JP2018187776A - Printer, maintenance control program and maintenance control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To not only reduce unnecessary notifications, but also suitably notify components which need to be exchanged when a list of components which need to be exchanged on a next visit scheduled date is acquired and notified.SOLUTION: A pinter having maintenance components is provided with: a calculation part, which calculates the number of cumulative printing sheets by accumulating the numbers of printing sheets when printing out and calculates an average number of printing sheets during predetermined dates; and a prediction part, which predicates an exchange timing of each maintenance component on the basis of a predetermined number of printing endurable sheets, a cumulative number of printing sheets, and an average number of printing sheets during predetermined dates, and the prediction part regularly detects, to specify maintenance components which need exchange during a first predetermined period, maintenance components which need exchange during the first period, during a second predetermined period ahead of the first period, and specifies, on the basis of results calculated by using detection results on a plurality of times, maintenance components which encounters the end of service life during the first period, thereby notifying specified maintenance components outside ahead of the first period by a predetermined period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a maintenance control program, and a maintenance control method, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus including a maintenance part, a maintenance control program and a maintenance control method for automatically determining when to replace a maintenance part of a printing apparatus.

  Maintenance devices need to be replaced with printing devices such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals). When the maintenance department monitors the service life of each device, the maintenance staff visits the user regularly. Replacement of maintenance parts whose service life has been shortened. At that time, various methods for enabling replacement of maintenance parts at an appropriate timing have been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, an information processing device including parts that need to be replaced, a calculation result display device disposed in a department in charge of performing periodic inspection of the information processing device and replacement of parts, Obtain the usage status of each part that requires replacement of information processing equipment and calculate the replacement time for each part. Based on this replacement time, the name of the part to be replaced at the next periodic inspection performed by the department in charge is determined. There is disclosed a component replacement time monitoring system having a monitoring notification device that identifies and outputs the names of components to be replaced to a calculation result display device arranged in the department in charge.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, means for counting the number of printed output sheets, means for accumulating the number of printed sheets after mounting for each maintenance part of the apparatus, the durable number as the replacement life of the maintenance parts, and the accumulation A print number storage means for storing the number of prints and the number of prints for the most recent predetermined period; and a means for predicting the replacement time of each maintenance part, wherein the prediction means calculates the average number of prints per recent date. For each maintenance part, predict the time when replacement is required from the service life, accumulated number of prints, and average number of prints. A printing apparatus that displays a maintenance part replacement preparation instruction is also disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-153283 JP 2001-180092 A

  In a system such as Patent Document 1 that acquires a list of parts that need to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date (parts that need to be replaced between next time and next time) and notifies the maintenance staff or maintenance center, replacement is possible. Parts that are detected as being necessary and have end of life near the next scheduled visit date may change the part replacement forecast every day depending on the usage status of the user's printing device. The maintenance center has to check what has changed each time.

  In addition, as in Patent Document 2, in the technology that does not notify until the date specified in advance from the lifetime, the parts detected before the date specified in advance and not detected on the date specified in advance are: Occasionally, there was a leakage from the list of parts that needed to be replaced on the next scheduled visit. In addition, after notification before a predetermined date, parts that reach the end of their service life around the next scheduled visit date may change by the next scheduled visit date. There was a possibility that parts preparation was not in time.

  In addition, for users who own multiple printing devices, notifications to maintenance personnel or the maintenance center are made for each printing device, so it is necessary for the maintenance personnel or the maintenance center to perform aggregation, and the work is complicated. There was a problem of becoming. In addition, when there are the same parts in a plurality of printing apparatuses, the notification is performed for each printing apparatus, so that the order for the same parts must be divided into a plurality of times, which increases the work load.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to reduce unnecessary notifications when acquiring and notifying a list of parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date. Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a maintenance control program, and a maintenance control method capable of appropriately notifying parts that need replacement.

  One aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus having maintenance parts, and for each maintenance part, the number of printed sheets is accumulated at the time of printing and the cumulative number of printed sheets is calculated, and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period is calculated. A calculation unit; and a prediction unit that predicts a replacement time for each of the maintenance parts based on a predetermined print durable sheet number, the cumulative print sheet number, and an average print sheet number for the predetermined period, and the prediction In order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced during a predetermined first period, the unit periodically performs the first period in a predetermined second period before the first period. The maintenance part that needs to be replaced during the period is detected, the maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is identified based on the result of calculation using the detection results of a plurality of times, and the identified maintenance part is A predetermined period ahead of the first period And notifying to the outside.

  One aspect of the present invention is a maintenance control program that operates on a printing apparatus having a maintenance part or a control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus. The cumulative number of printed sheets is calculated to calculate the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the calculation process for calculating the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period of time, the predetermined printing durability number, the accumulated number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period of time Based on this, a prediction process for predicting the replacement timing of each maintenance part is executed. In the prediction process, in order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period, Based on a result obtained by detecting a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period and calculating using a plurality of detection results periodically in a predetermined second period before the period And Serial to identify maintenance parts greet life during the first period, and notifies to the outside in advance by a predetermined period the maintenance component identified from the first period.

  One aspect of the present invention is a maintenance control method in a printing system including a printing apparatus having maintenance parts, and the printing apparatus calculates a cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of printing output for each maintenance part. And replacing each of the maintenance parts based on a calculation process for calculating an average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period, a predetermined print durable sheet, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period. A prediction process for predicting the timing, and in the prediction process, in order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period, a predetermined process prior to the first period is performed. In the second period, the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period are detected periodically, and the service life in the first period is calculated based on the result of calculation using a plurality of detection results. Maintenance parts Constant and, and notifies the maintenance component specific to the outside in advance by a predetermined period from the first period.

  According to the printing apparatus, the maintenance control program, and the maintenance control method of the present invention, when acquiring and notifying a list of parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date, unnecessary notifications are reduced and replacement is necessary. The parts can be notified appropriately.

  The reason for this is that, in a printing apparatus having maintenance parts, the number of printed sheets is accumulated at the time of print output to calculate the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the calculating unit that calculates the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period of time, and a predetermined printing durability number And a predicting unit that predicts the replacement time of each maintenance part based on the cumulative number of printed sheets and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period, and the predicting unit needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period. In order to identify a maintenance part, a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period is detected periodically in a predetermined second period before the first period. Control for identifying a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period based on the result of calculation using the detection result, and notifying the identified maintenance part to the outside in advance for a predetermined period from the first period It is because it performs.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic operation (basic operation) of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (example which used the detection ratio as a detection condition) of the maintenance components which concern on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (example using the total number of times of detection as a detection condition) of the maintenance component which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (example which used the frequency | count of continuous detection as a detection condition) of the maintenance component which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (example which used the detection history as a detection condition) of the maintenance components which concern on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 1st period and 2nd period which concern on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic operation | movement (information setting operation | movement by the request | requirement from the outside) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic operation | movement (information provision operation | movement by the request | requirement from the outside) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (when provided with several components from which a maintenance preparation period differs) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic operation | movement of the printing apparatus (master machine and sub machine) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic operation | movement of the printing apparatus (master machine and sub machine) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic operation | movement of the printing apparatus (master machine and sub machine) which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen (visit visit date setting screen) displayed on the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen (maintenance preparation period setting screen) displayed on the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen (detection ratio setting screen) displayed on the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen (continuous detection frequency setting screen) displayed on the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen (master machine / sub machine setting screen) displayed on the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing (preliminary setting) of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing (master machine information setting) of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing (sub-device information setting) of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (operation at the time of printing) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (periodic operation | movement 1) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (periodic operation | movement 2) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (periodic operation | movement 3) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process (report to a maintenance center) of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing (reception from the outside) of the printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example (patent document 1) of the conventional maintenance components. It is a figure which shows the specific example (patent document 2) of the conventional maintenance components. It is a figure which shows the specific example (combination of patent document 1, 2) of the conventional maintenance components. It is a figure which shows the specific example (when patent document 1 is applied to multiple units | sets) of the conventional maintenance components. It is a figure which shows the specific example (when patent document 2 is applied to two or more units) of the conventional maintenance parts. It is a figure which shows the specific example (when the combination of patent document 1, 2 is applied to several sets) of the conventional maintenance components.

  As shown in the background art, printing devices such as MFPs require replacement of maintenance parts. The management department such as a service center monitors the life of each part of each device, and the maintenance staff regularly checks the user. When visiting, maintenance parts whose lifetime has been shortened are replaced, and various methods have been proposed for replacement of maintenance parts.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 30, detection of parts that need to be replaced between the next scheduled visit date and the next scheduled visit date is started from the previous visit date. The rectangular frame in the figure is a part that reaches the end of life between the next scheduled visit date and the next scheduled visit date. As shown in FIG. 30 (a), A to G are reported as replacement parts in the first report, As shown in FIG. 30 (b), A to F are reported as replacement parts after 2 days, and as shown in FIG. 30 (c), A to F and H are reported as replacement parts after 3 days. . In this way, whether or not a part that reaches the end of its life after the next scheduled visit date is detected as a part that needs to be replaced between the next scheduled visit date and the next scheduled visit date may vary from day to day. Since notifications are made every time a change is made, the load on the maintenance staff (maintenance center) side was heavy to determine the change due to an increase in the number of notifications.

  Moreover, in patent document 2, as shown to Fig.31 (a)-(c), since notification is performed on the day which preceded only the predetermined number of days 1 from the life attainment date of each component for each component, The load on the maintenance staff (maintenance center) side was large.

  Combining these conventional technologies can reduce the number of notifications, but as shown in FIGS. 32 (b) and 32 (c), the part G that has been detected to be replaced once has been reported from the next scheduled visit date. When it was not detected on the day preceding by the predetermined number of days 1, there was a possibility that it was leaked from the report. In addition, since the predetermined number of days 1 is a period required for the preparation of the parts, as shown in FIG. 32 (d), there is a possibility that the arrangement of the parts may not be in time even if it is rediscovered and notified again. It was.

  Further, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied to a plurality of devices, as shown in FIG. 33A, in the first notification, devices A to G are replaced by devices A, I, and D are replacement parts. As shown in FIG. 33 (b), after two days, A to F from apparatus 1 and A, I, and D are notified as replacement parts from apparatus 2, and as shown in FIG. 33 (c). Three days later, A to F and H are notified from the apparatus 1 and A, I, D and B are notified from the apparatus 2 as replacement parts. Since notification is performed for each device in this way, it is necessary to count on the maintenance center side, and the load on the maintenance center side is large.

  Further, when the technique of Patent Document 2 is applied to a plurality of devices, as shown in FIG. 34, since the notification is performed for each device and for each part, the number of notifications is large and the load on the maintenance center side is large. Further, even when these conventional techniques are combined, as shown in FIG. 35, since the notification is performed for each apparatus, the load on the maintenance center side is large.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a printing unit having a maintenance part calculates a cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of print output, and calculates a mean number of printed sheets for a predetermined period; A predicting unit for predicting the replacement time of each maintenance part based on the predetermined printing durability number, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period, and the prediction unit In order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period, a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period periodically in a predetermined second period before the first period. Based on the result of detection using a plurality of detection results, a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is identified, and the identified maintenance part is preceded by a predetermined period from the first period. And control to notify the outside. At that time, the number of detections is stored for each maintenance part, and a maintenance part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined fixed ratio is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period, or is detected for each maintenance part. The number of times or the number of continuous detections is stored, and a maintenance part whose total number of detections or the number of continuous detections exceeds a predetermined value is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period, or in the second period The maintenance part detected at least once is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.

  By performing such control, unnecessary notifications can be reduced, and components that need replacement can be appropriately notified.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a printing apparatus, a maintenance control program, and a maintenance control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the printing apparatus. 4, 10, 11, 13 to 15 are diagrams illustrating a schematic operation of the printing apparatus, and FIGS. 5 to 8 and 12 are diagrams illustrating specific examples of maintenance parts. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the first period and the second period, FIGS. 16 to 20 are examples of screens displayed on the printing apparatus, and FIGS. 21 to 29 illustrate processing of the printing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 of this embodiment includes one or a plurality of printing devices 20 (first printing device and second printing device in the figure), a management device installed in a service center and used by maintenance personnel. 30 or the like. These are connected via a communication network 40 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). The information is exchanged via the mail server. Hereinafter, the printing apparatus 20 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the printing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the first printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master machine) and the second printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a sub machine) are respectively a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, An operation unit 24, a scanner (image reading unit) 25, a printer (image writing unit) 26, an image processing unit 27, and the like are included. The image processing unit 27 may be built in the printing apparatus 20 or may be an apparatus independent of the printing apparatus 20. FIG. 2 shows the minimum configuration of the printing system 10 of this embodiment, and there may be a plurality of sub-machines.

  The control unit 21 generally includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which are connected via a bus. The CPU performs overall control of the printing apparatus 20 by reading a program from the ROM and the storage unit 22 and developing the program in the RAM. In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the first printing apparatus (master machine) includes an image control CPU (Central Processing Unit), nonvolatile memory, DRAM control IC (Integrated Circuit), image memory (DRAM), decompression IC, and write processing. Unit, compression IC, read processing unit, and the like. The control unit 21 of the second printing apparatus (sub machine) includes an image control CPU, a nonvolatile memory, a DRAM control IC, an image memory (DRAM), a decompression IC, a write processing unit, and the like.

  The storage unit 22 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, and a program for the CPU to control each unit, various information for specifying a maintenance part to be replaced, for example, maintenance Parts information (cumulative number of prints for each part, number of prints to be printed, time required for maintenance preparation for each part, number of prints for a given period, average number of prints for a given period, number of detections, number of continuous detections, reported information, etc.) The first period and the second period (scheduled visit date), detection conditions (detection method, detection ratio, number of continuous detections, etc.), detection results, and the like are stored. A maintenance part is a part that needs to be replaced periodically due to wear or wear during printing output, and the maintenance part to be replaced is called a replacement part.

  The communication unit 23 is configured by a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, and establishes a connection with another printing apparatus 20 or management apparatus 30 connected via a communication network 40 (for example, LAN). A setting change request and a replacement part list request from 30 are received, or a replacement part list is transmitted to the management apparatus 30. In addition, maintenance component information, the first period and the second period, detection conditions, and the like are transmitted to and received from other printing apparatuses 20.

  The operation unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an operation control unit that controls a touch sensor composed of a grid-like transparent electrode. The operation unit 24 includes a scheduled visit date, a maintenance preparation period, a detection rate, the number of continuous detections, a master Various screens for setting the information of the machine / sub machine, etc. are displayed, and various operations on the above screen are made possible.

  The scanner (image reading unit) 25 is a part that optically reads image data from a document placed on a document table, and is a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or CCD that converts light reflected by the document into an electrical signal. And a scanner control unit that performs processing of electrical signals output from the CCD.

  The printer (image writing unit) 26 is an engine that executes a printing process based on image data. For example, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a charged photosensitive drum with a laser beam corresponding to an image. An LD (Laser Diode), a printer control unit that performs various controls for realizing an electrostatic latent image and forming an image on a sheet, and the like.

  The image processing unit 27 is connected to the DRAM control IC of the control unit 21 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and functions as a controller that performs image processing and controls the scanner 25 and the printer 26. In this embodiment, a controller control IC, a DRAM control IC, an image memory, a communication control unit, a NIC, and the like are established, and a connection with another device connected via a communication network 40 (for example, a LAN) is established, and an external device ( For example, print data is received from a client device or the like, or image data read by the scanner 25 is transmitted to an external device by e-mail.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing main functions related to the maintenance control of the present embodiment, and the control unit 21 functions as the calculation unit 28 and the prediction unit 29.

  Based on various information stored in the storage unit 22 and various settings performed by the operation unit 24, the calculation unit 28 calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of printing for each maintenance part. Calculate the average number of prints per regular day.

  The predicting unit 29 predicts the replacement time of each maintenance part based on the printing durability number for each maintenance part, the cumulative number of printings, and the average number of printings for a predetermined period. For example, in a second period prior to the first period, a part that needs to be replaced in the first period is detected periodically, and the detection result is stored in the storage unit 22 or the like, and the detection is performed multiple times. Based on the result calculated using the result, a part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is specified, and the specified part is notified to the outside in advance from the first period by a predetermined period. At that time, the number of detections is memorized for each part, and a part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined percentage is specified as a part that reaches the end of its life in the first period, or the total number of detections or continuous detection for each part. A component that stores the number of times and identifies a component whose total number of detections or continuous detection exceeds a predetermined value as a component that reaches the end of its life in the first period, or is detected at least once in the second period Is identified as a component that reaches the end of its life in the first period.

  The calculation unit 28 and the prediction unit 29 may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 21 is configured as a maintenance control program that functions as the calculation unit 28 and the prediction unit 29 and causes the CPU to execute the maintenance control program. You may do it. When the control device (for example, the image processing unit 27) that controls the printing device 20 is configured as a device different from the printing device 20, the control unit of the control device functions as a calculation unit and a prediction unit. It is good also as a structure (a CPU which comprises the control part of the said control apparatus performs a maintenance control program).

  1 to 3 are examples of the printing system and the printing apparatus 20 of this embodiment, and the configuration and control thereof can be changed as appropriate.

Hereinafter, a schematic operation (basic operation) of the control unit 21 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
(1) First period (scheduled visit date after next scheduled visit date) and second period (scheduled visit date from previous visit date) by operation of operation unit 24, period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance part The detection conditions (detection method, predetermined constant ratio, predetermined constant value) and the like are set, and the set information is stored in the storage unit 22.
(2) The calculating unit 28 accumulates the number of printed sheets for each part during printing, calculates the number of printed sheets for a predetermined period, and stores the accumulated number of printed sheets for each part and the number of printed sheets for a predetermined period in the storage unit 22.
(3) The prediction unit 29 obtains the scheduled visit date, the cumulative number of prints for each maintenance part, the number of prints that can be used for each maintenance part, the number of prints for a predetermined period, and the maintenance staff's information from these information. If a part that needs to be replaced is detected on the next scheduled visit date, the detection result is stored in the storage unit 22 and the like, and a calculation result using a plurality of detection results satisfies the detection condition, the next visit scheduled date Are identified as parts that need replacement. Note that “regular” may be performed every day at regular times or as a process when the power is turned off. Alternatively, it may be performed at regular time intervals.
(4) The prediction unit 29 instructs the communication unit 23 to report to the maintenance center on a date preceding the maintenance worker's next scheduled visit date by a predetermined period.
(5) The prediction unit 29 updates the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period.
(6) The communication unit 23 notifies the maintenance center (management device 30) through the communication network (LAN) 40 of a list of parts that need to be replaced on the next visit date of the maintenance staff according to an instruction from the prediction unit 29. .
(7) The cumulative number of printed sheets for each component is reset by operating the operation unit 24. Specifically, the maintenance staff instructs the operation unit 24 to reset the counter of the part after replacing the part.

  A method for specifying a part that needs to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date in (3) will be described with a specific example.

  First, the control of the prediction unit 29 when the detection ratio is used as the detection condition will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the prediction unit 29 is detected as a part that needs to be replaced during the first period (the next scheduled visit date from the next scheduled visit date) during the second period (from the previous visit date to the next scheduled visit date). The number of detections is stored in the storage unit 22, and a part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined ratio is specified as a replacement target part. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a part that needs to be replaced is detected once a day, and the detection ratio is set to 80%, and the number in parentheses is the number of times of detection.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the parts that need to be replaced in the first period on the previous visit date are parts AG, and as shown in FIG. 5 (b), three days after the previous visit date, When the number of times of detection of parts A to F is 3 times, the number of times of detection of part G is 2 times, and the number of times of detection of part H is 1, the detection rate of parts A to F exceeds 80%. Since it is before the predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, the parts A to F are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, since the detection ratio of the parts G and H is 80% or less, the parts G and H are not reported as replacement target parts. Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the detection of parts A to F is performed on a day that is n days (here n> 25) days after the previous visit date and a predetermined period before the next visit scheduled date. When the number of times is n times, the number of times of detection of the part G is n-5 times, and the number of times of detection of the part H is n-3 times, the detection ratio of the parts A to H exceeds 80%. A to H are reported as replacement target parts. Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, after n + 3 days from the previous visit date, the number of detections of parts A to F is n + 3 times, the number of detections of part G is n-2 times, and the number of detections of part H is In the case of n times, the detection ratios of parts A to H are all over 80%, but no notification is made because there is no change in the parts to be replaced. Further, as shown in FIG. 5E, after n + 10 days from the previous visit date, the number of detection of parts A to F is n + 10 times, the number of detection of part G is n + 5 times, and the number of detection of part H is n + 7 times. In this case, the detection ratios of the parts A to H are all over 80%, but no notification is made because there is no change in the parts to be replaced. In the case of this control, parts whose detection ratio is equal to or lower than a predetermined value are not notified as replacement target parts, so unnecessary notifications can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), since the part G detected after a predetermined period is also reported as a part to be replaced, the preparation of the part G can be made in time and replacement is necessary. The parts can be notified without omission.

  Next, control of the prediction unit 29 when the total number of detections is used as the detection condition will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the prediction unit 29 is detected as a part that needs to be replaced during the first period (the next scheduled visit date from the next scheduled visit date) during the second period (from the previous visit date to the next scheduled visit date). The total number of detected parts is stored in the storage unit 22, and a part whose total number of detected times exceeds a predetermined value is specified as a replacement target part. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a part that needs to be replaced is detected once a day, and the total number of times of detection is set to five times.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the parts that need to be replaced in the first period on the previous visit date are parts A to G, and the total number of times of detection of parts A to G is one each, and Since it is before a predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, parts A to G are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, three days after the previous visit date, the total number of detections of parts A to F is 4 times, the total number of detection times of part G is 2, and the total number of detection times of part H is If it is once, the total number of detections of parts A to H is less than 5 and before the predetermined period from the next visit date, so parts A to H are used as replacement parts. Not reported. Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), four days after the previous visit date, the total number of times of detection of parts A to F is five times, the total number of times of detection of part G is two times, and the total number of detection times of part H However, since the total number of detections of the parts A to F is 5 or more, but before the predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, the parts A to F are the parts to be replaced. Not reported. Further, since the total number of times of detection of parts G and H is less than 5, parts G and H are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 6D, after n (here, n> 11) days from the previous visit date, the total number of detections of parts A to F is n + 1 times, the total number of detection times of part G is 7, When the total number of detections of the part H is 9, the total number of detections of the parts A to H exceeds 5, and the parts A to H are reported as replacement target parts. Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, after n + 3 days from the previous visit date, the total number of detections of parts A to F is n + 4 times, the total number of detection times of part G is 10, and the total number of detection times of part H Is 12 times, the total number of detections of the parts A to H exceeds 5 times, but no notification is made because there is no change in the parts to be replaced. In the case of this control, the part G is not detected after n days in FIG. 6 (d), but the total number of detections satisfies the condition, so that it becomes a part to be replaced, and the part that needs to be replaced can be notified without omission. it can.

  Next, the control of the prediction unit 29 when the number of continuous detections is used as the detection condition will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the prediction unit 29 is detected as a part that needs to be replaced during the first period (the next scheduled visit date from the next scheduled visit date) during the second period (from the previous visit date to the next scheduled visit date). The number of consecutive detections of the parts is stored in the storage unit 22 and the number of consecutive detections is reset to 0 on the day that is not detected in the second period. A part for which the number of consecutive detections exceeds a predetermined constant value on the day preceding the scheduled next visit by a predetermined period is specified as a replacement target part. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a part that needs to be replaced is detected once a day, and the number of times of continuous detection is set to 5 times.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, parts A to G that need to be replaced in the first period on the previous visit date are parts A to G, and the number of continuous detection of parts A to G is one each, and Since it is before a predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, parts A to G are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, after 3 days from the previous visit date, the number of continuous detections of parts A to F is 4 times, the number of continuous detections of part G is 0, and the number of continuous detections of part H is When it is once, the number of continuous detections of parts A to H is less than 5 and is before the predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, so parts A to H are used as replacement parts. Not reported. Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, after 4 days from the previous visit date, the number of continuous detections of parts A to F is 5 times, the number of continuous detections of part G is 0, and the number of continuous detections of part H However, since the number of consecutive detections of the parts A to F is five or more, but before the predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date, the parts A to F are the parts to be replaced. Not reported. Further, since the number of continuous detections of the parts G and H is less than 5, the parts G and H are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 7D, after n (here, n> 11) days from the previous visit date, the number of continuous detections of parts A to F is n + 1 times, and the number of continuous detections of part G is 0 times. When the number of times of detection of the component H is 9, since the continuous detection ratios of the components A to F and H all exceed 5, the components A to F and H are reported as replacement target components. Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (e), after n + 3 days from the previous visit date, the number of consecutive detections of parts A to F is n + 4 times, the number of detections of part G is 3, and the number of detections of part H is 12 times. When the number of times is reached, all the continuous detection ratios of the parts A to F and H exceed 5 times, but no notification is given because there is no change in the parts to be replaced. In the case of this control, since the component G is not detected after 3 days in FIG. 7B, the number of continuous detections is reset. Further, in FIG. 7D, the component G is detected seven times in total, but is not detected after n days, and the previous consecutive detection count does not satisfy the condition, so it is not a target.

  Next, the control of the prediction unit 29 when the detection history is used as the detection condition will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the prediction unit 29 detects that replacement is necessary during the first period (the next scheduled visit date from the next scheduled visit date) during the second period (from the previous visit date to the next scheduled visit date). Is stored in the storage unit 22 and the component detected even once is specified as the replacement target component. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a part that needs to be replaced is detected once a day.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, parts A to G that need to be replaced in the first period on the previous visit date are parts A to G, but are ahead of a predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date. Parts A to G are not reported as replacement target parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the part H is detected three days after the previous visit date, the parts A to H are the parts to be replaced, but a predetermined period from the next scheduled visit date. Therefore, the parts A to H are not reported as replacement target parts. Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, since the parts A to H are detected at least once after n days from the previous visit date, the parts A to H are reported as replacement target parts. Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, even after n + 3 days from the previous visit date, the parts A to H are detected at least once, but are not notified because there is no change in the parts to be replaced.

  Thus, using any of the detection ratio, the total number of times of detection, the number of times of continuous detection, and the detection history, unnecessary notifications can be reduced, and parts that need replacement can be notified without omission.

  Next, the first period and the second period used in the above control will be described with reference to FIG. The example of FIG. 9A shows a case where the current date is the previous visit date and the next visit scheduled date. In this case, the first period is between the next visit scheduled date and the next visit scheduled date. The period between the previous visit date and the next scheduled visit date is the second period. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9B, if the current date is the next scheduled visit date and the next scheduled visit date, the next scheduled visit date is the previous visit date, the next scheduled visit date is the next scheduled visit date, and the next visit The scheduled date is the next scheduled visit date, the first period is between the scheduled next visit date and the next scheduled visit date, and the second period is between the scheduled next visit date and the scheduled visit date.

  Next, the predetermined period (number of days 1) used in the control will be described with reference to Table 1. For example, when the periods required for the maintenance preparation of the parts A to E are as shown in the table below, the period required for the maintenance preparation of the part E having the longest maintenance preparation period is set to a predetermined period. Thereby, even when a part requiring the longest maintenance preparation becomes a part to be replaced, the preparation of the part can be made in time. The period required for maintenance preparation is the time required for arrangement from ordering of parts to delivery.

  When the period required for maintenance preparation is set to a predetermined period, the calculation unit 28 and the prediction unit 29 operate as follows.

[Calculation unit 28]
For each maintenance part, when the printing paper is discharged, the cumulative number of printed sheets in the storage unit 22 is counted up. The count condition at that time is 1 count for single-sided printing and 2 counts for double-sided printing. Then, the daily use count value is calculated for each part, and the weekly average count value is calculated from the daily use count value. The interval may not be a week.

[Prediction unit 29]
Calculate the remaining days of use for each part.
Remaining days of use = (printable number of parts-cumulative number of printed sheets) / weekly average count value (1)
Next, a life reaching date is calculated for each part.
Life reached date = current date + remaining number of days used (2)
Next, it is determined whether or not the life arrival date is within the first period, and whether or not the detection condition is satisfied. Then, it is determined whether or not the current date is after the date preceded by the period required for the maintenance preparation of the part having the longest maintenance preparation period among the maintenance parts from the first period. If there is, the maintenance center is notified of information on all parts that have reached the end of their service life within the first period.

For example, when the part that requires the longest time for maintenance preparation is A, and some parts including the part A need to be replaced on the next visit scheduled date, the following calculation is performed.
Current date: February 13 First period: March 7-April 6 Next visit scheduled date: March 7 Scheduled visit: April 7 Second period: February 7-3 Month 6 Last visit date: February 7 Detection condition: Judged at a certain rate, more than 80% identified as replacement parts Number of detections: 5 times (number of times detected by February 13)
Print life of part A: 3,000,000
Cumulative number of printed parts A: 780,000
Weekly average count: 100,000
Period required for maintenance preparation of parts A: 14 days Remaining use days: (3,000,000-780,000) /100,000=22.2 days Life expectancy date: February 13 + 22.2 days = March 7 (within the first period)
Judgment method: (number of detections / period from the start of the second period to the current day) x 100 = detection rate (%)
5 times / (February 13-February 7) x 100 = 83% (detection conditions are met)
Date of notification to the maintenance center: March 7-14 = February 15

  Next, information stored in the storage unit 22 will be described. The stored information includes maintenance part information, a first period, a second period, detection conditions, and the like.

[Maintenance parts information]
The following information is stored for each part as maintenance part information. In addition, * mark is information reset when a maintenance worker parts replacement. In the table below, the average number of sheets used is calculated for 7 days, but it may not be 7 days.

[First period, second period]
In the first period and the second period, the start date and the end date may be set, or the scheduled visit date may be selected in a calendar format. When the scheduled visit date is selected in the calendar format, the first period and the second period are calculated from the scheduled visit date.

[Detection conditions]
A detection method is selected, and a detection ratio (predetermined constant ratio) and the number of consecutive detections (predetermined constant value) are set according to the selected detection method.

  The example of the maintenance control according to the present embodiment has been described above, but a variation thereof will be described below.

  In FIG. 4 described above, the operation unit 24 is operated to set the first period and the second period (scheduled visit date), the period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance part, detection conditions, and the like. You can rewrite these settings according to your needs. The operation in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) The communication unit 23 receives a request from the outside via the communication network (LAN) 40 and transfers it to the prediction unit 29.
(2) The prediction unit 29 interprets an external request, and when the request is a setting rewrite request, the prediction unit 29 stores the first period, the second period, and the second period stored in the storage unit 22 according to the setting rewriting request. Period, period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and detection conditions are rewritten.
(3) The prediction unit 29 notifies the communication unit 23 that the setting rewriting has been completed, and the communication unit 23 responds to the outside via the communication network (LAN) 40.

  In addition, according to a request from the outside, it is possible to notify the outside of a list of parts that are predicted by the prediction unit 29 and need replacement. The operation in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) The communication unit 23 receives a request from the outside via the communication network (LAN) 40 and transfers it to the prediction unit 29.
(2) The prediction unit 29 interprets a request from the outside, and if it is a list request for a part that needs to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date, cumulative printing for each maintenance part periodically stored in the storage unit 22 Parts that need to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date of the maintenance staff are detected from the number of printed sheets, the number of prints to be printed, and the average number of printed pages in a given period.If the predetermined detection conditions are met, the replacement is performed on the next scheduled visit date. Identify as necessary parts.
(3) The prediction unit 29 immediately instructs the communication unit 23 to report to the maintenance center.
(4) In response to an instruction from the prediction unit 29, the communication unit 23 notifies the maintenance center of a list of parts that need to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date received from the prediction unit 29 via the communication network (LAN) 40. .

  Next, the control of the prediction unit 29 in the case where parts having different periods required for maintenance preparation coexist will be described with reference to FIG. After reporting the parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date, if a new part that needs to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date is detected before the next scheduled visit date, prepare for maintenance of the newly detected parts. If the required period is less than or equal to the period between the current date and the next scheduled visit date, the immediate maintenance center is notified as a part that needs to be replaced on the next scheduled visit date. In the example of FIG. 12, the part H is newly detected in (b). However, since the period required for the maintenance preparation of the part H is shorter than the current day and the period until the next scheduled visit date, report. Thereby, since the order of parts is in time, the part H can be exchanged on the next scheduled visit date.

  In addition, if the period required for maintenance preparation of a newly detected part exceeds the period between the current date and the next scheduled visit date, the maintenance center will not be notified and the newly detected part will be If the date that has reached the end of the service life for the newly detected part is reached, the immediate maintenance center is notified of the part that needs to be replaced before the next scheduled visit date. In the example of FIG. 12, parts G and J are newly detected after n days in (c). However, since the parts cannot be arranged in time even if notified, no immediate notification is made, as shown in (d). From the lifetime of the parts G and J, wait until the previous day only for the period required for each maintenance preparation (do not replace on the next scheduled visit date). As a result, there is a case where it becomes better by exchanging scheduled visit dates one after another like the part J, and there is an effect of preventing unnecessary visits. However, there may be cases where the next scheduled visit date is not in time, such as part G. In such a case, when the current date is the date preceding the period required for preparation for maintenance of part G, Notify as a part that needs to be replaced before the scheduled visit date.

  The case where each printing apparatus 20 operates alone has been described above. However, the master machine and the sub machine can be operated in conjunction with each other. The schematic operation of the control unit 21 in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Set itself as a master machine by the operation unit 24 of the master machine, and prepare for maintenance of each subpart information, first period and second period (maintenance visit date of maintenance personnel), and maintenance parts The detection condition is set for a required period, and the set information is stored in the storage unit 22 of the master machine.
(2) The operation unit 24 of the sub machine sets itself as a sub machine, sets information of the master machine, and stores the set information in the storage unit 22 of the sub machine.
(3) The prediction unit 29 of the master machine reads out the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection conditions set from the master unit from the storage unit 22 of the master machine, and the communication unit 23 is instructed to transfer to the sub machine.
(4) The communication unit 23 of the master machine sets the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection conditions according to an instruction from the prediction unit 29 of the master machine to the communication network (LAN) 40. To the sub-machine via
(5) Via the communication network (LAN) 40 of the sub machine, the communication unit 23 of the sub machine transmits the first period, the second period, the period required for the maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection condition sent from the master machine Receive.
(6) The sub unit prediction unit 29 stores the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection conditions received from the master unit in the sub unit storage unit 22 and sets them. Rewrite.

  Also, the master machine can manage the number of printed sheets of the sub machine and perform maintenance control. The schematic operation of the control unit 21 in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) The calculation unit 28 of the master machine accumulates the cumulative number of printed sheets at the time of printing and stores the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period. Further, the sub-unit calculating unit 28 accumulates the cumulative number of printed sheets at the time of printing, and stores the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period.
(2) The sub unit predicting unit 29 periodically acquires the cumulative number of prints for each maintenance part stored in the sub unit storage unit 22 and the average number of prints for a predetermined period, and sends it to the communication unit 23 of the sub unit. Communication of the acquired information is instructed, and the communication unit 23 of the sub device transmits the acquired information to the master device via the communication network (LAN) 40.
(3) The prediction unit 29 of the master machine stores the accumulated number of prints for each part and the average number of prints for a predetermined period received from the sub machine via the communication unit 23 of the master machine in the storage unit 22 of the master machine. To do.
(4) The prediction unit 29 of the master machine performs maintenance based on the cumulative number of prints for each maintenance part including the sub machine, the print durability, and the average number of prints for a predetermined period, which are periodically stored in the storage unit 22 of the master machine. A part that needs to be replaced is detected on the next visit date of the worker, the detection result is stored in the storage unit 22 and the like, and a predetermined detection condition is satisfied from a result of calculation using a plurality of detection results. If this is the case, identify the part that needs replacement on the next scheduled visit date.
(5) The master unit predicting unit 29, when the current date reaches the date preceding the predetermined period of the part having the longest predetermined period among all maintenance parts, communicates with the master unit. The unit 23 is instructed to report to the maintenance center.
(6) The communication unit 23 of the master machine, through an instruction from the prediction unit 29 of the master machine, sends a list of parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date of the maintenance staff via the communication network (LAN) 40 of the master machine. To the maintenance center.

  In the above description, the master machine manages the number of printed sheets of the sub machine and performs maintenance control. However, the sub machine itself identifies the parts that need to be replaced on the next scheduled visit, and the master machine It is also possible to perform maintenance control by managing together the parts that need to be replaced specified by the sub-unit and the parts that need to be replaced specified by the sub machine. The schematic operation of the control unit 21 in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) The calculation unit 28 of the master machine accumulates the cumulative number of printed sheets at the time of printing and stores the number of printed sheets for a predetermined period. In addition, the calculation unit 28 of the sub machine accumulates the cumulative number of printed sheets at the time of printing and stores the number of printed sheets for a predetermined period.
(2) The sub machine predicting unit 29 performs maintenance based on the scheduled visit date, the cumulative number of prints for each maintenance part, the print endurance number, and the average number of prints for a predetermined period, which are periodically stored in the storage unit 22 of the sub machine. The parts that need to be replaced are detected on the next visit date of the worker, the communication unit 23 of the sub machine is instructed to communicate the detection result (replacement part information), and the communication unit 23 of the sub machine communicates with the communication network (LAN). The replacement part information is transmitted to the master machine via 40.
(3) The prediction unit 29 of the master machine stores the replacement part information received from the sub machine via the communication unit 23 of the master machine in the storage unit 22 of the master machine.
(4) The prediction unit 29 of the master machine visits the maintenance staff next time based on the cumulative number of prints for each maintenance part, the number of prints to be used, and the average number of prints for a predetermined period, which are periodically stored in the storage unit 22 of the master machine. A part that needs to be replaced on a scheduled date is detected, the detection result is stored in the storage unit 22 or the like, and a detection condition that is determined in advance from the result of calculation using a plurality of detection results for the master machine and the sub machine. If the above is satisfied, identify the parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date.
(5) The master unit predicting unit 29, when the current date reaches the date preceding the predetermined period of the part having the longest predetermined period among all maintenance parts, communicates with the master unit. The unit 23 is instructed to report to the maintenance center.
(6) The communication unit 23 of the master machine, through an instruction from the prediction unit 29 of the master machine, sends a list of parts that need replacement on the next scheduled visit date of the maintenance staff via the communication network (LAN) 40 of the master machine. To the maintenance center.

  Next, counting of parts in the master machine will be described. When tabulating for each part, tabulate the number of parts that need to be replaced for each part and how many parts are required for each device as shown in the table below.

  When tabulating by device, tabulate the number of parts that need to be replaced for each device as shown in the table below.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[Preliminary settings for printers by maintenance personnel]
As shown in FIG. 21, the maintenance staff sets the first period and the second period using the operation unit 24 at the time of installation of the apparatus or replacement of parts (S101). For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the scheduled visit date setting screen 50 is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the scheduled visit date is set by operating the operation unit 24. For example, if you set the current date to January 18th, the next scheduled visit date to February 1st, and the next scheduled visit date to February 28th, the first period will be February 1st to February 27th, The second period is from January 5th to January 31st.

  Next, the maintenance staff sets a period required for maintenance preparation of all the maintenance parts using the operation unit 24 at the time of installation of the apparatus (S102). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a maintenance preparation period setting screen 51 is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the operation unit 24 is operated to set a period required for maintenance preparation. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance part is entered in the edit box.

  Next, the maintenance staff sets a detection condition to be used for determination of replacement of maintenance parts using the operation unit 24 when the apparatus is installed (S103). Here, a detection method, a fixed ratio, and the number of continuous detections are set. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a detection ratio setting screen 52 is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the operation unit 24 is operated (a ratio is input to the edit box) to set a certain ratio. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a continuous detection number setting screen 53 is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the operation unit 24 is operated (the number of continuous detections is input in the edit box). Set.

  Next, at the time of installation of the apparatus, the maintenance staff uses the operation unit 24 to select whether to use the own apparatus as a master machine or a sub machine (S104). For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a master machine / sub machine setting screen 54 is displayed on the operation unit 24, and the operation unit 24 is operated to select a master machine or a sub machine. When the master machine is selected, as shown in FIG. 20A, an IP address setting screen for the sub machine is displayed, and the IP address of the printing apparatus registered as the sub machine on the network can be set. When the sub machine is selected, the master machine IP address setting screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 20B, and the IP address of the printing apparatus registered as the master machine on the network can be set. When the user has only one printing apparatus 20, the user may select a master machine, or the printing apparatus 20 may be selected as a master machine by an initial value.

  Next, it is determined whether it is set as a master machine or a sub machine (S105). If it is set as a master machine (Yes in S105), information on the master machine is set (S106). FIG. 22 shows the details of this step. First, the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and detection conditions are transmitted to all registered sub machines. Judgment is made (S201). In the case of Yes, a series of processing is ended, and in the case of No, the first period, the second period, the period required for the maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection condition are transmitted to the sub machine (S202). Return and repeat the same process.

  On the other hand, if it is set as a sub machine (No in S105), information on the sub machine is set (S107). FIG. 23 shows details of this step. First, it is determined whether or not a detection condition is received from the master machine in the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part (S301). In the case of No, it waits until reception. In the case of Yes, the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation for each part, and the detection condition received from the master machine are stored in the storage unit 22 (S302).

[Operation when printing]
As shown in FIG. 24, the printer 26 of the printing apparatus 20 performs print output based on print data received from an external apparatus (S401). Then, the control unit 21 determines whether the printed sheet is single-sided printing or double-sided printing (S402).

  In the case of single-sided printing (Yes in S402), the calculation unit 28 increments the cumulative number of prints of the target part by 1 and stores it in the storage unit 22 (S403), and sets the print number of the target part for a predetermined period of time to 1 Count up and store in the storage unit 22 (S404). On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing (No in S402), the calculation unit 28 increments the cumulative number of prints of the target part by 2 and stores it in the storage unit 22 (S405). Is counted up by 2 and stored in the storage unit 22 (S406).

[Regular operation 1: Operation when using a detection ratio as a detection condition]
As shown in FIG. 25, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as a master device (S501). If the own device is set as a master device (Yes in S501), registration is performed. It is determined whether or not replacement part information has been received from all the sub-machines that have been set (S502). If No, wait until reception is complete.

  When the own apparatus is not set as a master machine (No in S501) or when replacement part information is received from all sub machines (Yes in S502), the prediction unit 29 has checked all maintenance parts. If there is a maintenance part that is not checked (No in S503), the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period is updated, and the cumulative number of printed sheets, the print endurance number, and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period are updated. From this, the life reaching date of the part is calculated (S504).

  Next, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the maintenance part is a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S505). In the case of No, the process returns to S503, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 counts up the number of times of detection (the number of times that the maintenance part is determined to be a part that needs to be replaced in the first period) (S506).

  Next, the predicting unit 29 determines whether or not the number of detections exceeds a predetermined ratio (S507). In the case of No, the process returns to S303, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 identifies the maintenance part as a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S508), returns to S503, and repeats the same processing.

  When all the maintenance parts are checked (Yes in S503), the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as a master machine (S509). When the own apparatus is set as a master machine (Yes in S509), the prediction unit 29 determines whether a part that needs to be replaced is detected in the first period (S510). The process is terminated, and in the case of Yes, a notification process to the maintenance center is started. Details of this notification processing will be described later. If the own apparatus is set as a sub machine (No in S509), the prediction unit 29 transmits the cumulative number of prints of all maintenance parts and the average number of prints for a predetermined period to the master machine (S512, ) End the series of processing.

[Regular operation 2: Operation when the number of continuous detections is used as a detection condition]
As shown in FIG. 26, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as a master device (S601). If the own device is set as a master device (Yes in S601), registration is performed. It is determined whether or not replacement part information has been received from all the sub-machines that have been set (S602). If No, wait until reception is complete.

  When the own apparatus is not set as a master machine (No in S601) or when replacement part information is received from all sub machines (Yes in S602), the prediction unit 29 has checked all maintenance parts. If there is a maintenance part that is not checked (No in S603), the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period is calculated, and the cumulative number of printed sheets, the print endurance number, and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period are calculated. From this, the life reaching date of the part is calculated (S604).

  Next, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the maintenance part is a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S605). In the case of No, the prediction unit 29 clears the number of continuous detections (S609), and then returns to S603. In the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 determines that the number of continuous detections (the maintenance part is replaced in the first period). The number of times determined as a necessary part is counted up (S606).

  Next, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the number of consecutive detections exceeds a predetermined value (S607). In the case of No, the process returns to S603, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 identifies the maintenance part as a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S608), returns to S603, and repeats the same processing.

  When all the maintenance parts are checked (Yes in S603), the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as a master machine (S610). When the own apparatus is set as the master machine (Yes in S610), the prediction unit 29 determines whether a part that needs to be replaced in the first period is detected (S611). In the case of Yes, a notification process to the maintenance center is started (S612). If the own apparatus is set as a sub machine (No in S610), the prediction unit 29 transmits the cumulative number of prints of all maintenance parts and the average number of prints for a predetermined period to the master machine (S613). Then, a series of processing is completed.

[Periodic operation 3: Operation when using a detection history as a detection condition]
As shown in FIG. 27, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as a master device (S701). If the own device is set as a master device (Yes in S701), registration is performed. It is determined whether or not replacement part information has been received from all the sub machines that have been set (S702). If No, wait until reception is complete.

  When the own apparatus is not set as a master machine (No in S701), or when replacement part information is received from all sub machines (Yes in S702), the prediction unit 29 has checked all maintenance parts. (S703), in the case of No, the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period is calculated, and the life end date of the part is calculated from the accumulated number of printed sheets, the printing durability number, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period ( S704).

  Next, the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the maintenance part is a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S705). In the case of No, the process returns to S703, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 counts up the number of times of detection (the number of times that the maintenance part is determined to be a part that needs to be replaced in the first period) (S706). The maintenance part is identified as a part that needs to be replaced in the first period (S707), and the process returns to S703 and the same process is repeated.

  When all the maintenance parts have been checked (Yes in S703), the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the own device is set as the master machine (S708). When the own apparatus is set as a master machine (Yes in S708), the prediction unit 29 determines whether a part that needs to be replaced in the first period is detected (S709). In the case of Yes, a notification process to the maintenance center is started (S710). If the own apparatus is set as the sub machine (No in S708), the prediction unit 29 transmits the cumulative number of prints of all maintenance parts and the average number of prints for a predetermined period to the master machine (S711). Then, a series of processing is completed.

[Report operation to the maintenance center]
As shown in FIG. 28, the prediction unit 29 acquires a period required for maintenance preparation of a part having the longest period required for maintenance preparation among all maintenance parts (S801).

  Next, the prediction unit 29 determines whether the current date is the day preceding the period required for the maintenance preparation of the part having the longest period required for the maintenance preparation among all the maintenance parts from the first period, or after that. (S802), in the case of No, the series of processing is terminated, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 determines that the current date is the part that requires the longest maintenance preparation period from all the maintenance parts from the first period. It is determined whether or not the date precedes only the period required for maintenance preparation (S803).

  In the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 notifies the maintenance center of all the parts that need to be replaced in the first period (S804), sets the notified information, and ends the series of processes.

  On the other hand, in the case of No, the prediction unit 29 determines whether there is a difference between the list of parts transmitted last time and the list of parts specified to be replaced in the first period this time (S805). If there is no (No in S805), the series of processing ends.

  If there is a difference between the lists (Yes in S805), the prediction unit 29 determines whether or not the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected component is equal to or less than the number of days between the current date and the first period (S806). ).

  In the case of Yes, the maintenance center is notified of all parts that need to be replaced in the first period (S804), the notified information is set and the series of processes is terminated. In the case of No, the prediction unit 29 Then, it is determined whether or not the current date is after the date when the life of the newly detected part is reached, or the day preceding the part required for the maintenance preparation of the part (S807). In the case of No, the series of processing ends, and in the case of Yes, the prediction unit 29 reports to the maintenance center as a part that needs to be replaced outside the first period (S808), sets the reported information, and continues Terminate the process.

[Operation when receiving communication from outside]
As shown in FIG. 29, the prediction unit 29 receives an external request (S901), and determines whether the received request is a setting change request from the maintenance center (S902). In the case of a setting change request (Yes in S902), the prediction unit 29 sets the first period, the second period, the period required for maintenance preparation of all maintenance parts, and the detection condition in response to a request from the maintenance center. The setting is changed (S903), and the maintenance center is notified that the setting change is completed (S904).

  On the other hand, if the request is not a setting change request (No in S902), the prediction unit 29 determines whether the request is a list of parts that need replacement in the first period from the maintenance center (S905). In the case of a list request (Yes in S905), the prediction unit 29 notifies the maintenance center of parts that need to be replaced in the first period (S906). At that time, in the previous periodic operation, the parts detected to be replaced in the first period are transmitted unconditionally, and the notified information is set.

  On the other hand, if the request is not a list request (No in S905), the predicting unit 29 determines whether the information is the cumulative print number of parts from the sub machine and the average print number information for a predetermined period (S907). The accumulated number of printed sheets of all the parts and the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period are stored in the storage unit 22 (S908).

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control can be changed suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus including the maintenance part has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to any apparatus that includes the maintenance part and in which the maintenance staff visits the user periodically to replace the maintenance part. Maintenance control can be applied as well.

  The present invention can be used for a printing apparatus including a maintenance part, a maintenance control program for automatically determining the replacement timing of the maintenance part of the printing apparatus, a recording medium storing the maintenance control program, and a maintenance control method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 20 Printing apparatus 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Communication part 24 Operation part 25 Scanner 26 Printer 27 Image processing part 28 Calculation part 29 Prediction part 30 Management apparatus 40 Communication network 50 Scheduled visit date setting screen 51 Maintenance preparation period setting screen 52 Detection ratio setting screen 53 Continuous detection count setting screen 54 Master unit / sub unit setting screen

Claims (31)

A printing device having maintenance parts,
For each of the maintenance parts, a calculation unit that calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of printing and calculating an average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period;
A predicting unit that predicts the replacement time of each of the maintenance parts based on a predetermined printing durable number, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period,
The prediction unit
In order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period, periodically in the first period, in a predetermined second period before the first period. A maintenance part that needs to be replaced is detected, a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is identified based on a result of calculation using a plurality of detection results, and the identified maintenance part is identified as the first maintenance part. Notify the outside ahead of a predetermined period from the period of
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The prediction unit stores the number of detections for each maintenance part, and specifies a maintenance part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined fixed ratio as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The prediction unit stores the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections for each maintenance part, and the maintenance part in which the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections exceeds a predetermined value is set in the first period. Identify it as a service part that will reach the end of its life
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The predicting unit includes a maintenance part in which the number of consecutive detections immediately before the predetermined period including the day preceding the first period by the predetermined period exceeds the certain value, and has a lifetime in the first period. Identify as a maintenance part to greet,
The printing apparatus according to claim 3. The prediction unit identifies a maintenance part detected at least once in the second period as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The first period is a period between the next visit date of the maintenance staff and the next visit date,
The second period is a period between the previous visit date and the next visit date of the maintenance staff.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. The predetermined period is a period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part having the longest period required for the maintenance preparation.
The printing apparatus according to claim 6. The prediction unit notifies the maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period, and then reaches the first period until the first period. When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part is equal to or shorter than the period from the present to the first period, the new part Adding the detected maintenance parts to the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period, and notifying the outside immediately.
The printing apparatus according to claim 7. The prediction unit notifies the maintenance part that needs to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period, and then reaches the first period until the first period. When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part exceeds the period from the present to the first period, As a maintenance part that needs to be replaced when the current date is the date that precedes the period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part from the date when the life of the newly detected maintenance part reaches the end, without notifying the outside, Immediately notify outside,
The printing apparatus according to claim 7. When a plurality of the printing devices are connected via a communication network,
The predicting unit of the specific printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices receives the printing durability number, the cumulative printing number, and the location for each maintenance part of the other printing device from another printing device. An average number of printed sheets for a regular day is acquired, and the printing durability number for each maintenance part of the self apparatus, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period of day, and the maintenance part of the other printing apparatus for each maintenance part Based on the print durable sheet number, the cumulative printed sheet number, and the average printed sheet number for the predetermined period, the maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is specified.
The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. When a plurality of the printing devices are connected via a communication network,
The prediction unit of a specific printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices has the first period and the second period set in the apparatus, and a period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance component. And transmitting the predetermined constant ratio or constant value to another printing apparatus,
The prediction unit of the other printing apparatus includes the first period and the second period received from the specific printing apparatus, a period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance part, and the predetermined constant. Set the ratio or constant value to your device,
The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. A maintenance control program that operates on a printing apparatus having maintenance parts or a control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus,
In the printing device or the control device,
For each maintenance component, a calculation process for calculating the cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of printing and calculating the average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period;
A prediction process for predicting the replacement time of each of the maintenance parts based on a predetermined printing durability number, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period,
In the prediction process,
In order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period, periodically in the first period, in a predetermined second period before the first period. A maintenance part that needs to be replaced is detected, a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is identified based on a result of calculation using a plurality of detection results, and the identified maintenance part is identified as the first maintenance part. Notify the outside ahead of a predetermined period from the period of
A maintenance control program characterized by that. In the prediction process, the number of detections is stored for each maintenance part, and a maintenance part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined fixed ratio is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The maintenance control program according to claim 12, wherein: In the prediction process, the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections is stored for each maintenance part, and maintenance parts for which the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections exceeds a predetermined constant value are stored in the first period. Identify it as a service part that will reach the end of its life
The maintenance control program according to claim 12, wherein: In the prediction process, a maintenance component including the day preceding the first period by the predetermined period and having the number of consecutive detections immediately before the predetermined value exceeds the predetermined value is determined to have a lifetime in the first period. Identify as a maintenance part to greet,
The maintenance control program according to claim 14. In the prediction process, a maintenance part detected at least once in the second period is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The maintenance control program according to claim 12, wherein: The first period is a period between the next visit date of the maintenance staff and the next visit date,
The second period is a period between the previous visit date and the next visit date of the maintenance staff.
The maintenance control program according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein The predetermined period is a period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part having the longest period required for the maintenance preparation.
The maintenance control program according to claim 17, wherein: In the prediction process, after notifying the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period until the first period, the first period When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part is equal to or shorter than the period from the present to the first period, the new part Adding the detected maintenance parts to the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period, and notifying the outside immediately.
The maintenance control program according to claim 18. In the prediction process, after notifying the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period until the first period, the first period When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part exceeds the period from the present to the first period, As a maintenance part that needs to be replaced when the current date is the date that precedes the period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part from the date when the life of the newly detected maintenance part reaches the end, without notifying the outside, Immediately notify outside,
The maintenance control program according to claim 18. A maintenance control method in a printing system including a printing apparatus having maintenance parts,
The printing apparatus includes:
A calculation process for calculating the cumulative number of printed sheets by accumulating the number of printed sheets at the time of print output for each maintenance part, and calculating an average number of printed sheets for a predetermined period;
Performing a prediction process for predicting the replacement time of each of the maintenance parts based on a predetermined printing durability number, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period,
In the prediction process,
In order to identify a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a predetermined first period, periodically in the first period, in a predetermined second period before the first period. A maintenance part that needs to be replaced is detected, a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period is identified based on a result of calculation using a plurality of detection results, and the identified maintenance part is identified as the first maintenance part. Notify the outside ahead of a predetermined period from the period of
A maintenance control method characterized by that. In the prediction process, the number of detections is stored for each maintenance part, and a maintenance part whose number of detections exceeds a predetermined fixed ratio is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The maintenance control method according to claim 21, wherein: In the prediction process, the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections is stored for each maintenance part, and maintenance parts for which the total number of detections or the number of continuous detections exceeds a predetermined constant value are stored in the first period. Identify it as a service part that will reach the end of its life
The maintenance control method according to claim 21, wherein: In the prediction process, a maintenance component including the day preceding the first period by the predetermined period and having the number of consecutive detections immediately before the predetermined value exceeds the predetermined value is determined to have a lifetime in the first period. Identify as a maintenance part to greet,
The maintenance control method according to claim 23. In the prediction process, a maintenance part detected at least once in the second period is specified as a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period.
The maintenance control method according to claim 21, wherein: The first period is a period between the next visit date of the maintenance staff and the next visit date,
The second period is a period between the previous visit date and the next visit date of the maintenance staff.
The maintenance control method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein: The predetermined period is a period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part having the longest period required for the maintenance preparation.
27. The maintenance control method according to claim 26, wherein: In the prediction process, after notifying the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period until the first period, the first period When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part is equal to or shorter than the period from the present to the first period, the new part Adding the detected maintenance parts to the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period, and notifying the outside immediately.
The maintenance control method according to claim 27. In the prediction process, after notifying the maintenance parts that need to be replaced in the first period ahead of the predetermined period until the first period, the first period When a maintenance part that needs to be replaced in a period is newly detected, if the period required for maintenance preparation of the newly detected maintenance part exceeds the period from the present to the first period, As a maintenance part that needs to be replaced when the current date is the date that precedes the period required for the maintenance preparation of the maintenance part from the date when the life of the newly detected maintenance part reaches the end, without notifying the outside, Immediately notify outside,
The maintenance control method according to claim 27. The printing system includes a plurality of the printing devices connected via a communication network,
The specific printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices is
The printing durability number for each maintenance part of the other printing device, the cumulative printing number, and the average printing number for the predetermined period are acquired from the other printing device, and the printing durability for the maintenance part of the own device is acquired. Based on the number of sheets, the cumulative number of printed sheets and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period, the number of prints to be used for each maintenance part of the other printing apparatus, the cumulative number of printed sheets and the average number of printed sheets for the predetermined period And identifying a maintenance part that reaches the end of its life in the first period,
The maintenance control method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein: The printing system includes a plurality of the printing devices connected via a communication network,
The specific printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices is
The first period and the second period set in the own apparatus, the period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance component, and the predetermined constant ratio or constant value are transmitted to another printing apparatus. And
The other printing device includes:
The first period and the second period received from the specific printing apparatus, the period required for maintenance preparation for each maintenance part, and the predetermined constant ratio or predetermined value are set in the own apparatus. To
The maintenance control method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein:

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