JP2006038888A - Management system and management method for image forming apparatus, management computer and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a photographic processor operator to efficiently know the repair schedule when an error occurs in the photographic processor. <P>SOLUTION: When the error occurs in the photographic processor 30, operation hysteresis data are transmitted to the management computer 10. Then, the cause of the error is specified by the management computer 10, and also, a repair schedule related to the schedule of the repair for eliminating the error is transmitted to the photographic processor 30. In this case, the repair schedule includes the stock status of repair parts, scheduled repair date and the estimated cost. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system and management method for an image forming apparatus for forming an image, and a management computer and an image forming apparatus used therefor.

  In general, each photo shop is provided with a photo processing device. When a photographed film is brought in by a general user, the photographic processing apparatus performs exposure processing on photographic paper or the like that is a photosensitive medium based on the image recorded on the film, and then performs the exposed printing. Various processes such as a developing process for paper are performed. In this way, each photo shop completes a photographic print on which an image is formed.

  In the photo processing apparatus, some error may occur due to a software defect or a mechanical factor. Here, for errors with a high frequency of occurrence, an error message is displayed or the location of the error is indicated by an illustration, so that the operator of the photographic processing apparatus can take appropriate measures to eliminate the error. On the other hand, for an error with a low occurrence frequency, a display indicating that it is necessary to contact a call center (service center) is displayed. Therefore, the operator of the photographic processing apparatus makes an inquiry to the call center, and performs an action on the photographic processing apparatus in accordance with an appropriate treatment method given from the call center side, thereby eliminating the error of the photographic processing apparatus. However, at the call center, it may be difficult to grasp the status of the photo processing device from the explanation of the situation when an error occurs by the operator, and as a result, the response to the error processing becomes slow and the error of the photo processing device is resolved. It may take a long time to do.

Therefore, a management method for managing an image forming apparatus by connecting a minilab shop and a call center via a network and transmitting operation information of the image forming apparatus to the call center is known (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). In this management method, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, an error log including error occurrence information is transmitted to the call center. Then, in the call center, the state of the image forming apparatus is determined by executing the management diagnosis program. Then, the cause of the error is analyzed, and information regarding an appropriate coping method is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. In the minilab store, the operator performs the procedure for the image forming apparatus in accordance with this coping method, so that the error of the photo processing apparatus is eliminated.
JP 2003-76533 A

  As described above, when the operator can take appropriate measures for the image forming apparatus in accordance with the information transmitted from the call center in the minilab shop, it is possible to take quick measures against errors in the image forming apparatus. . On the other hand, if the operator of the minilab store cannot perform an appropriate treatment for the image forming apparatus, a service person who repairs the image forming apparatus must go to the minilab store. In this case, the operator of the minilab store must make an adjustment about the scheduled repair date (the date when the service person goes to the minilab store) by making an inquiry to the call center. There is a problem that it becomes indispensable and time-consuming.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus management system and management method that enables an operator of the image forming apparatus to efficiently check a repair schedule when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, and to be used for this. A management computer and an image forming apparatus are provided.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  An image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a management computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus detects error occurrence means in the image forming apparatus, and information for identifying the cause of the error detected by the error detecting means. Operation history data creating means for creating the operation history data including the data, and first transmission means for sending the operation history data created by the operation history data creating means to the management computer via the communication means And the management computer based on the operation history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus. Error specifying means for specifying the cause of the error that occurred in step, repair schedule data creating means for creating repair schedule data relating to a repair schedule for eliminating the error based on the cause specified by the error specifying means, and And second transmission means for transmitting the repair schedule data created by the repair schedule data creation means to the image forming apparatus via the communication means.

  An image forming apparatus management method according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus management method that is connected to a management computer via communication means and is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the management computer. In the above, an error detection step for detecting that an error has occurred, and an operation history for generating operation history data including information for specifying the cause of the error detected in the error detection step in the image forming apparatus In the data creation step, the first transmission step of transmitting the operation history data created in the operation history data creation step from the image forming apparatus to the management computer via the communication unit, and the management computer, Based on the operation history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus, it occurs in the image forming apparatus. An error identification step for identifying the cause of the error, a repair schedule data creation step for creating repair schedule data relating to a repair schedule for solving the error based on the cause identified in the error identification step, and the repair schedule data A second transmission step of transmitting the repair schedule data created in the creation step from the management computer to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit.

An image forming apparatus management computer according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus management computer that is connected to an image forming apparatus via a communication unit and can transmit and receive data to and from the image forming apparatus. Based on the transmitted operation history data, an error identification unit that identifies the cause of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and a repair related to a repair schedule that eliminates the error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identification unit Repair schedule data creation means for creating schedule data;
Transmission means for transmitting the repair schedule data created by the repair schedule data creation means to the image forming apparatus via the communication means.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention is connected to a management computer via a communication means, and an error detection means for detecting that an error has occurred in an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the management computer. , Operation history data creating means for creating operation history data including information for specifying the cause of the error detected by the error detecting means, and operation history data created by the operation history data creating means Transmitting means for transmitting to the management computer via communication means.

  According to this configuration, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus and operation history data is transmitted to the management computer, the management computer identifies the cause of the error and repairs to eliminate the error. Repair schedule data relating to the schedule is created and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the operator of the image forming apparatus can confirm the repair schedule without making an inquiry about the repair schedule to the service base where the management computer is installed.

  In the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention, the management computer is specified by inventory data storage means for storing inventory data relating to inventory status of each of a plurality of parts included in the image forming apparatus, and the error specifying means. A part determination unit that determines a part necessary to eliminate an error based on the cause of occurrence and a stock corresponding to the part determined by the part determination unit from among the inventory data stored in the inventory data storage unit Inventory data search means for searching for data may further be provided, and the repair schedule data creation means may create repair schedule data based on the inventory data searched by the inventory data search means.

  In the image forming apparatus management computer according to the present invention, the inventory data storage means for storing the inventory data relating to the inventory status of each of the plurality of parts included in the image forming apparatus, and the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means A part determination unit that determines a part necessary to eliminate an error, and a stock for searching for inventory data corresponding to the part determined by the part determination unit from among the inventory data stored in the inventory data storage unit The repair schedule data creation means may create repair schedule data based on the inventory data searched by the inventory data search means.

  According to this configuration, the repair schedule data transmitted from the management computer to the image forming apparatus is created in consideration of the inventory status of parts necessary to eliminate the error. The inventory status of the part can be confirmed.

  In the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is used for inputting a desired date on which a work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means is performed. The communication device further includes an input unit, and the first transmission unit transmits the desired date data corresponding to the desired date input by the input unit together with the operation history data generated by the operation history data generation unit. Worker data relating to a schedule of workers who perform work for resolving an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means. Is stored in the worker data storage means, the desired date data transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and the worker data storage means. And a scheduled work date determining means for determining a scheduled work date for performing a work for eliminating the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means based on the worker data received, The repair schedule data creation means may create repair schedule data based on the scheduled work date determined by the scheduled work date determination means.

  In the management computer of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, worker data storage means for storing worker data relating to a schedule of a worker who performs work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means; , Desired date data corresponding to a desired date on which a work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means transmitted from the image forming apparatus is performed, and the worker data storage means Based on the stored worker data, further comprising a scheduled work date determining means for determining a scheduled work date for performing work for eliminating the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means, The repair schedule data creation means may create repair schedule data based on the scheduled work date determined by the scheduled work date determination means.

  According to this configuration, the scheduled work date for performing the work for eliminating the error is determined in consideration of the desired date on the operator side of the image forming apparatus and the operator's schedule. Therefore, the scheduled work date is determined according to the operator's request, which is convenient for the operator.

  In the image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention, the management computer generates estimate data creating means for creating estimate data relating to a cost necessary for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means. Further, the repair schedule data creation means may create repair schedule data so that the estimated data created by the estimated data creation means is included.

  The management computer of the image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises estimate data creating means for creating estimate data relating to the cost required to eliminate the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means, The repair schedule data creating means may create repair schedule data so that the estimated data created by the estimated data creating means is included.

  According to this configuration, the repair schedule data transmitted from the management computer to the image forming apparatus includes estimated data relating to the cost required to eliminate the error. You can check the cost.

  In the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus stores a criterion for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus transmits operation history data to the management computer via the communication unit. And whether to transmit operation history data related to the error detected by the error detection means to the management computer via the communication means, based on the determination criteria stored in the determination criteria storage means. And a determination unit for performing the determination.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a determination criterion storage unit that stores a determination criterion for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data to the management computer via the communication unit, and a determination criterion storage unit And a determination means for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data relating to an error detected by the error detection means to the management computer via the communication means based on a stored determination criterion. Also good.

  According to this configuration, when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to determine whether or not to transmit operation history data to the management computer according to the type of error. Therefore, the operation history data can be transmitted to the management computer only when the error that has occurred is, for example, one with a low occurrence frequency. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the waste of making a repair schedule for an error that can be easily resolved by an operator of the image forming apparatus when an error having a high occurrence frequency occurs.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system for a photographic processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A management system 1 for a photo processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a management computer 10 installed in a service base 2 and a photo processing apparatus 30 installed in a photo shop 3. Here, the transmission / reception unit 20 built in the management computer 10 and the transmission / reception unit 37 built in the photo processing apparatus 30 are connected by a communication network such as a general public line, for example. Therefore, the management computer 10 and the photo processing apparatus 30 can transmit and receive data to and from each other via the communication network.

  The management computer 10 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and supplies various data to the photographic processing apparatus 30 connected thereto, and receives and manages data supplied from the photographic processing apparatus 30. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where only one photo processing device 30 is connected to the management computer 10, a plurality of photo processing devices 30 may be connected.

  The photographic processing apparatus 30 employs, for example, a digital scanning exposure method using laser light, and includes a scanner unit 31, a printer unit 32, a processor unit 33, a finishing processing unit 34, an input unit 35, a display unit, and a display unit. A unit 36, a transmission / reception unit 37, and a control unit 40.

  The scanner unit 31 mainly performs reading processing of images recorded on each frame of the film and various processing such as digital conversion on the read image data. In the printer unit 32, exposure processing based on digital image data is mainly performed on photographic paper that is a photosensitive material. In the processor unit 33, processing such as development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization is performed on the exposed photographic paper. The finishing processing unit 34 performs a drying process on the photographic paper on which the image discharged from the processor unit 33 is actualized, and further sorts the photographic paper discharged after drying.

  The input unit 35 is used by an operator to make various inputs to the photo processing device 30. Here, as an input to the photo processing device 30 by the operator, when an error occurs in the photo processing device 30, an information file including operation history data for specifying the cause of the error is created. The day when the operation for inputting the command for transmitting the information file from the photo processing device 30 to the management computer 10 and the work for eliminating the error specified by the error specifying unit 12 are performed Includes input of desired date.

  The display unit 36 displays an image when various processing is performed on the image data in the photo processing device 30. When an error occurs in the photo processing device 30, the display unit 36 displays a cumulative error history display screen and a desired work date. Display the input screen.

  The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the photographic processing apparatus in the scanner unit 31, printer unit 32, processor unit 33 and finishing processing unit 34. Accordingly, the control unit 40 includes a ROM that stores control programs and data for various operations related to the photo processing device 30, and a CPU that executes various calculations to generate signals that control the operations of the respective units of the photo processing device 30. Further, members such as a RAM for temporarily storing data such as various settings in the photo processing apparatus 30 and calculation results by the CPU are included. The various members and software form an error detection unit 41, an error history storage unit 42, an information file creation unit 43, a desired date data storage unit 44, a determination criterion storage unit 45, and a determination unit 46. Has been.

  The error detection unit 41 detects that an error has occurred in each unit of the photo processing apparatus 30. The error history storage unit 42 stores an error history that has occurred in the photo processing device 30. Accordingly, when the error detection unit 41 detects that an error has occurred, the error occurrence date and time, the location where the error occurred, the operation status at that time, and the like are stored in the error history storage unit 42.

  The information file creation unit 43 creates an information file including operation history data for specifying the cause of the error. The information file creation unit 43 creates an information file when the “file creation” button 51 (see FIG. 3) on the cumulative error history display screen 50 is pressed. Here, the operation history data included in the information file includes, for example, an operation immediately before an error occurs, various setting values of the photo processing device 30 when the error occurs, and the like.

  The desired date data storage unit 44 stores the input desired date data when the operator operates the input unit 35 to input a desired date on which a work for eliminating the error is performed. To do.

  The determination reference storage unit 45 stores a determination reference for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data related to an error to the management computer 10 when an error occurs in the photo processing device 30. In the present embodiment, the determination criterion storage unit 45 stores a determination criterion for determining whether or not to transmit the operation history data to the management computer 10 based on the frequency of occurrence of errors occurring in the photo processing device 30. is doing.

  Specifically, in the case of an error with a high frequency of occurrence, an error message or an error occurrence location is displayed on the display unit 36, and if the operator is informed of that fact, the operator can take an appropriate action against the error. Can do. Therefore, the operation history data is not transmitted to the management computer 10 in the case of errors with a high occurrence frequency.

  On the other hand, in the case of an error having a low frequency of occurrence, it is often difficult to specify the cause of the error, so it is difficult to simply display an error message on the display unit 36. The operator cannot take an appropriate action for the error. Therefore, in the case of an error with a low occurrence frequency, the operation history data is transmitted to the management computer 10.

  When an error occurs in the photo processing device 30, the determination unit 46 determines whether or not to transmit operation history data related to the error to the management computer 10 based on the determination criterion stored in the determination criterion storage unit 45. to decide.

  On the other hand, the management computer 10 temporarily stores data such as a ROM in which various control programs and data related to the management system 1 of the photo processing apparatus 30 are stored, a CPU that executes various calculations, and a calculation result in the CPU. A member such as a RAM is included. And by these various members and software, the error history storage unit 11, the error identification unit 12, the repair part determination unit 13, the inventory data storage unit 14, the inventory data search unit 15, and the worker data storage unit 16 An estimated data creation unit 17, a scheduled work date determination unit 18, a repair schedule data creation unit 19, and a transmission / reception unit 20 are formed.

  The error history storage unit 11 stores error information such as an error cause identified from operation history data included in the information file transmitted from the photo processing device 30 in the past.

  The error specifying unit 12 specifies the cause of the error that has occurred in the photo processing device 30 based on the operation history data included in the information file transmitted from the photo processing device 30. Here, the error specifying unit 12 can appropriately specify the cause of the error by searching the past error information stored in the error history storage unit 11.

  The repair part determination unit 13 determines a part necessary for eliminating the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specification unit 12. Here, the part determined by the repair part determination unit 13 is determined to be, for example, when an error is resolved by replacing one part. Note that the parts to be replaced in order to eliminate the error are not necessarily one part, and two or more parts may be replaced. In this case, the repair part determination unit 13 replaces the parts. Determine the required two or more parts.

  The inventory data storage unit 14 stores inventory data regarding the inventory status of each of a plurality of parts included in the photo processing device 30. Here, the inventory status of parts is mainly the quantity of each part stored in the service base 2, but when each part is out of stock, until each part is delivered. Is also included.

  The inventory data search unit 15 searches the inventory data corresponding to the part determined by the repair part determination unit 13 from the inventory data stored in the inventory data storage unit 14.

  The worker data storage unit 16 stores worker data related to a schedule of a worker who performs work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying unit 12. Therefore, when determining the scheduled repair date, it is possible to take into account the availability of the worker's schedule.

  The estimated data creating unit 17 creates estimated data relating to the cost required to eliminate the error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identifying unit 12. Here, the estimated data includes an estimated amount to be charged to the photo shop 3 such as a charge for replacement parts and a repair work cost required for the repair work for eliminating the error.

  The scheduled work date determination unit 18 is based on the desired date data corresponding to the desired date of the repair work performed transmitted from the photo processing device 30 and the worker data stored in the worker data storage unit 16. Determine the scheduled work date for repair work to eliminate the error.

  The repair schedule data creation unit 19 creates repair schedule data related to a repair schedule for eliminating the error identified by the error identification unit 12. The repair schedule data created by the repair schedule data creation unit 19 is transmitted from the management computer 10 to the photo processing device 30 as a repair schedule table.

  Here, the repair schedule data includes the part name determined by the repair part determination unit 13, the inventory data searched by the inventory data search unit 15, the estimate data created by the estimate data creation unit 17, and the scheduled work date determination unit. At least one data of the scheduled work date determined in 18 is included.

  Next, an operation procedure of the photo processing apparatus management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the management system of the photo processing apparatus.

  When the printing operation in the photo processing device 30 is started (step S101), the error detection unit 41 repeatedly determines whether or not an error has occurred in each unit of the photo processing device 30 (step S102). When the error detection unit 41 detects an error, the printing operation in the photo processing device 30 is interrupted (step S103).

  In the photographic processing device 30, it is determined whether or not the error that has occurred has a high frequency of occurrence (step S104). Here, if the error has a high frequency of occurrence (S104: YES), the location where the error occurred and the coping method for the error are displayed on the display unit 36 (step S116). Then, the operator of the photo processing device 30 performs a measure for eliminating the error in accordance with the coping method displayed on the display unit 36 (step S117).

  On the other hand, if the error does not occur frequently (S104: NO), the display section 36 displays a cumulative error history display screen 50 as shown in FIG. The display screen 50 displays the date and time of error occurrence, the situation at the time of error occurrence, and the like in the order in which they occurred. At this time, the “Create File” button 51 on the display screen 50 is in an operable state, and when the “Create File” button 51 is pressed by the operator, an operation history necessary to identify the cause of the error occurrence. An information file including data is created (step S105).

  When the creation of the information file is completed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not an instruction to transmit the information file from the photo processing device 30 to the management computer 10 is input by the operator (step S106). At this time, if a transmission command is input by the operator pressing the “Send” button 51 on the display screen 50 (S106: YES), the desired repair date input screen is displayed on the display unit 36 of the photo processing apparatus 30. (Not shown) is displayed. When the desired repair date is input from the input unit 35 by the operator (step S107), desired date data indicating the information file and the desired repair date is transmitted from the photo processing apparatus 30 to the management computer 10 (step). S108).

  Thereafter, the management computer 10 searches based on the information file transmitted from the photographic processing apparatus 20 whether the same error has occurred in the past from the past error information ( Step S109). Then, referring to the past error information, the repair part determining unit 13 determines a repair part necessary for eliminating the error (step S110).

  Then, the inventory status of the repair parts is confirmed (step S111), and the scheduled repair date is determined based on the desired repair date entered by the operator and the worker's scheduled availability (step S112). Also, an estimated amount of repair cost including the cost of repair parts and the cost of repair work is calculated (step S113). Thereafter, a repair schedule including the name of the repair part, the inventory status of the repair part, the scheduled repair date, and the estimated amount is created (step S114). The repair schedule created in this way is transmitted from the management computer 10 to the photo processing apparatus 30 (step S115).

  As described above, in the photo processing apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when an error occurs in the photo processing apparatus 30 and operation history data is transmitted to the management computer 10, the management computer 10 The cause of the error is identified, and a repair schedule relating to a repair schedule for eliminating the error is created and transmitted to the photo processing apparatus 30. Therefore, the operator of the photo processing apparatus 30 can confirm the repair schedule without making an inquiry about the repair schedule to the service base 2 where the management computer 10 is installed.

  In addition, the repair schedule transmitted from the management computer 10 to the photo processing apparatus 30 is created in consideration of the inventory status of the repair parts necessary to eliminate the error, so that the operator of the photo processing apparatus 30 Can check the stock status of the repair parts.

  Further, the scheduled work date for performing the repair work for eliminating the error is determined in consideration of the desired date on the operator side of the photo processing apparatus 30 and the availability of the worker's schedule. Therefore, the scheduled work date is determined according to the operator's request, which is convenient for the operator.

  Further, since the repair schedule transmitted from the management computer 10 to the photo processing apparatus 30 includes an estimated amount related to the cost necessary for eliminating the error, the operator of the photo processing apparatus 30 can perform repair. You can check the cost.

  Further, when an error occurs in the photo processing apparatus 30, the operation history data is transmitted to the management computer 10 only when the error has a low occurrence frequency. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the waste of making a repair schedule for an error that can be easily resolved by the operator of the photo processing apparatus 30 when an error having a high occurrence frequency occurs.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. . For example, in the above-described embodiment, the repair schedule table includes the inventory status of repair parts, the scheduled repair date, and the estimated amount, but it is sufficient that at least one of them is included. The data included in the repair schedule is not limited to the inventory status of repair parts, the scheduled repair date, and the estimated amount, but may include other items related to the repair schedule.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when an error occurs in the photo processing apparatus 30, the operation history data is transmitted to the management computer 10 only when the error is a low occurrence frequency. It is not limited to. Accordingly, the determination criterion storage unit 45 may store a determination criterion that is not related to the occurrence frequency. For example, the determination criterion storage unit 45 determines whether the error is a minor error that can be resolved by the operator when an error occurs in the photo processing apparatus 30 or a serious error that requires a serviceman's work. May be stored. In addition, the photo processing apparatus 30 may not include the determination criterion storage unit 45. Therefore, when an error occurs in the photo processing device 30, the operation history data may always be transmitted to the management computer 10 regardless of the type of the error.

  In the above-described embodiment, the management system for the photo processing apparatus has been described. However, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained even in the management system for an image forming apparatus other than the photo processing apparatus. it can.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the management system of the photographic processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the management system of a photograph processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a cumulative error history.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo processing apparatus management system 2 Service base 3 Photo shop 10 Management computer 11 Error history storage unit 12 Error specifying unit (error specifying means)
13 Repair parts determination part (parts determination means)
14 Inventory data storage unit (Inventory data storage means)
15 Inventory data search unit (Inventory data search means)
16 Worker data storage unit (worker data storage means)
17 Estimated data creation unit (estimated data creation means)
18 Scheduled work date determination unit (planned work date determination means)
19 Repair schedule data creation part (Repair schedule data creation means)
20 Transmitter / receiver (second transmitter)
30 Photo processing device (image forming device)
35 Input section (input means)
37 Transmitter / receiver (first transmitter)
41 Error detection unit (error detection means)
42 Error history storage unit 43 Information file creation unit (operation history data creation means)
44 Desired date data storage unit 45 Judgment criterion storage unit (determination criterion storage unit)
46 Judgment Unit (Judgment Means)

Claims (12)

In an image forming apparatus management system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and a management computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit and capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
An error detection means for detecting that an error has occurred in the image forming apparatus;
Operation history data creating means for creating operation history data including information for specifying the cause of the error detected by the error detection means;
A first transmission unit that transmits the operation history data created by the operation history data creation unit to the management computer via the communication unit;
The management computer is
An error specifying means for specifying a cause of an error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus based on operation history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
Repair schedule data creating means for creating repair schedule data relating to a repair schedule for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identifying means;
A management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: second transmission means for transmitting the repair schedule data created by the repair schedule data creation means to the image forming apparatus via the communication means. The management computer is
Stock data storage means for storing stock data relating to stock status of each of a plurality of parts included in the image forming apparatus;
A part determining means for determining a part necessary to eliminate an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means;
Inventory data search means for searching for inventory data corresponding to the parts determined by the parts determination means from among the inventory data stored in the inventory data storage means,
The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the repair schedule data creation unit creates repair schedule data based on the inventory data searched by the inventory data search unit. The image forming apparatus includes:
An input means used for inputting a desired date of a day on which work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means is performed;
The first transmission means transmits the desired date data corresponding to the desired date input by the input means to the management computer via the communication means together with the operation history data created by the action history data creation means. To send,
The management computer is
Worker data storage means for storing worker data related to a schedule of a worker who performs work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means;
Work for eliminating the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means based on the desired date data transmitted from the image forming apparatus and the worker data stored in the worker data storage means And a scheduled work date determining means for determining a scheduled work date to be performed,
The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the repair schedule data creating unit creates repair schedule data based on the scheduled work date determined by the scheduled work date determining unit. The management computer is
An estimate data creating means for creating estimate data relating to the cost required to eliminate the error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identifying means;
The image formation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the repair schedule data creating unit creates repair schedule data so that the estimated data created by the estimated data creating unit is included. Equipment management system. The image forming apparatus includes:
A criterion storage unit for storing a criterion for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data to the management computer via the communication unit;
Determination means for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data related to the error detected by the error detection means to the management computer via the communication means, based on the determination criteria stored in the determination reference storage means. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, further comprising: A management method of an image forming apparatus connected to a management computer via a communication means and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from the management computer,
An error detection step for detecting that an error has occurred in the image forming apparatus;
In the image forming apparatus, an operation history data creating step for creating operation history data including information for specifying the cause of the error detected in the error detection step;
A first transmission step of transmitting the operation history data created in the operation history data creation step from the image forming apparatus to the management computer via the communication unit;
In the management computer, based on the operation history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus, an error specifying step of specifying the cause of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus;
A repair schedule data creation step for creating repair schedule data related to a repair schedule for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence identified in the error identification step;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second transmission step of transmitting the repair schedule data created in the repair schedule data creation step from the management computer to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit. Management method. In the management computer of the image forming apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit and can transmit and receive data to and from the image forming apparatus,
An error specifying means for specifying the cause of the error that has occurred in the image forming apparatus based on the operation history data transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
Repair schedule data creating means for creating repair schedule data relating to a repair schedule for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identifying means;
A computer for managing an image forming apparatus, comprising: transmission means for transmitting the repair schedule data created by the repair schedule data creating means to the image forming apparatus via communication means. Stock data storage means for storing stock data relating to stock status of each of a plurality of parts included in the image forming apparatus;
A part determining means for determining a part necessary to eliminate an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means;
Inventory data search means for searching for inventory data corresponding to the parts determined by the parts determination means from among the inventory data stored in the inventory data storage means,
8. The management computer for an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the repair schedule data creation means creates repair schedule data based on the inventory data searched by the inventory data search means. Worker data storage means for storing worker data related to a schedule of a worker who performs work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means;
Desired date data corresponding to a desired date on which a work for eliminating an error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means transmitted from the image forming apparatus is performed, and stored in the worker data storage means And a scheduled work date determining means for determining a scheduled work date for performing work for eliminating the error based on the cause of occurrence specified by the error specifying means based on the worker data that has been determined,
9. The computer for managing an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the repair schedule data creating means creates repair schedule data based on the scheduled work date determined by the scheduled work date determining means. . An estimate data creating means for creating estimate data relating to the cost required to eliminate the error based on the cause of occurrence identified by the error identifying means;
The image formation according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the repair schedule data creating unit creates repair schedule data so that the estimated data created by the estimated data creating unit is included. Device management computer. In an image forming apparatus connected to a management computer via a communication means and capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from the management computer,
An error detection means for detecting that an error has occurred;
Operation history data creating means for creating operation history data including information for specifying the cause of the error detected by the error detection means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the operation history data created by the operation history data creation unit to the management computer via the communication unit. A criterion storage unit for storing a criterion for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data to the management computer via the communication unit;
Determination means for determining whether or not to transmit operation history data related to the error detected by the error detection means to the management computer via the communication means, based on the determination criteria stored in the determination reference storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising:

Images