JP2019177525A - Image formation apparatus, image formation system and management sever - Google Patents

Abstract

To predict the timing of maintenance execution from the image defect occurring in the normal use of an image formation apparatus and optimize the timing.SOLUTION: A printer 1 includes: a detecting unit 11 which detects the image defect from an image formed on a printing object medium; and a control unit 12 which notifies of information urging the execution of maintenance when the occurrence frequency of the image defect exceeds the allowable frequency of the image defect, notifies of the timing by calculating the timing urging the execution of maintenance when the occurrence frequency of the image defect approaches the allowable frequency of the image defect, and changes the timing of urging the execution of maintenance when the maintenance is executed before the occurrence frequency of the image defect exceeds the allowable frequency of the image defect, or when the maintenance is not executed even after the occurrence frequency of the image defect exceeds the allowable frequency of the image defect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for predicting a maintenance execution timing.

  With the spread of computers, image forming apparatuses are used in many places. The image forming apparatus is used in a yearly period, but an image defect occurs due to long-term continuous use. For example, clogging of ink in the print head causes a failure to spray ink onto the printing medium.

  Therefore, a technique for predicting the maintenance execution timing of the image forming apparatus is desired. In Patent Document 1, the control conditions of the exposure unit, the development unit, and the transfer unit of the image forming apparatus are temporarily changed to the control conditions when image formation is not appropriate, and an image is formed under the changed control conditions. The maintenance execution timing is determined based on the detection result of the image.

JP 2005-266599 A

  However, since Patent Document 1 dares to form an image (image after changing the control conditions) for determining the maintenance execution timing, an additional step for forming the image for the determination is necessary, and the inside of the image forming apparatus The process is wasted, and unnecessary printed matter is generated.

  Further, since Patent Document 1 forms an image under a special control condition in which the control condition of each of the above units is changed, it cannot be judged whether the influence on the image is normal during normal use of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, since Patent Document 1 determines the degree of image failure based on the standard deviation of the image gray value (paragraph [0031], paragraph [0046]), the allowable range of the user cannot be reflected for the image failure, The maintenance execution timing and serviceman visit timing cannot be optimized as expected by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to predict a maintenance execution timing from an image defect caused by normal use of an image forming apparatus, and to optimize the timing.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium, and the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds an allowable number of image defects. A first control unit for notifying information for prompting maintenance, and calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defects approaches the allowable number of image defects. When the maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of times of the image defect or when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of times of the image defect. And a third control unit that changes a timing for prompting the execution of the maintenance when the maintenance is not performed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to predict the maintenance execution timing from an image defect that occurs during normal use of the image forming apparatus, and to optimize the timing.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing sequence of the printing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
<Configuration of printing device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a setting unit 14, and an operation panel 15.

  The detection unit 11 inspects a printed matter generated during normal use of the printing apparatus 1 and detects an image defect from an image formed on the printed matter. For example, a detection unit such as a camera is used. The printed material is an image formed on a printing medium such as paper, cloth, CD, or DVD.

  When the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the control unit (first control unit) 12 notifies information that prompts maintenance. When the number of occurrences of image defects approaches the allowable number of image defects, the control unit (second control unit) 12 calculates and notifies the timing for urging maintenance to be performed. The control unit (third control unit) 12 performs maintenance before the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or even when the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects. If maintenance is not performed, change the timing for prompting maintenance.

  The storage unit 13 stores the allowable number of image defects and the maintenance nearest threshold value in a changeable manner. The maintenance immediate threshold is a threshold used for determining that the maintenance is approaching. The storage unit 13 stores the allowable number of image defects and the maintenance closest threshold for each user, each type of image defect, or each maintenance content.

  The setting unit 14 sets the allowable number of image defects and the maintenance closest threshold stored in the storage unit 13 based on a user operation on the operation panel 15 for each user, for each type of image defect, or for each maintenance content. Or change the setting. The setting unit 14 sets and changes the allowable number of image defects according to at least one of the user, the type of image defect, and the content of maintenance, or a combination of two or more.

  The operation panel 15 is a screen interface for controlling the printing apparatus 1 and inputting a setting value used for controlling the printing apparatus 1. The operation panel 15 sets the allowable number of image defects and the closest maintenance threshold value for each user. Displays software buttons to be entered for each type or maintenance content.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit that forms an image, a paper feeding unit that feeds printing paper from the paper tray to the position of the printing mechanism, a paper discharge unit that discharges the printing paper out of the printing device, and a print head. A cleaning execution unit or the like for cleaning.

<Operation of printing device>
Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 1 will be described.

  The printing apparatus 1 (Procedure 1) detects an image defect from an image formed during normal use of the printing apparatus 1, and when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, information that prompts maintenance to be performed To be notified.

  (Procedure 2) When the number of occurrences of image defects approaches the allowable number of image defects, (step 2), the printing apparatus 1 calculates (predicts) and notifies the timing for prompting maintenance.

  (Procedure 3) Maintenance is performed when the maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or even when the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects. If not, change the timing for prompting maintenance.

  According to the above (Procedure 1) and (Procedure 2), the maintenance execution timing can be predicted from the image defect that has occurred during normal use of the printing apparatus 1. By the above (Procedure 3), the predicted maintenance execution timing can be optimized.

  A specific example of the processing operation along the above (procedure 1) to (procedure 3) will be described below. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the printing apparatus 1.

Steps S101 and S102;
First, the detection unit 11 inspects a printed matter generated during normal use of the printing apparatus 1 and determines whether there is an image defect in the image of the inspected printed matter. An image defect refers to an image quality degradation. For example, streaky or belt-like stains due to white and black, color unevenness due to color density difference, and color bleeding. If the image has an image defect, the process proceeds to step S103. If the image has no image defect, the process proceeds to step S114.

Steps S103 and S104;
Next, when there is an image defect in the image, the control unit 12 adds 1 to the number of occurrences of the image defect (hereinafter referred to as “defect occurrence number”), and the defect occurrence count after the addition is the allowable number of image defects (the user It is determined whether or not the set allowable number of image defects (hereinafter referred to as “permissible number of defects”) is exceeded. If the number of occurrences of defects exceeds the allowable number of defects, the process proceeds to step S105. If the number of occurrences of defects does not exceed the allowable number of defects, the process proceeds to step S110.

Step S105;
Next, when the number of occurrences of defects exceeds the allowable number of failures, the control unit 12 displays information for urging maintenance to be performed on the operation panel 15. For example, a black and white streak may be caused by an ejection failure, so that cleaning of the print head is urged. In addition, since contamination of the roller is considered as a cause of contamination, cleaning or replacement of the roller is urged. That is, in step S105, the user is notified that the maintenance of the printing apparatus 1 is necessary because the number of occurrences of defects exceeds the allowable number of defects of the user. This corresponds to the above (procedure 1).

Steps S106, S107, S108;
Next, after step S105, the control unit 12 determines whether or not maintenance is instructed by the user. If maintenance is instructed, the number of occurrences of defects is set to 0 after the maintenance is performed by the user. return. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

Step S109;
On the other hand, when maintenance execution is not instructed, the control unit 12 increases the allowable number of failures by one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114. That is, in step S109, this corresponds to the case where the user has not performed maintenance even if the number of occurrences of defects exceeds the allowable number of defects of the user, and therefore image defects up to the current number of occurrences of defects (> set number of set defects). As a result, the allowable number of defects is increased. Accordingly, the maintenance execution timing predicted in step S115 is lengthened. This corresponds to the above-described (Procedure 3) “When maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the timing for urging the maintenance is changed”.

Step S110;
When the number of occurrences of defects does not exceed the allowable number of failures (NO in step S104), the control unit 12 determines whether the user has voluntarily instructed execution of maintenance. In step S110, unlike step S106, even if there is no information for urging maintenance from the printing apparatus 1, the user himself / herself checks the printed matter to determine whether to perform the maintenance. If the user voluntarily instructs maintenance, the process proceeds to step S111. If the user does not voluntarily perform maintenance even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S114.

Step S111;
Next, when the user voluntarily instructs the execution of the maintenance, the control unit 12 sets “current failure occurrence count−1” as the allowable failure count. That is, in step S111, the user corresponds to the case where the maintenance is performed even though the number of occurrences of defects does not exceed the allowable number of defects of the user. Considers that image defects are unacceptable and reduces the number of acceptable defects. Accordingly, the maintenance execution timing predicted in step S115 is shortened. This corresponds to the above (Procedure 3) “If maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects....

Steps S112 and S113;
Next, after step S111, the control unit 12 resets the number of occurrences of defects to 0 after maintenance is performed by the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  After step S <b> 114, when the number of occurrences of defects increases and approaches the allowable number of failures, the control unit 12 performs a process of predicting the timing for prompting maintenance and notifying the user.

Step S114;
When there is no image defect in the inspected image (NO in step S102), after any one of steps S108, S109, and S113 is performed, or when the user does not voluntarily give instructions for maintenance even after a certain period of time has elapsed. (NO in step S110), the control unit 12 determines whether or not the number of occurrences of defects is equal to or greater than the maintenance nearest threshold. The closest maintenance threshold is less than the allowable number of failures, and a value close to the allowable number of failures is set. For example, when the allowable number of failures is 9, 7 is set as the maintenance closest threshold. If the number of occurrences of defects is equal to or greater than the maintenance closest threshold, the control unit 12 regards that the number of failures is approaching, and proceeds to the prediction process in step S115. If the number of occurrences of defects is less than the maintenance closest threshold, the control unit 12 ends the process.

Steps S115 and S116;
Finally, when the number of occurrences of defects is equal to or greater than the maintenance immediate threshold, the control unit 12 calculates (predicts calculation) the timing for prompting the maintenance to be displayed on the operation panel 15. This corresponds to the above-described process (procedure 2). Hereinafter, a specific example of the timing calculation process for prompting the maintenance will be described.

  For example, if the allowable number of failures is 9, the maintenance closest threshold is 7, the number of occurrences of failures is 7, the cumulative number of printed sheets is 150 when the sixth defective image is generated, and the cumulative number of printed sheets is 175 when the seventh defective image is generated. Since the remaining allowable number of times until the tenth image defect that needs to be implemented is three, the value of “(cumulative print number at the seventh occurrence of image defect−cumulative print number at the sixth occurrence of image defect) × 3” is set. Used, information is displayed that “if 75 more sheets are printed, a maintenance operation is required”.

  Thereafter, when the number of occurrences of defects is increased to 8 and the cumulative number of printed sheets is 180 when the eighth defective image is generated, the remaining allowable number is two. -Using the value of "cumulative number of prints at the seventh occurrence of image defect) x 2", information indicating "maintenance operation is required after printing 10 more sheets" is displayed.

  As described above, the timing for prompting the maintenance execution calculated in step S115 varies depending on the value of the allowable number of defects. Then, the value of the allowable number of defects is increased or decreased in step S109 or step S111. Therefore, the allowable range of the user for the image defect can be reflected in the timing for prompting the maintenance.

  Note that whether or not the image defect is within the allowable range differs for each user. Therefore, when the printing apparatus 1 is used in an environment in which the user can be specified by user authentication, the number of allowable defects for each user is used for each user. The above processing flow may be performed. In this case, the user inputs his / her allowable number of failures through the operation panel 15, and the setting unit 14 sets the input allowable number of failures in the storage unit 13 in association with the user ID. In addition, the allowable number of defects may be set for each type of image defect or for each maintenance content, or may be changed. The contents of maintenance are, for example, print head replacement, print head cleaning, roller cleaning, and roller replacement.

<Effect>
According to the first embodiment, when the detection unit 11 detects an image defect from the image formed on the printed matter, and the control unit 12 performs maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects. Since the timing for prompting the execution is calculated and notified, the maintenance execution timing can be predicted from the image defect caused by the normal use of the printing apparatus 1.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, after the printing, if the number of occurrences of defects is equal to or greater than the maintenance closest threshold, the control unit 12 always operates the timing for prompting the maintenance to be performed regardless of the presence or absence of image defects. Since it is displayed on the panel 15, even when the user changes, it is possible to grasp the maintenance execution timing without fail, and it is possible to suppress wasteful printing processing.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the control unit 12 determines that the maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or the occurrence number of image defects is the allowable number of image defects. If the maintenance is not performed even if the value exceeds, the timing for urging the maintenance is changed, so that the predicted maintenance execution timing can be optimized.

  According to the first embodiment, the setting unit 14 sets the allowable number of image defects for each user, for each type of image defect, and for each maintenance content. It is possible to reflect the allowable range of image defects of the user.

<Modification 1>
In the above processing flow, the case has been described in which the timing for prompting the maintenance to be performed is displayed on the operation panel 15 when the number of occurrences of the defect is equal to or greater than the maintenance closest threshold regardless of whether there is an image defect. However, in this case, since the timing is always displayed on the panel every time printing is performed, there is a possibility that the user is bothered by the display notification on the panel. Therefore, if there is no image defect in the image, (Procedure 3) is not performed, that is, the timing for urging the maintenance is not changed. If NO in Step S102, the process is immediately terminated without making a transition to Step S114. May be. Thereby, the troublesomeness by the display notification to a panel can be eliminated.

<< Second Embodiment >>
<Configuration of printing device>
In the second embodiment, a case where the allowable number of failures is analyzed by an external server connected via a communication network will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment. The printing system includes one or more printing apparatuses 1 and a management server 2 that manages the one or more printing apparatuses 1. One or more printing apparatuses 1 and the management server 2 are connected to each other via a communication network 3 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a setting unit 14, an operation panel 15, a collection unit 16, and a communication processing unit 17. Functional units other than the collection unit 16 and the communication processing unit 17 have the same functions as those described in the first embodiment.

  The collection unit 16 collects information on an image log of an image formed on a printed material and information on a status of performing maintenance on the image.

  The communication processing unit 17 transmits to the management server 2 information on an image defect log, which is information on the occurrence of an image defect, and the status of maintenance for the image defect. The communication processing unit 17 receives the allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information transmitted to the management server 2 from the management server 2.

  The management server 2 includes a communication processing unit 21, a calculation unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

  The communication processing unit 21 receives information on the image log of the image transmitted from the printing apparatus 1 and the maintenance execution status for the image. The communication processing unit 21 transmits the allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information to the printing apparatus 1.

  The calculation unit 22 calculates the allowable number of image defects based on the image defect log of the image transmitted from the printing apparatus 1 and the state of maintenance for the image defect.

  The storage unit 23 stores information on the image log of the image transmitted from the printing apparatus 1 and the maintenance implementation status for the image. The storage unit 23 stores the allowable number of image defects calculated by the calculation unit 22.

<Operation of printing device>
Next, the operation of the printing system will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence of the printing system.

Step S201;
First, each time the printing unit 1 performs a printing process, the collection unit 16 of the printing apparatus 1 performs an image defect log (hereinafter referred to as “image defect log information”) of an image formed on a printed matter and a user for the image defect. Whether maintenance is performed or not (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance history information”).

Step S202;
Next, the communication processing unit 17 of the printing apparatus 1 associates the collected image defect log information and the maintenance history information with the collection time every time the image defect log information and the maintenance history information are collected or is collected every predetermined period. The data is transmitted to the management server 2 via the communication network 3.

Step S203;
Next, the calculation unit 22 of the management server 2 calculates the allowable number of defects of the printing apparatus 1 using the image defect log information and the maintenance history information transmitted from the printing apparatus 1 and stores them in the storage unit 23. Hereinafter, a specific example of a method for calculating the allowable number of defects will be described.

  For example, the calculation unit 22 refers to the image defect log, and adds 1 to the number of occurrences of defects when the printing apparatus 1 is not maintained for the image defect. This process is repeated in time series at the collection time, and the number of occurrences of defects when maintenance is performed is set as the allowable number of defects of the printing apparatus 1.

  At this time, the calculation unit 22 may specify the type of image defect from the image defect log information, and calculate the allowable number of defects of the printing apparatus 1 for each type of image defect. When the user ID is also transmitted from the printing apparatus 1, the calculation unit 22 may calculate the allowable number of failures for each user. In addition, the calculation unit 22 may calculate the allowable number of failures by further using, for example, information unique to the printing apparatus 1 such as the service life, the service life, and the consumption state of the printing apparatus 1.

Step S204;
Finally, the communication processing unit 21 of the management server 2 reads the allowable number of failures of the printing apparatus 1 from the storage unit 23 and transmits it to the printing apparatus 1 via the communication network 3.

  Thereafter, the printing apparatus 1 performs (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3) described in the first embodiment by using the allowable number of failures from the management server 2. At this time, the printing apparatus 1 may inquire the user whether to use the allowable number of failures from the management server 2, and may determine whether to use the allowable number of failures according to the inquiry result. The allowable number of defects may be forcibly used.

<Effect>
According to the second embodiment, the management server 2 calculates the allowable number of failures based on the image log of the image transmitted from the printing apparatus 1 and the state of maintenance of the image. It can be optimized according to the action, and the trouble of setting the allowable number of times of failure by the user can be eliminated.

  According to the second embodiment, since the printing apparatus 1 receives the allowable number of image defects from the management server 2, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of setting the allowable number of defects by the user.

  Even in the case of the second embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 performs (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3) described in the first embodiment, and thus an image generated by normal use of the printing apparatus 1. The maintenance execution timing can be predicted from the defect, and the predicted maintenance execution timing can be optimized.

<Modification 1>
The management server 2 may statistically analyze the allowable number of failures. For example, the management server 2 repeatedly calculates the allowable number of defects by using the vast amount of image defect log information and maintenance history information collected in the printing apparatus 1 over a long period of month or year. The average value of the allowable number of failures may be set as the optimum value of the allowable number of failures. In particular, when there is a periodical wave in the usage frequency of the printing apparatus 1, the management server 2 may obtain an optimum value according to the length of the period, for example, from January to March or from April to October. Good. The management server 2 notifies the printing apparatus 1 of the obtained optimum value as a recommended defect allowable number. Thereby, the timing of the maintenance execution can be further optimized.

<Modification 2>
After calculating the allowable number of failures in S203, the management server 2 continues to perform (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3) described in the first embodiment on the management server 2, and calculates the timing for prompting the maintenance to be performed. The printing apparatus 1 may be notified. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 displays on the operation panel 15 the timing for prompting the implementation of the maintenance transmitted from the management server 2. In this case, since the printing apparatus 1 does not perform (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3), the printing apparatus 1 can concentrate on the printing process and can speed up the printing process.

<Others>
Finally, the printing apparatus 1 and the management server 2 described in this embodiment can be realized by a computer including a memory and a CPU. Further, the processing of the printing apparatus 1 and the management server 2 can be constructed as a program, installed in a computer, executed, and distributed via the communication network 3. The printing apparatus 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image. An enclosing / sealing device attached to the printing device 1 can also be included in the target device.

<Appendix>
The present application discloses the following inventions.

(Appendix 1)
A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit that notifies information prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The image forming apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets the allowable number of image defects according to at least one of a user, a type of image defect, and a content of maintenance.

(Appendix 3)
In an image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image; and a management server that manages the image forming apparatus.
The management server
A calculation unit for calculating an allowable number of image defects based on an image defect log of an image transmitted from one or a plurality of the image forming apparatuses and a maintenance execution state for the image defect;
A transmission unit that transmits the allowable number of image defects to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving unit that transmits information about an image defect log of an image and a maintenance execution state for the image defect to the management server, and receives an allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information from the management server;
A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit for notifying information for encouraging maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming system comprising:

(Appendix 4)
A calculation unit for calculating an allowable number of image defects based on an image defect log of an image transmitted from one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a maintenance execution state for the image defect;
A transmission unit that transmits the allowable number of image defects to the image forming apparatus;
A management server comprising:

(Appendix 5)
A reception unit that transmits information on an image defect log of an image and a maintenance implementation status for the image defect to the management server, and receives an allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information from the management server;
A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit for notifying information for encouraging maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming apparatus comprising:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing device 11 ... Detection part 12 ... Control part 13 ... Storage part 14 ... Setting part 15 ... Operation panel 16 ... Collection part 17 ... Communication processing part 2 ... Management server 21 ... Communication processing part 22 ... Calculation part 23 ... Storage part 3. Communication network

Claims (5)

A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit that notifies information prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets the allowable number of image defects according to at least one of a user, a type of image defect, and a content of maintenance. In an image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image; and a management server that manages the image forming apparatus.
The management server
A calculation unit for calculating an allowable number of image defects based on an image defect log of an image transmitted from one or a plurality of the image forming apparatuses and a maintenance execution state for the image defect;
A transmission unit that transmits the allowable number of image defects to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving unit that transmits information about an image defect log of an image and a maintenance execution state for the image defect to the management server, and receives an allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information from the management server;
A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit that notifies information prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defects exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming system comprising: A calculation unit for calculating an allowable number of image defects based on an image defect log of an image transmitted from one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a maintenance execution state for the image defect;
A transmission unit that transmits the allowable number of image defects to the image forming apparatus;
A management server comprising: A reception unit that transmits information on an image defect log of an image and a maintenance implementation status for the image defect to the management server, and receives an allowable number of image defects corresponding to the information from the management server;
A detection unit for detecting an image defect from an image formed on a printing medium;
A first control unit for notifying information for encouraging maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects;
A second control unit for calculating and notifying a timing for prompting to perform maintenance when the number of occurrences of the image defect approaches the allowable number of image defects;
When maintenance is performed before the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, or when maintenance is not performed even if the number of occurrences of the image defect exceeds the allowable number of image defects, the maintenance is performed. A third control unit for changing the timing for prompting the implementation of
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images