JP2006295911A - Information acquisition method, image forming apparatus and copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the acquisition method of information which is capable of obtaining electronic information stored in a copying machine without providing users with suspicious feeling of whether private information or confidential information is leaked or not. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic information stored in the information storing means of the copying machine of a user is obtained as an electronic alphabetic data, by a method wherein the information acquisition means executes an alphabetic image forming process to print out the electronic information stored in the information storing means such as a hard disk or the like mounted on the copying machine of a user as the alphabetic image; and an information converting process for converting the alphabetic image, printed out by the copying machine employing the information processing device such as a personal computer or the like not connected to the copying machine of the user, into electronic alphabetic data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer that forms an image such as an ink image or a toner image on a recording material such as recording paper. The present invention also relates to an information acquisition method for acquiring computerized information stored in an information storage unit of an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus service system (hereinafter simply referred to as a service system) described in Patent Document 1 is known as a system useful for a management company that performs maintenance and inspection services for image forming apparatuses. This service system automatically notifies the management company of the occurrence of a temporary severe abnormality that cannot be dealt with by the user, such as a severe paper jam, through a communication line such as a telephone line. . The management company dispatches a serviceman to the user based on the automatic notification, so that the temporary severe abnormality that has occurred in the image forming apparatus can be quickly resolved.

  Abnormalities that occur in the image forming apparatus include transient minor abnormalities such as a mild paper jam that can be easily removed by the user, in addition to the transient severe abnormalities described above. In addition, there is a chronic mild abnormality that does not show a conspicuous phenomenon that can be easily recognized, but continuously causes a phenomenon different from the normal state due to the progress of deterioration of parts. It is a minor abnormality that causes an unrecognizable phenomenon such as a relatively large variation in paper feed timing, and is fatal enough that the device cannot operate normally due to further deterioration of parts. The phenomenon of failure that incurs significant damage is one of the abnormalities that occur in the image forming apparatus. Of these, a transient severe abnormality can be quickly resolved by dispatching a service person to the user. In addition, transient minor abnormalities are quickly resolved by the user without dispatching a service person. On the other hand, chronic mild abnormalities resulting from the deterioration of parts do not show a conspicuous phenomenon that can be easily recognized, and are generally left unattended. As a result, when a failure occurs, it takes a long time to arrange replacement parts, which inconveniences the user.

  Therefore, the present inventors use a statistical method such as the MTS (Maharanobis Taguchi System) method described in Non-Patent Document 1 to quickly find a chronic minor abnormality and predict the occurrence of a failure in advance. An abnormality determination method that can do this is under development. In the MTS method, set information including a plurality of types of information is acquired from a test subject in a normal state. For example, the set information includes a combination of linear velocity information of the photosensitive member, information indicating whether or not the high-speed print mode is set, output color number information, and the like. Collect such group information for each time series from the subject to be examined when there is no abnormality, such as immediately after shipment from the factory or immediately after maintenance inspection, and build a normal data group consisting of a set of multiple group information . Thereafter, when it is desired to check whether or not the test object is normal, the set information is acquired again from the test object. Then, the Mahalanobis distance indicating the relative positional relationship in the multi-dimensional space based on the normal data group constructed in advance is obtained for the information, and the normality of the test object is adjusted based on the result. Weigh. By using such an MTS method, it is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of a chronic minor abnormality in an image forming apparatus as a test target and predict the occurrence of a failure in advance.

JP 2003-215986 A "Technology development in MT system" Publication Committee Chairman Genichi Taguchi Published by Japanese Standards Association

  As in the case of the MTS method, when determining the presence or absence of chronic mild abnormality using a normal data group that has been constructed in advance, prior to the determination, as much set information as possible is obtained from a device in a normal state. It is necessary to obtain it. For this purpose, it is desired to add the set information to the normal data group as follows. That is, a plurality of image forming apparatuses operating under the individual user's group information obtained during the period from the start of initial operation immediately after factory shipment that is operating in a normal state to the lapse of a predetermined period Each is taken from and added to it.

  Therefore, in order to realize such addition of data, it is assumed that a configuration is adopted in which group information stored in a user's image forming apparatus is automatically transmitted to a management company periodically via a communication line. Then, not only the group information but also information such as a fax number list and copy image data of confidential documents are automatically transmitted, and the user feels untrustworthy that personal information and confidential information may be leaked. There is a fear. In addition, when a service person goes to the user, even if a method is used in which the terminal information connected to the image forming apparatus is used to suck out the set information stored in the apparatus, There is a risk of distrust.

  Conventionally, in order to improve the image forming apparatus after shipment, a maintenance service such as a service person dispatched to the user connecting the terminal to the image forming apparatus and updating the control program of the apparatus has been provided. It was done. At this time, there was a possibility that the user had the same distrust.

  In addition, even in the case where something is abnormal, such as the service system described in Patent Document 1 that automatically notifies that fact through a communication line, there is a possibility that the same distrust was given at the time of the automatic notification There is sex.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an information acquisition method, an image forming apparatus, and a copying machine as described below. In other words, without causing the user to be distrusted about whether personal information or confidential information is leaked, the service person can acquire, update, or notify information in the image forming apparatus. Information acquisition method and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an information acquisition method for acquiring information stored in an information storage means of an image forming apparatus for forming an image on an image forming body. A character image forming process to be formed on the image forming apparatus as an image and an information processing apparatus not connected to the image forming apparatus to convert the character information image formed by the image forming apparatus into a character code The character encoding step is performed, and the information stored in the information storage unit of the image forming apparatus is acquired.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information acquisition method of the first aspect, prior to the character encoding step, an image of the character information formed by the image forming apparatus is read by an image reading means to obtain image data. After performing the image reading process for conversion and the information input process for inputting the image data to the information processing apparatus, the character included in the image data is sent to the information processing apparatus in the character encoding process. Character identification conversion processing for identifying an image of information and converting it into a character code is performed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information acquisition method according to the second aspect, wherein a character imaging process for converting characters of the character code obtained by the character identification conversion process into image data and the image reading step. Image combining processing for combining the image data obtained and the image data obtained by the character imaging processing, and processing for causing the image forming apparatus to form an image formed by superimposing characters based on the combined image data After the information processing apparatus performs the above, a code correcting step of correcting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion process is performed based on the image.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information, an image formation unit that forms an image on an image forming body based on the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit, and the image An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls driving of the forming unit; a state information acquisition unit that acquires state information indicating a state of the image forming unit; and an information storage unit that stores the state information. The control means is configured to cause the image forming means to perform control to form the state information stored in the means as an image of character information periodically or based on an instruction from the operator. It is characterized by.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the image information acquired by the image information acquiring unit among a plurality of image forming bodies on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. A first placement means for placing only the image on which the image based on the image is formed, and a second placement means for placing only the image on which the character information image based on the state information is formed are provided separately. It is characterized by that.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the second mounting means is disposed in a housing of the image forming apparatus.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, among the state information stored in the information storage unit, the image forming unit forms the character information image. The control means is configured to perform control to periodically delete the information that has been deleted from the information storage means.
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, when the state information is formed as the character information image, a predetermined reference image is formed together with the character information image. The control means is configured to perform the control to be performed.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading an image and converting it into image data, an image forming means for forming an image on an image forming body based on the image data obtained by the image reading means, In the copying machine, comprising: a program storage unit that stores a control program; and a control unit that controls driving of the image reading unit and the image forming unit based on the control program stored in the program storage unit. A character identification conversion means for identifying a character included in the image data obtained by the means and converting it into a character code; and based on the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means, stored in the program storage means And a program updating means for updating the existing control program.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the copying machine according to the ninth aspect, display means for displaying the control program stored in the program storage means and data input for inputting correction data for correcting the control program. Means are provided.
The invention according to claim 11 is the copying machine according to claim 10, further comprising code imaging means for converting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means into image data, and character information based on the image data. A control program for causing the image forming unit to form the image is stored in the program storage unit.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the copying machine according to the eleventh aspect, an imaging means for converting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means into image data, the image data and the image reading means. An image composition means for compositing the image data obtained by the above-mentioned method, and a control program for causing the image formation means to form an image by superimposing characters on the basis of the image data after composition is stored in the program storage means. It is memorized.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image forming means for forming an image on an image forming body based on image data, and whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming means based on information stored in the information storage means. In the image forming apparatus including an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred, the abnormality determination unit includes abnormality occurrence information that is information to that effect and contact information to a maintenance service organization. The image forming means is configured to form an abnormality notification image on an image forming body.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the abnormality determining means uses a means for determining the type of abnormality that has occurred, and the information storage means includes the image forming apparatus. Using the information storing the model information, and forming the abnormality notification image including the type information of the abnormality that has occurred and the model information in addition to the abnormality occurrence information and the contact information. It is a feature.
The invention of claim 15 is the image forming apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus without going through the telephone line or the Internet line is received, or the information processing apparatus A communication means for transmitting the above information is provided, and the abnormality occurrence information is transmitted from the communication means to the information processing apparatus.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, of a plurality of information processing apparatuses that transmit image data to the communication means without using a telephone line or an Internet line, The abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data immediately thereafter.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, a predetermined number of information processing apparatuses that transmit image data to the communication means without using a telephone line or an Internet line are predetermined. The abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to a specific information processing apparatus.
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, information display means for displaying information and confirmation information for confirming whether the maintenance service organization has been contacted or not are provided. Confirmation information receiving means is provided, and it is necessary to contact the maintenance service organization between the time when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred and the time when the confirmation information receiving means accepts the confirmation information. The information display means is configured to display information to the effect periodically or continuously.
In the image forming apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, information display means for displaying information and confirmation information for confirming whether or not the maintenance service organization has been contacted are provided. A confirmation information receiving means for accepting the information processing apparatus from the time when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred until the confirmation information receiving means accepts the confirmation information. The generation information is periodically transmitted.
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document, and the abnormality notification image from among the images read by the image reading unit. An abnormality notification image detecting means for detecting the image and an image transmitting means for transmitting the image read by the image reading means through a telephone line, and information indicating that the abnormality notification image has been detected, and the abnormality notification The confirmation information accepting unit is configured to accept a combination of information including an image including information transmitted by the image transmitting unit as the confirmation information.
The invention according to claim 21 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the confirmation information accepting means accepts predetermined authentication information as the confirmation information when inputted. It is a feature.
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the twenty-first aspect, the authentication information creating means for creating the authentication information and storing it in the information storage means, and encrypting the created authentication information according to a predetermined rule And an informing means for informing the encrypted authentication information.
According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality sent from an image forming apparatus connected to the computer in a machine-readable recording medium storing a program for causing the computer to function as means for transmitting an e-mail. A process for displaying the occurrence information on a display means connected to the computer, a process for inquiring the operator whether or not the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted to the maintenance service organization, and an inquiry that the transmission may be performed When a result is obtained from the operator, a program for causing the computer to function as a means for performing processing for transmitting the abnormality notification information to a predetermined e-mail address by e-mail is recorded. It is what.
The invention of claim 24 forms an image indicating the abnormality occurrence information when the inquiry result that the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted is not obtained from the operator. As a means for performing processing for transmitting image information to the image forming apparatus, a program for causing a computer to function is recorded.

  In these inventions, in the information acquisition methods of claims 1 to 3, the information stored in the information storage means of the image forming apparatus is not output from the image forming apparatus in a state invisible to human eyes. The image forming apparatus forms an image of character information visible to human eyes. Then, the user receives an image of the obtained character information. Since the character information image is visible to the human eye, the user can visually check the character information and check the content of the information provided to the service person. When a character information image is provided by the user, the character information is manually input to the information processing apparatus that is not connected to the user's image forming apparatus using a keyboard or the like. Convert to code. This makes it possible to acquire information stored in the image forming apparatus in the information processing apparatus without connecting an information terminal to the user's image forming apparatus. In acquiring such information, the information in the image forming apparatus was not obtained in an invisible state by an information terminal connected to the image forming apparatus, but the contents were confirmed by the user by visual recognition. By acquiring only the information, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked. Therefore, it is possible to cause the service person to acquire the stored information in the image forming apparatus without causing the user to feel such distrust.

  In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, after the state information acquired by various sensors or the like is stored in the information storage means, the state information is periodically formed as an image of character information, or the operator's Or form based on instructions. Since the image of such character information is visible to the human eye, the user can confirm the content by visually recognizing the character information. Then, after having the contents confirmed, it is possible to have the service person provide it. A serviceman provided with an image of character information can acquire status information of the copying machine without performing an operation of connecting the information terminal to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to cause the serviceman to obtain the copier status information without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  In the copying machine according to the ninth to twelfth aspects, an image of character information in which a control program is written is read by an image reading means such as a scanner and converted into image data. A serviceman can connect the information terminal to the copying machine by identifying the character included in the image data by a character identification conversion means such as an OCR (optical character identification device) and converting it to a character code. The control program can be updated without having to do so. Accordingly, the serviceman can update the control program of the image forming apparatus without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claims 13 to 22, when an abnormality occurs, an abnormality notification image including abnormality occurrence information and contact information is formed. Since this abnormality notification image is visible to the human eye, the user can check the content of the information contained therein. In such a configuration, after the user confirms the content of the abnormality notification image, the user may be contacted by a contact included therein, or the abnormality notification image may be faxed to the contact. It becomes possible. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the service person of the abnormality occurrence information of the image forming apparatus without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  Further, in the recording medium of claims 23 to 24, by displaying on the display means the abnormality occurrence information sent from the image forming apparatus to the computer by the program recorded therein, Have the user check the contents of the error occurrence information. Then, when the user obtains approval that the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted as an e-mail to the maintenance service organization, the computer causes the abnormality occurrence information to be transmitted by e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address. In such a configuration, it is not believed that personal information or confidential information may be leaked by sending the information on the occurrence of anomaly that has been confirmed and approved by the user to the e-mail of the maintenance service organization. It is possible to notify the service person of abnormality occurrence information of the image forming apparatus without causing the user to feel the feeling.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information acquisition method for acquiring information stored in a copier as an image forming apparatus will be described as a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a work process in the information acquisition method according to the first embodiment. In this information acquisition method, a service person at a service organization that performs maintenance and inspection of a copier firstly converts the computerized information stored in an information storage means such as a hard disk or a RAM of the copier as a character image. A character image forming process to be printed out by the copying machine is performed (step 1: hereinafter, step is referred to as S). Examples of computerized information stored in the information storage means of the copying machine include detection information by various sensors, control parameter information, variable count information, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of printout paper on which a character image is formed by a copying machine in the character image forming process described above. In the figure, the counter value is the cumulative count value of the number of printouts. As the counter value, a total counter value, a monochrome counter value, a color counter value, a mono color counter value, a duplex counter value, and an A3 counter value are stored. The total counter value is a value that is unconditionally counted when a printout is performed, regardless of the color of the printout image, the size of the printout paper, the distinction between double-sided printing and single-sided printing, and the like. The monochrome counter value is a value counted when monochrome printing is performed. The color counter value is a value counted when printing of two or more colors is performed. The mono color counter value is a value counted when one color print other than black is performed. The duplex counter value is a value counted when duplex printing is performed. The A3 counter value is a value counted when printing is performed on an A3 size recording sheet.

  Further, the number of operations of the photoconductor is the number of rotations of the photoconductor. Further, the number of developing device operations is the number of rotations of the developing roller. The number of fixing device operations is the number of rotations of the fixing roller or the number of rotations of the fixing belt. The number of transfer operations is the number of rotations of the intermediate transfer belt. The average image area ratio is a value obtained by accumulating and averaging the image area ratios for each printout 100 times. The image area ratio for each printout is 100 times the value obtained by dividing the image area on the printout paper calculated based on the number of output pixels by the total area of the paper. The average image area ratio is also calculated for each of Y, M, C, and K.

  The development start voltage is a value of a development bias applied to the development sleeve at the start of a development operation in a later-described development apparatus. Since a dedicated developing device is provided for each color of Y, M, C, and K, the development start voltage is also stored for each color.

  The information storage means in the copying machine stores these various types of information as computerized information, and the service person can input these various types of information as shown in the figure by entering a special code on the operation panel of the copying machine. Print out as a simple character image. When the character image forming process is completed in this way, information for converting the character image on the printout paper into electronic character data using an information processing device such as a personal computer or an information terminal that is not connected to the user's copying machine. A conversion step (S2 in FIG. 1) is performed. As a result, the computerized information stored in the user's copier is indirectly acquired and stored in the information processing apparatus. In such an information acquisition method, the information processing apparatus in the copying machine is stored in the information processing apparatus without connecting the information processing apparatus of the service organization to the copying machine of the user through a telephone line or a cable. Furthermore, the electronic information to be acquired can be confirmed in advance by the user as a character image of printout paper. As a result, the user will not be distrusted that personal information or confidential information may be leaked.

  The information conversion process described above may be performed by the user using an information processing apparatus brought by the service person, or may be performed after the printout paper is brought back to the service organization. As a specific aspect of the information conversion step, manually inputting character information by a key operation of the information processing apparatus based on a character image recorded on printout paper can be cited. However, in this case, a great deal of labor is required for manual input. Therefore, it is desirable to perform the following configuration prior to the information conversion process. That is, an image reading process in which a character image on printout paper is read by an image reading unit such as a scanner and converted into electronic image data, and an information input process in which the electronic image data is input to the information processing apparatus. After performing these steps, in the information conversion step, the character image included in the electronic image data input in advance is identified and converted into electronic character data (electronic text document) in the information processing device. The character recognition conversion process is performed. As such character identification conversion processing, it is possible to use OCR (optical character recognition processing) which has been conventionally known. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of manually inputting character information into the information processing apparatus and to improve the work efficiency.

  In the above-described character identification conversion process, there is a limit to the identification accuracy by the information processing apparatus, and erroneous recognition of characters inevitably occurs. As a result, incorrect information may be acquired. Therefore, when character recognition conversion processing is performed, it is desirable to check for the presence or absence of erroneous recognition of characters as follows. That is, first, the information processing apparatus is caused to perform character data imaging processing in which electronic character data obtained by character identification processing is changed to electronic image data such as bitmap data by a known technique. Next, the electronic image data (hereinafter referred to as electronic image data after character recognition) and the electronic image data (hereinafter referred to as original electronic data) obtained by reading the printout image provided by the user by the image reading means. Data processing) is performed by a known technique to cause the information processing apparatus to perform a data combining process to form one electronic image data. Then, the information processing apparatus is caused to perform processing for forming an image forming apparatus such as a printer installed in the service organization on the basis of the combined electronic image data, and the character image is printed out. By this printout, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, each character image I1 in the original electronic image data and each character image I2 in the electronic image data after character recognition are overlaid and printed. When a recognition error occurs in the character recognition conversion process, as shown by the arrows in the figure, the misrecognized character and the original character are misaligned, making it difficult to visually recognize the character. A misrecognized character can be easily identified. If the original electronic image data and the electronic image data after character recognition are printed out in different colors, it becomes easier to identify the erroneously recognized character. If a misrecognized character is found, it is corrected to a correct character by a key input operation.

Next, a method for determining the presence or absence of chronic minor abnormality in the copying machine based on various information acquired by the information acquisition method according to the first embodiment will be described.
This determination is performed, for example, by obtaining the Mahalanobis distance by the MTS method. In order to obtain the Mahalanobis distance, it is necessary to construct a group information group (normal data group) which is a group of group information composed of a plurality of types of information acquired from a normal copying machine. This construction is performed by acquiring various types of information by the information acquisition method according to the first embodiment.

Table 1 shown below is an example of an acquired data table constructed in the group information group construction process for constructing the group information group described above. This acquisition data table shows an example in which n sets of group information composed of k types of information are acquired to form an inverse matrix.

In the set information group construction process, first, k types of information (y ₁₁ , y ₁₂ ... Y _1k ) constituting the first set of set information are acquired based on the printout paper. And it is memorize | stored in the information storage means of information processing apparatus as data of the 1st line in a data table. Next, k types of information (y ₂₁ , y ₂₂ ... Y _2k ) constituting the second set information are acquired based on the printout paper, and the second row data in the data table is obtained. Is stored in the information storage means of the information processing apparatus. Thereafter, group information for the third and subsequent groups is sequentially acquired along with the print job and stored as data in the data table. Then, the n-th set information is acquired and stored in the information storage means as the n-th row data in the data table. When a predetermined period elapses, an average and a standard deviation (σ) of n pieces of k types of information constituting each set of information are obtained, and information on the information processing apparatus is used as data on the (n + 1) th and n + 2nd rows, respectively. Stored in the storage means.

  When such an acquired data table construction process ends after the above-described predetermined period has elapsed, an inverse matrix construction process is performed immediately thereafter. In this inverse matrix construction process, an information normalization process, a correlation coefficient calculation process, and an inverse matrix conversion process described below are performed.

In the information normalization step in the inverse matrix construction process, a normalized data table as shown in the following Table 2 is constructed based on the acquired data table shown in Table 1.

Data normalization is a process for converting absolute value information into variable information for various types of information. Normalized data for various types of information is calculated based on the following relational expressions. Note that i in the following expression is a code indicating any one of the n sets of group information. Further, j is a code indicating that it is any one of k types of information.

When the information normalization step is finished, a correlation coefficient calculation step is performed next. In this correlation coefficient calculation step, all combinations ( _k C ₂ types) in which two different types can be established among the k types of normalized data in the n sets of normalized data groups are based on the following equation. Correlation coefficient r _pq (r _qp ) is calculated.

Once the correlation coefficients r _pq (r _qp ) have been calculated for all combinations, then k × k pieces, with the diagonal element being 1 and the other p rows and q columns elements being correlation coefficients r _pq The correlation coefficient matrix R is constructed. The contents of this correlation coefficient matrix R are shown in the following equation.

When such a correlation coefficient calculation process is completed, a matrix conversion process is then performed. Through this matrix conversion step, the correlation coefficient matrix R expressed by Equation 3 is converted into an inverse matrix A (R ⁻¹ ) expressed by the following equation.

When the inverse matrix A is constructed as described above, it is provided to each user, stored in the information storage means of each user's copier, and based on that, each copier may perform an abnormality determination process. In this abnormality determination process, the Mahalanobis distance (hereinafter referred to as the Mahalanobis distance) in the multi-dimensional space by the inverse matrix A is used for the combination information composed of all or part of various information periodically acquired by the information acquisition means for each print job. D (referred to as Mahalanobis distance) is calculated based on the following equation.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes from the group information group construction process to the matrix conversion process. In the figure, first, k pieces of information related to the state of the copier are acquired while operating the copier (step 1-1: hereinafter, step is denoted as S). Next, for each type of information (j), an average value and a standard deviation σ based on the relational expression 1 are calculated, and a normalized data table is constructed based on the calculation result (S1-2). . Then, after the correlation coefficient matrix R is constructed based on the normalized data table (S1-3), it is converted into an inverse matrix A (S1-4).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating the Mahalanobis distance D based on the inverse matrix A and various acquired data. In this procedure, first, k types of data x ₁ , x ₂ ,..., X _{k in} an arbitrary state are acquired (S2-1). The data types correspond to y ₁₁ , y _{12 ,.} Next, each acquired data is normalized to X ₁ , X ₂ ,..., X _k based on the relational expression ( ₁ ). Then, the square of the Mahalanobis distance D is calculated by the relational expression of the above equation 5 determined using the element a _kk of the inverse matrix A that has already been constructed. “Σ” in the figure represents the sum of the subscripts p and q.

  The control unit of the copying machine compares the Mahalanobis distance D thus obtained with a preset threshold value. When the Mahalanobis distance D is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the acquired group information is abnormal data that is greatly deviated from the normal distribution, and failure occurrence caution information is displayed on the operation display unit.

Next, an embodiment of an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention.
First, the basic configuration of this copier will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the copying machine. The copier includes an image forming unit including a printer unit 100 and a paper feeding unit 200, a scanner unit 300, and a document conveying unit 400. The scanner unit 300 is mounted on the printer unit 100, and a document transport unit 400 including an automatic document transport device (ADF) is mounted on the scanner unit 300.

  The scanner unit 300 reads the image information of the document placed on the contact glass 32 by the reading sensor 36 and sends the read image information to a control unit (not shown). Based on the image information received from the scanner unit 300, the control unit controls lasers and LEDs (not shown) disposed in the exposure device 21 of the printer unit 100 to provide four drum-shaped photoconductors 40K, Y, and M. , C is irradiated with laser writing light L. By this irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptors 40K, Y, M, and C, and this latent image is developed into a toner image through a predetermined development process. Note that the subscripts K, Y, M, and C added after the reference numerals indicate specifications for black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  In addition to the exposure device 21, the printer unit 100 includes primary transfer rollers 62K, Y, M, and C, a secondary transfer device 22, a fixing device 25, a paper discharge device, a toner supply device (not shown), a toner supply device, and the like. Yes.

  The paper feeding unit 200 includes an automatic paper feeding unit disposed below the printer unit 100 and a manual feeding unit disposed on a side surface of the printer unit 100. The automatic paper feeding unit includes two paper cassettes 44 arranged in multiple stages in the paper bank 43, a paper feed roller 42 that feeds transfer paper as a recording medium from the paper feed cassette, and a transfer that is a fed image forming body. A separation roller 45 and the like for separating and feeding the paper to the paper feed path 46 are provided. Further, it also includes a transport roller 47 that transports the transfer paper to the paper feed path 48 of the printer unit 100. On the other hand, the manual feed section includes a manual feed tray 51 and a separation roller 52 that separates transfer sheets on the manual feed tray 51 one by one toward the manual feed path 53.

  A registration roller pair 49 is disposed near the end of the paper feed path 48 of the printer unit 100. The registration roller pair 49 is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 10 serving as an intermediate transfer body and the secondary transfer device 22 at a predetermined timing after receiving the transfer paper sent from the paper feed cassette 44 or the manual feed tray 51. To the secondary transfer nip.

  In this copying machine, an operator sets a document on the document table 30 of the document transport unit 400 when copying a color image. Alternatively, after the document conveying unit 400 is opened and a document is set on the contact glass 32 of the scanner unit 300, the document conveying unit 400 is closed and the document is pressed. Then, a start switch (not shown) is pressed. Then, when an original is set on the original conveying unit 400, after the original is conveyed onto the contact glass 32, immediately after the original is set on the contact glass 32, the scanner unit 300 is driven. Start. Then, the first traveling body 33 and the second traveling body 34 travel, and the light emitted from the light source of the first traveling body 33 is reflected by the document surface and then travels toward the second traveling body 34. Further, after being reflected by the mirror of the second traveling body 34, it reaches the reading sensor 36 via the imaging lens 35 and is read as image information.

  When the image information is read in this way, the printer unit 100 rotates the other two support rollers while rotating one of the support rollers 14, 15, and 16 with a drive motor (not shown). Then, the intermediate transfer belt 10 stretched around these rollers is moved endlessly. Further, laser writing as described above and a development process described later are performed. Then, while rotating the photoconductors 40K, Y, M, and C, monochrome images of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan are formed on them. These are four-color superposed toners that are sequentially superposed and electrostatically transferred at the primary transfer nips for K, Y, M, and C where the photoreceptors 40K, Y, M, and C and the intermediate transfer belt 10 abut. Become a statue. Toner images are formed on the photoreceptors 40K, 40Y, 40M, and 40C.

  On the other hand, the paper feed unit 200 operates any one of the three paper feed rollers to feed the transfer paper having a size corresponding to the image information, and feeds the transfer paper to the paper feed path of the printer unit 100. Lead to 48. After the transfer paper that has entered the paper feed path 48 is sandwiched between the registration roller pair 49 and temporarily stopped, the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the secondary transfer roller 23 of the secondary transfer device 22 come into contact with each other at the appropriate timing. To the secondary transfer nip, which is a part. Then, in the secondary transfer nip, the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the transfer paper are brought into close contact in synchronization. Then, the four-color superimposed toner image is secondarily transferred onto the transfer paper due to the influence of the transfer electric field formed at the nip, the nip pressure, etc., and becomes a full color image combined with the white color of the paper.

  The transfer paper that has passed through the secondary transfer nip is fed into the fixing device 25 by the endless movement of the transport belt 24 of the secondary transfer device 22. Then, after the full color image is fixed by the action of the pressure applied by the pressure roller 27 of the fixing device 25 and the heating by the heating belt, the paper discharge tray 57 provided on the side surface of the printer unit 100 via the discharge roller 56. Discharged to the top.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged configuration diagram showing the printer unit 100. The printer unit 100 includes a belt unit, four process units 18K, Y, M, and C that form toner images of respective colors, a secondary transfer device 22, a belt cleaning device 17, a fixing device 25, and the like.

  The belt unit moves the intermediate transfer belt 10 stretched around a plurality of rollers endlessly while contacting the photoreceptors 40K, Y, M, and C. In the primary transfer nip for K, Y, M, and C where the photoreceptors 40K, Y, M, and C are brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is driven by the primary transfer rollers 62K, Y, M, and C. Is pressed from the back side toward the photoconductors 40K, Y, M, and C. A primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer rollers 62K, Y, M, and C by a power source (not shown). As a result, a primary transfer electric field for electrostatically moving the toner images on the photoreceptors 40K, Y, M, and C toward the intermediate transfer belt 10 is formed in the primary transfer nips for K, Y, M, and C. Has been. Between each primary transfer roller 62K, Y, M, and C, a conductive roller 74 that is in contact with the back surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 is disposed. In these conductive rollers 74, the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer rollers 62K, Y, M, and C is applied to adjacent process units via the intermediate resistance base layer 11 on the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 10. It prevents the flow.

  The process unit (18K, Y, M, C) supports the photosensitive member (40K, Y, M, C) and several other devices as a single unit on a common support. The unit 100 is detachable. Taking the black process unit 18K as an example, this has a developing unit 61K as developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 40K into a black toner image in addition to the photosensitive member 40K. ing. Further, it also has a photoreceptor cleaning device 63K that cleans transfer residual toner adhering to the surface of the photoreceptor 40K after passing through the primary transfer nip. Further, there are a static elimination device (not shown) that neutralizes the surface of the photoreceptor 40K after cleaning, a charging device (not shown) that uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 40K after static elimination, and the like. The process units 18Y, M, and C for other colors have almost the same configuration except that the color of the toner to be handled is different. The copying machine has a so-called tandem configuration in which these four process units 18K, Y, M, and C are arranged so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 10 along the endless movement direction.

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view showing a part of the tandem section 20 composed of four process units 18K, Y, M, and C. Since the four process units 18K, Y, M, and C have substantially the same configuration except that the colors of the toners to be used are different, K, Y, M, and C attached to the respective reference numerals in FIG. The subscript is omitted. As shown in the figure, the process unit 18 includes a charging device 60 as a charging unit, a developing device 61, a primary transfer roller 62 as a primary transfer unit, a photoconductor cleaning device 63, a charge eliminating device around the photoconductor 40. A device 64 or the like is provided.

  As the photosensitive member 40, a drum-shaped member is used in which a photosensitive organic layer is applied to a base tube made of aluminum or the like to form a photosensitive layer. However, an endless belt may be used. In addition, as the charging device 60, a charging device to which a charging roller to which a charging bias is applied is rotated while being in contact with the photoreceptor 40 is used. A scorotron charger or the like that performs a non-contact charging process on the photoreceptor 40 may be used.

  The developing device 61 develops a latent image using a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and a nonmagnetic toner. An agitating unit 66 that conveys the two-component developer accommodated in the inside while stirring and supplies the developer sleeve 65 to the developing sleeve 65, and the toner of the two-component developer adhering to the developing sleeve 65 is used as the photosensitive member 4K, Y, M. , C, a developing unit 67 for transferring to C.

  The stirring unit 66 is provided at a position lower than the developing unit 67, and includes two screws 68 arranged in parallel to each other, a partition plate provided between the screws, and a toner provided on the bottom surface of the developing case 70. It has a density sensor 71 and the like.

  The developing unit 67 includes a developing sleeve 65 that faces the photosensitive member 40 through the opening of the developing case 70, a magnet roller 72 that is non-rotatably provided inside the developing sleeve 65, a doctor blade 73 that approaches the developing sleeve 65, and the like. ing. The distance at the closest portion between the doctor blade 73 and the developing sleeve 65 is set to about 500 [μm]. The developing sleeve 65 has a non-magnetic rotatable sleeve shape. In addition, the magnet roller 72 that is prevented from being rotated around the developing sleeve 65 has, for example, five magnetic poles N1, S1, N2, S2, and S3 in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 65 from the position of the doctor blade 73. ing. Each of these magnetic poles applies a magnetic force to the two-component developer on the sleeve at a predetermined position in the rotation direction. As a result, the two-component developer sent from the stirring unit 66 is attracted and carried on the surface of the developing sleeve 65, and a magnetic brush is formed along the magnetic field lines on the sleeve surface.

  The magnetic brush is regulated to an appropriate layer thickness when passing through the position facing the doctor blade 73 as the developing sleeve 65 rotates, and then conveyed to the developing area facing the photoreceptor 40. Then, due to the potential difference between the developing bias applied to the developing sleeve 65 and the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 40, it is transferred onto the electrostatic latent image and contributes to development. Further, as the developing sleeve 65 rotates, the developing sleeve 65 returns to the developing portion 67 again, and after being separated from the sleeve surface due to the influence of the repulsive magnetic field between the magnetic poles of the magnet roller 72, the developing sleeve 65 is returned to the stirring portion 66. In the stirring unit 66, an appropriate amount of toner is supplied to the two-component developer based on the detection result by the toner density sensor 71. The developing device 61 may employ a one-component developer that does not include a magnetic carrier, instead of the one that uses a two-component developer.

  As the photoconductor cleaning device 63, a system in which a cleaning blade 75 made of polyurethane rubber is pressed against the photoconductor 40 is used, but another system may be used. In order to improve the cleaning property, in this example, a cleaning device 63 having a contact conductive fur brush 76 whose outer peripheral surface is in contact with the photoreceptor 40 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A metal electric field roller 77 for applying a bias to the fur brush 76 is provided so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the tip of the scraper 78 is pressed against the electric field roller 77. The toner removed from the electric field roller 77 by the scraper 78 falls on the collection screw 79 and is collected.

  The photoconductor cleaning device 63 having such a configuration removes residual toner on the photoconductor 40 with a fur brush 76 that rotates in the counter direction with respect to the photoconductor 40. The toner adhering to the fur brush 76 is removed by the electric field roller 77 to which a bias that rotates in contact with the fur brush 76 in the counter direction is applied. The toner adhering to the electric field roller 77 is cleaned by the scraper 78. The toner recovered by the photoconductor cleaning device 63 is brought to one side of the photoconductor cleaning device 63 by the recovery screw 79 and returned to the developing device 61 by the toner recycling device 80 for reuse.

  The static eliminator 64 includes a static elimination lamp or the like, and removes the surface potential of the photoreceptor 40 by irradiating light. The surface of the photoreceptor 40 thus neutralized is uniformly charged by the charging device 60 and then subjected to optical writing processing.

  A secondary transfer device 22 is provided below the belt unit in the figure. In the secondary transfer device 22, a secondary transfer belt 24 is stretched between two rollers 23 and moved endlessly. One of the two rollers 23 is a secondary transfer roller to which a secondary transfer bias is applied by a power source (not shown), and the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the secondary transfer belt 24 are between the roller 16 of the belt unit. Is sandwiched. Thus, a secondary transfer nip is formed in which both belts move in the same direction at the contact portion while contacting. On the transfer paper fed from the registration roller pair 49 to the secondary transfer nip, the four-color superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is secondarily transferred collectively under the influence of the secondary transfer electric field and the nip pressure, so that full color is obtained. An image is formed. The transfer sheet that has passed through the secondary transfer nip is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10 and is conveyed to the fixing device 25 along with the endless movement of the belt while being held on the surface of the secondary transfer belt 24. Instead of the secondary transfer roller, secondary transfer may be performed by a transfer charger or the like.

  The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 that has passed through the secondary transfer nip approaches a support position by the support roller 15. Here, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is sandwiched between a belt cleaning device 17 that contacts the front surface (loop outer surface) and a support roller 15 that contacts the back surface. Then, after the transfer residual toner adhering to the front surface is removed by the belt cleaning device 17, it sequentially enters the primary transfer nip for K, Y, M, and C, and the next four-color toner The images are superimposed.

  The belt cleaning device 17 has two fur brushes 90 and 91. By rotating a plurality of raised brushes in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10 in a counter direction with respect to the flocking direction, the transfer residual toner on the belt is mechanically scraped off. In addition, a cleaning bias is applied by a power source (not shown) to electrostatically attract and recover the scraped transfer residual toner.

  With respect to the fur brushes 90 and 91, the metal rollers 92 and 93 are rotating in the forward or reverse direction while contacting each other. Among these metal rollers 92 and 93, a negative polarity voltage is applied to the metal roller 92 located on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the power source 94. Further, a positive polarity voltage is applied to the metal roller 93 located on the downstream side by the power source 95. The tips of the blades 96 and 97 are in contact with the metal rollers 92 and 93, respectively. In such a configuration, the upstream fur brush 90 first cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 with the endless movement of the intermediate transfer belt 10 in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. At this time, for example, when −400 [V] is applied to the fur brush 90 while −700 [V] is applied to the metal roller 92, first, the positive polarity toner on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is moved to the fur brush 90 side. Electrostatic transfer to The toner transferred to the fur brush side is further transferred from the fur brush 90 to the metal roller 92 due to a potential difference, and is scraped off by the blade 96.

  As described above, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is removed by the fur brush 90, but a lot of toner still remains on the intermediate transfer belt 10. These toners are negatively charged by a negative polarity bias applied to the fur brush 90. This is considered to be charged by charge injection or discharge. Next, by using the fur brush 91 on the downstream side to apply a positive polarity bias and perform cleaning, the toner can be removed. The removed toner is transferred from the fur brush 91 to the metal roller 93 due to a potential difference and scraped off by the blade 97. The toner scraped off by the blades 96 and 97 is collected in a tank (not shown).

  Most of the toner is removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 after being cleaned by the fur brush 91, but a little toner is still left. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is charged with a positive polarity by a positive polarity bias applied to the fur brush 91 as described above. Then, it is transferred to the photoconductors 40K, Y, M, and C by the transfer electric field applied at the primary transfer position, and is collected by the photoconductor cleaning device 63.

  In general, the registration roller pair 49 is often used while being grounded. However, a bias can be applied to remove the paper dust of the transfer paper P.

  In the copying machine configured as described above, each process unit 18K, Y, M, C, secondary transfer device 22, exposure device 21 and the like constitute image forming means for forming an image on a transfer sheet as a recording medium. Yes. The scanner unit functions as an image reading unit that reads an image and an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information. A data input port that receives image information sent from an external personal computer (not shown) also functions as image information acquisition means for acquiring image information.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the copying machine will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a part of the electric circuit of the copying machine. In the figure, a control unit 1 having a CPU 1a, a RAM 1b as information storage means, a ROM 1c, etc. controls the entire copying machine. Then, the state information acquired over time (detection information by various sensors, control parameter information, various count information, etc.) is stored in the RAM 1b or a hard disk (not shown) as information storage means. In such a configuration, the control unit 1, various sensors 2 connected thereto, the operation display unit 3, and the like function as state information acquisition means for acquiring state information.

  The control unit 1 performs control to periodically print out the status information acquired in association with the printing operation and stored in the RAM 1b or the hard disk as, for example, a character image as shown in FIG. It is like that. The printout paper on which such a character image is formed can be stocked by the user and later collected by a service person. When the user stocks the printout paper, the user can check the content of the information provided to the service person by looking at the character image. The service person can acquire the status information of the copying machine from the character image formed on the printout paper provided by the user without performing the operation of connecting the information terminal to the copying machine. Become. Therefore, it is possible to cause the service person to acquire the state information stored in the hard disk or the like without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  The printout of the status information may be performed periodically, such as every predetermined time, or may be performed based on a user or serviceman's command. In the case of regular execution, it is possible to avoid a situation where the copying machine is occupied by performing a large amount of printouts at once. In addition, when it is performed based on a command, it is possible to avoid paper stains when a user stocks printout paper for a long period of time.

  In FIG. 6, the copying machine is provided with a stock device 28 (see FIG. 6) disposed below the secondary transfer device 22 so as to extend parallel to the tandem portion 20 described above. ing. The stock apparatus 28 can switch the path of the transfer sheet after the image fixing process between a path toward the discharge roller pair 56 and a path toward the stock apparatus 28. In the latter course, the transfer paper after fixing can be stocked in the stock device 28 while being inverted upside down.

  The control unit 1 described above controls the stock device 28 as follows. That is, when performing printout based on image information acquired by an image information acquisition unit such as the scanner unit 300 or a data input port, the path of the printout paper after fixing is switched to the discharge roller pair 56 side to The out paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 57 outside the machine, which is the first loading means. On the other hand, when printing out the character image of the state information stored in the hard disk or the like, the path of the printout paper after fixing is switched to the stock device 28 side, and the printout paper is used as the second placement means. Stock in stock device 28.

  In such a configuration, when a character image of state information stored in a hard disk or the like is printed out regularly regardless of the presence or absence of an operator's command, the user's trouble as described below can be eliminated. That is, the user has to sort out whether the printout paper discharged on the paper discharge tray 57 is a normal printout or a character image of periodic status information.

  As shown in the drawing, the stock apparatus 28 as the second placing means for placing the printout paper of the character image of the status information exclusively is desirably arranged in the casing of the copying machine main body. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the printout paper of the character image of the state information is exposed to the outside and stocked for a long period of time.

  The control unit 1 is configured to perform control to delete the status information printed out as a character image from the information storage means such as a hard disk after printing out. In such a configuration, the status information in the information storage means can be periodically deleted to reduce the storage capacity.

  In addition, the control unit 1 performs processing so as to form a predetermined reference image together with the character image when performing control to print out the state information as a character image. With this configuration, it is possible for the service person to grasp the state of the image forming unit of the copying machine based on the image quality of the predetermined reference image.

  Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment of a copying machine obtained by improving the technique for updating a control program will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the basic configuration of the copier is the same as the basic configuration of the copier according to the second embodiment.

  A control program for control executed by the control unit 1 is stored in the RAM 1a or a hard disk (not shown). Then, when a predetermined input operation is performed on the operation display unit by the service person, the control program update process is performed. In this control program update process, first, the service person is prompted to set a control program document in the scanner unit 300 by displaying the operation display unit or the like. This control program document is, for example, a document on which a character image of a command word of a control program is printed as shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, a control program document in the case of storing an instruction word in a hexadecimal data array (address and data) is shown.

  When the control program document is set by the service person, the control unit 1 causes the scanner unit 300 to read the character image of the document as electronic image data. Then, after the characters in the read electronic image data are identified and converted into electronic character data by a technique such as OCR, a set of instruction words based on the electronic character data is stored in the hard disk as a new control program, Update the control program. In such a configuration, the control unit 1 functions as character identification conversion means. Then, the control program can be updated without causing the service person to perform an operation of connecting the information terminal to the copying machine. As a result, the control program can be updated without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  The control program stored in the hard disk can be displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display in the operation display unit.

  The control unit 1 of the copying machine also functions as a code imaging unit that converts electronic character data composed of a plurality of character codes into image data, as in the information processing apparatus described in the first embodiment. . The electronic image data after the character recognition and the image of the control program document are combined by a well-known technique into one electronic image data, and then a character combination based on the electronic image data is performed. The image is printed out by an image forming unit including the printer unit 100 or the like. As a result, each character image in the control program document and each character image in the electronic image data after character recognition are superimposed and printed. If misrecognition occurs in the character recognition conversion process (character recognition), the misrecognized character and the original character are misaligned, making it difficult to visually recognize the character. Can be easily identified.

  When an operator finds a misrecognition, the operator can correct the misrecognized portion by a key input to the operation display unit as a data input means.

  Next, a copying machine according to a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the basic configuration of the copier is the same as the basic configuration of the copier according to the second embodiment.

  This copying machine monitors the status of each device in the machine using a sensor or the like, and periodically stores the results on a hard disk. And the control part 1 calculates | requires the Mahalanobis distance previously demonstrated in 1st Embodiment based on the monitored multiple types of data, and determines the presence or absence of abnormality in a plane. That is, the control unit 1 functions as an abnormality determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming unit based on information stored in the hard disk.

  FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the Mahalanobis distance (D) and the elapsed time since the last maintenance. Immediately after maintenance, the Mahalanobis distance does not show a very high value, but then gradually increases as the device usage time increases. Then, after reaching a predetermined threshold value, it continues to rise and eventually a failure occurs. Since the threshold is set to a value lower than the value of the Mahalanobis distance when a failure occurs, the occurrence of the failure is predicted in advance by issuing abnormality occurrence information when the Mahalanobis distance reaches the threshold. Can tell the user. Therefore, the control unit 1 of the copying machine transmits abnormality occurrence information when the Mahalanobis distance reaches a threshold value.

  However, among the various types of abnormalities that occur in the aircraft, there are those that can be handled by the user and those that cannot be handled by the user. The former abnormality can be solved by maintenance by the user, but the latter abnormality requires a serviceman's request. Therefore, the control unit 1 determines the type of abnormality to some extent, and if it is the former abnormality, it only informs the user of the occurrence, whereas if it is the latter abnormality, it notifies the occurrence. At the same time, users are encouraged to contact the maintenance service organization.

  The type of abnormality can be determined by changing the type of information included in the group information group (normal data group) described above. For example, when determining the presence / absence of abnormality due to photoreceptor deterioration, a set of group information composed of four types of information of type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4 is used as a group information group. Then, the Mahalanobis distance is obtained based on the group information group and the group information composed of the same four types of information acquired from the inside of the apparatus, and it is determined whether or not the threshold value has been reached. Determine whether there is any abnormality. On the other hand, for example, when determining the presence / absence of an abnormality related to a malfunction of the developing device, a set of set information including three types of information of type 5, type 6, and type 7 is used as a set information group. Similarly, the Mahalanobis distance is obtained and compared with a threshold value to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the developing device system.

  When the detected abnormality can be dealt with sufficiently by the user, such as an abnormality of the photoreceptor deterioration system, an abnormality occurs as shown in FIG. 12 on the display of the operation display unit. Display information. This figure shows an example in which the occurrence of abnormality in the photoreceptor deterioration system is notified and the user is notified that the abnormality can be resolved by replacing it.

  On the other hand, if the detected abnormality is something that is difficult for the user to deal with, such as an abnormality in the drive transmission mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a maintenance request abnormality), the abnormality as shown in FIG. A maintenance request form as a notification image is printed out by the image forming means. This maintenance request form includes abnormality occurrence information “predicted phenomenon: background stain (Code 062)”. In addition, contact information such as “addressed to XXX”, “tel: 03 ***-****” and “fax: 03-***-****” is also included. In addition, coping information such as “predicted maintenance content: parts replacement” and “predicted replacement target parts...” Is also included. In addition, model information “machine number: ********” is also included.

  In such a configuration, after the user confirms the contents of the maintenance request form that is an abnormality notification image, the user may be contacted by telephone or fax the abnormality notification image. Is possible. In particular, since the format of the abnormality notification image is a written form requesting a service person, simply faxing the maintenance request form to the FAX number described on it, in addition to abnormality occurrence information, countermeasure information and Various information such as model information can be easily notified. In such notification, it is possible to notify a service person of necessary information without causing the user to feel distrust that personal information or confidential information is leaked.

  In offices and the like, it is almost the case that a single copying machine is shared by a plurality of personnel. Under such a shared use condition, each member tends to pay attention only to the printing paper output to the copying machine by his / her own operation. Then, although the maintenance request form is output, it may become a situation where it is stuck without being read indefinitely.

  Therefore, in this copying machine, when an occurrence of a maintenance request abnormality is detected, a maintenance request form is not automatically printed out, but a user is instructed to print out. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, together with the abnormality occurrence information “Operation is becoming unstable” on the display of the operation display section, “Press the △ button to output the maintenance request slip. Is displayed to prompt a printout command. Then, after the user presses the Δ button according to the display of the request slip print instruction, the maintenance request slip is printed out. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the printed maintenance request slip is not read by anyone and is stuck indefinitely.

  In addition, the copying machine transmits abnormality occurrence information to a personal computer as an information processing apparatus in parallel with displaying the above-described request slip print instruction on the display. Specifically, the copying machine is a so-called network compatible printer equipped with a known LAN board. It is connected to a plurality of personal computers via a LAN cable and a LAN HUN (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as an intranet line). A print-out command from each personal computer is input to the copying machine via an (internal) intranet line within a certain amount of closed space without going through an external telephone line or Internet line. Then, abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to at least one of the plurality of personal computers via the intranet line.

  On the personal computer side to which the abnormality occurrence information has been sent, a print dialog box is displayed upon activation of the printer driver, for example, as shown in FIG. This figure shows an example of a dialog box that is displayed after the maintenance request slip has already been printed out. This dialog box is for notifying the user that the maintenance request form has been printed out and prompting the user to confirm it. The control unit 1 is different from the illustrated dialog box when the maintenance request slip is not printed out because the above-mentioned Δ button has not been pressed yet at the time of transmitting the abnormality occurrence information to the personal computer. Sends a signal to display to the computer. When the PC receives this signal, a dialog box “Please click OK button to print out the maintenance request form” is displayed. When the OK button is clicked, the signal is sent to the copier. The maintenance request form is printed out.

  The personal computer to which the abnormality occurrence information is transmitted may be set according to the device management method in the organization. For example, when the manager of the copying machine is not appointed, the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted to the personal computer that has transmitted the printout command immediately before or after the occurrence of the failure. By doing this, the user who uses the computer can recognize that it is a trouble caused by his / her printout instruction and send the maintenance request slip more reliably. Because it becomes possible. As is well known, each personal computer can be identified by identifying an Internet protocol address.

  In addition, if a manager of the copying machine is appointed, it is preferable to transmit abnormality occurrence information to the personal computer of the manager. This also makes it possible to have the maintenance request slip transmitted more reliably. In the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, a mode in which abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to a personal computer that has transmitted a printout command immediately before or after the occurrence of a failure, and abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to the personal computer of the manager. This mode can be switched by an input operation on the operation display unit.

  Just because the maintenance request slip is printed out, the occurrence of an abnormality is not always notified to the maintenance service organization. Therefore, after detecting the above-mentioned maintenance request abnormality, the control unit 1 of the copying machine periodically updates the abnormality occurrence information until receiving confirmation information for confirming whether or not the maintenance service organization has been contacted. It is intended to be displayed on the operation display unit manually or continuously. As a result, the abnormality occurrence information can be more reliably notified to the maintenance service organization. In this copying machine, the control unit 1 functions as confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information. The combination of the control unit 1 and the operation display unit functions as an information display unit that displays abnormality occurrence information.

  In this copying machine, as a mode for receiving confirmation information, a recite number input mode, a release code input mode, and a FAX image detection mode are prepared. Although the FAX image detection mode is always performed, either the recitation number input mode or the release code input mode is selected by an input operation to the operation display unit.

  When the recitation number input mode is selected, the control unit 1 causes the image forming unit to print out the maintenance request slip, and then causes the display of the operation display unit to display a screen as shown in FIG. This is a display prompting the user to input a recitation number as authentication information. This recitation number is set in advance by the user or serviceman, and the control unit 1 accepts the input as confirmation information. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, a message indicating that the recitation number (confirmation information) has been received is displayed on the display, and thereafter, the periodic or continuous display of the abnormality occurrence information is stopped. On the other hand, when a number different from the recitation number is input, it is not accepted as confirmation information, and the screen display is not erased. In such a configuration, it is possible to have the user recognize that the contact with the maintenance service organization is so important that it is necessary to input the recitation number, and to contact the maintenance service organization more reliably. .

  If the release code input mode is selected, the control unit 1 prints out the maintenance request form on the image forming means, and then creates a release code (release number) as authentication information by a random number generation circuit, a random number generation algorithm, or the like. To do. Then, after the created release code is stored in the hard disk, the release code is encrypted according to a predetermined rule, and then displayed on the display of the operation display unit as shown in FIG. This is a display for notifying an encrypted code “5C” which is encrypted authentication information and prompting the user to input a release code. The maintenance service organization asks the user to read the encryption code displayed on the display of the copier when there is a report from the user that an abnormality has occurred. When the user reads and conveys the encrypted code according to the instruction, the maintenance service organization decrypts the encrypted code according to a predetermined algorithm and obtains the release code, and then conveys it to the user. Then, by inputting the release code taught by the user to the operation display unit, the confirmation information is accepted and the subsequent display of the abnormality occurrence information is canceled. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably know that the maintenance service organization has been contacted.

  Regardless of which of the recitation code input mode and the release code input mode is selected, confirmation information can be received in the FAX image detection mode instead. Specifically, the copying machine is equipped with a known modem, and has a FAX function for transmitting an image read by the scanner unit 300 to the outside via a modem and a telephone line. When performing FAX, it is detected whether or not the above-described maintenance request form that is an abnormality notification image is included in the read image. For this detection, after the character image included in the image was recognized by OCR, the character string “△△△△△△△ maintenance request form” in the maintenance request form shown in FIG. 13 was included. In this case, it is determined that the maintenance request form is included, and is accepted as confirmation information. In such a configuration, it is possible to reliably know that the occurrence of an abnormality has been communicated to the maintenance service organization without forcing the user to perform a troublesome task of having the maintenance service organization provide the release code.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow performed by the control unit 1 in the FAX image detection mode. This control flow starts when a FAX start button (not shown) is pressed while a document is set in the document transport unit (400) and a FAX number is input. First, as described in the second embodiment, after the original is read by the scanner unit (300) while being conveyed (step 1: hereinafter, step is denoted as S), the maintenance request slip based on the character recognition described above is performed. Is detected (S2). When the maintenance request slip is not detected (N in S2), the image is transmitted by FAX (S3), and the series of control sequences is completed. On the other hand, when a maintenance request slip is detected (Y in S2), after the information of the maintenance service organization stored in advance in the hard disk is read, the information is displayed as shown in FIG. (S4). With this display, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the maintenance request slip can be transmitted. If there is a good reaction (Y in S5), the scanned image is transmitted by FAX (S6), and the screen display is turned off (S7). Then, the communication instruction flag set when the maintenance request abnormality is detected is canceled (S8), and the subsequent or continuous display of the abnormality occurrence information is canceled. If there is no reaction indicating that transmission is allowed (S9), a message indicating that FAX transmission has not been performed is displayed by error processing (S9), and then a series of control sequences ends.

  In this configuration, the scanner unit (300) functions as an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document. In addition, the control unit 1 functions as an abnormality notification image detection unit that detects a maintenance request slip that is an abnormality notification image from images read by the image reading unit. The combination of the control unit 1 and the modem functions as an image transmission unit that transmits an image through a telephone line. Further, the control unit 1 serving as the confirmation information receiving means confirms a combination of information indicating that the maintenance request slip has been detected by its own character recognition processing and information indicating that the image including the maintenance request slip has been transmitted by the modem. Accept as.

Next, a recording medium according to a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
In this recording medium, electronic data of a control program is recorded by an electromagnetic technique, an optical technique, or the like, and the electronic data can be mechanically read. Examples of such a recording medium include a magnetic disk (including a hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM), various IC cards (such as an SD card), and a memory (such as a USB memory).

  The control program recorded on the recording medium has both a so-called printer driver and electronic mail software, and causes the computer to perform the following processing. That is, this is a process for displaying the abnormality occurrence information sent from the image forming apparatus connected to the computer on the display as a display means connected to the computer. Also, a process for inquiring the operator whether or not the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted to the maintenance service organization is also performed. Furthermore, when an inquiry result indicating that transmission is possible is obtained from the operator, processing for transmitting abnormality notification information to a predetermined electronic mail address by electronic mail is also performed.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing these processing flows. In this processing flow, first, abnormality occurrence information sent from an image forming apparatus connected to a computer directly or via an intranet line is monitored (S1). When abnormality occurrence information is detected (Y in S1), a print dialog box is displayed on a display connected to the computer as shown in FIG. 22 (S2). As shown in the figure, a print button and a maintenance request mail button are attached to the print dialog box. Also, the message “Please click the maintenance request mail button and contact XXX (maintenance service organization). Click the print button if you do not want to send the maintenance request mail.” Has been.

  When the maintenance request mail button is clicked by the operator following this message (Y in S3), the print dialog box is closed (S5), and then the mail dialog box shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the display. (S6). As shown in the figure, an OK button and a cancel button are attached to the mail dialog box. In addition, the contents of the main text and the message “Please click the send button if you like” are also attached. In addition to the abnormality occurrence information “predicted phenomenon: background stain (Code 062)”, the content of the text also includes target law information and model information as in the abnormality notification image in the fourth embodiment. It is. These target method information and model information are transmitted from the image forming apparatus together with the abnormality occurrence information.

  When an OK button is clicked by the operator who has confirmed the content of the text (Y in S7), an e-mail containing the text content is transmitted to a predetermined e-mail address of a maintenance service organization (S9). Then, confirmation information indicating the contact is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (S10). The image forming apparatus that has received the confirmation information cancels the contact instruction flag as in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment.

  On the other hand, when the cancel button is clicked with the mail dialog box displayed (Y in S8), the subsequent processing flow is looped to S2 described above, and the print dialog box is displayed again.

  When the print dialog box is displayed (S2) and the print button is clicked (Y in S4), a contact instruction message for prompting the operator to contact the maintenance service organization is displayed on the display. (S11). When the OK button attached to the contact instruction message is clicked (Y in S12), a maintenance request form output command is transmitted from the computer to the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving this output command, the image forming apparatus prints out a maintenance request form similar to that shown in FIG.

  In such a series of processing flows, when an inquiry result indicating that the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted is not obtained from the operator, image information for forming an image indicating the abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Processing is also included (S4 → S13).

  As described above, in the information acquisition method according to the first embodiment, prior to the information conversion step as the character encoding step, the image reading unit causes the image reading unit to read the character information image formed by the image forming apparatus and convert it into image data. After performing the process and the information input process for inputting the image data to the information processing apparatus, the information conversion process identifies the character information image included in the image data and the character code in the information conversion process. The character identification conversion process to convert to is performed. With such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of manually inputting character information into the information processing apparatus and to improve the work efficiency.

  In the information acquisition method according to the first embodiment, the character data imaging process for converting the character code character obtained by the character identification conversion process into image data, and the image data and the character data obtained in the image reading process are performed. The information processing apparatus performs image combining processing for combining image data obtained by the imaging processing and processing for causing the image forming apparatus to form an image formed by superimposing characters based on the combined image data. Then, based on the image, a code correcting step for correcting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion process is performed. In such a configuration, it is possible to improve the reliability of the acquired data by easily finding and correcting the erroneously recognized character at the time of character recognition.

  In the copying machine according to the second embodiment, among the plurality of transfer sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit including the printer unit 100 and the paper feeding unit 200, the print data input port serving as the image information acquisition unit is used. A paper discharge tray 57 serving as a first placing means for placing only an image on which the image based on the acquired image information is formed, and a second on which only an image having the character information image formed based on the state information is placed. The stock device 28 serving as mounting means is provided separately. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the user's trouble of having the user sort out whether the printout paper is a normal printout paper or a printout paper that outputs a character image of periodic status information.

  In addition, if the stock device 28 is arranged in the housing of the image forming apparatus, a situation where the printout paper of the character image of the status information is exposed outside and is soiled when it is stocked for a long time. It can be avoided.

  In the copying machine according to the second embodiment, control for periodically deleting from the hard disk the state information stored in the hard disk as the information storage means, which is formed as an image of character information by the image forming means. The control unit 1 serving as a control unit is configured so as to implement the above. In such a configuration, the state information in the hard disk can be periodically deleted to reduce its storage capacity.

  In the copying machine according to the second embodiment, when the state information is formed as an image of character information, the control unit 1 is controlled so as to perform control for forming a predetermined reference image together with the image of the character information. It is composed. With this configuration, it is possible for the service person to grasp the state of the image forming unit of the copying machine based on the image quality of the predetermined reference image.

  In the copier according to the third embodiment, an operation display unit as display means for displaying a control program stored in a hard disk as program storage means, and data for inputting correction data for correcting the control program. Since an operation input unit as an input means is provided, it is possible to make corrections as necessary while displaying and confirming the control program.

  In the copying machine according to the third embodiment, the control unit 1 functions as a code imaging unit that converts the character code obtained by the control unit 1 serving as a character identification conversion unit into image data, and the image A control program for causing the image forming means to form an image of character information based on the data is stored in the hard disk. In such a configuration, a control program obtained by character recognition can be printed out and easily confirmed by a service person.

  In the copying machine according to the third embodiment, the control unit 1 is made to function as an imaging unit that converts characters of the character code obtained by the character recognition of the control unit 1 into image data, and the image data The control unit 1 is also made to function as an image synthesizing unit that synthesizes the image data obtained by the scanner. A control program for causing the image forming unit to form an image by superimposing characters based on the combined image data is stored in the hard disk. In such a configuration, it is possible to easily find a misrecognition at the time of character recognition by the composite image.

  In the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, the controller 1 that is an abnormality determination unit uses a unit that determines the type of abnormality that has occurred, and stores the model information of the copying machine as a hard disk that is an information storage unit. Use what you have. Then, a maintenance request form that is an abnormality notification image is formed that includes, in addition to abnormality occurrence information and contact information, information on the type of abnormality that has occurred and model information. In such a configuration, by notifying the maintenance service organization of information necessary for maintenance together with the abnormality occurrence information, it is possible to reduce the trouble of inquiries to the users of the maintenance service organization.

  Further, in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, communication for receiving image data transmitted from a personal computer as an information processing apparatus without going through a telephone line or an Internet line, or transmitting predetermined information to the personal computer. A LAN board as a means is provided so that abnormality occurrence information is transmitted from the LAN board to the personal computer. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user who is relatively far away from the copying machine of the occurrence of an abnormality in the copying machine.

  In the copier according to the fourth embodiment, image data is transmitted immediately before or immediately after the occurrence of an abnormality among a plurality of personal computers that transmit image data to a LAN board without using a telephone line or an Internet line. Sending error information to the PC. In such a configuration, the user who uses the personal computer can recognize that the trouble is caused by his / her printout instruction, and can have the maintenance request slip transmitted more reliably.

  Further, in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, an abnormality occurs in a predetermined specific personal computer among a plurality of personal computers that transmit image data to the LAN board without using a telephone line or an Internet line. Information is also sent. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to have the user who uses the personal computer recognize that the trouble is caused by his / her printout command and to send the maintenance request slip more reliably.

  In the copier according to the fourth embodiment, the combination of the control unit 1 that is information display means for displaying information and the operation display unit, and whether or not a contact has been made with the maintenance service organization is confirmed. The control unit 1 serving as confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information is provided, and from when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by the control unit 1 serving as abnormality determination means, until the confirmation information is received by the control unit 1 serving as confirmation information reception means. In the meantime, the information display means is configured to periodically or continuously display information indicating that it is necessary to contact the maintenance service organization. In such a configuration, the user can be contacted more reliably by notifying the user periodically or continuously that it is necessary to contact the maintenance service organization.

  Further, in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, after it is determined that an abnormality has occurred by the control unit 1 serving as an abnormality determination unit, the confirmation information is received by the control unit 1 serving as a confirmation information receiving unit. The above-mentioned abnormality occurrence information is periodically transmitted to the personal computer. Even with this configuration, the maintenance service organization can be more reliably contacted.

  In the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, a scanner unit 300 serving as an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document, and a maintenance request form that is an abnormality notification image is detected from the images read by the scanner unit 300. It is provided that the control unit 1 serving as an abnormality notification image detection unit and an image transmission unit including a combination of a modem that transmits an image read by the scanner unit 300 through a telephone line and the control unit 1 are detected, and that a maintenance request form is detected. The control unit 1 is configured to accept a combination of information and information indicating that an image including the information is transmitted as confirmation information. In such a configuration, it is possible to reliably know that the occurrence of an abnormality has been communicated to the maintenance service organization without forcing the user to perform a troublesome task of having the maintenance service organization provide the release code.

  Further, in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, as the control unit 1 serving as confirmation information receiving means, one that accepts a recitation number as predetermined authentication information as confirmation information is used. In such a configuration, the user can be surely contacted with the maintenance service organization by recognizing that the contact with the maintenance service organization is so important that it is necessary to input the recitation number.

  Further, in the copying machine according to the fourth embodiment, control is performed as an authentication information creating means for creating a release code as authentication information and storing it in the hard disk, and an encryption means for encrypting the created release code in accordance with a predetermined rule. While the unit 1 is functioning, a combination of the control unit 1 and an operation display unit, which are notification means for notifying the encrypted release code, is provided. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably know that the maintenance service organization has been contacted.

  Further, in the recording medium according to the fifth embodiment, when an inquiry result indicating that the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted by e-mail is not obtained from the operator, a maintenance request form that is an image showing the abnormality occurrence information is formed. As a means for performing processing for transmitting image information to the image forming apparatus, a program for causing a computer to function is recorded. In such a configuration, when the user does not want to contact by e-mail, the user can be prompted to contact the occurrence of an abnormality by printing out a maintenance request form.

The flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the work process in the information acquisition method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of printout paper on which a character image is formed by a copying machine in a character image forming process of the information acquisition method. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the printout paper. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of processes from a set information group construction process to a matrix conversion process for determining an abnormality of a copying machine. The flowchart which shows the procedure which calculates Mahalanobis distance D based on the inverse matrix A and various acquisition data. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a copying machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating a printer unit of the copier. The partial enlarged view which shows a part of tandem part 20 which consists of four process units 18K, Y, M, and C. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of an electric circuit of the copier. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a control program document that is read by a scanner unit of a copier according to a third embodiment. The graph which shows the relationship between Mahalanobis distance (D) and the elapsed time since the last maintenance. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed when an abnormality that can be handled by a user occurs in a copier according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a maintenance request slip printed out by the copier. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display on the copier when a maintenance request abnormality occurs. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a print dialog box displayed on a display of a personal computer connected to the copier. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recitation number input request displayed on the operation display unit of the copier that has performed a recitation number input mode. The schematic diagram which shows the screen display of the operation display part when a formal recitation number is input. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a recitation number input request screen displayed on the operation display unit of the copier that has performed a release code input mode. 6 is a flowchart showing a control flow executed by the control unit of the copier in the FAX image detection mode. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit of the copier that has performed the FAX image detection mode. The flowchart which shows the processing flow by the program currently recorded on the recording medium which concerns on 5th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the printing dialog box display by the program. The schematic diagram which shows the mail dialog box display by the program.

Explanation of symbols

1 Control unit (control means, data conversion means, data synthesis means)
3 Operation display section (information acquisition means, display means, data input means)
1b RAM (information storage means, program storage means)
28 Stock device (second mounting part)
57 Discharge tray (first placement section)
100 Printer section (part of image forming means)
200 Paper feed unit (part of image forming means)
300 Scanner unit (image reading means, image information acquisition means)

Claims (24)

In an information acquisition method for acquiring information stored in an information storage unit of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image forming body,
An image of the character information formed by the image forming apparatus using a character image forming process for forming the information as an image of character information in the image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus not connected to the image forming apparatus. And a character encoding step of converting the information into a character code to acquire the information stored in the information storage means of the image forming apparatus. In the information acquisition method of Claim 1,
Prior to the character encoding step, an image reading step of causing the image reading unit to read an image of the character information formed by the image forming device and converting it into image data, and inputting the image data to the information processing device After performing the information input step, in the character encoding step, the information processing apparatus performs character identification conversion processing for identifying the character information image included in the image data and converting it into a character code. An information acquisition method characterized by: In the information acquisition method of Claim 2,
Character imaging processing for converting characters of the character code obtained by the character identification conversion processing into image data, image data obtained in the image reading step, and image data obtained by the character imaging processing After causing the information processing apparatus to perform image combining processing to be combined and processing for causing the image forming apparatus to form an image formed by superimposing characters based on the combined image data, based on the image, An information acquisition method comprising: performing a code correction step of correcting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion process. Image information obtaining means for obtaining image information, image forming means for forming an image on an image forming body based on image information obtained by the image information obtaining means, and control means for controlling driving of the image forming means An image forming apparatus comprising: status information acquisition means for acquiring status information indicating the status of the image forming means; and information storage means for storing the status information.
The control means is configured to cause the image forming means to perform control to form the state information stored in the information storage means periodically or as an image of character information based on a command from an operator. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
A first mounting unit that mounts only one on which an image based on the image information acquired by the image information acquiring unit is formed among a plurality of image forming bodies on which an image is formed by the image forming unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: a second placement unit that places only the one on which an image of character information based on the state information is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the second mounting means is disposed in a housing of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The control is performed so that the state information stored in the information storage unit is periodically deleted from the information storage unit by the image forming unit formed as an image of the character information. An image forming apparatus comprising a means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the control means is configured to perform control to form a predetermined reference image together with the character information image when forming the state information as the character information image. Image reading means for reading an image and converting it into image data, image forming means for forming an image on an image forming body based on image data obtained by the image reading means, and program storage means for storing a control program A copying machine comprising: a control unit that controls driving of the image reading unit and the image forming unit based on a control program stored in the program storage unit;
Character identification conversion means for identifying a character included in the image data obtained by the image reading means and converting it into a character code, and the program storage means based on the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means A copying machine comprising program update means for updating a stored control program. The copying machine of claim 9,
A copying machine comprising: display means for displaying a control program stored in the program storage means; and data input means for inputting correction data for correcting the control program. The copying machine of claim 10,
A code imaging means for converting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means into image data is provided, and a control program for causing the image forming means to form an image of character information based on the image data. A copier characterized by being stored in a storage means. The copying machine of claim 11,
An imaging means for converting the character code obtained by the character identification conversion means into image data; and an image composition means for synthesizing the image data and the image data obtained by the image reading means. A copying machine, wherein a control program for causing the image forming means to form an image by superimposing characters based on the synthesized image data is stored in the program storage means. Image forming means for forming an image on an image forming body based on image data, and abnormality determination means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming means based on information stored in the information storage means In the image forming apparatus,
When it is determined by the abnormality determination means that an abnormality has occurred, an abnormality notification image including abnormality occurrence information that is information to that effect and contact information to the maintenance service organization is formed on the image forming body. An image forming apparatus comprising the image forming means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
As the abnormality determination means, a means for determining the type of abnormality that has occurred is used, as the information storage means, a means storing model information of the image forming apparatus is used, and as the abnormality notification image, What is claimed is: 1. An image forming apparatus that forms information including type information of an abnormality that has occurred and model information in addition to abnormality occurrence information and contact information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 or 14,
Communication means for receiving image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus without going through the telephone line or the Internet line, or transmitting predetermined information to the information processing apparatus is provided, and the abnormality occurrence information is sent to the communication means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the information processing apparatus transmits the information to the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.
Of the plurality of information processing apparatuses that transmit image data to the communication means without going through a telephone line or Internet line, the abnormality occurrence information for the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the image data immediately before or after the occurrence of the abnormality An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is transmitted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.
The abnormality occurrence information is transmitted to a predetermined specific information processing apparatus among a plurality of information processing apparatuses that transmit image data to the communication means without using a telephone line or an Internet line. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17.
Information display means for displaying information and confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information for confirming whether or not the maintenance service organization has been contacted are provided, and the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred. The information display is performed so that information indicating that it is necessary to contact the maintenance service organization is displayed periodically or continuously after the confirmation information is received by the confirmation information receiving means. An image forming apparatus comprising a means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16 or 17,
Information display means for displaying information and confirmation information receiving means for receiving confirmation information for confirming whether or not the maintenance service organization has been contacted are provided, and the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the abnormality occurrence information is periodically transmitted to the information processing apparatus after the confirmation information is received by the confirmation information receiving unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18 or 19,
An image reading means for reading an image formed on a document, an abnormality notification image detecting means for detecting the abnormality notification image from images read by the image reading means, and an image read by the image reading means A combination of information indicating that the abnormality notification image has been detected and information indicating that the image including the abnormality notification image has been transmitted by the image transmission unit. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the confirmation information receiving means is configured to be received as confirmation information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18 or 19,
An image forming apparatus using the confirmation information receiving means for receiving predetermined authentication information as the confirmation information when input. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
Authentication information creating means for creating the authentication information and storing it in the information storage means; encryption means for encrypting the created authentication information in accordance with a predetermined rule; and notification means for informing the encrypted authentication information; An image forming apparatus comprising: In a machine-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as means for sending an e-mail is recorded,
A process for displaying the abnormality occurrence information sent from the image forming apparatus connected to the computer on the display means connected to the computer, and whether or not the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted to the maintenance service organization. As a means for performing processing for inquiring the operator of the error, and processing for transmitting the abnormality notification information by e-mail to a predetermined e-mail address when an inquiry result indicating that the operation can be transmitted is obtained from the operator. A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function is recorded. The recording medium of claim 23,
Means for performing processing for transmitting image information for forming an image indicating the abnormality occurrence information to the image forming apparatus when an inquiry result indicating that the abnormality occurrence information may be transmitted is not obtained from the operator. As a recording medium, a program for causing a computer to function is recorded.

Images