Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and control method for information processing apparatus

Abstract

To suppress lowering of prediction accuracy of a prediction part for predicting a life of a device mounted on an apparatus, and thereby suppress the occurrence of wasteful cost.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus that has a body part for controlling operation of the whole apparatus and an operation part including a display part, and can be switched between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode includes: a device that is mounted on at least one of the body part and the operation part, in which change information indicating the change of the operation state of the information processing apparatus is written in at least mutual switching of the normal mode and the save-energy mode, and the number of times of writing is limited; a count part that counts the number of times of writing of the change information in the device; a predication part that predicts the life of the device, on the basis of a count value counted by the count part; and a self-diagnosis part that diagnoses the validity of the count value used in the prediction of the prediction part, when an increase rate of the count value exceeds a predetermined increase rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a control method for an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image processing apparatus that detects whether the configuration of devices mounted on a control board has been changed when the power is turned on, and performs self-diagnosis of each device mounted on the control board when a change is detected. In this type of image processing apparatus, when there is no change in the device configuration, self-diagnosis is omitted, so the startup time is shortened (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, there is known an information processing apparatus that counts the number of writes to built-in devices for each factor, and displays a message prompting replacement of the device when the total count value exceeds a threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a message prompting replacement of a device is displayed, the user requests repair at a service center or the like. The service center that receives the repair request sends a service technician to perform the repair. For example, if the count value is more than the actual number of writes to the device for some reason, the device may not have reached the end of its life. However, if a device that has not reached the end of its life or a board on which the device is mounted is replaced based on the display of a message prompting replacement of the device, unnecessary costs will occur.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary costs by suppressing a decrease in the prediction accuracy of a prediction unit that predicts the life of a device mounted on an apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an information processing device in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main unit that controls the operation of the entire device, and an operation unit including a display unit, and is switchable between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, and is characterized by comprising: a device mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, on which change information indicating a change in the operating state of the information processing device is written at least when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and which has a limited number of write cycles; a counting unit that counts the number of times the change information is written to the device; a prediction unit that predicts the lifespan of the device based on the count value counted by the counting unit; and a self-diagnosis unit that diagnoses the validity of the count value used for prediction by the prediction unit when the rate of increase of the count value exceeds a predetermined rate of increase. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By suppressing the decrease in prediction accuracy of the prediction unit that predicts the lifespan of devices mounted on the equipment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a state transition diagram showing an example of the transitions in the operating modes of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of various counts stored in the memory unit. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the lifespan prediction process for a TPM device by the determination unit. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the continuation of Figure 6. [Figure 8]Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the lifespan prediction process for an NFC device by the determination unit. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows a continuation of Figure 8. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a judgment process that determines whether there are any abnormalities in the number of energy-saving transitions and standby transitions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. An example of the present invention being applied to an image forming apparatus will be described below. However, the present invention is applicable to electronic devices such as information processing equipment in which a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) device and an NFC (Near Field Communication) device are mounted on a control board. The TPM device and the NFC device may be mounted on different control boards, or on a single control board. The present invention has a particularly significant effect when applied to information processing equipment that requires repair and maintenance by a service technician in the event of a failure.

[0010] <Example of overall configuration of an image forming apparatus> Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral / printer / product (MFP) that includes copy, fax, print, and scanner functions. The image forming apparatus 100 is an example of an information processing device. The image forming apparatus 100 may have a function to save input images or a function to distribute input images. For example, the input image may be a document read by the scanner function or an image input by the fax function.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100 can communicate with external devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) and can operate in response to instructions received from the external device. In this embodiment, the images processed by the image forming apparatus 100 may include not only image data containing images, but also text data that does not contain images.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an electrostatic latent image by selectively exposing the surface of a charged photoreceptor to light, attaches toner to the formed electrostatic latent image, transfers the attached toner to a recording medium such as paper, and fixes it.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 77, a start switch 20, a control board 51, a reading unit 40, an engine control unit 79, a printer unit 6, paper feed cassettes 7A and 7B, a transport unit 8, and a power supply unit 1. The control board 51, engine control unit 79, printer unit 6, paper feed cassettes 7A and 7B, and transport unit 8 are located inside the image forming apparatus 100, but Figure 1 shows a transparent view of the inside.

[0014] The operation unit 77 accepts various inputs in response to user operations and displays various information on a display unit (not shown). For example, the information displayed on the operation unit 77 may include information indicating the operation that was accepted, information indicating the operating status of the image forming apparatus 100, or information indicating the settings status of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0015] For example, the operation unit 77 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) with touch panel functionality. Alternatively, the operation unit 77 may include an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display with touch panel functionality. Furthermore, in addition to the display device with touch panel functionality, the operation unit 77 may have at least one of the following: an operation unit such as hardware keys and a display unit such as a lamp.

[0016] The start switch 20 is a switch that activates the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100. When the start switch 20 is pressed while the image forming apparatus 100 is in the power-off state, the apparatus is activated. When the start switch 20 is pressed during activation, the apparatus turns off. Note that the on / off of the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the operation of the start switch 20 and may be performed based on a start instruction or an end instruction from an external device.

[0017] The control board 51 is equipped with a plurality of electronic components including a controller such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The control board 51 is an example of a main body portion that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the electronic components mounted on the control board 51 control drawing processing, communication processing, and inputs from the operation unit 77. For example, the electronic components mounted on the control board 51 control the image forming apparatus 100 and perform copy operations and the like based on operations received by the operation unit 77.

[0018] Also, the electronic components mounted on the control board 51 may control the image forming apparatus 100 based on instructions received from an external device such as a PC. Furthermore, the electronic components mounted on the control board 51 may cause the image forming apparatus 100 to execute a predetermined operation when the pressing of the start switch 20 is detected, or when an abnormality of the image forming apparatus 100 is detected.

[0019] Note that instead of a processor such as a CPU, a semiconductor chip such as a SoC (System on Chip) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) may be mounted on the control board 51. Also, the SoC or FPGA may include a plurality of components such as the CPU 53, NB 55, and SB 57 shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the SoC and the ASIC may be connected by a PCI-express (registered trademark) bus. Alternatively, a SoC or FPGA may be mounted on the control board 51 together with the CPU. By mounting the SoC or FPGA on the control board 51, the size of the control board 51 can be reduced.

[0020] The reading unit 40 has, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 41 and a scanner unit 42. The ADF 41 sequentially conveys the document placed on the ADF 41 to the scanner unit 42, and generates image data by optically reading the document. The scanner unit 42 generates image data by optically reading the document placed on the transparent document table.

[0021] The engine control unit 79 generates a control signal for controlling the printer unit 6 and the conveyance unit 8 based on the image data generated by the reading unit 40. For example, the engine control unit 79 may have a form of a circuit board on which a circuit for generating a control signal based on the image data is mounted.

[0022] The printer unit 6 functions as an image forming unit for forming an image. The printer unit 6 has a photosensitive drum 61, a charging unit 62, a writing unit 63, a developing unit 64, a conveyance belt 65, and a fixing unit 66. The charging unit 62 charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The writing unit 63 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 61 based on the image data read by the reading unit 40, and writes an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61. The developing unit 64 develops the latent image written on the photosensitive drum 61 with toner. The conveyance belt 65 conveys a recording medium for forming a toner image. The fixing unit 66 fixes the toner on the recording medium to the recording medium, and forms a toner image on the recording medium.

[0023] The paper feed cassettes 7A and 7B store recording media such as paper before a toner image is formed. For example, the paper feed cassettes 7A and 7B can store recording media with different sizes. In FIG. 1, an example in which two paper feed cassettes 7A and 7B are provided in the image forming apparatus 100 is shown, but the number of paper feed cassettes may be one or three or more.

[0024] The transport unit 8 has various rollers and transports the recording medium stored in the paper feed cassette 7A or paper feed cassette 7B to the printer unit 6. Arrow C in Figure 1 indicates the transport direction of the recording medium. The power supply unit 1 generates multiple types of DC voltages based on an AC power source such as a commercial power supply, and supplies the generated DC voltages to each component of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 becomes operational when the user operates the function switching keys on the control panel 77 to select the document box function, copy function, printer function, or facsimile function. The operating mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is document box mode when the document box function is selected, and copy mode when the copy function is selected. Similarly, the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 100 is printer mode when the printer function is selected, and facsimile mode when the facsimile function is selected.

[0026] The following describes an example of image formation operation when the image forming apparatus 100 is set to copy mode. In the following description, an example is given in which the printer unit 6 forms an image using a monochrome electrophotographic method; however, the image may also be formed using a color electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Furthermore, the image formation method is not limited to these.

[0027] In copy mode, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the image information of each original to be copied using the reading unit 40 and generates image data. The image forming apparatus 100 uniformly charges the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 using the charging unit 62 in the dark. Next, the image forming apparatus 100 exposes the photoreceptor drum 61 with light emitted from the writing unit 63, indicated by the dotted arrow A in Figure 1, to form an electrostatic latent image on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 61. Arrow B in Figure 1 indicates the rotation direction of the photoreceptor drum 61.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 100 operates the developing unit 64 to make the electrostatic latent image visible using toner. This forms a toner image on the photoreceptor drum 61. Next, the image forming apparatus 100 transfers the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 61 to the recording medium on the transport belt 65. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 heats and melts the toner forming the toner image on the recording medium using a heater or the like in the fixing unit 66, fixing the toner image to the recording medium. Finally, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the recording medium with the toner image fixed on it.

[0029] The operation unit 77 may be controlled by the control board 51, or by a control circuit separate from the control board 51. In that case, the control circuit of the control board 51 and the control circuit of the operation unit 77 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control board 51 then controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, including the operation unit 77.

[0030] <Example of hardware configuration for an image forming apparatus> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control board 51, a short-range communication circuit 75, an engine control unit 79, an operation unit 77, and a network interface 73. Note that the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0031] For example, the control board 51 includes the CPU 53, which is the main part of the computer, the memory unit MEM-P 69, the NB (Northbridge) 55, and the SB (Southbridge) 57. The control board 51 also includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 81, a MEC-C (Local Memory) 83, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 85, and an HD (Hard Disk) 87. The NB 55 and the ASIC 81 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 59.

[0032] The CPU 53 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 100, and controls, for example, drawing processing, communication processing, or input from the operation unit 77. The NB 55 connects the CPU 53 to the memory unit MEM-P69, the SB 57, and the AGP bus 59. For example, the NB 55 has a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the memory unit MEM-P69, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Hereafter, the memory unit MEM-P69 will also be simply referred to as the memory unit 69.

[0033] The memory unit 69 includes, for example, a ROM 69a and a RAM 69b. The ROM 69a stores programs and data that realize each function of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 69b stores programs and data extracted from the ROM 69a and stores drawing data for memory printing.

[0034] The program stored in RAM69b may also be transferred from a recording medium (not shown). The recording medium is a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD, etc., that is detachably mounted on an input / output interface (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100. The recording medium contains the program and data as files in an installable or executable format.

[0035] SB57 connects NB55 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC81 is equipped with image processing hardware and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 59, PCI bus 71, HDD controller 85, and memory unit MEM-C83. For example, ASIC81 has a PCI target, an AGP master, an arbiter which is the core of ASIC81, and a memory controller which controls the memory unit MEM-C83. ASIC81 also has multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation etc. using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the scanner unit 42 and the printer unit 6 via the PCI bus 71.

[0036] The ASIC81 may also be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) bus.

[0037] The memory unit MEM-C83 functions as local memory used as an image buffer and code buffer for copying. HD87 stores image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HDD controller 85 controls the reading or writing of data to HD87 under the control of the CPU 53. The AGP bus 59 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to speed up graphics processing. The AGP bus 59 enables high-speed operation of graphics accelerator cards by providing high-throughput direct access to the memory unit 69.

[0038] An antenna 75a is connected to the near-field communication circuit 75. The near-field communication circuit 75 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The near-field communication circuit 75 may be mounted on a board that is mounted on the operation unit 77. The network interface 73 communicates data using a communication network. The network interface 73 is an example of a communication interface that sends and receives information to and from the outside. The near-field communication circuit 75 and the network interface 73 are electrically connected to the ASIC 81 via the PCI bus 71. The engine control unit 79 includes a printer control unit 79a that controls the printer unit 6 in Figure 1 and a scanner control unit 79b that controls the scanner unit 42 in Figure 1. At least one of the printer control unit 79a and the scanner control unit 79b may include image processing functions such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0039] The operation unit 77 includes a panel display unit 77a using a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL device, etc., and an input panel 77b using hardware keys, etc. The panel display unit 77a has a display function that displays the current settings of the image forming apparatus 100, selection screens, and consumable replacement procedures as still images or videos. The selection screen displayed on the panel display unit 77a functions as a touch panel that accepts input from the user. The input panel 77b has a numeric keypad that accepts setting values ​​for image forming conditions such as density setting conditions, and a start key, etc. that accepts a copy start command. The operation unit 77 is connected to the ASIC 81, but may also be connected to the SB57.

[0040] <Example of functional configuration of an image forming apparatus that functions as a lifespan prediction device> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows an overview of the main functional parts mainly used for life prediction of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 53 mounted on the control board 51 controls the copy function, fax function, print function, scanner function, etc. of the image forming apparatus 100, and also functions as a life prediction device that predicts the life of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 also functions as an information processing device that processes image data information. Therefore, Figure 3 may be applied to an information processing device that has the function of a life prediction device that predicts the life of the device itself.

[0041] The control board 51 includes a CPU 53, network interface 73, and memory unit 69 as shown in Figure 2, as well as a TPM device 54 with various security functions. The operation unit 77 includes a CPU 771, an NFC device 772, a display 773, a keyboard 774, and a human presence sensor 775. The NFC device 772 is an example of the short-range communication circuit 75 shown in Figure 2, and is mounted on the operation unit 77 in Figure 3. The display 773 and keyboard 774 correspond to the panel display unit 77a and input panel 77b shown in Figure 2, respectively. The display 773 is an example of a display unit.

[0042] The TPM device 54 receives change information indicating a change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is started up, when it transitions from standby mode to energy-saving mode, and when it returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode. In addition, the TPM device 54 receives change information indicating a change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100 when the firmware is updated.

[0043] Change information is written to the NFC device 772 when the image forming apparatus 100 is started up, when it transitions from standby mode to energy-saving mode, when it returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode, and when communication is performed by the NFC device 772. The change information indicates a change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772 each have a limit (upper limit) on the number of write cycles.

[0044] The CPU 53 mounted on the control board 51 executes a control program to realize the functions of the counting unit 531, the determination unit 532, the warning alarm unit 533, the sleep transition timer 534, the human presence sensor setting unit 535, and the priority application setting unit 536. Note that each of the counting unit 531, the determination unit 532, the warning alarm unit 533, the sleep transition timer 534, the human presence sensor setting unit 535, and the priority application setting unit 536 may be implemented by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software. Various hardware-implemented functions may be located outside the CPU 53.

[0045] The counting unit 531 counts the number of times the image forming apparatus 100 is started, the number of times it transitions from standby mode to energy-saving mode, and the number of times it returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode. The counting unit 531 also counts the number of firmware updates and the number of times the NFC device 772 performs short-range wireless communication. The counting unit 531 stores the count values ​​obtained from the counting as various counts in the storage unit 69.

[0046] The determination unit 532 performs a prediction process to predict the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772 based on various counts stored in the memory unit 69. The determination unit 532 is an example of a prediction unit. If the determination unit 532 determines that the lifespan of the TPM device 54 is nearing its end, it outputs information to the warning issuing unit 533 indicating that a warning will be issued and information to prompt the replacement of the TPM device 54. If the determination unit 532 determines that the lifespan of the NFC device 772 is nearing its end, it outputs information to the warning issuing unit 533 indicating that a warning will be issued and information to prompt the replacement of the NFC device 772.

[0047] When the warning issuing unit 533 receives information from the determination unit 532 indicating that a warning should be issued, and information prompting the replacement of the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772, it issues the received information along with the warning to the operation unit 77.

[0048] The sleep transition timer 534 measures the time of inactivity in standby mode. If the duration of inactivity in standby mode exceeds the sleep transition time set in the sleep transition timer 534, the CPU 53 transitions the operating mode of the image forming apparatus 100 from standby mode to energy-saving mode. For example, the sleep transition time for transitioning from standby mode to energy-saving mode can be set by the user using the operation unit 77. Energy-saving mode consumes less power than standby mode and is also called sleep mode.

[0049] The motion sensor setting unit 535 sets the motion sensor 775 to either an enabled or disabled state. The enabled or disabled state of the motion sensor 775 can be set by the user operating the operation unit 77. The motion sensor setting unit 535 may also be implemented by the CPU 771 of the operation unit 77.

[0050] The priority application setting unit 536 prioritizes the application screen to be displayed on the display 773 after the image forming apparatus 100 is started up or when the ADF 41 is opened. In other words, the priority application setting unit 536 sets the initial screen displayed on the display 773 when the power is turned on or when the user operates the image forming apparatus 100. This improves the inconvenience of the user having to select a desired function from among the multiple functions installed in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0051] In the operation unit 77, the CPU 771 controls the operation of the NFC device 772, the display 773, the keyboard 774, and the human presence sensor 775, and sends and receives information to and from the control board 51. The display 773 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The keyboard 774 has multiple keys (software keys) for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions.

[0052] The motion sensor 775 operates when it is set to the enabled state by the motion sensor setting unit 535. When the motion sensor 775 detects a person approaching the operation unit 77, it notifies the CPU 771. The motion sensor 775 does not operate when it is set to the disabled state. Therefore, even if a person approaches the operation unit 77, the motion sensor 775 will not notify the CPU 771.

[0053] When the image forming apparatus 100 is in energy-saving mode, the CPU 771 receives a notification from the human presence sensor 775 and transitions the operation unit 77 from energy-saving mode to pre-recovery mode. When the CPU 771 receives a user operation to start the engine mechanisms of the printer unit 6 and transport unit 8, etc., while in pre-recovery mode, it transitions from pre-recovery mode to standby mode and notifies the CPU 53 of the transition from pre-recovery mode to standby mode. Based on the notification of the transition, the CPU 53 transitions the control board 51 from pre-recovery mode to standby mode.

[0054] Network IF73 is connected to an external server 300 and a remote management device 400 via a network 200 such as the Internet.

[0055] For example, the external server 300 acquires various information from an image forming apparatus 100 or the like connected to the network 200. The CPU 53 may send various counts for the TPM device 54 stored in the storage unit 69 to the external server 300 if the total value SUM1, as described in Figures 6 and 7, exceeds a first threshold. The CPU 53 may also send various counts for the NFC device 772 stored in the storage unit 69 to the external server 300 if the total value SUM2, as described in Figures 8 and 9, exceeds a second threshold.

[0056] The CPU 53 may periodically send (upload) various counts for the TPM device 54 and NFC device 772 stored in the memory unit 69 to the external server 300. This allows the external server 300, upon receiving these counts, to remotely determine the status of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the external server 300 may be located at a service center that performs maintenance on the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the external server 300 may be implemented via the cloud.

[0057] The remote management device 400 remotely manages the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 200, thereby understanding the status of the image forming apparatus 100 in real time. Based on the understood status, the remote management device 400 then performs repair work on the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the external server 300 and the remote management device 400 do not necessarily need to be connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0058] The CPU 53 may also acquire information from the TPM device 54 and NFC device 772 mounted on other information processing devices (for example, other image forming apparatuses) connected to the network 200 via the network IF 73. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to exchange information from the TPM device 54 and NFC device 772 with other information processing devices.

[0059] <Example of state transitions in an image forming apparatus> Figure 4 is a state transition diagram showing an example of the transition of operating modes of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. The transition of operating modes of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled, for example, by the CPU 53 shown in Figure 2. When the image forming apparatus 100 is started by turning on the power switch, it is set to standby mode. Standby mode is an example of a normal mode.

[0060] When the image forming apparatus 100 receives a copy or scan instruction from the user via the operation unit 77 while in standby mode, it transitions to active mode and performs a copy operation (i.e., a print operation) or a scan operation (Figure 4(a)). After the copy or scan operation is completed, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to standby mode (Figure 4(b)).

[0061] On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 100 remains idle for a predetermined period of time in standby mode, it transitions from standby mode to energy-saving mode (Figure 4(c)). The idle period required to transition from standby mode to energy-saving mode is set by the sleep transition timer 534.

[0062] For example, if the ADF 41 is opened while the image forming apparatus 100 is in energy-saving mode, it transitions to standby mode (Figure 4(d)). Also, if the human presence sensor 775, which is set to the enabled state, detects a person while the image forming apparatus 100 is in energy-saving mode, it transitions to pre-recovery mode (Figure 4(e)). If the image forming apparatus 100 receives a user operation to start the engine mechanism while in pre-recovery mode, it transitions to standby mode (Figure 4(f)).

[0063] In standby mode, the control board 51, engine control unit 79, and operation unit 77 are all set to the ON state, and the printer unit 6 and scanner unit 42 are set to standby state by the ON state of the engine control unit 79. In pre-recovery mode, the control board 51 and operation unit 77 are set to the ON state, and the engine control unit 79 is set to the OFF state. However, in pre-recovery mode, even if the operation unit 77 is set to the ON state, the panel display unit 77a (liquid crystal display unit) is set to the OFF state. In energy-saving mode, the control board 51, engine control unit 79, and operation unit 77 are all set to the OFF state.

[0064] <Examples of various counts stored in memory> Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of various counts stored in the memory unit 69 of Figure 3. It is preferable that these counts be stored in non-volatile memory to prevent loss when the power supply is cut off.

[0065] The memory unit 69 is allocated a memory area A1 for predicting the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and a memory area A2 for predicting the lifespan of the NFC device 772. Memory area A1 has areas for storing the number of startups BT1, the number of power-saving transitions STR1, the number of standby transitions STB1, and the number of firmware updates FWU1. Memory area A2 has areas for storing the number of startups BT2, the number of power-saving transitions STR2, the number of standby transitions STB2, and the number of wireless transmissions NFU2.

[0066] The startup counts BT1 and BT2 indicate the number of times the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 has been started. After the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 is started, the count unit 531 in Figure 3 adds "1" to each of the startup counts BT1 and BT2 held in the storage unit 69.

[0067] The energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 indicate the number of transitions from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode, and are set to the same value as each other. When the operation mode is transitioned from the standby mode to the energy-saving mode, the counting unit 531 adds "1" to each of the energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 held in the storage unit 69. The standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 indicate the number of transitions from the energy-saving mode to the standby mode, and are set to the same value as each other. When the operation mode is transitioned from the energy-saving mode to the standby mode, the counting unit 531 adds "1" to each of the standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 held in the storage unit 69.

[0068] The firmware update count FWU1 indicates the number of firmware updates executed by the CPU 53. Each time the firmware is updated, the counting unit 531 adds "1" to the firmware update count FWU1 held in the storage unit 69. The wireless count indicates the number of times of short-range wireless communication by the NFC device 772. Each time the NFC device 772 executes short-range wireless communication, the counting unit 531 adds "1" to the wireless count NFU2 held in the storage unit 69.

[0069] <Example of life prediction processing of TPM device> FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the life prediction processing of the TPM device 54 by the determination unit 532 in FIG. 3. That is, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus. The operations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are realized, for example, when the CPU 53 executes a control program, and are started based on the activation of the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0070] First, in step S100, the CPU 53 reads out the startup count BT1 held in the storage unit 69, and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read startup count BT1. Next, in step S102, the CPU 53 updates the startup count BT1 in the storage unit 69 by writing the added startup count BT1 to the storage unit 69.

[0071] Next, in step S104, the CPU 53 calculates SUM1, which is the sum of the number of startups BT1, the number of power-saving transitions STR1, the number of standby transitions STB1, and the number of firmware updates FWU1, all of which are stored in area A1 (Figure 5) for predicting the lifespan of the TPM device 54. The CPU 53 then determines whether the sum SUM1 is greater than a preset first threshold.

[0072] If the sum value SUM1 is greater than the first threshold, the CPU 53 determines that the TPM device 54 is nearing the end of its lifespan and proceeds to step S150 in Figure 7. If the sum value SUM1 is less than or equal to the first threshold, the CPU 53 determines that there is still time before the TPM device 54 reaches the end of its lifespan and proceeds to step S110.

[0073] The first threshold is determined, for example, based on the product specification value of the TPM device 54 and is used to simulate the lifespan of the TPM device 54. For example, if the upper limit of the number of write cycles in the product specification value of the TPM device 54 is 100,000, the first threshold may be set to 90,000.

[0074] In step S110, the CPU 53 determines whether the operating mode has transitioned from standby mode to energy-saving mode. If the CPU 53 has transitioned to energy-saving mode, it proceeds to step S112; otherwise, it proceeds to step S120 in Figure 7.

[0075] In step S112, the CPU 53 reads the energy-saving transition count STR1 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read energy-saving transition count STR1. Next, in step S114, the CPU 53 updates the energy-saving transition count STR1 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added energy-saving transition count STR1 to the memory unit 69.

[0076] Next, in step S116, the CPU 53 calculates the sum SUM1, similar to step S104, and determines whether the sum SUM1 is greater than a pre-set first threshold. If the sum SUM1 is greater than the first threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S150 in Figure 7; if the sum SUM1 is less than or equal to the first threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S120 in Figure 7.

[0077] In step S120 of Figure 7, the CPU 53 determines whether the operating mode has returned from energy-saving mode to standby mode. If the CPU 53 has returned to standby mode, it proceeds to step S122; otherwise, it proceeds to step S130.

[0078] In step S122, the CPU 53 reads the standby transition count STB1 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read standby transition count STB1. Next, in step S124, the CPU 53 updates the standby transition count STB1 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added standby transition count STB1 to the memory unit 69.

[0079] Next, in step S126, the CPU 53 calculates the sum SUM1, similar to step S104, and determines whether the sum SUM1 is greater than a pre-set first threshold. If the sum SUM1 is greater than the first threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S150; if the sum SUM1 is less than or equal to the first threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S130.

[0080] In step S130, the CPU 53 determines whether or not the firmware has been updated. If the firmware has been updated, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S132; otherwise, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S110 in Figure 6.

[0081] In step S132, the CPU 53 reads the firmware update count FWU1 held in the storage unit 69, and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read firmware update count FWU1. Next, in step S134, the CPU 53 writes the added firmware update count FWU1 to the storage unit 69, thereby updating the firmware update count FWU1 in the storage unit 69. Next, in step S140, the CPU 53 turns off the power of the image forming apparatus 100 and ends the processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. After this, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is restarted, the process of step S100 in FIG. 6 and the process of step S200 in FIG. 8 described later are performed.

[0082] On the other hand, in step S150, the CPU 53 issues a warning prompting replacement of the TPM device 54 to the CPU 771 of the operation unit 77 via the warning reporting unit 533. The CPU 771 that has received the warning displays a warning message prompting replacement of the TPM device 54 on the display 773. After step S150, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S110 in FIG. 6.

[0083] As described above, when the total value SUM1, which is the number of occurrences of the factor for writing change information to the TPM device 54, exceeds the first threshold value, the CPU 53 causes a warning message prompting replacement of the TPM device 54 to be displayed on the display 773. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 100 can predict the lifespan of the TPM device 54 whose lifespan cannot be predicted by SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) or the like.

[0084] <Example of lifespan prediction process for NFC device> Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the lifespan prediction process for the NFC device 772 by the determination unit 532 in Figure 3. Specifically, Figures 8 and 9 show an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus. The operations shown in Figures 8 and 9 are realized, for example, by the CPU 53 executing a control program and are started based on the power being turned on to the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 are performed in parallel with the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0085] First, in step S200, the CPU 53 reads the startup count BT2 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read startup count BT2. Next, in step S202, the CPU 53 updates the startup count BT2 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added startup count BT2 to the memory unit 69.

[0086] Next, in step S204, the CPU 53 calculates SUM2, which is the sum of the number of startups BT2, the number of energy-saving transitions STR2, the number of standby transitions STB2, and the number of wireless transmissions NFU2, all of which are stored in area A2 (Figure 5) for predicting the lifespan of the NFC device 772. The CPU 53 then determines whether the sum SUM2 is greater than a preset second threshold.

[0087] If the sum value SUM2 is greater than the second threshold, the CPU 53 determines that the NFC device 772 is nearing the end of its lifespan and proceeds to step S250 in Figure 9. If the sum value SUM2 is less than or equal to the second threshold, the CPU 53 determines that there is still time before the NFC device 772 reaches the end of its lifespan and proceeds to step S210.

[0088] The second threshold is determined, for example, based on the product specifications of the NFC device 772 and is used to simulate the lifespan of the NFC device 772. For example, the second threshold may be set to 90% of the upper limit of the number of communication cycles in the product specifications of the NFC device 772.

[0089] In step S210, the CPU 53 determines whether the operating mode has transitioned from standby mode to energy-saving mode. If the CPU 53 has transitioned to energy-saving mode, it proceeds to step S212; otherwise, it proceeds to step S220 in Figure 9.

[0090] In step S212, the CPU 53 reads the energy-saving transition count STR2 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read energy-saving transition count STR2. Next, in step S214, the CPU 53 updates the energy-saving transition count STR2 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added energy-saving transition count STR2 to the memory unit 69.

[0091] Next, in step S216, the CPU 53 calculates the sum SUM2, similar to step S204, and determines whether the sum SUM2 is greater than a pre-set second threshold. If the sum SUM2 is greater than the second threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S250 in Figure 9; if the sum SUM2 is less than or equal to the second threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S220 in Figure 9.

[0092] In step S220 of Figure 9, the CPU 53 determines whether the operating mode has returned from energy-saving mode to standby mode. If the CPU 53 has returned to standby mode, it proceeds to step S222; otherwise, it proceeds to step S230.

[0093] In step S222, the CPU 53 reads the standby transition count STB2 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read standby transition count STB2. Next, in step S224, the CPU 53 updates the standby transition count STB2 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added standby transition count STB2 to the memory unit 69.

[0094] Next, in step S226, the CPU 53 calculates the sum SUM2, similar to step S204, and determines whether the sum SUM2 is greater than a pre-set second threshold. If the sum SUM2 is greater than the second threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S250; if the sum SUM2 is less than or equal to the second threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S230.

[0095] In step S230, the CPU 53 determines whether or not short-range wireless communication has been performed by the NFC device 772. If short-range wireless communication has been performed by the NFC device 772, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S232. If short-range wireless communication has not been performed by the NFC device 772, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S210 in Figure 8.

[0096] In step S232, the CPU 53 reads the wireless count NFU2 held in the memory unit 69 and increases the count value by "1" by adding "1" to the read wireless count NFU2. Next, in step S234, the CPU 53 updates the wireless count NFU2 in the memory unit 69 by writing the added wireless count NFU2 to the memory unit 69, and proceeds to step S210 in Figure 8.

[0097] In step S250, the CPU 53 issues a warning to the CPU 771 of the operation unit 77 via the warning issuing unit 533, prompting the replacement of the NFC device 772. Upon receiving the warning, the CPU 771 displays a warning message prompting the replacement of the NFC device 772 on the display 773. After step S250, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S210 in Figure 8.

[0098] In this way, if the CPU 53 displays a warning message on the display 773 prompting the replacement of the NFC device 772 when the total value SUM2, which is the number of occurrences of events that cause change information to be written to the NFC device 772, exceeds the second threshold, the CPU 53 displays a warning message on the display 773. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to predict the lifespan of the NFC device 772, which cannot be predicted by SMART or the like.

[0099] The CPU 53 may calculate the sum of the startup count BT1, energy-saving transition count STR1, standby transition count STB1, and wireless count NFU2 as the sum value SUM2. In this case, the memory unit 69 does not need to be provided with an area for storing the startup count BT2, energy-saving transition count STR2, and standby transition count STB2. In this case, steps S200, S202, S212, and S214 in Figure 8 and steps S222 and S224 in Figure 9 may be omitted.

[0100] <Example of a process for determining abnormalities in the number of energy-saving transitions and standby transitions> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process for determining whether there are any abnormalities in the energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 and the standby transition counts STB1 and STB2. The process shown in Figure 10 is executed by the CPU 53 at predetermined intervals while the image forming apparatus 100 is running. That is, the CPU 53 executes the process shown in Figure 10 in parallel with the processes shown in Figures 6 to 9. The process shown in Figure 10 may also be executed by the determination unit 532. The CPU 53 or determination unit 532 that executes the process shown in Figure 10 functions as a self-diagnostic unit.

[0101] First, in step S300, the CPU 53 calculates the increase rate R1 from the previous processing in Figure 10 for either the energy-saving transition count STR1 or STR2. Since the energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 are the same, the CPU 53 may use either of the energy-saving transition counts STR1 or STR2.

[0102] Next, in step S302, the CPU 53 determines whether the growth rate R1 is greater than the third threshold. If the growth rate R1 is greater than the third threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S304; if the growth rate R1 is less than or equal to the third threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S306.

[0103] For example, the third threshold is set to the increase rate at which the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2 reaches 90% of the upper limit of the number of writes in the product specification value of either the TPM device 54 or the NFC device 772 when the product life of the image forming apparatus 100 is reached. It is preferable that the third threshold is set using the smaller of the upper limits of the number of writes of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772.

[0104] For example, in the average operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the increase rate R1 of the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2 is approximately half of the third threshold. Therefore, an increase rate R1 of the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2 exceeding the third threshold indicates that the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 is writing more than normal.

[0105] If the growth rate R1 is greater than the third threshold, the number of writes to the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 may exceed the upper limit before the image forming apparatus 100 reaches the end of its lifespan, potentially causing the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 to reach the end of its lifespan. On the other hand, if the growth rate R1 is less than or equal to the third threshold, the likelihood of the number of writes to the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 exceeding the upper limit before the image forming apparatus 100 reaches the end of its lifespan is low, and the likelihood of the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 reaching the end of its lifespan is low.

[0106] In step S304, the CPU 53 performs a self-diagnosis to find the cause of the increase rate R1 of the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2 being greater than the third threshold. If the CPU 53 diagnoses that the cause of the abnormality (i.e., the decrease in the accuracy of life prediction) lies in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 itself, it performs processing to reduce the increase rate R1.

[0107] For example, there is a bug where the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 increases even though the system has not entered energy-saving mode. If the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 is greater than the number of energy-saving transitions STR2, the normal rate of increase R1 may exceed the third threshold.

[0108] In this case, the CPU 53 corrects the energy-saving transition count STR1 held in the memory unit 69 by rewriting it to a normal value that matches the energy-saving transition count STR2. This makes it possible to keep the increase rate R1 below the third threshold and prevent an incorrect message from being displayed on the display 773.

[0109] Furthermore, if the CPU 53 diagnoses that the cause of the abnormality is due to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100, it determines that the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2 are inappropriate. In this way, the CPU 53 can diagnose the appropriateness of the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2. The CPU 53 then displays a message on the display 773 requesting a review of the settings to reduce the increase rate R1, and proceeds to step S306.

[0110] For example, if the sleep transition time, which is the time it takes to switch the operating mode from standby mode to energy-saving mode, is extremely short, the frequency of switching between standby mode and energy-saving mode will increase. Therefore, the CPU 53 determines that an extremely short sleep transition time is the cause of an abnormal increase in the growth rate R1.

[0111] In this case, CPU 53 displays a review message on display 773 prompting the user to lengthen the sleep transition time. By lengthening the sleep transition time, the frequency of the operating mode transitioning from standby mode to power-saving mode can be reduced, thereby reducing the increase rate R1.

[0112] Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the determination unit 532, which predicts the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772, can be suppressed from decreasing due to the number of energy-saving transitions STR1 and STR2. This prevents warning messages prompting the replacement of the TPM device 54 or the NFC device 772 from being displayed even though they have not reached the end of their lifespan. As a result, unnecessary service calls and parts replacements can be reduced, and the occurrence of unnecessary costs can be suppressed.

[0113] In step S306, the CPU 53 calculates the increase rate R2 from the previous processing in Figure 10 for either the wait transition count STB1 or STB2. Since the wait transition counts STB1 and STB2 are the same, the CPU 53 may use either the wait transition count STB1 or STB2.

[0114] Next, in step S308, the CPU 53 determines whether the growth rate R2 is greater than the fourth threshold. If the growth rate R2 is greater than the fourth threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S310; if the growth rate R2 is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the CPU 53 proceeds to step S312.

[0115] For example, the fourth threshold is set to the rate of increase when the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2 reaches 90% of the upper limit of the number of writes in the product specification value of either the TPM device 54 or the NFC device 772, at the end of the product life of the image forming apparatus 100. It is preferable that the fourth threshold is set using the smaller of the upper limits of the number of writes of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772.

[0116] For example, in the average operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2 is approximately half of the fourth threshold. Therefore, an increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2 exceeding the fourth threshold indicates that the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 is writing more than normal.

[0117] If the growth rate R2 is greater than the fourth threshold, the number of writes to the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 may exceed the upper limit before the image forming apparatus 100 reaches the end of its lifespan, potentially causing the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 to reach the end of its lifespan. On the other hand, if the growth rate R2 is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the likelihood of the number of writes to the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 exceeding the upper limit before the image forming apparatus 100 reaches the end of its lifespan is low, and therefore the likelihood of the TPM device 54 or NFC device 772 reaching the end of its lifespan is low.

[0118] In step S310, the CPU 53 performs a self-diagnosis to find the cause of the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2 being greater than the fourth threshold. If the CPU 53 diagnoses that the cause of the abnormality (i.e., the decrease in the accuracy of life prediction) lies in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 itself, it performs processing to reduce the increase rate R2.

[0119] For example, there is a bug where the standby transition count STB1 increases even though the device has not entered standby mode. If the standby transition count STB1 is higher than the standby transition count STB2, the normal increase rate R2 may exceed the fourth threshold.

[0120] In this case, the CPU 53 corrects the standby transition count STB1 held in the memory unit 69 by rewriting it to a normal value that matches the standby transition count STB2. This makes it possible to keep the increase rate R2 below the fourth threshold and prevent an incorrect message from being displayed on the display 773.

[0121] Furthermore, if the CPU 53 diagnoses that the cause of the abnormality is due to the settings of the image forming apparatus 100, it determines that the standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 are inappropriate. In this way, the CPU 53 can diagnose the appropriateness of the standby transition counts STB1 and STB2. The CPU 53 then displays a message on the display 773 requesting a review of the settings to reduce the increase rate R2, and proceeds to step S312.

[0122] For example, if the human presence sensor 775, which is set to the enabled state, detects people at an extremely high frequency, the frequency of switching between standby mode and energy-saving mode will increase. Therefore, the CPU 53 determines that an extremely high human presence detection frequency by the human presence sensor 775, which is set to the enabled state, is causing the increase rate R2 to become abnormal.

[0123] In this case, the CPU 53 displays a review message on the display 773 prompting the user to disable the human presence sensor 775. This reduces the frequency with which the operating mode returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode, thereby reducing the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions for STB1 and STB2.

[0124] This reduces the frequency with which the operating mode returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode, even when, for example, ADF41 is opened during energy-saving mode, thereby reducing the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions for STB1 and STB2.

[0125] Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the determination unit 532, which predicts the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772, can be suppressed from decreasing due to the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2. This prevents warning messages prompting the replacement of the TPM device 54 or the NFC device 772 from being displayed even though they have not reached the end of their lifespan. As a result, unnecessary service calls and parts replacements can be reduced, and the occurrence of unnecessary costs can be suppressed.

[0126] In step S312, the CPU 53 stores the current energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 and the current standby transition counts STB1 and STB2, which are held in the memory unit 69, into the non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory that stores the current energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 and the current standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 may be the ROM 69a of the memory unit 69. For example, the current energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 and the current standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 may be stored in a memory area adjacent to the memory areas A1 and A2 shown in Figure 5.

[0127] Note that when the processing flow shown in Figure 10 is first executed, the previous energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2, and the previous standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 are not stored. For this reason, the CPU 53 may, for example, skip the processing from steps S300 to S310 and only execute step S312. This prevents the calculation of an incorrect increase rate R1 by step S300 and prevents the calculation of an incorrect increase rate R2 by step S306.

[0128] Furthermore, when the CPU 53 first executes the processing flow shown in Figure 10, it may set the current energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2 to the previous energy-saving transition counts STR1 and STR2, and set the current standby transition counts STB1 and STB2 to the previous standby transition counts STB1 and STB2.

[0129] In this embodiment, the prediction accuracy of the determination unit 532 for predicting the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and the NFC device 772 can be suppressed from decreasing due to the number of energy-saving transitions STR1, STR2 or the number of standby transitions STB1, STB2. As a result, a warning message prompting the replacement of the TPM device 54 or the NFC device 772 can be suppressed from being displayed even though the lifespan has not been reached. Consequently, unnecessary service calls and parts replacements can be reduced, and the occurrence of unnecessary costs can be suppressed.

[0130] For example, if the sleep transition time, which is the time it takes to switch the operating mode from standby mode to power-saving mode, is extremely short, the CPU 53 displays a review message on the display 773 prompting the user to increase the sleep transition time. By changing the sleep transition time to a longer duration, the frequency of switching the operating mode from standby mode to power-saving mode can be reduced, thereby reducing the increase rate R1.

[0131] Furthermore, if the frequency of human detection by the human presence sensor 775, which is set to the enabled state, is extremely high, the CPU 53 displays a review message on the display 773 prompting the user to disable the human presence sensor 775. This reduces the frequency with which the operating mode returns from energy-saving mode to standby mode, thereby reducing the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions STB1 and STB2.

[0132] Furthermore, if a copy application is set as the preferred application and the device frequently returns to standby mode, the CPU 53 displays a review message on the display 773 prompting the user to disable the copy application setting. This reduces the frequency of returning to standby mode, even when, for example, the ADF 41 is opened during power saving mode, thereby reducing the increase rate R2 of the number of standby transitions for STB1 and STB2.

[0133] For example, if there is a malfunction where the energy-saving transition count STR1 increases even though the system has not entered energy-saving mode, the CPU 53 corrects the energy-saving transition count STR1 held in the memory unit 69 by rewriting it to a normal value that matches the energy-saving transition count STR2. This makes it possible to keep the increase rate R1 below the third threshold and prevent an incorrect message from being displayed on the display 773.

[0134] Furthermore, if, for example, there is a malfunction in which the standby transition count STB1 increases even though the system has not entered standby mode, the CPU 53 corrects the standby transition count STB1 held in the memory unit 69 by rewriting it to a normal value that matches the standby transition count STB2. This makes it possible to keep the increase rate R2 below the fourth threshold and prevent an incorrect message from being displayed on the display 773.

[0135] If the CPU 53's total value SUM1, which represents the number of occurrences of events that trigger the writing of change information to the TPM device 54, exceeds a first threshold, it displays a warning message on the display 773 prompting the replacement of the TPM device 54. Similarly, if the CPU 53's total value SUM2, which represents the number of occurrences of events that trigger the writing of change information to the NFC device 772, exceeds a second threshold, it displays a warning message on the display 773 prompting the replacement of the NFC device 772. This allows for the prediction of the lifespan of the TPM device 54 and NFC device 772, components mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 whose lifespans cannot be predicted by SMART or similar methods.

[0136] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> An information processing device having a main unit that controls the operation of the entire device and an operation unit including a display unit, and which can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, on which change information indicating a change in the operating state of the information processing device is written at least when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and on which the number of write cycles is limited, A counting unit that counts the number of times the change information is written to the device, A prediction unit predicts the lifespan of the device based on the count value counted by the count unit, If the rate of increase of the count value exceeds a predetermined rate of increase, a self-diagnosis unit diagnoses the validity of the count value used for prediction by the prediction unit, An information processing device characterized by having the following features. <2> If the self-diagnosis unit diagnoses that a high frequency of switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode is the cause of the increase in the rate of increase, it will display a message on the display unit prompting a reduction in the frequency of switching. Features <1> The information processing device described above. <3> The self-diagnostic unit modifies the count value so that the rate of increase of the count value, when the rate of increase of the count value counted by the count unit exceeds the predetermined rate of increase, so that the rate of increase of the count value is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of increase. Features <1> or <2> The information processing device described above. <4> The device has a determination unit that, when the number of writes counted by the counting unit exceeds a predetermined number, displays a message on the display unit prompting the replacement of the device. Features <1> or <3> An information processing device as described in any one of the items. <5> An image forming unit that forms an image, An image forming apparatus comprising a main unit for controlling the operation of the image forming unit and an operation unit including a display unit, which is switchable between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, on which change information indicating a change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus is written at least when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and on which the number of write cycles is limited, A counting unit that counts the number of times the change information is written to the device, A prediction unit predicts the lifespan of the device based on the count value counted by the count unit, If the rate of increase of the count value exceeds a predetermined rate of increase, a self-diagnosis unit diagnoses the validity of the count value used for prediction by the prediction unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following features. <6> A control method for an information processing device having a main unit that controls the operation of the entire device and an operation unit including a display unit, and which can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device is mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, which writes change information indicating a change in the operating state of the information processing device when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and counts the number of times the change information is written to a device with a limited number of write cycles. Based on the counted value, the lifespan of the device is predicted. If the rate of increase of the counted value exceeds a threshold, the validity of the count value used for prediction is diagnosed. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following. <7> If the diagnosis determines that a high frequency of switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode is the cause of the increase in the rate of increase, a message encouraging a reduction in the frequency of switching will be displayed on the display unit. Features <6> A control method for the information processing device described above.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above based on various embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These points can be modified as long as they do not impair the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to their application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 6. Printer section 20 Start switch 51 Control board 53 CPU 54 TPM devices 69 Memory section MEM-P 73 Network Interfaces 75 Near field communication circuit 77 Control section 77a Panel display unit 77b Input Panel 79 Engine Control Unit 100 Image forming apparatus 200 Networks 300 External Servers 400 Remote Management Devices 531 Count section 532 Judgment section 533 Warning Issuance Unit 534 Sleep transition timer 535 Human Motion Sensor Setting Unit 536 Priority App Settings Section 771 CPU 772 NFC devices 773 surprise 774 keyboard 775 Human Motion Sensor A1, A2 storage area BT1, BT2 Startup Count FWU1 Firmware Update Count NFU2 Number of Wireless Counts STB1, STB2 Standby Transition Count STR1, STR2 Number of energy-saving transitions [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0139] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-10756 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-149749

Claims

1. An information processing device having a main unit that controls the operation of the entire device and an operation unit including a display unit, and which can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, on which change information indicating a change in the operating state of the information processing device is written at least when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and on which the number of write cycles is limited, A counting unit that counts the number of times the change information is written to the device, A prediction unit predicts the lifespan of the device based on the count value counted by the count unit, If the rate of increase of the count value exceeds a predetermined rate of increase, a self-diagnosis unit diagnoses the validity of the count value used for prediction by the prediction unit, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. If the self-diagnosis unit diagnoses that a high frequency of switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode is the cause of the increase in the rate of increase, it will display a message on the display unit prompting a reduction in the frequency of switching. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The self-diagnostic unit modifies the count value so that the rate of increase of the count value, when the rate of increase of the count value counted by the count unit exceeds the predetermined rate of increase, so that the rate of increase of the count value is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of increase. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The device has a determination unit that, when the number of writes counted by the counting unit exceeds a predetermined number, displays a message on the display unit prompting the replacement of the device. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. An image forming unit that forms an image, An image forming apparatus comprising a main unit for controlling the operation of the image forming unit and an operation unit including a display unit, which is switchable between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, on which change information indicating a change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus is written at least when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and on which the number of write cycles is limited, A counting unit that counts the number of times the change information is written to the device, A prediction unit predicts the lifespan of the device based on the count value counted by the count unit, If the rate of increase of the count value exceeds a predetermined rate of increase, a self-diagnosis unit diagnoses the validity of the count value used for prediction by the prediction unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following:

6. A control method for an information processing device having a main unit that controls the operation of the entire device and an operation unit including a display unit, and which can switch between a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that consumes less power than the normal mode, A device is mounted on at least one of the main unit and the operation unit, which writes change information indicating a change in the operating state of the information processing device when switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and counts the number of times the change information is written to a device with a limited number of write cycles. Based on the counted value, the lifespan of the device is predicted. If the rate of increase of the counted value exceeds a threshold, the validity of the count value used for prediction is diagnosed. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following.

7. If the diagnosis determines that a high frequency of switching between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode is the cause of the increase in the rate of increase, a message encouraging a reduction in the frequency of switching will be displayed on the display unit. A control method for an information processing device according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

Images