JP2006084947A - System for diagnosing image quality, diagnosing method, diagnosing program, and recording medium with diagnosing program stored therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the increase of communication volume due to frequent transfer of test data and the increase of communication costs due to the increase of communication volume. <P>SOLUTION: A system for diagnosing the printing quality of a printer comprises a transfer means for transferring test data necessary for test printing from an external apparatus to the printer, a use decision means for deciding whether test data in the external apparatus are to be used or test data in the printer are to be used and an execution instruction means for outputting an instruction indicating the use of the test data in the printer to the printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In providing a maintenance service for maintaining the print image quality of an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copier, the present invention determines the print image quality of the image forming apparatus according to a user instruction or periodically, The present invention relates to a maintenance system that notifies a maintenance center based on the above.

Conventionally, there has been a system in which a center server remotely monitors the status of an image forming apparatus such as a copier or printer, and immediately dispatches a service person when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus. In such a system, if a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus, the consumable part of the image forming apparatus is lost, or the printing mechanism of the image forming apparatus stops moving, the controller of the image forming apparatus sends error information to the center server. Was sent. Then, the center server analyzes the error information and recognizes the error state of the image forming apparatus.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-154128

  However, when the print image quality of the image forming apparatus deteriorates, it is difficult for the image forming apparatus itself to detect it as an error. Further, depending on the user of the image forming apparatus, there are users who do not have a problem of some deterioration in image quality, and users who even have a problem of even a slight deterioration of image quality.

  Therefore, the service person himself / herself has to visually determine the print image quality with the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus in hand. Further, in order to provide a print image quality maintenance service to image forming apparatuses placed at a plurality of locations, it is necessary for a serviceman to go to the place where the image forming apparatus is placed.

  Therefore, it takes a tremendous amount of time for the service person to check the print image quality of each image forming apparatus. Moreover, in order to make up for it, it is necessary to prepare many service personnel, which may lead to high costs due to personnel costs.

  Therefore, in order to diagnose the print image quality of the image forming apparatus and monitor whether it is necessary to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus even from a remote location, the test data is printed on the image forming apparatus and the print result is displayed. It is conceivable to diagnose the print image quality based on this. For example, this technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  However, if the test data is frequently transferred, the amount of communication increases and the communication cost may increase accordingly. Furthermore, since maintenance service know-how is accumulated in the test data, it is desirable to be able to prevent an unspecified number of people from seeing or using the data.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to diagnose the print image quality of the image forming apparatus and monitor whether it is necessary to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus even from a remote location, and avoid unnecessary transfer of data. An object is to provide a system capable of performing the above.

  Therefore, the present invention is a system for diagnosing the print image quality of a printer, which uses transfer means for transferring test data necessary for test printing from an external device to the printer, and whether the test data in the external device is used. Use determination means for determining whether to use test data in the printer, and execution instruction means for giving an instruction to the printer to use test data in the printer based on the determination by the use determination means. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to remotely diagnose whether or not it is necessary to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus remotely by diagnosing a decrease in print image quality that could not be detected by the image forming apparatus itself until now. Can do. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of visits to the installation site of the image forming apparatus in order for the service person to check the print image quality.

  Furthermore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of communication due to the transfer of test data without frequently transferring test data necessary for image quality diagnosis.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image quality maintenance system for maintaining the print image quality of a printer according to the present invention. The maintenance server 101 transfers data necessary for maintaining the image quality to the client device 102, and based on the data from the client device 102 and the determination scanner 104, the printer print image quality is in what state. Judge and manage.

  The client device 102 is a device that causes the printer 103 to test print based on the test chart data sent from the maintenance server 101. Further, the printer 103 is managed in an integrated manner by managing the number of printed sheets by the printer using a counter and transmitting the status of the printer 103 to the maintenance server 101.

  The client device may be a copier (copier) in which the printer 103 is in the same housing, a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, a FAX apparatus, a host computer that can connect the printer 103 detachably, It may be a personal computer.

  The printer 103 performs printing on recording paper based on the image data. The printer 103 has a device number for identifying itself, and can transfer data indicating the device number in response to a request from the outside.

  The determination scanner 104 scans the printed matter output from the printer 103 to generate image data, and checks the print image quality of the printer based on the image data. Further, the generated image data is transferred to the maintenance server 101 as necessary.

  A LAN (Local Area Network) 107 is a network that connects the client device 102 and the determination scanner 104, and usually corresponds to a network in an office or a predetermined site. A WAN (Wide Area Network) 107 is a wide-area network to which a plurality of LANs are connected, and the plurality of networks are further interconnected by a public network, a dedicated line, or the like. As a result, remote computers can exchange data.

  The maintenance server 101 may be connected to the LAN 107. However, by connecting to a plurality of LANs via the WAN 107, for example, an image quality maintenance service can be provided to a plurality of printers respectively installed in a plurality of offices or companies.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus including the client device 102 and the printer 103. Here, an example in which the client device 102 is incorporated in a copying machine will be described. A scanner 201 that is an image input device illuminates an image on paper as a document, and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to generate raster image data.

  When the user sets the original paper on the tray 203 of the original feeder 204 and instructs the start of reading in the operation unit 202, the controller CPU of the image forming apparatus gives an instruction to the scanner 201, and the feeder 203 sets the original paper 1 Each sheet is fed, and the scanner 201 performs an original image reading operation.

  The printer 103, which is an image output device, is a part that prints raster image data on paper. The method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array and an image is directly printed on a sheet, and any method may be used. The printing operation is activated by an instruction from the controller CPU.

  The printer 103 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are paper cassettes 206, 207, 208 corresponding thereto. The paper discharge tray 205 receives paper that has been printed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. The client device 102 is connected to the scanner 201 that is an image input device and the printer 103 that is an image output device, and on the other hand, is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) so as to input and output image information and device information. It is.

  The CPU 301 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory used for the CPU 301 to operate. The RAM 302 is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 303 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 304 is a hard disk drive and stores system software and image data.

  The operation unit I / F 306 controls an interface with the operation unit (UI) 112 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 112 to the operation unit 112. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user via the operation unit 112 to the CPU 301.

  A network 308 manages connection to the LAN 100 and inputs / outputs information to / from the LAN 100. A modem (MODEM) 309 manages connection to the public line and inputs / outputs information to / from the public line. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 307.

  An image bus interface (Image Bus I / F) 305 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 307 and an image bus 310 that transfers image data at high speed and converts a data structure. The image bus 310 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

  The following devices are arranged on the image bus 310. A raster image processor (RIP) 311 expands the PDL code transmitted from the network into a bitmap image. The device I / F unit 312 connects the scanner 201 and the printer 103, which are image input / output devices, and the control unit 111, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner image processing unit 313 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 314 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. An image rotation unit 315 rotates image data. The image compression unit 316 performs JPEG compression / new tone processing on multi-valued image data, and performs JBIG, MMR, and MH compression / decompression processing on binary image data.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image quality maintenance system. Reference numerals 401 to 407 denote functional configurations of the maintenance server 101. Reference numerals 411 to 419 denote functional configurations of the client device. Reference numerals 431 to 432 denote functional configurations of the determination scanner 104.

  The maintenance history management unit manages the history of maintenance performed. In the history, for each printer device number, the date and time when the print image quality was determined, the image quality determined, the image data read by the determination scanner 104 when the print image quality was determined, and the determination result The date and time of maintenance and what kind of maintenance was performed is recorded.

  The download image data storage unit 402 stores test image data used when performing test printing. When executing the test chart, the image data is transferred from here to the client device 102.

  The download test chart data storage unit 403 stores data necessary for executing the test chart. The test print is performed by printing the test image data based on an instruction from the test chart data.

  The device configuration management unit 404 manages information indicating the configuration of a device to be maintained. For example, for each device, information indicating a device number, the presence / absence of an option, a network address (IP address), an owner, an installation location, and the like is managed using a database.

  The service schedule management unit 405 creates a schedule for dispatching a service person according to the contract contents indicated by the data stored in the contract data storage unit, and issues an instruction to the service person according to the schedule. For example, a service person is arranged so that a service person can be dispatched immediately to a printer that has a contract for providing high-quality maintenance.

  The accounting information management unit 406 calculates and stores a maintenance fee for the printer based on the counter value of the printer.

  The contract data storage unit 407 stores data indicating contract contents indicating what kind of image quality maintenance is provided. The contract details indicate how long the print image quality is to be dispatched to perform maintenance, a grace period (days) from the determination of the print image quality to the dispatch of the service personnel, and the like.

  The user ID storage unit 411 stores an ID for identifying the owner of the printer 103. Using this ID, the provider for providing the image quality maintenance service is specified. The public key / private key storage unit 412 stores a public key, a secret key, and the like necessary for encrypting transfer data when transferring data to the server 101.

  The diagnosis start key 412 is a button for the user to instruct the print image quality to be determined. When the diagnosis start key 412 is pressed or periodically, the client device 102 executes a test print.

  The diagnosis start determination unit 413 determines whether to execute a print image quality diagnosis. If the diagnosis is set to be performed periodically, it is determined that the diagnosis is performed every set period. If the diagnosis is set to be performed when the diagnosis start key is pressed, it is monitored whether or not the diagnosis start key 412 is pressed, and a determination is made that the diagnosis is performed in response to the pressing. To do.

  The equipment identification information storage unit 414 stores information for identifying the printer 103, for example, the equipment number of the printer 103.

  The maintenance end key 415 is a button that is pressed when the serviceman hunts for maintenance. When the maintenance end key 415 is pressed, this is notified to the server 101, and the maintenance history management unit 401 stores that the maintenance has ended.

  A counter 416 counts the number of sheets printed by the printer 103. The number of sheets is counted for each sheet, for each copy, or for each print request from the host computer. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a table managed by the counter 416. For each type of paper arranged in the vertical direction, the total number of printed sheets, the number of lost prints by copying, and the number of printed sheets by the print request from the host computer are stored.

  When the image quality deterioration is recognized by the print image quality determination, the number of printed sheets is counted separately. In other words, from the time when image quality deterioration is recognized until the maintenance corresponding thereto is completed, the total number of printed sheets is stored in 501, the number of printed sheets is stored in 502, and printed according to the print request. The number of sheets is stored in 503.

  The image quality reference storage unit 417 stores information indicating whether the print image quality is judged to be OK (no problem) or NG (problem). For example, information indicating the resolution and the allowable range of color misregistration when determining OK (or NG) is stored.

  The test image data / test chart data storage unit 418 stores test image data and test chart data transferred from the server 101. Note that these data are packed with important know-how from those that provide image quality maintenance services, and therefore it is not preferable for service providers to be diverted to various people. Therefore, the test image data and test chart data stored in the storage unit 418 are deleted after the print image quality diagnosis is performed.

  The print condition storage unit 419 stores information indicating print conditions required by the user (or owner) of the printer 103. For example, when the user requests a high-quality print, a print condition of “high-quality print” is set. In addition, when a high-quality print is requested only for color, a print condition of “high-quality color print, normal monochrome print” is set. The print conditions desired by the user are input from the operation unit 202 of the client device 102 and stored in the print condition storage unit 419. The information indicating the scale stored in the image quality reference storage unit 417 is determined based on the information stored in the print condition storage unit 419.

  The image input unit 432 scans the printed matter output by the test print and inputs image data. Further, the determination unit 431 determines the quality of the input image data against the scale indicated by the information stored in the image quality reference storage unit. The determination result is notified to the server 101 as necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for determining the print image quality. Note that steps S603, S604, and S614 are executed by the maintenance server. Steps S601, S602, S605, S606, and S615 are executed by the client device. Steps S607 to S613 are executed by the determination scanner. This process is performed by executing a program code corresponding to each step by the CPU of the apparatus.

  First, in step S601, the diagnosis start determination unit 413 determines whether to start diagnosis. The diagnosis start determination unit 413 determines to start diagnosis when the diagnosis start key 412 is pressed by the user. In addition, when it is set to perform a diagnosis periodically, it is determined that the diagnosis is started as the set time or period elapses. If it is determined not to start diagnosis, the process returns to step S601. If it is determined to start diagnosis, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the maintenance server 101 is notified that diagnosis is started. When notifying, the ID information stored in the user ID storage unit 411, the information indicating the device number stored in the device identification information storage unit, and the information indicating the print condition stored in the print condition storage unit 419 Are also notified to the maintenance server 101.

  In step S603, the maintenance server 101 receives a diagnosis start notification. In step S 604, the test image data stored in the download image data storage unit 402 and the test chart data stored in the download test chart data storage unit 403 are transmitted to the client device 102. At this time, data for determining whether or not a desired print condition is satisfied is transmitted based on the information indicating the print condition transmitted from the client device 102.

  In step S605, the client device 102 receives data necessary for the test print. In step S606, the test image data is transferred to the printer 103 to cause the printer 103 to execute a test print. The test image data is based on know-how for maintaining the print image quality of the printer. Therefore, the use of the test image data without permission by a third party is harmful to those who provide maintenance services. Therefore, the client device 102 detects the end of the test print and deletes the test image data.

  If the test image data is transferred from the maintenance server 101 to the client device 102 each time, the communication load increases. Therefore, the printer 103 may be able to hold these data. In this case, an instruction to use data held by the printer is transmitted from the maintenance server 101 to the client device 102 and further transmitted from the client device 102 to the print 103. Then, the printer 103 performs a test print using the stored test image data. In this case, the printer 103 encrypts and holds the test image data so that the test image data is not used by a third party.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the determination scanner 104 with the output paper 600 and sets the paper 600. In step S607, the determination scanner 104 scans the document (paper 600) and inputs image data.

  In step S608, the print image quality of the printer 103 is determined based on the input image data. The print image quality determination process will be described later. If there is no problem in the determination result, the determination result is stored in the determination result storage unit in step S610. The determination result storage unit is constructed by a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD. When the determination result storage unit is in the client device 102, the determination scanner 104 transmits the determination result and its storage request to the client device 102.

  If there is no problem, it is not necessary to immediately notify the maintenance server 101 of the determination result. Therefore, a plurality of determination results are collectively transferred to the maintenance server 101, for example, once a day or once every several days. By doing so, communication with the maintenance server 101 can be reduced as much as possible.

  In step S611, in order to notify the determination result to the user, print data indicating the determination result is generated, transferred to the printer 103, and the determination result is printed. By doing so, the determination result can be notified to the user. In addition to the determination result, the contents to be printed include the data name of the test image data, the date and time, the device number of the printer 103, the determination method, the operation mode, the version of the test chart, the temperature and humidity at that time, and the like. Note that the determination result may be displayed on the display unit 105 instead of printing the determination result.

  Here, the judgment results are in three stages. A is “no problem”, B is “problem (caution)”, and C is “problem (maintenance required)”.

  On the other hand, if there is a problem with the determination result (NO in step S609), the determination result is transmitted to the maintenance server 101 in step S612. At this time, the determination scanner 104 transmits to the maintenance server 101 the print cause, the input image data, the data name of the test image data, the date and time, the device number of the printer 103, the determination method, and the like. Then, the maintenance server 101 receives the determination result in step S614. Here, when the determination result is B or C, the determination result is transmitted to the maintenance server 101. However, according to the print condition or contract contents, for example, the determination result is only when the determination result is C. May be transmitted. In this case, it is assumed that the information indicating the contract content is stored in the image quality standard storage unit as the image quality standard.

  In step S613, the determination scanner 104 instructs the client device 102 to change the counter. Then, the client device 102 performs counter change processing in step S615. That is, if there is a copy or print request from the host computer thereafter, the values of 501, 502, and 503 in FIG. 5 are counted up (updated).

  This does not prevent you from making a copy or print request at all, just because there is a problem with the print image quality, but at a lower price for a copy or print request while there is a problem with the print image quality. Billing can be performed, and user satisfaction can be obtained.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process performed when the first determination result is problematic. Here, steps S701 to S705 and S712 to S714 are executed by the maintenance server 101, steps S706 and S707 are executed by the client device 102, and steps S708 to S711 are executed by the determination scanner 104. This process is performed by executing the program code corresponding to each step by the CPU of the apparatus.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether the determination result received in step S614 is B or C. If the determination result is B, the process proceeds to step S705. If the determination result is C, the process proceeds to step S702.

  If the determination result is C, it is necessary to perform maintenance immediately, so a service person is dispatched according to the following steps. First, in step S702, the maintenance history management unit 401 stores the determination result. Next, the service schedule management unit 405 determines a service person to be dispatched and a maintenance date based on the schedule table of each service person and the installation location of the printer 103.

  In step S704, an e-mail is sent to the mobile terminal of the determined service person so as to proceed to maintenance. At this time, information indicating the determination result, the image data input by the determination scanner 104, the user ID, the device number of the printer 103, the installation location of the printer 103, and the like are also transmitted to the portable terminal by e-mail.

  On the other hand, when the determination result is B (when it is determined as B in step S701), the second diagnosis is performed to confirm whether the maintenance is really necessary. Accordingly, in order to perform the second test print, the second test image data and the second test chart data are transmitted to the client device 102 in step S706. At this time, the information for checking in detail the portion that could not be determined in the first test print is transmitted.

  In step S706, the client device 102 receives data necessary for the test print. In step S707, the test image data is transferred to the printer 103 to cause the printer 103 to execute a test print.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the determination scanner 104 with the output paper 700 and sets the paper 700. In step S708, the determination scanner 104 scans the document (paper 700) and inputs image data.

  In step S709, the print image quality of the printer 103 is determined based on the input image data. In step S710, the determination result and the cause are transmitted to the maintenance server 101. At this time, the determination result is stored in the determination result storage unit. When the determination result storage unit is in the client device 102, the determination scanner 104 transmits the determination result and its storage request to the client device 102.

  The maintenance server 101 receives the determination result in step S712. In step S713, it is determined whether the received determination result is B or C. If it is C, it is determined that maintenance is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S702. In the case of B, as a result of detailed examination, it is determined that maintenance is not necessary this time. Therefore, in step S714, the maintenance history management unit 401 ends the process only by storing the determination result.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for determining print image quality, which is executed in steps S608 and S709. This process is executed by the determination unit 431 of the determination scanner 104. First, in step S801, the read image data is stored in the page memory. In step S 802, a request is sent to the client device 102, and information indicating the device number of the printer 103, information indicating the image reference, and the like are acquired from the client device 102. At this time, the test chart data transmitted from the maintenance server 101 is also acquired.

  In step S803, the image data stored in the page memory is read out, and various image diagnosis / determination is performed. At this time, the image data is tested according to the test chart indicated by the test chart data, and the determination result is calculated in light of the set image quality standard. Here, a print position and magnification test, and a skew test are performed.

  The test chart data is based on know-how for maintaining the print image quality of the printer. Therefore, the use of the test chart data without permission by a third party is harmful to those who provide maintenance services. Therefore, the determination scanner 104 detects the end of the determination process and deletes the test chart data.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for testing whether the print position and the magnification are correct. In order to perform this test, a test pattern is printed at a predetermined magnification. FIG. 10 conceptually shows a state when the image data input by the determination scanner 104 is expanded in the memory space. Here, the original paper and the lattice pattern are represented by data in the memory space.

  Therefore, first, in step S901, the coordinates of the four corners of the document are obtained from the read image data. In step S902, the coordinates of the four corners of the outer frame of the lattice pattern are obtained. In step S903, the coordinates of the four corners of the document and the coordinates of the four corners of the outer frame of the grid pattern are compared to calculate the print positions and magnifications of the four corners of the grid pattern. Compare The ideal value is described in the test chart data.

  In step S904, a determination is made based on the comparison result in step S903, and if there is a problem, the cause is estimated. When both the magnification and the printing position are within the predetermined accuracy, it is determined as normal. If the magnification is within the accuracy and the printing position is defective, it is estimated that the writing timing of printing is defective. If the magnification is poor and the print start position is within accuracy, it is estimated that the transfer drum of the printer 103 or the copy paper has a poor speed. If both the magnification and the printing position are defective, it is estimated that both of the above two items are defective.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for testing whether skew is correct. In step S1101, the inclination of the document is calculated from the read image data. Next, the inclination of the lattice pattern is calculated. Then, the inclination of the original and the inclination of the lattice pattern are compared to determine which of patterns A to E in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of classification when the inclination of the original and the lattice pattern is classified into a plurality of patterns.

  In step S1104, a determination is made based on the comparison result in step S1103, and the cause of the problem is estimated when there is a problem. When it corresponds to the pattern A, it is determined as normal. If the pattern B is applicable, it is determined that the image is skewed forward while the image is transferred onto the paper. If it corresponds to the pattern C, it is determined that the skew has been performed to the back during the transfer. When it corresponds to the pattern D, it is determined that the back precedes before the transfer. When it corresponds to the pattern E, it is determined that the front is preceded before the transfer.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing for displaying guidance on the operation unit 202 of the client device 102 and the display unit 105 of the determination scanner 104 when the print image quality is determined. Steps S1301 to S1306 are executed by the client device 102, and a message is displayed on the operation unit 202. Steps S1307 to S1315 are executed by the determination scanner 104, and a message is displayed on the display unit 105. This process is performed by executing a program code corresponding to each step by the CPU of the apparatus.

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether a diagnosis start key has been pressed. If the diagnosis start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1302.

  In step S1302, it is determined whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the last diagnosis. If the diagnosis has not been performed for a certain period, a message “recommend diagnosis” is displayed in step S1303.

  On the other hand, if the diagnosis start key is pressed (YES in step S1301), a message “Diagnosis is started. Data is being downloaded” is displayed in step S1304. At this time, the processes of steps S602 to S605 are executed.

  When all of the test print data is received and the test print is started, a message “Test print in progress” is displayed in step S1305. When the test print is completed, a message “Please set paper in the scanner” is displayed in step S1306. As a result, the user goes to the scanner with the paper.

  On the other hand, the determination scanner 104 displays a message “please press the start key after setting paper” in step S1307. In step S1308, the process waits for the start key to be pressed.

  When the user presses the start key, a message “Reading test print image” is displayed in step S1309. At this time, the process of step S608 is executed. As a result of the determination, if “no problem”, the process proceeds to step S1312, and if “no problem”, the process proceeds to step S1313.

  In the case of “no problem”, since the determination result is printed out, a message “The determination result is being printed” is displayed in step S1312. At this time, the determination result may be displayed on the operation unit 202 of the client device or the display unit 105 of the determination scanner 104. In this case, a message such as “the printer 103 has no problem with print image quality” is displayed.

  If there is a problem, the determination result is transmitted to the maintenance server 101, and a message “The determination result is being transmitted to the server” is displayed in step S1313. Then, it is determined whether maintenance is necessary. When maintenance is necessary, a notification to that effect is received from the maintenance server 101.

  If maintenance is not required, the process proceeds to step S1312. If maintenance is required, the maintenance server 101 executes a serviceman dispatch process. In step S1315, a message “Maintenance needs to be done. Serviceman will be arranged” is displayed.

  With the processing in FIG. 13, the user can grasp the progress of the print image quality determination processing. In particular, the user can be made aware that the copy cannot be used by downloading data necessary for the test print or the test print. In addition, the user can be instructed in an easy-to-understand manner to set the printed matter output by the test print on the determination scanner.

  The user can check the diagnosis history through the operation unit 202 of the client device or the display unit 105 of the determination scanner 104. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example when a diagnosis history is displayed on the operation unit 202 or the display unit 105. The displayed determination result is stored in the determination result storage unit.

  In FIG. 14, the operation unit 202 or the display unit 105 displays the date and time of diagnosis, the user who performed diagnosis, and the determination result in a list format for each reception number issued every time diagnosis is performed. In addition, when there are a plurality of printers, the equipment number of the printer that has been diagnosed may be displayed. Further, when information indicating whether or not the determination result is transmitted to the maintenance server 101 is displayed, it is further useful for the user.

  In the above embodiment, the client device and the determination scanner are provided separately, but they may be integrated. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system in that case. At this time, the scanner 201 becomes the determination scanner 104 and the operation unit 202 becomes the display unit 105.

  The client device, the printer, and the scanner may be separate from each other. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system in that case. Further, the determination scanner may be connected to the maintenance server. At this time, the service person presses the diagnosis start key, takes back the printed matter output by the test print, and sets it in the determination scanner. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system in that case.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where the program code is loaded into the RAM of the maintenance server 101 and can be executed by the CPU of the maintenance server 101. In addition, a basic I / O program, an operating system such as a window system, related data, a work area used when the CPU executes the program, and the like are also prepared on the RAM.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state where the program code is loaded into the RAM of the client device 102 and can be executed by the CPU of the client device 102. In addition, a basic I / O program, an operating system such as a window system, related data, a work area used when the CPU executes the program, and the like are also prepared on the RAM.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a memory map in a state where the program code is loaded into the RAM of the determination scanner 104 and can be executed by the CPU of the determination scanner 104. In addition, a basic I / O program, an operating system such as a window system, related data, a work area used when the CPU executes the program, and the like are also prepared on the RAM.

  The program code and related data according to the present invention can be stored in a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) or a CD-ROM, and supplied from there to a computer. 18 to 19 are also diagrams showing a memory map in a state where the program code and the related data according to the present invention are stored in the FD or CD-ROM.

  Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software (control program) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer as shown in FIG. Is achieved by reading out and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. As a method of supplying the programs and data shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 to a computer, as shown in FIG. 21, it is stored in a floppy (registered trademark) disk FD 2100 and stored in a computer main body 2102 (via a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 2101). ) The method of supplying is common. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, in addition to a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM Etc. can be used. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an image quality maintenance system. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the function structure of an image quality maintenance system. It is a figure which shows the table which a counter manages. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining print image quality. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed when the determination result of the 1st time has a problem. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing for determining print image quality. It is a flowchart which shows the process which tests whether a printing position and a magnification are correct. It is the figure which showed notionally the mode when image data is expand | deployed on the memory space. It is a flowchart which shows the process which tests whether skew is correct. It is a figure which shows the example of a classification | category at the time of classifying the inclination condition of a manuscript and a lattice pattern into several patterns. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of displaying a guidance for a print image quality diagnosis process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the history of diagnosis. It is a figure which shows the structure of an image quality maintenance system. It is a figure which shows the structure of an image quality maintenance system. It is a figure which shows the structure of an image quality maintenance system. It is a figure which shows a memory map. It is a figure which shows a memory map. It is a figure which shows a memory map. It is a figure which shows the supply method of a program code.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Maintenance server 102 Client apparatus 103 Printer 104 Scanner for determination 105 Display part 106 LAN
107 WAN

Claims (5)

A system for diagnosing the print quality of a printer,
Transfer means for transferring test data necessary for test printing from an external device to the printer;
Use determination means for determining whether to use test data in the external device or test data in the printer;
An execution instructing unit that issues an instruction to the printer to use the test data in the printer based on the determination by the use determining unit.   5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the test data in response to a button indicating a diagnosis instruction being pressed.   The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printer prints at least one of a number for identifying the printer, a date and time, an operation mode at the time of printing, and temperature and humidity in accordance with the test data.   4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the printer prints a version of the test chart according to the test data.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising message display means for displaying a message indicating that the test data is received when the test data is transferred from an external device. System.

Images