is an example of an image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium such as paper P. This image reading device 130 is a so-called scanner that has a paper transport function P. The image reading device 130 includes a light source that emits light to irradiate the paper P, and a light receiving unit such as a CCD that receives the reflected light from the paper P. In this embodiment, the read image data described later is generated based on the reflected light received by this light receiving unit. The image reading device 130 has a preset image reading position, and the image reading device 130 reads the image of the portion of the paper P that is sequentially transported and located at this reading position.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 3, an image reading device 130 is provided on top of the image forming apparatus 100. The image reading device 130 sequentially reads the paper P set by the user. The installation configuration of the image reading device 130 is not limited to this; the image reading device 130 may also be installed inside the image forming apparatus 100 and on the transport path of the paper P. In this case, the paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming unit 100A passes through the image reading device 130 in sequence, and each image on the paper P is read sequentially as it passes through.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading device 130 is provided with a paper reversal mechanism, which allows the paper P to be supplied after being reversed (front and back sides) relative to the image reading position. As a result, in this embodiment, the paper P from which an image formed on one side has been read can be reversed and supplied to the reading position again, thereby enabling the reading of images on both the front and back sides of the paper P.

[0021] Furthermore, each image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an operation reception unit 132 that receives operations from the user. This operation reception unit 132 is composed of a so-called touch panel. The operation reception unit 132 displays information to the user and accepts operations performed by the user. Furthermore, the display of information to the user and the acceptance of user operations are not limited to being performed by a single operation reception unit 132, as in this embodiment; the operation reception unit and the information display unit may be provided separately.

[0022] Each of the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with an adjustment function for adjusting the image forming unit 100A. Each of the image forming apparatus 100 is also equipped with an information transmission function for transmitting information to the server device 200. In this embodiment, when adjusting the image forming unit 100A, the image forming unit 100A is first operated to form a chart image on the paper P.

[0023] This generates a chart sheet CP, which is a sheet of paper P on which a chart image (not shown in Figure 1), an example of a diagnostic image, is formed, as indicated by the reference numeral 1A in Figure 1. The chart image is used for adjusting and diagnosing the image forming unit 100A. In this embodiment, a chart sheet CP, which is a sheet of paper P on which this chart image used for adjustment and diagnosing is formed, is generated.

[0024] Once the chart paper CP is generated, the image reading device 130 is used to read the chart image on the chart paper CP, as shown by the reference numeral 1B in Figure 1. This generates image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 uses this read image data to adjust the image forming unit 100A. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 analyzes this read image data and adjusts the image forming unit 100A. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 adjusts the image forming unit 100A based on the reading results obtained when the image reading device 130 reads the chart image.

[0025] Specifically, based on the results of the analysis of the read image data, the setting values ​​for the image forming unit 100A are changed as necessary. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 sets new setting values ​​for image forming as necessary, based on the results of the analysis of the read image data. As a result, the image forming unit 100A of the image forming apparatus 100 is adjusted, thereby improving the quality of the formed image.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the read image data obtained during the adjustment of the image forming unit 100A is transmitted to the server device 200 and stored in the server device 200. The server device 200 performs a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 based on this read image data. Furthermore, a maintenance worker performing maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100 accesses the server device 200, refers to the read image data stored in the server device 200 and the results of the diagnosis performed by the server device 200, and performs a diagnosis on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] In each of the image forming apparatuses 100, chart paper CP is generated and read, and adjustments are made to the image forming unit 100A. More specifically, in each of the image forming apparatus 100, the above-mentioned chart paper CP is generated and read at predetermined specific intervals, such as daily, and adjustments are made to the image forming unit 100A. Hereinafter, in this specification, this routine adjustment of the image forming apparatus 100 will be referred to as "routine adjustment".

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during this routine adjustment, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200. Then, as described above, in this embodiment, the server device 200 and the maintenance personnel perform a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100. Hereinafter, in this specification, this diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100, which is performed in conjunction with routine adjustments, will be referred to as "routine diagnosis." In this embodiment, the reading results of the chart image formed on paper P by the image forming unit 100A during routine adjustments are output to a server device 200, which is an example of an external device. The server device 200 and maintenance personnel then perform a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0029] In this embodiment, when chart paper CP is read for routine adjustment, the image data obtained from this reading is used not only for routine adjustment but also for routine diagnosis. As a result, in this embodiment, routine diagnostics are performed without the user being particularly aware of them. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the user thinks they are performing routine adjustments, in reality, routine diagnostics are also performed in addition to these adjustments.

[0030] In this case, when transmitting read image data to the server device 200, it is possible to transmit only the read image data necessary for daily diagnosis, rather than transmitting all of the read image data. In other words, instead of sending the read image data for all chart paper CPs generated by the image forming apparatus 100 to the server device 200, only the read image data for chart paper CPs necessary for daily diagnosis may be sent to the server device 200.

[0031] In this embodiment, as will be described later, there are chart paper CPs used only for routine adjustments (hereinafter referred to as "adjustment-only chart paper CPs"), chart paper CPs used only for routine diagnostics (hereinafter referred to as "diagnosis-only chart paper CPs"), and chart paper CPs used for both routine adjustments and routine diagnostics (hereinafter referred to as "combined chart paper CPs"). Each of the image forming apparatuses 100 may transmit only the image data read from the general-purpose chart paper CP or the image data read from the diagnostic chart paper CP to the server device 200.

[0032] In addition, there are cases where the chart paper CP for daily adjustments and the chart paper CP for daily diagnosis are the same. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data for all of the chart paper CP to the server device 200. In other words, in this case, all chart paper CPs become multi-purpose chart paper CPs, and the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data for all of these multi-purpose chart paper CPs to the server device 200.

[0033] Each image forming apparatus 100, when transmitting read image data to the server device 200, determines whether each chart paper CP from which an image has been read is an adjustment-only chart paper CP, a diagnostic-only chart paper CP, or a multi-purpose chart paper CP. Then, if the chart paper CP is either a diagnostic-only chart paper CP or a multi-purpose chart paper CP, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data of the chart paper CP to the server device 200.

[0034] On the other hand, if the chart paper CP is a chart paper CP specifically for adjustment, the image forming apparatus 100 does not transmit the read image data of this chart paper CP to the server device 200. As in this embodiment, if the read image data of the adjustment chart paper CP is not transmitted to the server device 200, the amount of read image data transmitted to the server device 200 can be reduced.

[0035] When generating chart paper CP, the image forming apparatus 100 forms a code image KG on each of the chart paper CP, as shown by reference numeral 1D in Figure 1. The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not a chart sheet CP is to be transmitted to the server device 200, for example, based on the information contained in the code image KG formed on each chart sheet CP.

[0036] A "coded image KG" is an image that encodes information. Examples of coded images KGs include two-dimensional barcodes and one-dimensional barcodes. Furthermore, the addition of information to the chart paper CP is not limited to using code images KG; text-based information may also be attached to the paper P. Alternatively, information may be stored in an information storage medium such as an RFID tag, and this information storage medium may be attached to the chart paper CP.

[0037] In this embodiment, when a chart image is formed on paper P, a code image KG is also formed on paper P. In this embodiment, the code image KG formed on paper P together with the chart image includes information about the type of chart paper CP. Then, when the image forming apparatus 100 reads the chart paper CP, it determines whether each chart paper CP is a chart paper CP that is to be transmitted to the server device 200, based on the information about its type contained in the code image KG.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the code image KG includes information about its type, such as whether it is an adjustment-only chart paper CP, a diagnostic-only chart paper CP, or a multi-purpose chart paper CP. Then, if the information contained in the code image KG formed on the read chart paper CP is information indicating that it is a diagnostic-only chart paper CP or a multi-purpose chart paper CP, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data of this chart paper CP to the server device 200. Furthermore, if the information contained in the code image KG indicates that it is a chart paper CP for adjustment purposes, the image forming apparatus 100 will not transmit the read image data of the chart paper CP to which the code image KG is attached to the server device 200.

[0039] Furthermore, the determination of whether a chart paper CP is an adjustment-only chart paper CP, a diagnostic-only chart paper CP, or a multi-purpose chart paper CP may be made based on the transport order of the chart paper CP in the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the determination of the type of chart paper CP may be made without relying on the information contained in the code image KG. In this embodiment, as described above, the image reading device 130 may be installed inside the image forming apparatus 100 and on the transport path of the paper P.

[0040] In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 determines, based on the order in which the chart paper CPs are transported sequentially to the image reading apparatus 130, which of the adjustment-only chart paper CPs, diagnostic-only chart paper CPs, or multi-purpose chart paper CPs the obtained read image data corresponds to. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 first determines, based on the print job information for the chart paper CP, the transport order of the chart paper CP and the type of chart paper CP being transported for each chart paper CP.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 100 then determines, based on the order in which the chart paper CPs are transported sequentially to the image reading apparatus 130, which of the adjustment-dedicated chart paper CPs, diagnostic-dedicated chart paper CPs, or multi-purpose chart paper CPs the read image data obtained in sequence corresponds to. In this case as well, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits to the server device 200 the read image data corresponding to the diagnostic chart paper CP and the multi-purpose chart paper CP from among the read image data obtained in order.

[0042] [Transmission with permission] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 (see Figure 1) may transmit read image data to the server device 200 if the user has given permission. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 may, with the user's permission, output the reading results for the diagnostic chart paper CP and the multi-purpose chart paper CP to a server device 200, which is an example of an external device. Specifically, when performing this process, the user must pre-configure the image forming apparatus 100 to determine whether or not to send read image data to the server device 200.

[0043] Then, if the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to allow transmission, it transmits the image data read from the diagnostic chart paper CP or the multi-purpose chart paper CP to the server device 200. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 is not configured to allow transmission, it will not transmit the read image data to the server device 200. In this embodiment, the user can configure whether or not to send read image data to the server device 200 by performing an operation on the operation reception unit 132.

[0044] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may refrain from generating diagnostic chart paper CP if the above setting that permits transmission is not made. In other words, if the user's settings are configured not to send read image data to the server device 200, the image forming apparatus 100 may refrain from generating diagnostic chart paper CP.

[0045] Additionally, if the settings to allow transmission are not configured, the chart image formed on the chart paper CP may be modified so that a chart image used solely for routine diagnosis is not formed. In the above, each sheet of paper P was designated as either an adjustment-only chart sheet CP, a diagnostic-only chart sheet CP, or a multi-purpose chart sheet CP. However, a single sheet of paper P may contain both a chart image for daily adjustments and a chart image for daily diagnosis. In this case, if the setting to allow transmission is not enabled, chart images for daily diagnosis may be prevented from being generated. In this case, only chart images for daily adjustments will be generated on the chart paper CP.

[0046] Furthermore, in cases where communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and the server device 200 is not possible, or when it is not possible to send read image data to the server device 200, the diagnostic chart paper CP may not be generated, or chart images for routine diagnosis may not be formed.

[0047] [Notification process to the user] In addition, the user may be notified of information indicating that the read image data is being sent to the server device 200. When a user reads a chart paper CP, it is conceivable that this user may be unaware that they are performing routine adjustments and that the read image data is being sent to the server device 200.

[0048] By providing the user with a notification indicating that the read image data is being transmitted, the user can be notified that the image forming apparatus 100 is transmitting the read image data to an external location. Here, this notification is made, for example, by the operation reception unit 132 described above, which is configured as a touch panel.

[0049] In addition, notification to the user may also be provided by attaching information to the chart paper CP that is subject to transmission of read image data to the server device 200, indicating that the read image data will be transmitted to the server device 200. In other words, notification to the user may be performed by forming an image on the paper P on which the image forming unit 100A forms a chart image when daily adjustments are made, which includes information indicating that the reading result of the image formed on this paper P will be output to the outside.

[0050] More specifically, in this case, for example, when generating diagnostic chart paper CP or multi-purpose chart paper CP, the image forming unit 100A is used to add information to these chart paper CPs indicating that the read image data is to be transmitted to the server device 200. This "information indicating that a message will be sent" may be attached as an image such as an illustration, or as text information such as "Scanned image will be sent."

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 1G in Figure 1, each chart sheet CP is marked with device identification information, which is information for identifying the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart sheet CP. Examples of this device identification information include model information and serial number information. In this embodiment, the information stored in the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP includes the device identification information.

[0052] This allows the server device 200 to be notified of information about the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP. In other words, in this case, the server device 200 can be notified of information about the image forming apparatus 100 that is the subject of routine diagnosis. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 1H in Figure 1, the information stored in the code image KG includes a security code and transmission control information as an example of control information. Details of the security code and transmission control information will be described later. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 100A, which functions as part of the addition means, adds device identification information, a security code, and transmission control information to the chart paper CP.

[0053] [Chart paper CP] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating chart paper CP. In this embodiment, during routine adjustment, the image forming apparatus 100 generates four chart sheets CP as shown in Figure 4, and then the image forming apparatus 100 reads these four chart sheets CP. Each of these four chart sheets P contains a chart image as an example of a diagnostic image.

[0054] In this embodiment, four chart sheets CP are generated: "for gradation adjustment," "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 1," "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 2," and "for banding / density diagnosis." Next, the user sets these four chart sheets CP into the image reading device 130 (see Figure 1). Alternatively, these four chart sheets CP pass sequentially through the image reading device 130 located inside the image forming apparatus 100. This allows the four chart sheets CP to be read.

[0055] For routine adjustments, three chart sheets CP are used: "for gradation adjustment," "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 1," and "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 2." The image data read from these three chart sheets CP is used to adjust the image forming unit 100A. Furthermore, for routine diagnosis, three chart sheets CP are used: "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 1," "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis 2," and "For banding / density diagnosis." The image data read from these three chart sheets CP is transmitted to the server device 200. The server device 200 then performs a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0056] The "banding and concentration diagnostic" chart paper CP is not necessary for routine adjustments, but because it is required for routine diagnostics, this "banding and concentration diagnostic" chart paper CP is included when generating chart paper CPs for routine adjustments.

[0057] In this example, the chart paper CP labeled "for gradation adjustment" corresponds to the chart paper CP specifically for adjustment. Furthermore, the chart paper CPs for "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 1" and "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 2" are considered multi-purpose chart paper CPs. Furthermore, chart paper CP for "banding and concentration diagnosis" corresponds to chart paper CP specifically for diagnosis.

[0058] [Information stored in the code information] In this embodiment, as described above and as shown in Figure 1, in addition to the chart image (not shown in Figure 1), a code image KG is also formed on the chart paper CP. In this embodiment, the code image KG includes device identification information, a security code, and transmission control information.

[0059] As described above, the device identification information is information for identifying the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP. Furthermore, the security code is information used to authorize the transmission of image data read from the chart paper CP to the server device 200. Note that this security code is not mandatory, and it may be omitted from the information attached to the chart paper CP. Furthermore, the transmission control information is information used to control the transmission of read image data from the chart paper CP to the server device 200.

[0060] In this embodiment, the chart paper CP on which the chart image has been formed by the image forming unit 100A is read by the image forming apparatus 100 and the second image forming apparatus 102, which will be described later, and the reading results for the chart paper CP are obtained by these image forming apparatuses 100. Subsequently, these image forming apparatuses 100 output the reading results, and transmission control information is used in this output of the reading results.

[0061] In this embodiment, as transmission control information, each chart sheet CP is accompanied by information indicating whether it is an adjustment-only chart sheet CP, a diagnostic-only chart sheet CP, or a multi-purpose chart sheet CP. In other words, in this embodiment, information about the type of chart paper CP is attached to the chart paper CP as transmission control information.

[0062] In this embodiment, if information indicating that a chart paper CP is for diagnostics only or a general-purpose chart paper CP is included in the code image KG as transmission control information, the read image data of the chart paper CP to which this code image KG is attached is transmitted to the server device 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if information indicating that the chart paper CP is for adjustment purposes is included in the code image KG as transmission control information, the read image data of the chart paper CP to which this code image KG is attached will not be transmitted to the server device 200.

[0063] Here, the information regarding the type of chart paper (CP) can also be considered information indicating the transmission level. In this embodiment, the information indicating the transmission level includes two pieces of information: "Transmission Level 1" and "Transmission Level 2". In this embodiment, information indicating that a chart paper CP is for diagnostics only or for general use is information corresponding to "transmission level 2," and information indicating that a chart paper CP is for adjustment only is information corresponding to "transmission level 1."

[0064] In this embodiment, as described above, during routine adjustments, the reading image data of the diagnostic chart paper CP and the multi-purpose chart paper CP are transmitted to the server device 200, but the reading image data of the adjustment-only chart paper CP is not transmitted. This indicates that during routine adjustments, image data from chart paper CPs with transmission level 2 is transmitted to the server device 200, while image data from chart paper CPs with transmission level 1 is not transmitted. Here, information about the type of chart paper CP is used to control the output of read image data from the image forming apparatus 100, and can also be called control information used to control the output of read image data from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0065] In this embodiment, each chart sheet CP is provided with information indicating the transmission level, and the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not to transmit the read image data of the chart sheet CP based on this information indicating the transmission level. In this embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the image data read from the chart paper CP, which is assigned transmission level 2, to the server device 200. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 does not transmit image data read from chart paper CP with transmission level 1 to the server device 200.

[0066] [Transmission processing for each mode of the image forming apparatus 100] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the transmission process for each mode of the image forming apparatus 100. The above describes the process of transmitting read image data under the daily diagnostic mode. In the transmission process of read image data under the daily diagnostic mode, as described above, read image data of chart paper CP with transmission level 2 is transmitted to the server device 200, while read image data of chart paper CP with transmission level 1 is not transmitted. In this case, the results of reading chart images that are used for adjustment but not for diagnosis are not output to the server device 200.

[0067] Although not explained above, in this embodiment, in addition to the routine diagnostic mode, there is also a fault diagnosis mode, and even under this fault diagnosis mode, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200. In this embodiment, the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 can be switched. In this embodiment, depending on the mode switch made by the user, the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 becomes either a routine diagnostic mode, which is an example of a first mode, or a fault diagnosis mode, which is an example of a second mode.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, the user can switch modes of the image forming apparatus 100 by performing an operation on the operation reception unit 132. In this embodiment, depending on this switching, the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 becomes either the routine diagnostic mode or the fault diagnosis mode.

[0069] The "fault diagnosis mode" is a mode for diagnosing faults occurring in the image forming apparatus 100. The fault diagnosis mode is a mode that diagnoses the status of the image forming apparatus 100 in a more thorough manner than the routine diagnosis mode. The server device 200 (see Figure 1) performs a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 that is in fault diagnosis mode using more information than is used when diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100 that is in routine diagnosis mode.

[0070] In fault diagnosis mode, more reading results are used to diagnose the image forming apparatus 100 than in routine diagnosis mode. In other words, in fault diagnosis mode, more reading results are used than the chart image reading results used in routine diagnosis mode to diagnose the image forming apparatus 100. In this fault diagnosis mode, the above adjustment process is not performed; only the process of sending the read image data to the server device 200 is carried out.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is switched to fault diagnosis mode, the chart paper CP that is the target of the transmission of read image data from the image forming apparatus 100 to the server device 200 changes. In other words, in this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 switches to fault diagnosis mode, the read image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the server device 200 changes.

[0072] The image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not to transmit each read image data to the server device 200 based on information about its own mode and information about the transmission level included in the transmission control information. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the output of the reading results obtained by reading the chart image based on information about its own mode as an example of its own apparatus information, and information about the transmission level attached to each of the chart sheets CP. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the output of the reading results obtained by reading the chart image, based on the self-device information, which is information about the apparatus itself, and the information about the type of chart image formed on the chart paper CP.

[0073] When each of the image forming apparatuses 100 is in fault diagnosis mode, it transmits the read image data for all four chart sheets CP to the server device 200, as shown by reference numeral 5A in Figure 5. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 also transmits the read image data to the server device 200 for the adjustment chart paper CP, which is a chart paper CP with "transmission level 1" indicated on it.

[0074] Here, "Transmission Level 1" is an example of control information used to control the output of read image data. In this embodiment, control information is pre-set such that the output of read image data from the image forming apparatus 100 differs depending on the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP, as in "Transmission Level 1". In this embodiment, this pre-set control information is added to the chart paper CP.

[0075] More specifically, in this embodiment, control information is added to the "grayscale adjustment" chart paper CP such that if the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP is a specific mode, such as the fault diagnosis mode, the reading result will be output, and if it is not in this fault diagnosis mode, the reading result will not be output. In this case, if the image forming apparatus 100 is in fault diagnosis mode, it also transmits the image data read from the "grayscale adjustment" chart paper CP to the server device 200.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is fault diagnosis mode and it is desirable to send more information to the server device 200, the read image data for all four chart sheets CP, including the adjustment chart sheet CP, is sent to the server device 200. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the routine diagnostic mode, as described above, and as shown by reference numeral 5B in Figure 5, the image data read from the adjustment-only chart paper CP, which is a chart paper CP with a transmission level of 1, is not transmitted to the server device 200.

[0077] In this embodiment, if the type of chart paper CP is transmission level 1, which is an example of a specific type, and the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the routine diagnostic mode, the reading result of this chart paper CP is not output. In this case, some of the reading results from the chart paper CP are output to the server device 200. Specifically, in this case, the reading results used for diagnosis by the image forming apparatus 100 are output to the server device 200 from among all the reading results. More specifically, in this case, of all the reading results, the reading results of the chart paper CP with transmission level 2, the general-purpose chart paper CP, and the diagnostic-only chart paper CP are transmitted to the server device 200.

[0078] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if predetermined conditions are met, other reading results other than these partial reading results are also transmitted to the server device 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the mode for the image forming apparatus 100 is the fault diagnosis mode, which is an example of a specific mode as described above, other reading results are also output to the server device 200. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is a fault diagnosis mode in which more information than the routine diagnosis mode is used to diagnose the image forming apparatus 100, the reading results for the adjustment chart paper CP are also output to the server device 200.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the image forming unit 100A of the image forming apparatus 100 is adjusted, it forms a chart image which is used for the adjustment, and also forms a chart image which is not used for the adjustment but is used for diagnosis on paper P. In this embodiment, regardless of the mode of the image forming apparatus 100, at least the reading results of the chart images used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100 but not for adjusting the image forming apparatus 100 are output to the server device 200.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is the routine diagnostic mode, as described above, the image data read from the general-purpose chart paper CP and the diagnostic-only chart paper CP is transmitted to the server device 200, but the image data read from the adjustment-only chart paper CP is not transmitted. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 100 enters fault diagnosis mode, as described above, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 for all of the general-purpose chart paper CP, the diagnostic chart paper CP, and the adjustment chart paper CP.

[0081] In this embodiment, the code image KG of the chart paper CP, which transmits read image data to the server device 200, includes a security code indicating permission for this transmission, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, each image forming apparatus 100 also determines whether or not a security code is present. If the paper P does not contain a code image KG, or if the security code obtained from the code image KG is not a pre-registered security code, it does not transmit the read image data to the server device 200. In this embodiment, the security code can be described as information used to identify whether or not the target of transmission is a chart paper CP.

[0082] In this embodiment, under both the routine diagnostic mode and the fault diagnosis mode, the transmission of read image data to the server device 200 is controlled based on the security code and transmission control information. Here, it is conceivable that during routine or fault diagnosis, form P, which is unrelated to routine or fault diagnosis, may be read along with chart form CP. In this case, since form P, which is not related to routine diagnostics or fault diagnosis, does not have a pre-registered security code attached, the read image data for this form P, which is not related to routine adjustments or fault diagnosis, will not be sent to the server device 200.

[0083] In this case, if the information contained in the code image KG is only a security code, there are only two possible actions: either send the read image data or not. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the code image KG also includes transmission control information, then, as described above, the read image data transmitted to the server device 200 can be changed, for example, depending on the mode of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0084] In this embodiment, in the daily diagnostic mode, the image data read from some of the chart paper CPs, specifically the "grayscale adjustment" chart paper CPs, is not transmitted to the server device 200. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the mode is switched and the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 becomes fault diagnosis mode, the read image data for this portion of the chart paper CP is also transmitted to the server device 200.

[0085] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 100A forms images on paper P that are used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, even when the image forming apparatus 100 is not being routinely diagnosed. More specifically, the image forming unit 100A forms chart images on paper P that are used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, even when the image forming unit 100 is not being routinely diagnosed. More specifically, even when the image forming apparatus 100 is in fault diagnosis mode, the image forming unit 100A forms a chart image on paper P used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus 100, and generates chart paper CP, in response to instructions from the user or the like. In this embodiment, even when in fault diagnosis mode, the image forming unit 100A generates the four chart sheets CP described above.

[0086] In this embodiment, the reading result of the chart image formed by the image forming unit 100A when a routine diagnosis is performed, which is output to the server device 200, will be different from the reading result of the chart image formed by the image forming unit 100A when the above conditions are different, which is output to the server device 200.

[0087] In this embodiment, the reading results of the chart images formed by the image forming unit 100A when a routine diagnosis is performed, which are output to the server device 200, are the reading image data of three chart sheets CP: "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 1", "For unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 2", and "For banding / density diagnosis". In contrast, the reading results of the chart images formed by the image forming unit 100A at the above different times, which are output to the server device 200, are the image data read from four chart sheets CP: "for grayscale adjustment," "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 1," "for unevenness adjustment / muscle diagnosis part 2," and "for banding / density diagnosis."

[0088] In this embodiment, when fault diagnosis is performed, which is a different situation from the one described above, more reading results are used to diagnose the image forming apparatus 100 than when routine diagnosis is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when this difference occurs, more reading results than those output to the server device 200 during routine diagnostics are output to the server device 200.

[0089] In this embodiment, the user may notice a malfunction in the image forming apparatus 100 by referring to the chart paper CP generated during routine adjustments. In this case, the user may manually set the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 to fault diagnosis mode. In this embodiment, the read image data for the chart paper CP, specifically the "grayscale adjustment" chart paper CP, is also transmitted to the server device 200. In this case, when the user sets the four chart sheets CP mentioned above back into the image reading device 130 and performs a scan, the scanned image data of some of the chart sheets CP mentioned above, specifically the "grayscale adjustment" chart sheet CP, is also transmitted to the server device 200.

[0090] In this embodiment, when routine adjustments are performed, adjustments are made to the image forming unit 100A, and the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 for routine diagnostics. In this case, if the scanned image data is sent to the server device 200 for all chart paper CPs scanned by the image reading device 130, the size of the scanned image data will become large, which may cause problems such as taking a long time to transmit. In contrast, in this embodiment, during routine adjustments, the read image data for the adjustment chart paper CP is not transmitted, thereby reducing the amount of read image data transmitted to the server device 200.

[0091] On the other hand, in this embodiment, under fault diagnosis mode, in order to more accurately identify the cause of the fault, read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 for all chart paper CPs. In this case, read image data of all chart paper CPs, including those dedicated to adjustment, is transmitted to the server device 200. This allows the server device 200 to perform a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 based on more information, compared to the case where not all image data from the chart paper CP is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0092] [Other examples of transmission control information] Other examples of transmission control information include, for example, information about the printing date and time of chart paper CP. In other words, another example of transmission control information is information about the date and time when routine adjustments are performed. In this case, the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP will include information about the printing date and time of the chart paper CP as transmission control information.

[0093] In this case, if the chart paper CP is read later, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information about the printing date and time included in the transmission control information for the chart paper CP. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires information about the transmission level included in the transmission control information for the chart paper CP. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires type information, which is information about the type of chart paper CP.

[0094] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the time difference between the time specified by the information about the printing date and time and the current time. In other words, in this case, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the time difference between the time specified by the information about the printing date and time and the time when the chart paper CP was read. Then, if this time difference exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data to the server device 200, even if the chart paper CP is associated with the above-mentioned transmission level 1. More specifically, if the time difference exceeds a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 100 will also transmit the read image data of the adjustment chart paper CP to the server device 200.

[0095] In this example, the time identified by the printing date and time information, and status information, which is information about the status of the chart paper CP being read by the image reading device 130, will be acquired. Specifically, in this case, the situation information acquired will be timing information, which is information about the timing at which the image reading device 130 reads the chart paper CP.

[0096] In this case, if the timing identified by this timing information is later than a predetermined timing, the reading result for the chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated will also be output. On the other hand, in this case, if the timing identified by this timing information is earlier than a predetermined timing, the reading result of the chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated will not be output.

[0097] More specifically, in this case, if the timing identified by the timing information is later than the 10-minute mark mentioned above, the reading result for the chart paper CP associated with transmission level 1 will be output. On the other hand, if the timing identified by this timing information is earlier than the 10-minute mark mentioned above, the reading result of the chart paper CP associated with transmission level 1 will not be output.

[0098] In this processing example, if the type identified by the type information is, for example, transmission level 1, which is an example of a specific type, and the timing identified by the timing information is after the 10-minute mark mentioned above, then the reading result for the chart paper CP associated with this transmission level 1 will be output. On the other hand, if the type identified by the type information is transmission level 1, and the timing identified by the timing information is before the 10-minute mark mentioned above, then the reading result of the chart paper CP associated with this transmission level 1 will not be output.

[0099] In other words, in this case, if the elapsed time from when the chart image formed on the chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated exceeds a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs the reading result to the server device 200. On the other hand, if the time elapsed from the time a chart image is formed on a chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated until a reading result for that chart paper CP is obtained does not exceed a predetermined time, the image forming apparatus 100 does not output the reading result to the server device 200.

[0100] In this processing example, control information is added to the chart paper CP as control information, such that the output of the reading result from the image forming apparatus 100 differs depending on the reading status of the chart paper CP by the image forming apparatus 100 that performs the reading. More specifically, in this processing example, control information is added to the chart paper CP as control information, such that the output of the reading result from the image forming apparatus 100 differs depending on the timing of the reading of the chart paper CP by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0101] More specifically, in this example, information about the printing date and time of the chart paper CP is added to the chart paper CP as control information. In other words, in this processing example, information about the timing at which the image forming unit 100A, located in the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP, formed the chart image on the paper P is added to the chart paper CP.

[0102] Figure 6 shows the reference table that the image forming apparatus 100 refers to. This reference table has pre-registered the relationship between the above-mentioned time difference and whether or not the read image data has been transmitted. This reference table is stored in the secondary storage unit 12 (see Figure 2). The image forming apparatus 100 refers to this reference table to determine whether or not to transmit the read image data.

[0103] Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 refers to this reference table and, for example, if 10 minutes have passed since the printing date and time of the adjustment chart paper CP, which is a chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated, it decides to send the read image data of this adjustment chart paper CP to the server device 200. The image forming apparatus 100 decides to send the read image data to the server device 200 if 10 minutes have passed since the printing date and time for adjustment chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated. In this case, the image data read from the adjustment chart paper CP, to which transmission level 1 is associated, is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0104] In this case, even if the user has not set the image forming apparatus 100 to fault diagnosis mode, the image data read from the adjustment chart paper CP is transmitted to the server device 200. In this case as well, more image data from reading chart paper CPs will be sent to the server device 200, allowing the server device 200 to perform a diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 100 based on more information.

[0105] This scenario assumes a user discovers a problem during routine adjustments. Users are often unfamiliar with troubleshooting problems, and in such cases, it is conceivable that a user might set the chart paper CP into the image reading device 130 (see Figure 1) more than 10 minutes after printing the chart paper CP. In this case, when the chart paper CP is read, as described above, even if it is a chart paper CP specifically for adjustments that is associated with transmission level 1, the read image data of this chart paper CP is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0106] In this embodiment, if the transmission level of the chart paper CP is transmission level 1, the image data read from this chart paper CP is basically not transmitted to the server device 200. However, in this processing example, as described above, if certain conditions are met, such as 10 minutes having passed since printing the chart paper CP, the read image data will be sent to the server device 200, even if the chart paper CP has a transmission level of 1. When this process is performed, even if the user is unaware of the operation to switch the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 to fault diagnosis mode, it effectively enters a mode similar to fault diagnosis mode, and more read image data is sent to the server device 200.

[0107] When a user performs routine daily adjustments, the chart paper CP is often read by the image reading device 130 within 10 minutes of printing. In this case, the image data read from chart paper CP with transmission level 1 is not sent to the server device 200. Specifically, the image data read from adjustment-only chart paper CP is not sent to the server device 200.

[0108] On the other hand, 10 minutes after printing the chart paper CP, even if this chart paper CP has a transmission level of 1, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200. Specifically, 10 minutes after printing the chart paper CP, the read image data is sent to the server device 200, even if it is a chart paper CP specifically for adjustment.

[0109] In this embodiment, the general-purpose chart paper CP and the diagnostic chart paper CP are associated with transmission level 2 (see Figure 5), and the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data of the general-purpose chart paper CP and the diagnostic chart paper CP to the server device 200 regardless of the elapsed time of 10 minutes. For the general-purpose chart paper CP and the diagnostic chart paper CP, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 even before the 10 minutes have elapsed, and also after the 10 minutes have elapsed. In contrast, for the adjustment chart paper CP, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 after the 10 minutes mentioned above have elapsed.

[0110] In addition, as shown by the symbol 6A in Figure 6, a transmission level of 0 may be associated with the chart paper CP. When the image forming apparatus 100 is in routine diagnostic mode, it does not transmit any read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP to which transmission level 0 is associated.

[0111] For chart paper CP to which transmission level 0 is associated, the image forming apparatus 100 will not transmit the read image data to the server device 200, regardless of whether the above 10 minutes have elapsed, as long as the image forming apparatus 100 is in routine diagnostic mode. The image forming apparatus 100 transmits read image data to the server device 200 only when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is in fault diagnosis mode, for chart paper CP to which transmission level 0 is associated. Here, the 10-minute timeframe mentioned above is just an example; this time can be changed according to user instructions. Furthermore, this timeframe can be any time other than 10 minutes.

[0112] Furthermore, the reference table shown in Figure 6 also registers the relationship between the security code and whether or not the read image data was sent. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data to the server device 200 if the security code matches a pre-registered security code. Furthermore, if the security code does not match a pre-registered security code, the image forming apparatus 100 will not send the read image data to the server device 200.

[0113] [Other processing examples] Alternatively, instead of relying on transmission control information, the system may determine whether or not to transmit read image data to the server device 200 based on past reading records of the chart paper CP. Specifically, when performing this process, for example, the image forming apparatus 100, each time it reads a chart sheet CP, obtains and stores paper identification information from the code image KG, which is information contained in the code image KG and is used to identify each chart sheet CP.

[0114] When performing this process, each code image KG should include paper identification information to identify each chart paper CP on which the code image KG is formed. Then, when the image forming apparatus 100 reads the chart paper CP, it acquires and stores the paper identification information attached to the chart paper CP.

[0115] Furthermore, each time the image forming apparatus 100 reads a chart sheet CP, it compares the new paper identification information obtained from the code image KG with the paper identification information it already possesses, and determines whether the new paper identification information matches the paper identification information it already possesses. Then, if the image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is a match, it determines that the chart paper CP has been read multiple times.

[0116] In this case, even if the chart paper CP that the image forming apparatus 100 has determined to have been read multiple times is a chart paper CP specifically for adjustment, it will transmit the read image data of this chart paper CP to the server device 200. In other words, in this case, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits the read image data of the chart paper CP to the server device 200, even if the chart paper CP to which transmission level 1 is associated has been determined to have been read multiple times.

[0117] It is conceivable that a user might perform a first reading of the chart paper CP during routine adjustments, and then subsequently perform a second reading of the chart paper CP. In this case, the same chart paper CP would be read multiple times. In this case, the new paper identification information obtained from the code image KG will match the paper identification information already held by the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, in this processing example, even if the chart paper CP is associated with transmission level 1, the read image data of this chart paper CP is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0118] In this case, for example, if the adjustment chart paper CP is read twice, the image data of the adjustment chart paper CP will be sent to the server device 200. In other words, in this case, if the image reading device 130 reads the chart image contained in the adjustment chart paper CP more than a predetermined number of times, the reading results for this adjustment chart paper CP will also be output to the server device 200.

[0119] When this process is performed, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires count information as its own device information, which is information about the number of times the chart paper CP has been read by the image reading device 130. The image forming apparatus 100 then controls the output of the reading result based on this count information and the information attached to the chart paper CP. In this processing example, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires type information, which is information about the type of chart paper CP, as information attached to the chart paper CP, similar to the above.

[0120] The image forming apparatus 100 controls the output of the reading results based on the number of readings information and the type information. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs a reading result when, for example, the type specified by the type information is transmission level 1, which is an example of a specific type, and the number of times specified by the count information exceeds a predetermined number of times. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 prevents the output of the reading result if the predetermined number of readings is not exceeded.

[0121] As a result, even in this case, if the user is unaware of the operation to switch the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 to fault diagnosis mode, the image data read from the chart paper CP with transmission level 1 will be transmitted to the server device 200. In this processing example, for chart paper CP associated with transmission level 2, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 regardless of the number of times it has been read by the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, for chart paper CP to which transmission level 0 is associated, the read image data will not be transmitted to the server device 200, regardless of the number of times it has been read by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0122] For chart paper CP associated with transmission level 0, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 when the mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is in fault diagnosis mode. In addition, in this processing example, if the chart paper CP is read after the image forming apparatus 100 has entered fault diagnosis mode, the read image data for all chart paper CPs is sent to the server device 200, regardless of the number of reads.

[0123] In the count-based processing described above, control information is added to the chart paper CP, such that the output of the reading result from the image forming apparatus 100 differs depending on the number of times the chart paper CP is read by the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP. In carrying out the processing based on the number of times described above, paper identification information, which is an example of media identification information that enables the identification of each chart paper CP, will be added to the chart paper CP as control information. Then, in the count-based processing, information about the number of times the chart paper CP has been read is obtained based on this paper identification information, and based on this count information and type information, it is determined whether or not to send the reading results to the server device 200.

[0124] [Other processing examples] In the above example, the code image KG includes information about the date and time the chart paper CP was printed, but the image forming apparatus 100 may also retain information about the date and time of this printing. Specifically, in this case, the image forming apparatus 100 stores, for each printed chart paper CP, paper identification information and date and time information, which is information about the date and time the printing took place, in an associated manner.

[0125] In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the chart paper CP has the same paper identification information as the paper identification information obtained from the code image KG of the chart paper CP, when the latest reading of the chart paper CP has been performed. Then, if the image forming apparatus 100 has the same paper identification information, it reads and acquires the date and time information that is associated with this paper identification information. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 obtains the time difference between the time specified by this date and time information and the time of the most recent reading.

[0126] Furthermore, if this time difference exceeds a predetermined time difference, the image forming apparatus 100 will, for example, transmit the read image data to the server device 200 even if the read image data is read image data for adjustment chart paper CP. In other words, in this case as well, the image forming apparatus 100 also transmits the read image data of the chart paper CP, which is assigned transmission level 1, to the server device 200.

[0127] In this case as well, even if the chart paper CP is a chart paper CP specifically for adjustment, the read image data of this adjustment-only chart paper CP is sent to the server device 200. As a result, in this case as well, read image data for a larger number of chart paper CPs is sent to the server device 200. Furthermore, as described above, in this case as well, for chart paper CP to which transmission level 2 is associated, the read image data will be sent to the server device 200 regardless of the magnitude of the time difference.

[0128] In this case as well, for chart paper CP associated with transmission level 0, the read image data will not be sent to the server device 200, regardless of the magnitude of the time difference. Furthermore, in this case, if the chart paper CP is read after the image forming apparatus 100 has entered fault diagnosis mode, all image data from the chart paper CP will be transmitted to the server device 200, regardless of the magnitude of the time difference.

[0129] [Changes to reading conditions, changes to transmission conditions] In addition, the reading conditions for reading the chart paper CP and the transmission conditions for transmitting the read image data may be different depending on whether the image forming apparatus 100 is in routine diagnostic mode or fault diagnosis mode. In other words, depending on the diagnostic mode for the image forming apparatus 100, at least one of the reading conditions, which are the conditions under which the image reading apparatus 130 reads a chart image, and the processing conditions for the processing performed on the read image obtained by this reading may be changed.

[0130] Specifically, for example, when in routine diagnostic mode, the chart paper CP is read at a low resolution, and / or the read image data is compressed to a high degree before being sent to the server device 200. On the other hand, when in fault diagnosis mode, the chart paper CP is read at a higher resolution compared to when in routine diagnosis mode. In other words, in this case, the resolution at which the image reading device 130 reads the chart image is increased.

[0131] Furthermore, when in fault diagnosis mode, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 with a lower compression level compared to when in routine diagnosis mode, or with no compression applied to the read image data. In other words, in this case, the compression ratio when compressing the read image is reduced, or the read image is not compressed at all. When image compression is performed in routine diagnostic mode, if the mode is switched to fault diagnosis mode, the compression ratio will be reduced, or image compression will not be performed at all.

[0132] In routine diagnostic mode, the image forming apparatus 100 often performs diagnostics to understand the state and trends of image quality, and problems are less likely to occur even with low resolution and high compression. In contrast, in fault diagnosis mode, in order to diagnose whether or not there is a fault and to diagnose the location of the fault, it is preferable to increase the resolution when reading the chart paper CP to achieve high resolution, and / or to reduce the compression ratio of the read image data or to prevent compression of the read image data. Furthermore, the change in reading resolution and the change in compression ratio, depending on the mode, are not limited to both; either one or the other may be performed.

[0133] Furthermore, depending on the status of chart image reading by the image reading device 130, the processing conditions for the read image obtained by the image reading device 130 may be changed. In other words, the processing conditions for the image obtained by reading the chart paper CP may be changed depending on the reading status of the chart paper CP.

[0134] More specifically, for example, the processing conditions may be changed depending on the time elapsed since the date and time of printing of the chart paper CP. Specifically, for example, if the time difference described above is less than 10 minutes, which is one example of a predetermined time, the read image data will be highly compressed and then transmitted to the server device 200. On the other hand, if, for example, the above time difference is greater than 10 minutes, which is one example of a predetermined time, the read image data may be sent to the server device 200 with low compression or without compression.

[0135] In this processing example, if the elapsed time since the date and time of printing of the chart paper CP exceeds a predetermined threshold, the compression ratio of the scanned image is reduced compared to when it does not exceed that threshold. Alternatively, in this example, if the elapsed time since the printing date and time of the chart paper CP exceeds a predetermined threshold, the compression ratio of the read image is not applied. In other words, if the elapsed time does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the read image will be compressed; if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the read image will not be compressed.

[0136] When performing the above processing, the processing conditions for the scanned image will be changed according to the elapsed time between the generation of the chart paper (CP) and the scanning of this chart paper. In other words, when performing the above processing, the processing conditions for the read image will be changed depending on whether the elapsed time from the generation of the chart paper CP to the reading of the chart paper CP exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0137] In addition, processing conditions may be modified based on past reading results of chart paper CP. More specifically, the processing conditions for the read images may be changed depending on the number of times the image reading device 130 reads the chart image. More specifically, the processing conditions for the read images may be changed depending on whether the number of times the image reading device 130 has read the chart image exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, if the number of times the chart paper CP is read is not exceeded by a predetermined number (e.g., "1"), such as only once, the read image data is highly compressed and then transmitted to the server device 200.

[0138] On the other hand, if the number of times the chart paper CP is read exceeds a predetermined number, such as two times, the read image data is compressed to a low degree before being sent to the server device 200. In other words, if the number of reads exceeds a predetermined threshold, the compression ratio of the read image is reduced compared to when the number of reads does not exceed the predetermined threshold, and then the read image data is compressed, and then transmitted to the server device 200.

[0139] Furthermore, if the number of times the chart paper CP is read exceeds a predetermined number, such as two times, the read image data is not compressed before being sent to the server device 200. In other words, in this case, if the number of reads does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the read image will be compressed; if the number of reads exceeds a predetermined threshold, the read image will not be compressed. In this case, if the number of reads exceeds a predetermined threshold, the read image will not be compressed, and the uncompressed read image will be sent to the server device 200.

[0140] [Processing when reading the chart image with another image forming apparatus 100] Figure 7 shows an example of processing when reading the chart paper CP using an image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as "second image forming apparatus 102") that is different from the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP (hereinafter referred to as "first image forming apparatus 101"). In this processing example, a chart paper CP generated by a first image forming apparatus 101, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, is read by a second image forming apparatus 102, which is another image forming apparatus equipped with an image reading function.

[0141] In this processing example, the read image data obtained through this reading is transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 to the server device 200. Next, the server device 200 or a maintenance worker accessing the server device 200 performs a diagnosis of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this example, the server device 200 then obtains the results of the diagnosis performed on the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0142] Not all image forming apparatuses 100 are necessarily connected to the communication line 190, and it is conceivable that an image forming apparatus 100 for which routine diagnostics or fault diagnosis are desired may not be connected to the communication line 190. Furthermore, it is conceivable that communication failures may prevent the transmission of read image data from the image forming apparatus 100, which is intended for routine diagnostics or fault diagnosis, to the server device 200. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the image forming apparatus 100, which is intended for routine diagnostics and fault diagnosis, may not be equipped with an image reading device 130 for reading chart paper CP.

[0143] In these cases, in this embodiment, the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 is read by the second image forming apparatus 102. The read image data obtained by the second image forming apparatus 102 is then transmitted to the server device 200. This allows for routine diagnostics and fault diagnosis of the first image forming apparatus 101 in this case as well.

[0144] In this processing example shown in Figure 7, the first image forming apparatus 101 is not connected to the communication line 190, and the second image forming apparatus 102, which is connected to the communication line 190, transmits the read image data to the server device 200. Specifically, the image reading device 130 provided in the second image forming apparatus 102 is used to read the chart paper CP generated in the first image forming apparatus 101. The read image data obtained through this reading process is then transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 to the server device 200.

[0145] In this case, there may be a difference between the reading performance of the chart paper CP by the first image forming apparatus 101 and the reading performance of the chart paper CP by the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, if the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 is read by the second image forming apparatus 102, there is a risk that daily diagnostics and fault diagnoses for the first image forming apparatus 101 will not be performed accurately.

[0146] Specifically, for example, the gradation of the reading in the second image forming apparatus 102 may differ from the gradation of the reading in the first image forming apparatus 101, in which case, for example, the diagnosis regarding density may be inaccurate. Furthermore, for example, if the reading resolution of the second image forming apparatus 102 is low, the quality of reading the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 for color registration measurement may deteriorate. To suppress the occurrence of such malfunctions, the process described below uses transmission control information to control the reading process in the second image reading device 130. This makes the above-mentioned malfunctions less likely to occur.

[0147] In this processing example, when the first image forming apparatus 101 generates chart paper CP, the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP includes apparatus identification information, which is information for identifying the first image forming apparatus 101, as described above. Furthermore, in this processing example, as described above, when the first image forming apparatus 101 generates the chart paper CP, the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP is made to include a security code. Furthermore, in this processing example, when the first image forming apparatus 101 generates the chart paper CP, the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP includes information indicating whether or not to permit the transmission of the read image data as transmission control information.

[0148] Specifically, in this processing example, for chart paper CP used for density diagnosis, where the reading results may differ depending on the device used to read the chart paper CP, information indicating transmission is not permitted is associated with the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP as transmission control information. Furthermore, for chart paper CP used for banding diagnosis, and other chart paper CP that is less affected by differences in the device that reads the chart paper CP, information indicating transmission permission is associated with the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP as transmission control information.

[0149] Next, in this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 7A, the chart paper CP generated in the first image forming apparatus 101 is set in the second image forming apparatus 102, and the second image forming apparatus 102 reads the chart paper CP. When the second image forming apparatus 102 reads the chart paper CP, it acquires the apparatus identification information contained in the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP. Next, in this embodiment, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines, based on this apparatus identification information, whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is its own apparatus.

[0150] In this processing example, the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is the first image forming apparatus 101, and the second image forming apparatus 102 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is not its own apparatus. If the second image forming apparatus 102 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is not its own apparatus, it determines whether or not to transmit read image data to the server device 200 for each chart paper CP based on the transmission control information contained in the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP.

[0151] Specifically, the second image reading device 130 determines that it will transmit the read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has transmission control information indicating transmission permission attached to it. Furthermore, the second image reading device 130 determines that it will not transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has transmission control information indicating transmission is not permitted.

[0152] As described above, the transmission of read image data to the server device 200 is performed only if the security code contained in the code image KG matches a pre-registered security code. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines that it will transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has transmission control information indicating transmission permission and contains a pre-registered security code. On the other hand, the second image forming apparatus 102 decides not to transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that does not contain a pre-registered security code, regardless of the content of the transmission control information.

[0153] Furthermore, if the chart paper CP read by the second image forming apparatus 102 is a chart paper CP generated by the second image forming apparatus 102, the following processing is performed. In this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines, based on the apparatus identification information contained in the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP, that the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is its own apparatus.

[0154] In this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether or not to transmit the read image data for each chart paper CP, without considering the transmission control information. Specifically, in this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether or not to transmit the read image data based solely on the presence or absence of a security code.

[0155] In this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits the read image data to the server device 200 even if the code image KG contains information indicating transmission is not permitted as transmission control information. If the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP is the same apparatus, the above-mentioned problems caused by differences in the apparatus will not occur. In this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits the read image data to the server device 200 even if the chart paper CP has a code image KG attached to it that contains transmission control information indicating transmission is not permitted.

[0156] Figure 8 shows another specific example of transmission control information contained in the code image KG formed on the chart paper CP. In this example shown in Figure 8, the transmission control information included in the code image KG formed on each chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 includes authorization device information, which is information for identifying the image forming apparatus 100 that is authorized to transmit read image data to the server device 200.

[0157] Specifically, in this example, the transmission control information includes, as authorized device information, information indicating that "transmission-compatible models are A, B, and C," and information indicating that "transmission-incompatible models are D and E." In other words, in this example, the chart paper CP is accompanied by transmission control information that identifies the device authorized to output the reading results. In this embodiment, the second image forming apparatus 100 controls the output of the reading results based on its own apparatus information, authorized apparatus information, etc.

[0158] Furthermore, in this processing example, the transmission control information included in the code image KG formed on each of the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 includes information about the degree of similarity between the first image forming apparatus 101 and each of the other image forming apparatuses 100. Specifically, in this processing example, the information regarding the degree of similarity includes information indicating that the degree of similarity between the first image forming apparatus 101 and each of apparatuses A and B is "2". Furthermore, in this processing example, information regarding the degree of similarity is included, indicating that the degree of similarity between the first image forming apparatus 101 and apparatus C is "1". In this example, a higher degree of approximation indicates a better approximation.

[0159] Furthermore, in this processing example, the transmission control information included in the code image KG formed on each chart sheet CP contains the transmission level information mentioned above. Specifically, in this example, a transmission level, which differs depending on the type of chart paper CP, is attached to each chart paper CP as transmission control information.

[0160] Specifically, for example, chart paper CP that does not affect the diagnosis of the first image forming apparatus 101, regardless of which image forming apparatus 100 performs the reading, is assigned a transmission level of 0 as transmission control information. Furthermore, for example, for chart paper CPs that may affect the accuracy of the diagnosis depending on the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP, a transmission level of 1 is assigned as transmission control information.

[0161] More specifically, for example, chart paper CPs that, when read by an image forming apparatus 100 similar to the first image forming apparatus 101 being diagnosed, such as an image forming apparatus 100 with a similar apparatus configuration, do not affect the accuracy of the diagnosis. However, when read by an image forming apparatus 100 that is not similar to the first image forming apparatus 101 being diagnosed, the accuracy of the diagnosis may be affected. In such cases, a transmission level of 1 is assigned as transmission control information.

[0162] Furthermore, for chart paper CP, which would affect the accuracy of the diagnosis of the first image forming apparatus 101 regardless of which image forming apparatus 100 reads it, a transmission level of 2 is assigned as transmission control information. In other words, for chart paper CPs that, if read by an image forming apparatus 100 other than the first image forming apparatus 101, would affect the diagnostic accuracy of the first image forming apparatus 101, a transmission level 2 is assigned as transmission control information.

[0163] Figure 9 shows the relationship between the transmission level and whether transmission is permitted or not. In other words, Figure 9 shows the reference table that the image forming apparatus 100, which reads chart paper CP and transmits the read image data to the server device 200, refers to. In this example, for example, if a chart image with a transmission level of 1, as indicated by symbol 9A, is read by device A or device B, the read image data of this chart image read by device A or device B is transmitted to server device 200.

[0164] In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP corresponds to the apparatus identified by the authorized apparatus information, and therefore the reading results are output to the server apparatus 200. Furthermore, if a chart image with transmission level 1 is read by device D or device E, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP will not be one of the devices identified by the authorized device information, and therefore the reading results will not be output to the server device 200.

[0165] In this processing example, in relation to the first image forming apparatus 101 that generated the chart paper CP with transmission level 1, apparatus A and apparatus B have an approximation degree of 2 with respect to the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, as indicated by symbol 9A, it corresponds to "〇". In this case, the chart paper CP, which is generated by the first image forming apparatus 101 and has a transmission level of 1, and the read image data of this chart paper CP, which is read by apparatus A or apparatus B, is transmitted from apparatus A or apparatus B to the server apparatus 200.

[0166] More specifically, in this case, devices A and B first obtain information about the transmission level, permission device information, and approximation degree from the transmission control information attached to the chart paper CP, which is obtained by analyzing the read image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP. In this case, devices A and B determine that they have an approximation degree of 2 in relation to the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, when transmitting the read image data of each chart paper CP to the server device 200, devices A and B determine whether or not to transmit the read image data of each chart paper CP to the server device 200, based on the information registered in the column indicated by symbol 9C in the reference table and the information about the transmission level attached to each chart paper CP.

[0167] In this example, devices A and B transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has a transmission level of 1. Furthermore, devices A and B also transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has a transmission level of 0. On the other hand, devices A and B do not transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP that has a transmission level of 2.

[0168] In this processing example, if the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper P is a device identified by the authorized device information, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the content of the output to the server device 200 based on the acquired information about the degree of approximation. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs image data read from chart paper P with transmission level 0 if the degree of approximation specified by the information about the degree of approximation is 1, but does not output image data read from chart paper P with transmission level 1 or transmission level 2. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs image data read from chart paper P with transmission level 0 and transmission level 1 when the degree of approximation specified by the information about the degree of approximation is 2, but does not output image data read from chart paper P with transmission level 2.

[0169] Here, if the second image forming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to either apparatus A or B, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP with transmission level 1 and transmission level 0. Furthermore, if the second image forming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to either apparatus A or B, the second image forming apparatus 102 will not transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP with transmission level 2.

[0170] Furthermore, if the second image forming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to apparatus C, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits read image data to the server apparatus 200 for chart paper CP with a transmission level of 0. Furthermore, if the second image forming apparatus 102 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to apparatus C, the second image forming apparatus 102 will not transmit read image data to the server device 200 for chart paper CP with transmission level 1 and transmission level 2.

[0171] In this processing example, if the reading characteristics of the first image forming apparatus 101 that generated the chart paper CP are similar to those of the second image forming apparatus 102 that reads the chart paper CP, the read image data of the chart paper CP with transmission level 1 is transmitted to the server device 200. On the other hand, if the reading characteristics of the first image forming apparatus 101 that generated the chart paper CP are different from those of the second image forming apparatus 102 that reads the chart paper CP, the read image data of the chart paper CP with transmission level 1 will not be transmitted to the server device 200.

[0172] When this process is performed, even if the first image forming apparatus 101 that generates the chart paper CP and the second image forming apparatus 102 that reads the chart paper CP are different, if these two image forming apparatuses 100 are related, for example, as a family of machines with similar device configurations, the read image data will be transmitted to the server device 200. Furthermore, in this processing example, for chart paper CP with a transmission level of 0, the read image data is transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102, which read the chart paper CP, to the server device 200, regardless of the degree of approximation.

[0173] Furthermore, in this processing example, for chart paper CP with transmission level 2, regardless of the degree of approximation, the read image data is not transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 that read the chart paper CP to the server device 200. Image data read from chart paper CP with transmission level 2 is transmitted to the server device 200 only if the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP matches the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, as indicated by the symbol 9G in Figure 9.

[0174] In this embodiment, information identifying the first image forming apparatus 101 that generated the chart paper CP is added to the chart paper CP as apparatus identification information (see Figure 8). In this embodiment, this device identification information also serves as transmission control information. In this embodiment, if the device identified by the device identification information matches the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200 regardless of the transmission level assigned to the chart paper P, including chart paper CP with transmission level 2. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is itself reading the chart paper P, so regardless of the transmission level assigned to the chart paper P, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0175] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if the device identified by the device identification information does not match the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, then, as described above, a determination is made as to whether or not to output read image data from the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, and the content of the output is determined based on the authorized device information, the information on the degree of similarity, and the information on the transmission level.

[0176] If the device identified by the device identification information does not match the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, the read image data of the chart paper CP with transmission level 2 will not be output to the server device 200, regardless of whether the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to the device identified by the authorized device information, and regardless of the degree of similarity. Furthermore, for image data read from chart paper CP with transmission level 1, if the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to the device identified by the authorized device information and the degree of similarity is 2, this read image data is output to the server device 200.

[0177] Furthermore, with respect to read image data of chart paper CP with transmission level 1, if the device identified by the authorized device information is the image forming apparatus 100 and the degree of similarity is 1, the read image data will not be output to the server device 200. Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 100 is identified as the device specified by the authorization device information for reading image data of chart paper CP with transmission level 0, this reading image data is output to the server device 200.

[0178] In the processing example shown in Figure 7, the decision of whether or not to transmit the read image data was made based on transmission control information that included either transmission denied or transmission permitted. In contrast, in the processing examples shown in Figures 8 and 9, the relationship between the first image forming apparatus 101 and the second image forming apparatus 102 is taken into consideration when determining whether or not to transmit the read image data. In the processing example shown in Figure 7, a situation occurs where the read image data is not transmitted despite the similar configurations of the first image forming apparatus 101 and the second image forming apparatus 102. In contrast, in the processing example shown in Figures 8 and 9, if the first image forming apparatus 101 and the second image forming apparatus 102 are, for example, related as family machines and are similar to each other, the read image data is transmitted to the server device 200.

[0179] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, in addition to transmission control information, device identification information is also attached to the chart paper CP. More specifically, in this embodiment, device identification information, which is an example of device identification information, is added to the chart paper CP to identify the image forming apparatus 100 that formed the chart image on the chart paper CP.

[0180] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP acquires, as information attached to the chart paper CP, device identification information that identifies the image forming apparatus 100 that formed the chart image. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP performs control regarding the output of the read result of the chart paper CP based on the self-device information, which is information about the self-device, and this device identification information.

[0181] Specifically, when the device identified by the self-device information and the device identified by the device identification information match in the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the read result of the chart paper CP to be output. In this case, as described above, it means that the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is reading the chart paper P by itself. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 9X in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP causes the read result of the chart paper CP to be output regardless of the transmission level for any chart paper CP.

[0182] On the other hand, when the device identified by the self-device information and the device identified by the device identification information do not match in the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP, the read result is output when other predetermined conditions are satisfied, and the read result is not output when these other predetermined conditions are not satisfied.

[0183] Specifically, in this case, the image forming apparatus 100 that reads the chart paper CP acquires the permission device information, information about the degree of approximation, and information about the transmission level as described above. Then, this image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the device identified by the self-device information corresponds to the device identified by the permission device information. When the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the apparatus specified by its own apparatus information corresponds to the apparatus specified by the permitted apparatus information, it controls the output of the reading result based on the information about the approximation degree and the information about the transmission level.

[0184] Specifically, in this case, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 determines that its own apparatus corresponds to either A or B, which are the above-described transmission-compatible models, the approximation degree is 2. Therefore, for example, for the chart paper CP with transmission level 0 or transmission level 1 attached, the output of the reading result is performed. On the other hand, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 determines that its own apparatus corresponds to C, which is the above-described transmission-compatible model, the approximation degree is 1. Therefore, for example, only for the chart paper CP with transmission level 0 attached, the output of the reading result is performed.

[0185] In this embodiment, even if the approximation degree of the image forming apparatus 100 that has read the chart paper CP is 2, when the type specified by the type information is a specific type, the output of the reading result is not performed. Specifically, for the chart paper CP with transmission level 2 attached, even if the approximation degree of the image forming apparatus 100 that has read the chart paper CP is 2, the output of the reading result is not performed. For the chart paper CP with transmission level 2 attached, the output of the reading result is performed only when the image forming apparatus 100 that has generated this chart paper CP and the image forming apparatus 100 that has read this chart paper CP match.

[0186] 〔Processing at the time of reading the chart paper CP in the second image forming apparatus 102〕 FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the details of the processing at the time of reading the chart paper CP in the second image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, in addition to the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101, the second image forming apparatus 102 also reads the paper P generated by the second image forming apparatus 102 itself as necessary.

[0187] Specifically, in this embodiment, first, as described above and indicated by reference numeral 10A, the second image forming apparatus 102 reads the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101. After reading the chart paper CP, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is a different apparatus from the second image forming apparatus 102. In other words, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is its own apparatus.

[0188] Then, if the second image forming apparatus 102 determines that the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is a different apparatus from the second image forming apparatus 102, it will generate the paper P on which the image has been formed. Specifically, in this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 generates its own paper PJ, which is paper P used for the diagnosis of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0189] This paper PJ for the device has a blank area 91, a colored image (hereinafter referred to as the "colored image area 92"), and a code image KG formed on one side, while the other side has no image formed on it and is blank. Subsequently, the second image reading device 130 displays information instructing the reading of this device's paper PJ on the operation reception unit 132 of the second image forming apparatus 102, as indicated by reference numeral 10B.

[0190] Subsequently, the user sets the paper PJ for the second image forming apparatus 102 into the image reading device 130, and the second image forming apparatus 102 reads the paper PJ for the second image forming apparatus 102. In the second image forming apparatus 102, images are read not only from one side of the PJ paper for the apparatus, but also from the other side. In other words, the second image forming apparatus 102 reads images from both sides of the PJ paper for the apparatus. Furthermore, if the image reading device 130 is located inside the second image forming apparatus 102, the images on both sides of the paper PJ for the apparatus are read automatically.

[0191] Next, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits to the server device 200, as indicated by reference numeral 10E, the read image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP and the read image data obtained by reading the self-operated paper PJ. The second image forming apparatus 102 transmits to the server device 200 the read image data obtained by reading the paper PJ for its own apparatus, including the read image data for one side of the paper PJ and the read image data for the other side of the paper PJ for its own apparatus.

[0192] In addition, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits its device identification information to the server device 200, separately from the read image data. In this case, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits this apparatus identification information to the server device 200, for example, as text data.

[0193] In this specification, the image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP may be referred to as "chart image data CD." Furthermore, in this specification, the image data read from one side of the paper PJ for the device may be referred to as "image forming surface data GD," and the image data read from the other side of the paper PJ for the device may be referred to as "blank surface data HD."

[0194] The server device 200 analyzes the image forming surface data GD transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 and determines whether the apparatus identification information stored in the code image KG included in this image forming surface data GD matches the apparatus identification information included in the text data transmitted separately from the read image data. In this example, a match is found, and in this case, the server device 200 recognizes that the read image data transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 includes read image data obtained by reading the paper PJ for its own device.

[0195] Next, the server device 200 analyzes the chart image data CD, image forming surface data GD, and blank surface data HD to diagnose the first image forming apparatus 101 and the second image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, as shown by reference numeral 10F in Figure 10, the diagnostic results are displayed on the display unit 300, which is referenced by the maintenance operator.

[0196] If the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the first image forming apparatus 101, it will display information about the malfunction of the first image forming apparatus 101 on the display unit 300, which is referenced by the maintenance personnel. In other words, in this case, the server device 200 generates a display screen showing information about a malfunction of the first image forming apparatus 101, and outputs information about this display screen to the display unit 300, which is referenced by the maintenance personnel, so that this display screen is displayed.

[0197] Furthermore, if the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the second image forming apparatus 102, it will display information about the malfunction in the second image forming apparatus 102 on the display unit 300, which is referenced by the maintenance personnel. Specifically, in this case as well, the server device 200 generates a display screen showing information about the malfunction of the second image forming apparatus 102, and outputs information about this display screen to the display unit 300, which is referenced by the maintenance personnel, so that this display screen is displayed.

[0198] Here, for example, if there are streaks in the chart image data CD, and also in the image forming surface data GD and blank surface data HD, and these streaks are in the same location, then there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the server device 200 generates a display screen including information indicating that there is a problem with the image reading device 130 of the second image forming device 102.

[0199] In addition, for example, when there are no streaks in the chart image data CD and the blank paper surface data HD but there are streaks in the image forming surface data GD, the server device 200 generates a display screen including information indicating that there is a problem with the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming device 102. Also, for example, when there are streaks in the chart image data CD but no streaks in the image forming surface data GD and the blank paper surface data HD, the server device 200 generates a display screen including information indicating that there is a problem with the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming device 101. Also, for example, when there are no streaks in any of the chart image data CD, the image forming surface data GD, and the blank paper surface data HD, the server device 200 generates a display screen including information indicating that there are no problems with either the first image forming device 101 or the second image forming device 102.

[0200] 〔Display screen displayed on the display unit 300〕 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the above display screen generated by the server device 200. In the present embodiment, this display screen is transmitted from the server device 200 to the display unit 300 for the maintenance staff to refer to and is displayed on this display unit 300. More specifically, the display screen is transmitted from the server device 200 to the terminal device operated by the maintenance staff and is displayed on the display unit 300 provided in this terminal device. As in the present embodiment, when the first image forming device 101 to be diagnosed and the second image forming device 102 that reads the chart paper CP are different, there is a possibility that the maintenance person who performs the maintenance of the first image forming device 101 may perform the maintenance of the second image forming device 102, which is different from the first image forming device 101 that should originally be maintained.

[0201] The chart image data CD, which is the image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP, may be affected by a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102, which performed the reading of the chart paper CP. In this case, maintenance personnel may mistakenly believe that this malfunction occurred in the first image forming apparatus 101, which generated the chart paper CP. In response to this, the following process is performed to suppress the occurrence of this malfunction, such as misidentification.

[0202] In this embodiment, when the server device 200 detects a malfunction, it generates a display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, and displays this display screen on the display unit 300 that is referenced by the maintenance personnel. In this display screen, indicated by the symbol 11A in Figure 11, the chart image data CD showing the defect is displayed at the location indicated by the symbol 11Y. Furthermore, on this display screen, the diagnostic results regarding the malfunction of the first image forming apparatus 101 that is being diagnosed are displayed in the area indicated by reference numeral 11C. Furthermore, this display screen includes information that identifies the first image forming apparatus 101, which is an example of an image forming apparatus that was the subject of the diagnosis, in the area indicated by reference numeral 11S.

[0203] In this processing example, as will be described later, a malfunction also occurs in the second image forming apparatus 102. However, this display screen, which shows information about the malfunction of the first image forming apparatus 101, does not display any information that identifies the second image forming apparatus 102. In other words, in this example, the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A, which shows information about a malfunction of the first image forming apparatus 101, does not contain any information that identifies the second image forming apparatus 102. This makes it less likely for a maintenance worker to mistakenly identify the second image forming apparatus 102 as the object to be maintained.

[0204] In this display screen, indicated by reference numeral 11A, a selection section 81 is displayed for displaying further information about each of the malfunctions of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, when a maintenance worker selects the selection unit 81, further information such as countermeasures for each of the malfunctions is displayed. Furthermore, the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A shows information indicating that the device that generated the chart paper CP and the device that read the chart paper CP are different, as indicated by reference numeral 11E. In this embodiment, this display serves to alert maintenance personnel that there is a possibility of misidentification of the device to be maintained.

[0205] The server device 200 identifies the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP by analyzing the code image KG contained in the chart image data CD. Furthermore, the server device 200 identifies the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP by analyzing the apparatus identification information transmitted as text information and the code image KG included in the image forming surface data GD.

[0206] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP and the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP are different, the server device 200 will include information on the display screen indicating that the apparatus that generated the chart paper CP and the apparatus that read the chart paper CP are different, as described above. In this example, the server device 200 acquires information about other devices, which is information about another image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP, different from the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP. Specifically, in this example, the server device 200 will acquire information that identifies the second image forming apparatus 102 as other device information.

[0207] In this example, the first image forming apparatus 101 generates chart paper CP, the second image forming apparatus 102 reads this chart paper CP, and the server device 200 acquires information identifying the second image forming apparatus 102 as other device information. In this case, the server device 200 will include information on the display screen indicating that the device that generated the chart paper CP and the device that read the chart paper CP are different, as described above.

[0208] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 that generated the chart paper CP is the first image forming apparatus 101, and the image forming apparatus 100 that read the chart paper CP is the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the display screen will include information indicating that the device that generated the chart paper CP and the device that read the chart paper CP are different. In this processing example, the information indicating this difference substantially includes information about the second image forming apparatus 102, and in this embodiment, the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A includes information about the second image forming apparatus 102 as an example of other device information.

[0209] On this display screen, indicated by reference numeral 11A, information regarding malfunctions occurring in the first image forming apparatus 101 is displayed, as indicated by reference numerals 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D, including information about unevenness caused by the photoreceptor and scratches on the transfer belt. Furthermore, as indicated by symbols 72A, 72B, and 72C, this display screen shows information indicating that although there is a malfunction, it is not a malfunction caused by the first image forming apparatus 101. Specifically, the vertical lines indicated by reference numeral 72A are a malfunction caused by the second image forming apparatus 102, and the information displayed indicates that these vertical lines are not a malfunction caused by the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0210] In this example, when a maintenance worker selects the selection unit 86 indicated by reference numeral 11X, image 11B is added to the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A. In this example, image 11B, presented as an example of an additional image, displays information about the second image forming apparatus 102 for the first time. In other words, image 11B contains information that identifies the second image forming apparatus 102, and the display of image 11B is the first time that information identifying the second image forming apparatus 102 is shown.

[0211] Image 11B contains information indicating that the cause of the malfunction lies in the second image forming apparatus 102. In other words, Image 11B contains information that specifically identifies the second image forming apparatus 102, which is the device that caused the malfunction. Furthermore, image 11B includes the diagnostic results for the second image forming apparatus 102. Also, image 11B does not contain any information that identifies the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0212] In this explanation, we have described the case in which image 11B is additionally displayed. However, the display screen shown in reference numeral 11A may be replaced with another display screen, and this other display screen may include information identifying the second image forming apparatus 102 or the results of a diagnosis regarding the second image forming apparatus 102. In other words, the display screen may be switched so that a different display screen from the one shown in reference numeral 11A is displayed, and this other display screen may include information that identifies the second image forming apparatus 102 or the results of a diagnosis regarding the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0213] Image 11B displays information about the problem and how to resolve it. In this embodiment, the main display screen, indicated by reference numeral 11A, which is displayed first, does not display any information for identifying the second image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, when the user performs a predetermined specific operation, such as selecting a part of the main display screen, information for identifying the second image forming apparatus 102 and detailed information about malfunctions caused by the second image forming apparatus 102 are displayed.

[0214] In this embodiment, when a maintenance worker selects a part of the display screen, information that specifically identifies the second image forming apparatus 102 and details of a malfunction caused by the second image forming apparatus 102 are displayed. In this embodiment, unless the user performs a specific operation, information that specifically identifies the second image forming apparatus 102, and details of malfunctions caused by the second image forming apparatus 102, are not displayed. As a result, in this embodiment, it is less likely that a maintenance worker will mistakenly perform maintenance on the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0215] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, when a maintenance worker performs a specific operation, such as selecting a part of the display screen, information about the second image forming apparatus 102 is displayed, which allows the maintenance worker to also address any malfunctions of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, in order to display information about the second image forming apparatus 102 on the display screen, not only the read image data but also apparatus identification information for identifying the second image forming apparatus 102 is transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 to the server device 200.

[0216] Furthermore, in the display screen shown by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, the location of the defect was indicated by displaying an image corresponding to the defect on the chart image data CD, as shown by reference numerals 71A, 71B, and 72A. By the way, this is not the only option; as shown in Figure 12 (a diagram showing another example of the display screen), the location information indicating the location of the defect may be displayed numerically to indicate the location of the defect caused by the first image forming apparatus 101 or the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0217] [Explanation of paper projectors for this device] Figures 13(A) and (B) show the paper PJ for use in the second image forming apparatus 102. As shown in Figure 13(A), one side of the self-use paper PJ has the code image KG, a blank area 91, and a colored image area 92 formed on it, as described above. As described above, the code image KG contains apparatus identification information for identifying the second image forming apparatus 102. In this embodiment, as described above, the server device 200 compares the device identification information contained in the code image KG with the device identification information transmitted separately from the read image data from the second image forming apparatus 102. This allows the server device 200 to detect the paper PJ for its own device.

[0218] The blank area 91 on one side of the paper PJ for the device is used to detect malfunctions in the image reading device 130 provided in the second image forming apparatus 102 and color streaks caused by the image forming unit 100A provided in the second image forming apparatus 102. The colored image section 92 on one side of the paper PJ for the device is used to detect white streaks caused by malfunctions in the image reading device 130 and the image forming section 100A provided in the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0219] On the other hand, the other side of the paper PJ for the device is not affected by the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102, and as shown in Figure 13(B), this other side is a blank area 95. The other side of the paper PJ for the device passes through the image forming section 100A (see Figure 3) of the second image forming apparatus 102 while facing away from the side where the image forming section 100A is installed. Therefore, toner or ink used by the image forming section 100A to form images does not adhere to this other side.

[0220] Here, one side of the paper PJ for the device passes through the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102, facing it. Therefore, if there are streaks in the blank area 91 of the image forming surface data GD, which is the read image data obtained by reading one of these sides, the cause of these streaks lies in either the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 or the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0221] On the other hand, as described above, the other side of the paper PJ for the device does not pass through the image forming unit 100A in a manner that is opposite to the image forming unit 100A. Therefore, no color streaks caused by the image forming unit 100A occur on the other side of the paper PJ for the device. If streaks appear in the blank page data HD, which is the scanned image data obtained by reading the other side of the paper PJ for the device, the cause of these streaks lies in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0222] [Explanation of the processing flow] Although some of the above explanation will be repeated, I will explain the processing flow again. In this embodiment, first, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first image forming apparatus 101 generates a chart paper CP with a code image KG attached. The code image KG includes device identification information for identifying the first image forming apparatus 101 and a security code used to determine whether transmission is permitted. The code image KG also includes transmission control information used to control the transmission of the read image data. Next, the user sets the chart paper CP into the second image forming apparatus 102, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, and reads the chart paper CP. As a result, the second image forming apparatus 102 obtains chart image data CD, which is the image data of the chart paper CP.

[0223] Next, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the information contained in the code image KG included in the chart image data CD contains a pre-registered security code. Furthermore, the second image forming apparatus 102 acquires apparatus identification information from the code image KG. Based on this acquired apparatus identification information, the second image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the chart paper CP was generated by its own apparatus.

[0224] If the second image forming apparatus 102 determines that the chart paper CP was not generated by its own apparatus, it generates its own paper PJ as shown in Figure 10. On one side of this paper PJ for the device, a blank area 91, a colored image area 92, and a code image KG are formed, as described above. Next, the second image forming apparatus 102 outputs information instructing it to read the paper PJ for its own apparatus, as shown by reference numeral 10B in Figure 10. As a result, the user sets the paper PJ for its own apparatus into the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102, and the paper PJ for its own apparatus is read.

[0225] In this process, the second image forming apparatus 102 reads both sides of the paper PJ used by the apparatus. Specifically, the second image forming apparatus 102 reads the image on one side of the self-formed paper PJ, then flips the self-formed paper PJ over, feeds it back to the image reading position, and reads the other side. This generates image-forming surface data (GD) and blank surface data (HD).

[0226] Next, the second image forming apparatus 102 (see Figure 10) transmits the chart image data CD, which is the image data of the chart paper CP, the image forming surface data GD, and the blank surface data HD, which are the image data of the paper PJ used by the apparatus, to the server device 200. Furthermore, as described above, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits its apparatus identification information to the server device 200 separately from the read image data. In this embodiment, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits this apparatus identification information to the server device 200 as text data.

[0227] Next, in this processing example, the server device 200 (see Figure 10) determines whether the device identification information obtained from the code image KG contained in each of the read image data transmitted from the second image forming apparatus 102 matches the device identification information contained in the text data mentioned above. If the server device 200 determines that there is a match, it will make a judgment about the malfunction not only based on the chart image data CD, which is the image data read from the chart paper CP, but also based on the image data GD and blank page data HD, which are the image data read from the paper PJ used by the device.

[0228] In this embodiment, chart paper CP generated by another image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as "third image forming apparatus 100"), which is different from the first image forming apparatus 101 and the second image forming apparatus 102, may also be read by the second image forming apparatus 102 together with the chart paper CP generated by the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the image data of the chart paper CP generated by the third image forming apparatus 100 is also transmitted to the server device 200, and in this case, it becomes impossible to identify the paper PJ for the second image forming apparatus 102 that was generated for its own apparatus.

[0229] Therefore, in this processing example, as described above, the second image forming apparatus 102 transmits apparatus identification information to the server apparatus 200 separately from the image data read from the paper PJ for its own apparatus. In this case, the server device 200 identifies the chart paper CP, which has device identification information transmitted separately from the read image data of the paper PJ for its own device and stored in the code image KG, as the paper PJ for its own device. Thus, in this embodiment, the server device 200 identifies the paper PJ for its own device.

[0230] If the server device 200 also receives image forming surface data GD and blank surface data HD from the second image forming apparatus 102, it will determine whether there are any malfunctions not only in the first image forming apparatus 101 but also in the second image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, if the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the second image forming apparatus 102, it will also display information about the malfunction in the second image forming apparatus 102 on the display screen referenced by the maintenance personnel, as well as on the additionally displayed image 11B described above.

[0231] [Specific examples of how to determine a defect] This section describes a specific example of how the server device 200 determines malfunctions. For example, if the server device 200 finds that there is a problem with the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102, it will determine that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 if there are lines in the same position in the chart image data CD, the image forming surface data GD, and the blank surface data HD. Furthermore, if the server device 200 finds no lines in the chart image data CD and blank page data HD, but there are lines in the blank area 91 of the image forming surface data GD, it will determine that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. It is also possible that there is a malfunction in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, no lines will appear in the chart image data CD, but lines will appear in the image forming surface data GD. In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0232] Figure 14 shows specific examples of chart image data CD, image forming surface data GD, and blank surface data HD. Figure 14 shows a specific example where the chart image data CD consists of two parts: front-side chart image data CD1 and back-side chart image data CD2.

[0233] More specifically, Figure 14 shows a concrete example in which, when generating chart paper CP in the first image forming apparatus 101, images are formed on one side and the other side of the paper P that will become the chart paper CP. More specifically, Figure 14 shows a concrete example in which, when generating chart paper CP in the first image forming apparatus 101, the main image for diagnosis is formed on one side of the paper P that will become the chart paper CP, and then the paper P is flipped so that only the code image KG is formed on the other side.

[0234] Note that the chart image data CD2 for the reverse side is not mandatory, and only the chart image data CD1 for the front side may be generated as the chart image data CD. When the reverse side chart image data CD2 is also generated and used, the amount of data available for judgment increases compared to using only the front side chart image data CD1, improving the accuracy of the judgment regarding defects.

[0235] In the example shown in Figure 14, there are two lines in both the front-side chart image data CD1 and the back-side chart image data CD2. Of these two lines, the left-hand colored line SJ1 is present only in the chart image data CD, and is not present in the image forming surface data GD or the blank paper surface data HD. In this case, the server device 200 determines that the color streak SJ1 on the left side is caused by the image forming section 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0236] Furthermore, of the two lines present in the front-side chart image data CD1 and the back-side chart image data CD2, the rightmost colored line SJ2 is also present in the image forming surface data GD and the blank paper surface data HD. In this case, the server device 200 determines that the color streak SJ2 is caused by the image reading device 130 provided in the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0237] In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. If streaks appear due to the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102, the streaks will also appear in the blank paper data HD, and in this case, the server device 200 will determine that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 provided in the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0238] Subsequently, the server device 200 generates the display screen shown in Figure 11 based on the results of these decisions. In this embodiment, the server device 200 acquires diagnostic results for the second image forming apparatus 102 in addition to the diagnostic results for the first image forming apparatus 101. In this embodiment, the image formed by the second image forming apparatus 102 on a different sheet of paper P than the chart paper CP is read by the second image forming apparatus 102. In other words, in this embodiment, the self-use paper PJ, which is generated by forming the above-mentioned colored image section 92 etc. on a paper P different from the chart paper CP, is read by the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0239] In this embodiment, based on the reading results obtained by the second image forming apparatus 102, the server device 200 and a maintenance worker who refers to the read image data stored in the server device 200 perform a diagnosis of the second image forming apparatus 102. The server device 200 then acquires the results of this diagnosis. In this embodiment, the server device 200 generates the display screen shown in Figure 11 based on the diagnostic results for the first image forming apparatus 101 and the diagnostic results for the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0240] Figure 15 shows other specific examples of chart image data CD, image forming surface data GD, and blank surface data HD. In this specific case, as indicated by symbols 15A, 15B, and 15C, three types of tendons are generated. Of these three types of streaks, the streaks indicated by symbol 15A are present in the front-side chart image data CD1, the back-side chart image data CD2, the image forming surface data GD, and the blank surface data HD. Therefore, the server device 200 determines that these streaks are caused by the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 provided in the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0241] Furthermore, since the streak indicated by symbol 15B is present only in the front-side chart image data CD1 and the back-side chart image data CD2, the server device 200 determines that this streak is caused by the image forming section 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0242] Furthermore, the lines indicated by symbol 15C are lines that exist only in the image forming plane data GD. In this case, the server device 200 determines that the line is caused by the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. Subsequently, the server device 200 generates the display screen shown in Figure 11 based on the results of these decisions.

[0243] Figure 16 shows the relationship between the muscles involved and their causes. In this embodiment, as shown in Case A, if color streaks occur and these streaks occur in the chart image data CD, the image forming surface data GD, and the blank surface data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a different display screen than the one shown by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0244] The line indicated by the symbol SJ2 in Figure 14 is a line that matches the conditions shown in Case A, and when the line indicated by the symbol SJ2 in Figure 14 occurs, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. Furthermore, the line indicated by reference numeral 15A in Figure 15 also matches the conditions of Case A, and if the line indicated by reference numeral 15A in Figure 15 occurs, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0245] Furthermore, as shown in Case B of Figure 16, if color streaks occur and these streaks appear in the chart image data CD and the image forming surface data GD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming section 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11 will show information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0246] Furthermore, as shown in Case C, if color streaks occur and these streaks appear in the chart image data CD or the blank page data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0247] Furthermore, as shown in Case D, if color streaks occur and these streaks occur only in the chart image data CD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101 will be displayed on the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11.

[0248] In Case D, the diagnostic results for the first image forming apparatus 101 include information indicating a malfunction, while the diagnostic results for the second image forming apparatus 102 do not include information indicating a malfunction. In this case, it is determined that there is a malfunction in the image forming section 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, as described above, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101 is displayed on the display screen shown by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11.

[0249] Here, the line indicated by the symbol SJ1 in Figure 14 is a line that matches the conditions shown in Case D, and when the line indicated by the symbol SJ1 in Figure 14 occurs, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. Furthermore, the line indicated by reference numeral 15B in Figure 15 is also a line that matches the conditions shown in Case D, and if the line indicated by reference numeral 15B in Figure 15 occurs, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101.

[0250] Furthermore, as shown in Case E, if color streaks occur, and these streaks do not appear in the chart image data CD, but appear in the image forming surface data GD and the blank surface data HD, the server device 200 will determine that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0251] In Case E, the diagnostic results for the first image forming apparatus 101 do not include information indicating a malfunction, while the diagnostic results for the second image forming apparatus 102 do include information indicating a malfunction. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0252] To explain further, in Case E, the diagnostic results for one of the image-forming surfaces (see Figure 13(A)) of the self-use paper PJ, which is an example of the surface on which the colored image section 92 and the code image KG are formed, include information indicating that a malfunction has occurred. Furthermore, in Case E, the diagnostic results for the other surface (see Figure 13(B)), which is an example of a blank surface located on the opposite side of the image-forming surface, also contain information indicating that a problem has occurred. Furthermore, in this case E, the location of the defect on one surface coincides with the location of the defect on the other surface. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0253] Furthermore, as shown in Case F, if color streaks occur and these streaks occur only in the image forming surface data GD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. More specifically, in Case F, the diagnostic results for one of the above-mentioned surfaces, which is an example of an image-forming surface, include information indicating a problem, while the diagnostic results for the other above-mentioned surface, which is an example of a blank surface, do not include information indicating a problem. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0254] Here, the line indicated by reference numeral 15C in Figure 15 is a line that matches the conditions shown in Case F, and when the line indicated by reference numeral 15C in Figure 15 occurs, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0255] Furthermore, as shown in Case G, if color streaks occur and these streaks occur only in the blank page data HD, the server device 200 will determine that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0256] Furthermore, as shown in Case H, if no color streaks occur in any of the scanned image data, the server device 200 determines that there are no malfunctions in any of the devices. In this case, information indicating that no malfunction has occurred will be displayed on the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11.

[0257] Furthermore, as shown in Case I, if white streaks occur and these white streaks appear in the chart image data CD, image forming surface data GD, and blank paper data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0258] Furthermore, as shown in Case J, if white streaks occur and these white streaks appear in the chart image data CD and the image forming surface data GD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming section 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11 will show information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In addition, in this case, a different display screen from the one indicated by reference numeral 11A, or an additional image 11B, will show information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102.

[0259] Furthermore, as shown in Case K, if white streaks occur and these white streaks appear in the chart image data CD and the blank page data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0260] Furthermore, as shown in Case L, if white streaks occur and these white streaks occur only in the chart image data CD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming unit 100A of the first image forming apparatus 101 will be displayed on the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11.

[0261] Furthermore, as shown in Case M, if white streaks occur, and these white streaks are not present in the chart image data CD but are present in the image forming surface data GD and the blank paper surface data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0262] Furthermore, as shown in Case N, if white streaks occur and these white streaks occur only in the image forming surface data GD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image forming unit 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image forming section 100A of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0263] Furthermore, as shown in Case O, if white streaks occur and these white streaks occur only in the blank paper data HD, the server device 200 determines that there is a malfunction in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102. In this case, information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the image reading device 130 of the second image forming apparatus 102 will be displayed on a display screen different from the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11, or on an additionally displayed image 11B.

[0264] Furthermore, as shown in Case P, if no white streaks appear on any of the sheets of paper P, the server device 200 determines that there are no malfunctions in any of the devices. In this case, information indicating that no malfunction has occurred will be displayed on the display screen indicated by reference numeral 11A in Figure 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0265] 1...Information processing system, 11a...CPU, 100...Image forming apparatus, 100A...Image forming unit, 130...Image reading device, 200...Server device, KG...Code image

Claims

1. This is an image forming apparatus that forms images on a recording medium. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, An image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium, An adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on the reading result obtained by the image reading means reading the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, A processor that causes the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed to be output to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus, Equipped with, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, in the reading results, the image used for diagnosis is also the image used for adjustment.

2. The aforementioned processor, A portion of the reading results is output to the external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, Of the aforementioned reading results, the reading results used for diagnosis by the image forming apparatus are output to the external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The processor is When the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed, the recording medium on which the image forming means forms an image containing information indicating that the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium is to be output to the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned processor, If the user has given permission, the reading result will be output to the external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium, An image reading means for reading an image formed on a recording medium, An adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on the reading result obtained by the image reading means reading the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, A processor that causes the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed to be output to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus, Equipped with, The image forming means forms a first image on a recording medium, which is used for the adjustment by the adjustment means and is used for the diagnosis, and a second image which is not used for the adjustment but is used for the diagnosis, when the adjustment is performed by the adjustment means. The aforementioned processor, The reading results of the first image and the second image are output to the external device. Image forming apparatus.

7. The image forming means forms a third image on a recording medium, which is an image used for the adjustment and not used for the diagnosis, when the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed. The aforementioned processor, The reading results of the third image are not output to the external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A computer device for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium; an image reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium; and an adjustment means for adjusting the image forming means based on a reading result obtained when the image reading means reads the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, The adjustment means provides a function to output the reading result of the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means when the adjustment is performed to an external device used for diagnosing the image forming apparatus. A program characterized in that, in the reading results, the image used for diagnosis is also the image used for adjustment.

Images