JP2022040908A - Image forming apparatus, management device, method for controlling image forming apparatus, method for controlling management device, program, and management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a management system that can perform maintenance of an image forming apparatus based on the state of generation of noise in a synchronization signal.SOLUTION: An abnormality prediction system 100 comprises an image forming apparatus 101, a server 103, and a management device 104. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a scanner unit 201 that generates image data of a read document and transfers the image data in synchronization with a synchronization signal; a scan image processing unit 305 that performs image processing on the image data received from the scanner unit 201; and a noise mask unit 601 that executes mask processing of removing noise generated in the synchronization signal. The image forming apparatus 101 transmits characteristic extraction data 311 of the image forming apparatus 101 including noise information to the management device 104 through the server 103. The management device 104 predicts the details of maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 based on the characteristic extraction data 311 of the image forming apparatus 101 received from the server 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, a control method of the management apparatus, a program, and a management system.

A management system for managing an image forming apparatus is known. The management system is composed of a management device and a plurality of image forming devices, and the management device is connected to the plurality of image forming devices via a network. For example, in the management system, the image forming apparatus calculates the feature amount of the state of the image forming apparatus, and the information about the sign of the abnormality detected from the tendency of the transition of the calculated feature amount (hereinafter, referred to as "abnormality sign information". ) Is transmitted to the management device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The management device requests the maintenance staff to maintain the one image forming device that detects the sign of abnormality based on the received abnormality sign information, and the maintenance staff who receives the request carries out the maintenance of the one image forming device. do. By performing maintenance on the image forming apparatus at the stage when a sign of abnormality is detected in this way, appropriate measures are taken before the image forming apparatus fails and cannot operate, and downtime due to the failure of the image forming apparatus can be achieved. It can be prevented from occurring.

The image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit that generates image data of the scanned document, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the generated image data. The scanner unit includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS. The image sensor is composed of a line sensor in which photodetectors are arranged in one line. The scanner unit synchronizes the read line data with a synchronization signal such as a sub-scan synchronization signal and a main scan synchronization signal for each line, and transfers the read line data to the image processing unit. In such an image forming apparatus, for example, noise may be generated in the synchronization signal due to the influence of static electricity generated outside the apparatus. When noise occurs in the synchronization signal, the image data is not transferred normally, and as a result, for example, line shift of the image, whiteout, etc. occur. On the other hand, for example, an image forming apparatus including a mask processing unit that executes mask processing for removing noise generated in a synchronization signal has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). By executing the mask processing, noise generated in the synchronization signal under the influence of static electricity can be removed, and the image data can be transferred normally. Therefore, the image data has no line shift or whiteout. Can be output.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-3656 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-253908

The cause of noise in the synchronization signal is not limited to static electricity and the like. For example, when noise is frequently generated in the synchronization signal, it is possible that a defect has occurred in the transfer path of the synchronization signal. It is preferable to perform maintenance. However, in the image forming apparatus provided with the mask processing unit, the noise generated in the synchronization signal is removed and the image data is transferred normally, so that no sign of abnormality is detected. That is, the abnormality sign information is not transmitted from this image forming apparatus to the management apparatus. Therefore, conventionally, it is not possible to perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus based on the state of noise generation in the synchronization signal.

An object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, a control method of an image forming apparatus, a control method of the management apparatus, a program, and management capable of performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus based on the generation state of noise in a synchronization signal. It is to provide the system.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, which is a reading means for generating image data of a scanned original and transferring the image data in synchronization with a synchronization signal. An image processing means for performing image processing on image data received from a reading means, a mask processing executing means for executing mask processing for removing noise generated in the synchronization signal, and information on noise generated in the synchronization signal are generated. It is characterized by comprising a generation means and a transmission means for directly or indirectly transmitting information regarding the noise to a management device that manages the maintenance of the image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed based on the generation state of noise in the synchronization signal.

It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the abnormality prediction system as the management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the controller part of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the management device of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the scanner part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the scan image processing part of FIG. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the transfer of the image data from the scanner part of FIG. 2 to the controller part. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the noise mask part of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the input / output of a signal in the noise mask part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the system control part of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the feature extraction data generated by the anomaly prediction system of FIG. 1 and the process which concerns on the feature extraction data. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the flow of a series of processing which generates the feature extraction data in the anomaly prediction system of FIG. 1 and notifies that maintenance is necessary. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the noise information transmission processing executed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the noise information collected by the server of FIG. 1 from a plurality of image forming apparatus connected to the server. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the abnormality prediction control processing executed by the management apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the abnormality prediction processing which the management apparatus of FIG. 1 executes based on the noise information included in the feature extraction data acquired from a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data management table managed by the server of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an abnormality prediction system 100 as a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The abnormality prediction system 100 includes one or more image forming devices, a server 103 (storage means), and a management device 104. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the abnormality prediction system 100 includes two image forming devices 101 and 102 will be described. The image forming apparatus 101, 102, the server 103, and the management apparatus 104 can communicate with each other via a network 105 such as the Internet, LAN, ISDN, and an intranet. The abnormality prediction system 100 collects data from the image forming devices 101 and 102, and detects signs of abnormality in the image forming device 101 and the image forming device 102 based on the collected data.

The image forming devices 101 and 102 are digital multifunction devices having a plurality of functions such as a scanning function, a printing function, a copying function, and a fax communication function. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 have the same functions and configurations, and the functions and configurations thereof will be described below using the image forming apparatus 101 as an example.

The image forming apparatus 101 accepts a function selection operation by the user, and also executes a job instructed by the user. The jobs executed by the image forming apparatus 101 are, for example, a scan job, a print job, a copy job, and a fax transmission job. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 periodically transmits the log data 310 and the feature extraction data 311 of FIG. 3, which will be described later, which are necessary for detecting a sign of abnormality of the image forming apparatus 101, to the server 103.

The server 103 stores the log data 310 and the feature extraction data 311 received from the image forming devices 101 and 102, respectively. Further, the server 103 transmits the accumulated log data 310 and the feature extraction data 311 to the management device 104.

When the management device 104 receives, for example, the log data 310 and the feature extraction data 311 of the image forming apparatus 101 from the server 103, the management device 104 analyzes the received feature extraction data 311 and detects a sign of an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 101. .. Specifically, the management device 104 predicts failures, lifespans, and the like of various parts included in the image forming device 101. As a result of the prediction, when it is necessary to replace the parts of the image forming apparatus 101, the management apparatus 104 requests the maintenance inspector 106 to perform the maintenance work of the image forming apparatus 101. In this way, in the present embodiment, maintenance work such as replacement of parts that have reached the end of their service life can be performed before the parts mounted on the image forming apparatus to be managed by the abnormality prediction system 100 break down. can.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a scanner unit 201, a printer unit 205, a controller unit 210, and an operation unit 211.

The scanner unit 201 optically scans the document and generates image data of the scanned document. The scanner unit 201 includes a document feeding unit 202, a document reading unit 203, and a sensor group 204. The document feeding unit 202 is composed of a belt or the like for transporting documents. The document reading unit 203 includes a laser light source, a lens, and the like for optically reading the document. The sensor group 204 includes a plurality of sensors that monitor the operating state of the moving parts that operate when the scanner unit 201 performs the document reading process.

The printer unit 205 conveys paper as a recording medium and prints image data as a visible image on the paper. The printer unit 205 includes a paper feeding unit 206, a transfer fixing unit 207, a paper ejection unit 208, and a sensor group 209. The paper feed unit 206 feeds the paper to the transfer fixing unit 207. The transfer fixing unit 207 transfers the image data to the paper fed from the paper feeding unit 206, and further fixes the image data. The paper ejection unit 208 performs post-processing such as sorting and stapling on the printed paper on which the image data is fixed by the transfer fixing unit 207, and outputs the post-processed paper to the outside of the image forming apparatus 101. The sensor group 209 includes a plurality of sensors that monitor the operating state of the moving parts that operate when the printer unit 205 performs the image forming process.

The controller unit 210 is electrically connected to the scanner unit 201, the printer unit 205, and the operation unit 211. Further, the controller unit 210 is connected to a network 105 such as the Internet, LAN, ISDN, and an intranet.

For example, when the user uses the copy function, the controller unit 210 controls the scanner unit 201 to generate image data of the original document, and controls the printer unit 205 to print the image data of the original document on paper. When the user uses the scan function, the controller unit 210 controls the scanner unit 201 to generate image data of the original document, converts the image data of the original document into code data, and hosts the host PC via the network 105. Send the converted image data to (not shown). When the user uses the print function, the controller unit 210 receives print data (code data) from the host PC via the network 105, converts the received print data into image data, and controls the printer unit 205. The image corresponding to the print data is printed on paper. In the image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned functions, the user has a fax receiving function for receiving and printing data from ISDN or the like, and a fax transmitting function for transmitting scanned data to ISDN or the like. Is available. The operation unit 211 is a user interface for performing an input operation by the user. The operation unit 211 is composed of, for example, a touch panel and various buttons.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the controller unit 210 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the controller unit 210 includes a CPU 301, a ROM controller 302, a RAM controller 303, an operation unit interface 304, a scan image processing unit 305, a print image processing unit 306, an HDD controller 307, a LAN controller 312, a modem 313, and a rendering unit 314. , And a system control unit 315. The CPU 301, ROM controller 302, RAM controller 303, operation unit interface 304, scan image processing unit 305, print image processing unit 306, HDD controller 307, LAN controller 312, modem 313, rendering unit 314, and system control unit 315 are systems. They are connected to each other via a bus 320. The controller unit 210 is electrically connected to the HDD 308, ROM 316, RAM 317, and PHY 318 of FIG. 3 included in the image forming apparatus 101 in addition to the scanner unit 201, the printer unit 205, and the operation unit 211 described above. ..

The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 301 comprehensively controls job processing such as print processing and scan processing according to the OS and the control program expanded in the RAM 317. The ROM controller 302 is a control module for accessing the ROM 316 that stores the boot program of the system. When the power of the image forming apparatus 102 is turned on, the CPU 301 accesses the ROM 316 via the ROM controller 302 and executes the boot program.

The RAM controller 303 is a control module for accessing the RAM 317 that stores the system control program and image data. The RAM controller 303 includes a register (not shown) for setting and controlling the RAM 317, and this register can be accessed from the CPU 301.

The operation unit interface 304 acquires the instruction input to the operation unit 211 by the user from the operation unit 211, and also controls the display of various screens displayed on the operation unit 211. The scan image processing unit 305 performs image processing for the scanner such as shading correction processing, MTF correction processing, gamma correction processing, and filter processing on the image data generated by the scanner unit 201. Further, the scan image processing unit 305 has a function of detecting a synchronization signal having an abnormal cycle, which will be described later, and executing mask processing of the detected synchronization signal of the abnormal cycle. Further, the scan image processing unit 305 has a function of counting the number of transitions of the synchronization signal of the abnormal cycle to the signal level indicating the active state, that is, the number asserted by the synchronization signal of the abnormal cycle. In the following, it is referred to as "asserting" that the signal transitions to the signal level indicating the active state. The synchronization signal with an abnormal period is a synchronization signal asserted with a period shorter than the expected period. The print image processing unit 306 performs print image processing such as color space conversion processing, halftone processing, and gamma correction processing on the image data. The print image processing unit 306 outputs the image data for which image processing for printing has been performed to the printer unit 205.

The HDD controller 307 is a control module for accessing the HDD 308. The HDD 308 stores system software, application programs, image data, page information and job information corresponding to each image data. Further, the HDD 308 stores the internal data 309, the log data 310, and the feature extraction data 311. The internal data 309 is time-series data of various statuses of the sensor measurement value and the image forming apparatus 101 measured by the sensor group 204 of the scanner unit 201 and the sensor group 209 of the printer unit 205. The log data 310 is data that records the execution history of the job in the image forming apparatus 101, and includes detailed information of the executed job, execution date and time information of the job, and the like. The feature extraction data 311 is generated based on the internal data 309. The feature extraction data 311 is data showing the characteristics of the image forming apparatus 101 and has a smaller amount of data than the internal data 309.

The LAN controller 312 is connected to the network 105 via the PHY 318, and transmits and receives various data such as image data to and from an external host PC. The modem 313 is connected to the public line 319 and performs facsimile communication with an external fax device when executing a fax transmission job or a fax reception job. The rendering unit 314 converts the image data (PDL data) received by the LAN controller 312 into bitmap data that can be processed by the printer unit 205. The system control unit 315 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 101. For example, the system control unit 315 controls to generate internal data 309 based on a plurality of sensor measurement values measured by the sensor group 204 and the sensor group 209. Further, the system control unit 315 controls to transmit the acquired internal data 309 and the feature extraction data 311 generated based on the internal data 309 to the server 103.

Next, the hardware configuration of the server 103 and the management device 104 will be described. In the present embodiment, the server 103 and the management device 104 have the same configuration, and the configuration will be described below using the management device 104 as an example.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the management device 104 of FIG. In FIG. 4, the management device 104 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a storage device 403, and a network I / F 404. The CPU 401, the memory 402, the storage device 403, and the network I / F 404 are connected to each other via the system bus 405.

The CPU 401 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the entire management device 104. The memory 402 stores a boot program of the CPU 401 and data necessary for executing the boot program. The storage device 403 is a storage device having a larger capacity than the memory 402, and is, for example, an HDD. The storage device 403 is not limited to the HDD, and may be another storage device having the same function as the HDD, for example, a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 403 stores a control program or the like executed by the CPU 401.

When the management device 104 is started, the CPU 401 executes a start-up program stored in the memory 402. This startup program is a program for expanding the control program stored in the storage device 403 to the memory 402. Next, the CPU 401 executes a control program expanded in the memory 402 to perform various controls. Further, the CPU 401 performs data communication with other devices such as the server 103 via the network 105 by the network I / F 404. For example, the management device 104 shares the screen displayed on the operation unit 211 of the image forming device 101 based on the data received from the image forming device 101 by the network I / F 404, and the screen is displayed on the display unit of the management device 104. Can be displayed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the scanner unit 201 of FIG. In FIG. 5, the scanner unit 201 includes an image reading unit 501 and an image reading control unit 502.

The image reading unit 501 is a scanner using a linear image sensor. Upon receiving an instruction from the user, the image reading unit 501 reads a document placed on the platen (not shown) of the scanner unit 201. When reading a document, the image reading unit 501 irradiates the document with light using a light source such as white light or an LED, and reads the reflected light from the document with a linear image sensor such as a CCD, CIS, or CMOS. In this way, the scanner unit 201 takes in the image data of the document placed on the platen inside. This linear image sensor can capture image data for one line in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction). The scanner unit 201 drives a motor included in the scanner unit 201 to move the linear image sensor in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction), thereby realizing reading of an image of a document on one page. Reading a document by moving the linear image sensor in this way is hereinafter referred to as "press plate reading". Further, the scanner unit 201 can fix the linear image sensor at a predetermined position and operate the document feeder to convey the document in the vertical direction and read the image. Reading a document with the linear image sensor fixed at a predetermined position in this way is hereinafter referred to as "scanning".

The image reading control unit 502 controls the image reading unit 501, and transmits image data to the controller unit 210 according to the timing of the control. The image reading control unit 502 communicates with the CPU 301 and receives a scanner activation instruction from the CPU 301. The CPU 301 receives a scan instruction from the user via the operation unit 211. The image reading control unit 502 causes the image reading unit 501 to execute the pressure plate reading or the scanning reading according to the scanner activation instruction received from the CPU 301, and transfers the image data read at a predetermined timing to the controller unit 210 using the synchronization signal described later. Send.

The transmission of image data from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 is performed using two synchronization signals, specifically, a vertical synchronization signal 503 and a horizontal synchronization signal 504. The scanner unit 201 transmits the read image data as an image data signal 505 to the controller unit 210 while synchronizing with the controller unit 210 by these synchronization signals. The vertical sync signal 503 is a sync signal issued at the beginning of each page of image data to be read, and is also called a page sync signal. The horizontal synchronization signal 504 is a synchronization signal issued at the beginning of each line of image data to be read, and is also called a line synchronization signal. By using these two synchronization signals, the controller unit 210 can receive the image data at the timing transmitted by the scanner unit 201.

In the pressure plate reading, the vertical synchronization signal 503 is issued when the linear image sensor moves to a predetermined position (home position) immediately before starting the reading of the image. On the other hand, in the scanning, the vertical synchronization signal 503 is issued when the document is moved to the scanning start position by the document feeder. The positions of the linear image sensor and the document are detected by using a detection sensor (not shown) provided in the scanner unit 201 or by counting the rotation speed of the motor that drives the linear image sensor and the document feeder.

Further, the linear image sensor of the image reading unit 501 reads the line data of one line by the reading element, and outputs the read line data sequentially from the first pixel as an image data signal 505, and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is the one line. Issued at the beginning of. The horizontal synchronization signal 504 is also output to the controller unit 210, and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is used in the controller unit 210 as a reference for grasping the reception position of the line data of one line.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the scan image processing unit 305 of FIG. In FIG. 6, the scan image processing unit 305 includes a noise mask unit 601 (mask processing executing means), a shading correction unit 602, a gamma correction unit 603, a filter processing unit 604, and a DMAC605.

The noise mask unit 601 has a function of masking noise generated in the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transferred from the scanner unit 201. Further, the noise mask unit 601 has a function of counting the number of masked noises. The shading correction unit 602 performs a process of correcting the brightness unevenness due to the characteristics of the optical system and the imaging system on the image data based on the image data signal 505 so that the image has a uniform brightness. The gamma correction unit 603 corrects the difference in color characteristics between the reading element and the device for the image data for which the processing has been performed. The gamma correction unit 603 realizes gamma correction by referring to a look-up table representing a correction curve for gamma correction at the time of correction processing. The filter processing unit 604 executes a filter process for the purpose of edge enhancement of characters, smoothing of a photographic image, etc. on the RGB data generated based on the image data for which gamma correction has been performed, and the processing result is obtained. The read image data is output to the DMAC605. The DMAC605 is a direct memory access controller. The DMAC605 outputs the read image data acquired from the filter processing unit 604 to the RAM controller 303. The read image data output from the DMAC605 is written to the RAM 317 by the RAM controller 303. The print image processing unit 306 performs image processing on the read image data written in the RAM 317 according to the instruction of the CPU 301, and outputs the image-processed read image data to the print unit 240. The image processing function included in the scan image processing unit 305 described with reference to FIG. 6 is an example, and the scan image processing unit 305 may have a function other than the above-mentioned image processing function.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the transfer of image data from the scanner unit 201 of FIG. 2 to the controller unit 210. FIG. 7A shows a vertical synchronization signal 503, a horizontal synchronization signal 504, and an image data signal 505 when transferring one page of image data.

The vertical synchronization signal 503 is a Low active signal that transitions to the Low level when the image reading control unit 502 starts transferring the image data of each page. As shown in FIG. 7A, when a predetermined time elapses after the vertical synchronization signal 503 transitions to the Low level, the transfer of image data for one page is started. The horizontal synchronization signal 504 is a Low active signal that transitions to the Low level when the image reading control unit 502 starts transferring each of the plurality of line data constituting the image data. The image data signal 505 is a signal corresponding to the image data, and is generally transferred from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 as a signal in the R, G, and B color spaces. For example, when the image data is 8 bits each for R, G, and B, each image data signal 505 of R, G, and B is transferred from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 as digital data from 0 to 255.

Here, in FIG. 7A, the number of lines from the transition of the vertical synchronization signal 503 to the Low level to the start of transfer of the line data of the first line is shown as the page tip width 701. The page tip width 701 is determined by the position of the detection sensor described above. Further, in FIG. 7A, the number of lines from the transition of the vertical synchronization signal 503 to the Low level until the transfer of the image data for one page is completed is shown as the page rear end width 702. The page rear end width 702 is a value obtained by adding the number of effective lines to the page front end width 701.

FIG. 7B shows a horizontal synchronization signal 504 and an image data signal 505 when transferring line data.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the line data transfer is started when a predetermined time has elapsed after the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transitions to the Low level. For example, when the horizontal synchronization signal 504 that has transitioned to the Low level transitions to the High level and the transfer of the line data of the first line is completed, and then the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transitions to the Low level again, the line data of the second line is completed. Transfer is started. In this way, in the present embodiment, all the line data constituting the image data for one page is transferred from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210.

Here, in FIG. 7B, the number of pixels from the transition of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 to the Low level to the start of data transfer of the first pixel is shown as the line tip width 703. The line tip width 703 is determined by the latency from the transmission of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 by the image reading control unit 502 to the start of image data transfer. Further, in FIG. 7B, the number of pixels from the transition of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 to the Low level until the transfer of the line data for one line is completed is shown as the line rear end width 704. The line rear end width 704 is a value obtained by adding the number of effective pixels to the line tip width 703.

Further, in FIG. 7B, the period until the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transitions to the Low level, transitions to the High level, and then transitions to the Low level again, that is, the period of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is represented by 705. .. The period 705 is determined by the line tip width 703 and the number of pixels in one line. For example, when the number of pixels in one line is 7200 pixels, the period 705 is determined based on the value obtained by adding 7200 pixels to the line tip width 703.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the vertical synchronization signal 503, the horizontal synchronization signal 504, and the image data signal 505 are used for transferring the image data from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210. These signals are transferred using a transmission cable connecting the scanner unit 201 and the controller unit 210 and wiring on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the noise mask portion 601 of FIG. In FIG. 8, the noise mask unit 601 includes a pixel number counting unit 810, a mask signal generation unit 820, a mask processing unit 830, an abnormality synchronization signal detection unit 840, and an abnormality synchronization signal counting unit 850 (noise generation number measuring means). .. Further, the noise mask unit 601 includes a mask period setting unit 821, an interrupt notification unit 841, and a count notification unit 851. The mask period setting unit 821, the interrupt notification unit 841, and the count notification unit 851 are capable of data communication with the CPU 301, and various settings are made by the CPU 301.

The noise mask unit 601 executes a mask process for removing noise generated in a synchronization signal such as a vertical synchronization signal 503 or a horizontal synchronization signal 504 under the influence of static electricity or the like. Specifically, the noise mask unit 601 sets a period for masking the synchronization signal (hereinafter, referred to as “mask period”), and masks the synchronization signal asserted during the mask period. Further, the noise mask unit 601 counts the number asserted by the synchronization signal during the set mask period, and notifies the CPU 301 of the counted number. In the following, as an example, the operation when the noise mask unit 601 receives the horizontal synchronization signal 504 will be described. However, when the noise mask unit 601 receives the vertical synchronization signal 503, the same processing is performed to perform the abnormal cycle. Mask processing of the vertical synchronization signal 503 is performed.

The pixel number counting unit 810 is a counter that counts the number of pixels of the image data received from the scanner unit 201. The pixel number counting unit 810 sets the count number to "0" at the timing when the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 to be described later, which is output by the mask processing unit 830, asserts, and counts each time the noise mask unit 601 receives data for one pixel. Add the numbers one by one.

The mask period setting unit 821 sets the mask period of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 according to the command received from the CPU 301. The mask period set by the mask period setting unit 821 is notified to the mask signal generation unit 820 and used to generate the mask signal 822 described later.

The mask signal generation unit 820 generates a mask signal 822 for determining a section for masking the horizontal synchronization signal 504. The mask signal generation unit 820 masks using the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 output by the mask processing unit 830, the mask period set by the mask period setting unit 821, and the number of pixels counted by the pixel number counting unit 810. Generate signal 822. Specifically, the mask signal generation unit 820 masks when the output horizontal synchronization signal 831, which is a state in which the horizontal synchronization signal 504 with an abnormal cycle is masked, transitions from the active state (Low level) to the inactive state (High level). Assert signal 822. The mask signal generation unit 820 maintains the signal level of the mask signal 822 at the signal level indicating the active state of the mask signal 822 during the mask period. When the count value of the pixel number counting unit 810 reaches the value set by the mask period setting unit 821, the mask signal generation unit 820 deasserts the mask signal 822.

The mask processing unit 830 uses the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 and the mask signal 822 generated by the mask signal generation unit 820 to remove noise generated in the horizontal synchronization signal 504, and is an output horizontal synchronization signal 831. Is output. Specifically, the mask processing unit 830 outputs the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received during the period when the mask signal 822 is deasserted as the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 as it is. Further, in the mask processing unit 830, when the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transitions to the signal level indicating the active state during the period in which the mask signal 822 is asserted, the transition of the signal level of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is a noise component. Therefore, mask processing is executed so that this noise component is not output in the subsequent stage.

The abnormality synchronization signal detection unit 840 detects the abnormality cycle of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 by using the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 and the mask signal 822 output from the mask signal generation unit 820. Specifically, when the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 transitions to the signal level indicating the active state during the period in which the mask signal 822 is asserted, the abnormal synchronization signal detection unit 840 receives the horizontal synchronization signal 504. It is determined that the cycle of is an abnormal cycle, and the detection result indicating this is notified to the interrupt notification unit 841.

When the abnormality synchronization signal detection unit 840 detects the abnormality cycle of the horizontal synchronization signal 504, the interrupt notification unit 841 notifies the CPU 301 of the abnormality detection signal 842 indicating this fact. The CPU 301 can know that the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 has an abnormal cycle based on the abnormality detection signal 842 which is an interrupt signal received from the interrupt notification unit 841.

The abnormal synchronization signal counting unit 850 counts the number of asserts of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 in the abnormal cycle by using the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 and the mask signal 822 output from the mask signal generation unit 820. Specifically, the abnormal synchronization signal counting unit 850 adds 1 to the count value when the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 transitions to the signal level indicating the active state during the period in which the mask signal 822 is asserted. do. The abnormal synchronization signal counting unit 850 notifies the count notification unit 851 of the count value as the abnormal count number 852. The CPU 301 can grasp the asserted number of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 of the abnormal cycle through the count notification unit 851.

The count value of the abnormal synchronization signal counting unit 850 may be cleared to 0 for each page, or may be cleared to 0 for each line. Further, for example, the number of noises generated in the line data transfer in which the number of noises generated is the maximum in the transfer of image data composed of a plurality of line data (hereinafter, referred to as "the maximum number of noises generated in one line"). It may be configured to hold. In the present embodiment, the abnormality synchronization signal counting unit 850 includes a first counter (not shown) and a second counter (not shown). The first counter counts the total number of noises generated in the transfer of image data for one page (hereinafter, referred to as "total number of noises generated in one page"). The second counter counts the number of noises generated in each transfer of the plurality of line data constituting the image data. By having the abnormal synchronization signal counting unit 850 having two counters in this way, it is possible to grasp the number of noises generated on one page and the number of noises generated for each line. This makes it possible to grasp the noise generation status, for example, in the transfer of image data composed of a plurality of line data, a large amount of noise is generated when a certain line data is transferred.

In the present embodiment, the noise mask unit 601 can mask the assertion of the abnormal cycle when the synchronization signal transferred from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 has an assertion of the abnormal cycle. Further, the interrupt notification unit 841 and the count notification unit 851 enable the CPU 301 to easily grasp the number of asserts of the synchronization signal of the abnormal cycle.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing input / output of signals in the noise mask unit 601 of FIG. In FIG. 9, the horizontal synchronization signal 504 and the image data signal 505 are signals transferred from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 in the image data transfer.

The mask signal 822 is a High active signal generated by the mask signal generation unit 820. The period of the high level of the mask signal 822 is the mask period of the synchronization signal. When the horizontal sync signal 504 transitions to the signal level indicating the active state during this period, it is determined that the cycle of the horizontal sync signal 504 is an abnormal cycle, and the mask process is executed. The mask signal 822 is asserted when the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 transitions from the active state (Low level) to the inactive state (High level) as described above, and the mask period set by the mask period setting unit 821 has elapsed. Is deasserted when

As described with reference to FIG. 8, the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 is a horizontal synchronization signal output by the mask processing unit 830 to the image processing module in the subsequent stage, specifically, the shading correction unit 602. The output horizontal synchronization signal 831 is a horizontal synchronization signal from which the noise component that causes an abnormal cycle is removed from the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201. If the horizontal sync signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 transitions from the inactive state (High level) to the active state (Low level) while the mask signal 822 is asserted, the output horizontal sync signal 831 is asserted. It does not keep the inactive state (High level). During the period when the mask signal 822 is not asserted, the output horizontal synchronization signal 831 is output at the same signal level as the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201. In the timing chart of FIG. 9, after the noise mask unit 601 receives the horizontal synchronization signal 504, the execution time of the internal processing of the noise mask unit 601 is taken into consideration, and as an example, the output horizontal synchronization signal is delayed by two pixels. It is shown that 831 is output.

The abnormality detection signal 842 is an interrupt signal output by the interrupt notification unit 841, and is asserted when the abnormality cycle of the synchronization signal is detected. More specifically, when the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 transitions from the inactive state (High level) to the active state (Low level) during the period in which the mask signal 822 is asserted, the abnormality detection signal is signaled. 842 is asserted. Since the abnormality detection signal 842 is asserted, the CPU 301 can grasp that the cycle of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 received from the scanner unit 201 is the abnormality cycle.

The abnormal count number 852 is the count number of the synchronization signal of the abnormal cycle counted by the count notification unit 851. More specifically, the abnormality count number 852 is the number of times the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is asserted during the period during which the mask signal 822 is asserted. In the timing chart of FIG. 9, the abnormality count number 852 becomes 1 when noise A is detected, and the abnormality count number 852 becomes 2 when noise B is detected. In the timing chart of FIG. 9, after the noises A and B are generated, the execution time of the internal processing of the noise mask unit 601 is taken into consideration. It is shown how it is reflected. By acquiring the abnormal count number 852 via the count notification unit 851, the CPU 301 can grasp the number of noise generations in the horizontal synchronization signal 504 transmitted from the scanner unit 201.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the execution of the mask processing of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 by the noise mask unit 601 and the counting of the number of generated noises have been described, but the noise mask unit 601 also applies to the vertical synchronization signal 503. Perform the same process. In this way, the noise mask unit 601 outputs the output vertical synchronization signal from which the noise component is removed from the vertical synchronization signal 503 transmitted from the scanner unit 201 to the shading correction unit 602, and also in the vertical synchronization signal 503. Count the number of noise occurrences.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the system control unit 315 of FIG. In the image forming apparatus 101, the system control unit 315 functions as the job control unit 1001 and the data management unit 1003 by executing the program stored in the ROM 316 or the HDD 308 by the CPU 301.

The job control unit 1001 controls the execution of the job in the image forming apparatus 101. The job control unit 1001 controls the execution of the job instructed by the user by controlling the operations of the scanner unit 201 and the printer unit 205. The job control unit 1001 includes a log recording unit 1002. The log recording unit 1002 records the job execution history in the log data 310 when the job instructed by the user is executed.

The data management unit 1003 manages the internal data 309 and the feature extraction data 311. The data management unit 1003 includes a timing determination unit 1004, a data acquisition unit 1005, a feature extraction unit 1006, a data transmission determination unit 1007, and a data transmission unit 1008.

The timing determination unit 1004 determines whether or not it is the timing to transmit the feature extraction data 311 to the server 103 (hereinafter, referred to as “data transmission timing”). For example, when the timing determination unit 1004 elapses a predetermined time set in advance after the last transmission of the feature extraction data 311 to the server 103 (hereinafter referred to as "the last transmission of the feature extraction data 311"), the data It is determined that it is the transmission timing. Further, the timing determination unit 1004 determines that it is the data transmission timing when the internal data 309 is updated from the time of the previous transmission.

The data acquisition unit 1005 acquires the internal data 309 used for generating the feature extraction data 311 to be transmitted to the server 103 from the HDD 308. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 1005 outputs a data acquisition request to each sensor included in the above-mentioned sensor groups 204 and 209 at a predetermined timing defined for each sensor, and acquires the sensor measurement value from each sensor. do. The predetermined timing may be every fixed time such as an interval of several msec to several sec, or may be a timing before and after executing the job instructed by the user. Further, the data acquisition unit 1005 acquires the log data 310 stored in the HDD 308.

The feature extraction unit 1006 executes a feature extraction process for converting the internal data 309 acquired by the data acquisition unit 1005 into the feature extraction data 311 and stores the generated feature extraction data 311 in the HDD 308. The data transmission determination unit 1007 determines whether or not to transmit the generated feature extraction data 311 to the server 103. For example, the data transmission determination unit 1007 is generated when the generated feature extraction data 311 is the same as the feature extraction data previously transmitted, or when the job has never been executed since the previous transmission of the feature extraction data 311. It is determined that the feature extraction data 311 is not transmitted to the server 103.

When the data transmission unit 1008 determines that the feature extraction data 311 is transmitted to the server 103 by the data transmission determination unit 1007, the data transmission unit 1008 transmits the feature extraction data 311 to the server 103. As described above, in the present embodiment, the feature extraction data 311 is transmitted to the server 103 only when it is the data transmission timing and the data transmission determination unit 1007 determines that the feature extraction data 311 is transmitted to the server 103. .. This makes it possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 101 from transmitting unnecessary data to the server 103 when it is not necessary to transmit the feature extraction data 311 to the server 103, and thus the image forming apparatus 101 and the server 103. It is possible to reduce the communication load between.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the feature extraction data generated by the abnormality prediction system 100 of FIG. 1 and the processing related to the feature extraction data. FIG. 11A shows the relationship between the internal data 309, the feature extraction process executed by the image forming apparatus 101, and the abnormality prediction process executed by the management apparatus 104.

In FIG. 11A, the data item 1101 represents a data item of the internal data 309, specifically, an item name such as a sensor measurement value or a count value acquired by the data acquisition unit 1005 from the scanner unit 201 or the printer unit 205. ing. In the present embodiment, an ID for identifying the data item is assigned to each data item of the internal data 309.

The data acquisition source 1102 represents which component of the image forming apparatus 101 the data of the data item 1101 is acquired from. The data type 1103 represents the data attribute of the data item 1101. The feature extraction process 1104 represents a type of feature extraction process for generating feature extraction data 311 using the data of the data item 1101. In FIG. 11A, data items such as scan counters, print counters, and log data for which feature extraction data 311 is not generated are represented by "-" indicating that the feature extraction process is not executed. Has been done.

The discrimination process 1105 represents a type of abnormality prediction process executed by the management device 104 based on the feature extraction data 311 generated by using the data of the data item 1101. In the abnormality prediction system 100, the type of abnormality prediction processing is managed in association with the data item of the data used for generating the feature extraction data 311 used for the abnormality prediction processing. The prediction request ID 1106 is a unique number assigned in association with the abnormality prediction process of the discrimination process 1105. If the management device 104 and the image forming devices 101 and 102 share the number of the prediction request ID 1106, the number of the prediction request ID 1106 may be preset in each of the abnormality prediction processes of the discrimination process 1105. Also, the management device 104 may be set periodically. The management device 104 determines the abnormality prediction process to be executed based on the number of the prediction request ID 1106. For example, when the maintenance inspector 106 instructs the management device 104 to execute the abnormality prediction process of the prediction request ID "3" in order to confirm the state of the transfer roller of the image forming apparatus 101, the management device 104 requests the prediction. It is determined to execute the abnormality prediction process for obtaining the dispersion rate corresponding to the ID "3". The management device 104 acquires the feature extraction data 311 corresponding to the mileage of the transfer roller used for executing the abnormality prediction process from the server 103, and executes the abnormality prediction process for obtaining the dispersion rate based on the acquired feature extraction data 311. do.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of transmission data 1107 transmitted by the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. 1 to the server 103. The transmission data 1107 is composed of a plurality of feature extraction data 311. In FIG. 11B, the transmission data 1107 is composed of a data item 1108 and a specific value 1109. The data item of the feature extraction data is set in the data item 1108. In the specific value 1109, the specific value of the feature extraction data of the data item 1108 is set for each generation time of the original internal data 309. With such a configuration, it is possible to confirm which feature extraction data is generated based on the internal data 309 at which generation time.

In the transmission data 1107 of FIG. 11B, for example, the fuser (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 101 from the measurement time t (2020/01/01/00: 00: 00) to the predetermined measurement time. The value y (80) as a result of the maximum value calculation process for calculating the maximum value of the sensor measurement value indicating the temperature is set. Further, in the transmission data 1107 of FIG. 11B, a histogram is obtained according to a predetermined rule with respect to the sensor measurement value indicating the mileage of the transfer roller at the measurement time t (2020/01/01/00: 00: 00). As a result of performing the histogram processing, for example, it is set that the classification group of the histogram processing is (80). Further, in the transmission data 1107 of FIG. 11B, the number of noises generated by the noise mask unit 601 is set. Specifically, at time t (2020/01/01/00: 00: 30), x = (1,1,0,0), which means that noise has once occurred in the horizontal synchronization signal 504, is set. There is. These values are, for example, the total number of noises generated on one page for the horizontal sync signal 504, the maximum number of noises generated on one line for the horizontal sync signal 504, and the total number of noises generated on one page for the vertical sync signal 503, in order from the left. The number of occurrences, the maximum number of noises generated in one line with respect to the vertical synchronization signal 503. The image forming apparatus 102 converts the transmission data 1107 into a text format, compresses the data converted into the text format as necessary, and transmits the data to the server 103.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining a series of processing flows for generating feature extraction data in the abnormality prediction system 100 of FIG. 1 and notifying that maintenance is required.

In FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 101 determines the internal data acquisition (step S1201), and the timing of acquiring the sensor measurement value and the count value from the scanner unit 201 and the printer unit 205 (hereinafter referred to as “internal data acquisition timing””. ) Is determined. When it is determined that it is the internal data acquisition timing, the image forming apparatus 101 acquires various data constituting the internal data 309 (step S1202). For example, the image forming apparatus 101 acquires data such as sensor measurement values and count values from the scanner unit 201 and the printer unit 205 by the system control unit 315. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 acquires various statuses by using an interrupt notification notified when an abnormality is detected during execution of a job as a trigger. The image forming apparatus 101 stores various acquired data as internal data 309 in the HDD 308.

Next, the image forming apparatus 101 generates feature extraction data 311 based on the internal data 309 (step S1203). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 101 executes the associated feature extraction process on the plurality of sensor measurement values included in the internal data 309, and generates feature extraction data 311 corresponding to each sensor measurement value. ..

Next, the image forming apparatus 101 executes a data transmission determination process (step S1204). In the data transmission determination process, the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not to allow the transmission of the feature extraction data 311 based on the change in the operating state of the image forming apparatus 101 from the time of the previous transmission of the feature extraction data 311. When it is determined that the transmission of the feature extraction data 311 is permitted, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310 to the server 103 (step S1205). In step S1205, the image forming apparatus 101 may transmit the transmission data 1107 composed of the plurality of feature extraction data 311 to the server 103. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 may transmit the feature extraction data 311 updated from the previous transmission among the plurality of feature extraction data 311 to the server 103. After that, the image forming apparatus 101 performs the process of step S1201. In this way, the image forming apparatus 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1201 to S1205.

Upon receiving the feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310 from the image forming apparatus 101, the server 103 performs the process of step S1206. In step S1206, the server 103 updates the feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310 of the image forming apparatus 101 that have been managed to the received feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310. Next, the updated feature extraction data 311 and log data 310 are stored (step S1207). After that, the server 103 performs the process of step S1206. In this way, the server 103 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1206 to S1207.

The management device 104 performs the process of step S1501 of FIG. 15 to be described later, and determines whether or not it is the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process (step S1208). When it is determined that it is the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process, the management device 104 acquires the prediction data necessary for executing the abnormality prediction process from the server 103 (step S1209). The prediction data are the feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310 of the image forming apparatus 101. Next, the management device 104 executes the abnormality prediction process associated with the acquired prediction data (step S1210). Next, when the management device 104 determines that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 is necessary as a result of executing the abnormality prediction process, the management device 104 notifies the maintenance inspector 106 (step S1211). After that, the management device 104 performs the process of step S1208. In this way, the management device 104 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1208 to S1211.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of noise information transmission processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101 of FIG. The process of FIG. 13 is realized by the CPU 301 executing the program stored in the HDD 308.

In FIG. 13, first, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the job execution instruction has been accepted (step S1301). For example, when a notification indicating that a user operation that is an execution instruction for a scan job or a fax transmission job has been received from the operation unit 211 via the operation unit interface 304, the CPU 301 determines that the job execution instruction has been accepted. do. The CPU 301 waits until the job execution instruction is received, and when the job execution instruction is received (YES in step S1301), the mask period of the synchronization signal is set (step S1302). Specifically, the CPU 301 sets the mask period of the synchronization signal in the mask period setting unit 821 of the noise mask unit 601.

Next, the CPU 301 starts the image reading operation of the job received in step S1301 (step S1303). Specifically, the CPU 301 causes the scanner unit 201 to read a document placed on a pressure plate (not shown) or a document placed on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and generates image data of the scanned document.

Next, the CPU 301 starts the image data transfer process of transferring the image data generated by the scanner unit 201 from the scanner unit 201 to the controller unit 210 (step S1304). In the image data transfer process, as described above, the scanner unit 201 synchronizes with the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504, and transfers the image data as the image data signal 505. Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the transfer of image data for one page has been completed (step S1305). The CPU 301 waits until the transfer of the image data for one page is completed, and when the transfer of the image data for one page is completed (YES in step S1305), the synchronization signal is transmitted during the transfer of the image data for one page. It is determined whether or not an abnormal cycle has been detected (step S1306). Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether or not an abnormal cycle of the synchronization signal has been detected based on the interrupt signal output from the interrupt notification unit 841.

If the abnormal cycle of the synchronization signal is not detected as a result of the determination in step S1306, the CPU 301 performs the process of step S1309 described later. When the abnormal cycle of the synchronization signal is detected as a result of the determination in step S1306, the CPU 301 determines the type of the synchronization signal in which the abnormal cycle is detected (step S1307). Specifically, the CPU 301 determines in which of the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 the abnormal cycle is detected. Next, the CPU 301 acquires the number of asserts of the synchronization signal in which the abnormal cycle is detected, and stores the acquired number of asserts as noise information in the HDD 308 (step S1308). Specifically, the CPU 301 stores the count value by the count notification unit 851 as noise information in the HDD 308. When the noise information is already stored in the HDD 308, the CPU 301 updates the noise information already stored to the acquired number of asserts. Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the image data of the page to be processed remains in the job received in step S1301 (step S1309).

As a result of the determination in step S1309, if the image data of the page to be processed remains in the job accepted in step S1301, the noise information transmission process returns to step S1302. As a result of the determination in step S1309, when the image data of the page to be processed does not remain in the job received in step S1301, the CPU 301 accompanies the execution of the job received in step S1301 by the noise information stored in the HDD 308. It is determined whether or not the noise information is new and updated (step S1310).

As a result of the determination in step S1310, if the noise information stored in the HDD 308 is not new noise information updated with the execution of the job received in step S1301, the noise information transmission process ends. As a result of the determination in step S1310, if the noise information stored in the HDD 308 is new noise information updated with the execution of the job received in step S1301, the CPU 301 uses the noise information stored in the HDD 308 as the server. Transmission to 103 (see, for example, step S1205). In step S1311, the CPU 301 transmits the transmission data 1107 including the noise information to the server 103, or transmits only the noise information stored in the HDD 308 to the server 103. Next, the noise information transmission process ends. In this way, in the present embodiment, the noise information regarding the abnormal period of the synchronization signal detected by the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 is managed by the server 103.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining noise information collected by the server 103 of FIG. 1 from a plurality of image forming devices connected to the server 103. For example, the server 103 manages the noise information collected from each image forming apparatus by using the table 1400 of FIG.

In FIG. 14, the aircraft No. Reference numeral 1401 represents a number for identifying an image forming apparatus connected to the server 103. The number of occurrences 1402 represents the number of jobs in which an abnormal cycle is detected in the image forming apparatus connected to the server 103. For example, in FIG. 14, the aircraft No. In the row where 1401 is "2", the number of occurrences 1402 is "2". This is the aircraft No. In the image forming apparatus 101 corresponding to "2" of 1401, it indicates that the abnormal cycle was detected during the execution of the job twice.

The noise feature amount data 1403 represents noise information received from the image forming apparatus connected to the server 103. The server 103 manages noise information generated in the horizontal synchronization signal 504 and the vertical synchronization signal 503, respectively. In the noise feature amount data 1403 of FIG. 14, the value in parentheses on the left represents the noise information of the horizontal synchronization signal 504, and the value in the parentheses on the right represents the noise information of the vertical synchronization signal 503. In addition, for each value in parentheses, the value on the left represents the value averaged in the past data regarding the total number of noise generations on one page (hereinafter referred to as "the average value of the total number of noise generations on one page"). ing. The value on the right represents the value averaged in the past data with respect to the maximum number of noise generations in one line (hereinafter referred to as "the average value of the maximum number of noise generations in one line"). For example, in FIG. 14, the aircraft No. In the image forming apparatus 101 corresponding to "2" of 1401, the average value of the total number of noises generated on one page of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is 2, and the average value of the maximum number of noises generated on one line of the horizontal synchronization signal 504 is 2. It represents that it is 1. Further, the average value of the total number of noises generated on one page of the vertical synchronization signal 503 is 1, and the average value of the maximum number of noises generated on one line of the vertical synchronization signal 503 is 1.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of abnormality prediction control processing executed by the management device 104 of FIG. The process of FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 401 of the management device 104 executing the program stored in the memory 402 or the storage device 403.

In FIG. 15, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process (step S1501). In the present embodiment, the execution timing such as a predetermined period or a predetermined time is set in advance for the prediction request ID of the abnormality prediction process that can be executed by the management device 104. Further, the management device 104 can also receive an execution request of the abnormality prediction process from the image forming device operated by the maintenance inspector 106 and the like. In step S1501, when the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process set in advance is reached, or when an execution request including the prediction request ID of the abnormality prediction process designated by the maintenance inspector 106 is received from the image forming apparatus 101 or the like, the CPU 401 Determines that it is the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process. On the other hand, if the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process set in advance is not reached, or if the execution request of the abnormality prediction process is not received from the device such as the image forming apparatus 101, the CPU 401 determines that the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process is not reached. ..

As a result of the determination in step S1501, if it is not the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process, the abnormality prediction control process ends. As a result of the determination in step S1501, when it is the execution timing of the abnormality prediction process, the CPU 401 acquires the prediction request ID for identifying the abnormality prediction process to be executed. For example, when the maintenance inspector 106 receives an execution request including the prediction request ID "2" transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 in order to grasp the state of the fixing belt, the CPU 401 receives the prediction request ID "2". get.

Next, the CPU 401 acquires the feature extraction data 311 and the log data 310 necessary for executing the abnormality prediction process corresponding to the acquired prediction request ID from the server 103 (step S1502). Next, the CPU 401 executes an abnormality prediction process corresponding to the acquired prediction request ID based on the acquired feature extraction data 311 and log data 310 (step S1503).

For example, as an abnormality prediction process corresponding to the prediction request ID “2”, the CPU 401 performs a histogram processing on the time series data of the sensor measurement value indicating the rotational acceleration of the fixing belt motor, and the feature extraction data 311 is generated. Is executed to calculate the dispersion rate using, and it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred or there is a sign of an abnormality. Further, the CPU 401 performs a tilt analysis process using the feature extraction data 311 obtained by performing a moving average process on the time series data of the sensor measurement value indicating the speed of the intermediate transfer belt, and whether or not there is a sign of abnormality. To determine. On the other hand, when the acquired prediction request ID is "5", the noise information including the number of asserts of the synchronization signal in which the abnormal cycle is detected is subjected to threshold processing, and there is a sign that the image forming apparatus 101 needs maintenance. Predict whether or not there is. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

Next, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to notify the maintenance inspector 106 based on the execution result of the abnormality prediction process (step S1504). In step S1504, for example, when the occurrence of an abnormality or a sign of an abnormality is detected in the execution result of the abnormality prediction process, the CPU 401 determines that the maintenance inspector 106 is notified. On the other hand, if the occurrence of an abnormality or a sign of an abnormality is not detected in the execution result of the abnormality prediction process, the CPU 401 determines that the maintenance inspector 106 is not notified.

If it is determined in step S1504 that the maintenance inspector 106 is not notified, the abnormality prediction control process ends. When it is determined in step S1504 that the maintenance inspector 106 is notified, the CPU 401 generates an abnormal state notification including the content of maintenance determined based on the execution result of the abnormality prediction process (step S1505). Next, the CPU 401 outputs an abnormality status notification to the maintenance inspector 106 (step S1506), and the abnormality prediction control process ends.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of abnormality prediction processing executed by the management device 104 of FIG. 1 based on the noise information included in the feature extraction data 311 acquired from the server 103. The noise information includes each value of the number of occurrences 1402 and the noise feature amount data 1403 regarding the image forming apparatus 101. The process of FIG. 16 is executed in step S1503 when the acquired prediction request ID is “5”. In FIG. 16, as an example, it is assumed that in step S1502, the management device 104 acquires the feature extraction data 311 of the image forming device 101 that has transmitted the execution request including the prediction request ID “5” from the server 103. The process of FIG. 16 is realized by the CPU 401 of the management device 104 executing the program stored in the memory 402 or the storage device 403.

In FIG. 16, in the CPU 401, the number of jobs in which noise is generated in the image forming apparatus 101 is preset based on the number of occurrences 1402 of the image forming apparatus 101 included in the feature extraction data 311 acquired from the server 103. It is determined whether or not it is larger than the threshold value of (step S1601).

As a result of the determination in step S1601, when the number of jobs in which noise is generated in the image forming apparatus 101 is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the CPU 401 determines that maintenance support for the image forming apparatus 101 is unnecessary (step S1602). .. More specifically, the CPU 401 determines that the detected noise is accidentally generated and that there is no problem by masking this noise by the above-mentioned mask processing. In such a case, in step S1504 described above, it is determined that the maintenance inspector 106 is not notified. Then, the abnormality prediction process ends.

As a result of the determination in step S1601, when the number of jobs in which noise is generated in the image forming apparatus 101 is larger than the first threshold value, the CPU 401 performs the process of step S1603. In step S1603, the CPU 401 sets the average value of the maximum number of noises generated in one line from the second threshold value set in advance based on the noise feature amount data 1403 of the image forming apparatus 101 included in the acquired feature extraction data 311. Determine if it is large or not. Here, when the number of jobs in which noise is generated in the image forming apparatus 101 is larger than the first threshold value and the average value of the maximum number of noise generations in one line is larger than the second threshold value, the noise is in a plurality of jobs. It means that it is generated and a lot of noise is generated in one line. It is predicted that the cause of noise generation in such a case is not an accidental one such as static electricity, but a defect on the transmission line side.

As a result of the determination in step S1603, when the average value of the maximum number of noises generated in one line is larger than the second threshold value, the CPU 401 predicts that the noise generation factor is a transmission line defect (step S1604), and predicts an abnormality. The process ends. Based on the result predicted in this way, even if the CPU 401 removes the noise of the synchronization signal, there is a possibility that the image data signal 505 or the like in which the signal line is wired adjacent to the signal line of the synchronization signal is adversely affected. Therefore, it is determined that maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 is necessary. In step S1505 described above, the CPU 401 notifies the maintenance inspector 106 that maintenance is required for the cable and the board that transmit the synchronization signal in the image forming apparatus 101.

As a result of the determination in step S1603, when the average value of the maximum number of noises generated in one line is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the CPU 401 performs the process of step S1605. In step S1605, the CPU 401 sets the average value of the total number of noises generated on one page as the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 based on the noise feature amount data 1403 of the image forming apparatus 101 included in the acquired feature extraction data 311. In any of the above, it is determined whether or not it is larger than the preset third threshold value. Here, the number of jobs in which noise is generated in the image forming apparatus 101 is larger than the first threshold value, the average value of the maximum number of noise generations in one line is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and the total number of noise generations in one page. When the average value of is larger than the third threshold value in both the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504, the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504 do not generate much noise in one line. It means that a certain number of noises are generated in any of the above. In such a case, it is predicted that the installation location of the image forming apparatus 101 is a cause of noise, and specifically, other than the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504, specifically, the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504. There is a possibility that noise is also generated in the image data signal 505 or the like in which the signal line is wired adjacent to the signal line.

As a result of the determination in step S1605, when the average value of the total number of noise generations on one page is larger than the third threshold value in both the vertical synchronization signal 503 and the horizontal synchronization signal 504, the CPU 401 causes the noise generation device to be an image forming apparatus. It is predicted that the installation environment is 101 (step S1606), and the abnormality prediction process ends. Based on the result predicted in this way, the CPU 401 determines that the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 101 needs to be improved. In step S1505 described above, the CPU 401 notifies the maintenance inspector 106 that the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 101 needs to be improved.

As a result of the determination in step S1605, when the average value of the total number of noises generated on one page is equal to or less than the third threshold value in the vertical synchronization signal 503 or the horizontal synchronization signal 504, the CPU 401 does not need to maintain the image forming apparatus 101. It is determined that there is (step S1607). In such a case, in step S1504 described above, it is determined that the maintenance inspector 106 is not notified. Then, the abnormality prediction process ends.

According to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the feature extraction data 311 of the image forming apparatus 101 including noise information to the management apparatus 104 (indirectly) via the server 103. The management device 104 predicts the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus 101 based on the feature extraction data 311 of the image forming apparatus 101 acquired from the server 103, and notifies the predicted maintenance content. As a result, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed based on the state of noise generation in the synchronization signal.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the noise information includes information regarding a synchronization signal having an abnormal period. As a result, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 in which the abnormal cycle of the synchronization signal is detected can be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of noises generated in the transfer of image data on one page and the number of noises generated in the transfer of line data for one line constituting the image data are measured. This makes it possible to grasp the noise generation status in detail.

In the above-described embodiment, the synchronization signal is a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal. As a result, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed immediately when noise frequently occurs in the vertical synchronization signal or the horizontal synchronization signal.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the abnormality prediction system 100 may not include the server 103, and the image forming devices 101 and 102 may directly transmit the feature extraction data 311 including noise information to the management device 104.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of transmitting the transmission data 1107 in which the generated plurality of feature extraction data 311 are aggregated to the server 103 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the configuration may be such that the generated plurality of feature extraction data 311 are transmitted to the server 103, respectively.

In the above-described embodiment, the threshold value used in the above-mentioned abnormality prediction process of FIG. 16 may be updated based on the collected noise information and the maintenance implementation status associated with the noise information.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a data management table 1700 managed by the server 103 of FIG. The data management table 1700 is stored in a storage device (not shown) of the server 103.

In FIG. 17, the data management table 1700 includes a pre-sample 1705 and a market sample 1706. The preliminary sample 1705 is noise information at the time of development stored in the HDD as an initial value by an image forming apparatus connected to a server 103 such as an image forming apparatus 101 or an image forming apparatus 102. The market sample 1706 is noise information transmitted by each image forming apparatus connected to the server 103 in the noise information transmission process of FIG. Aircraft No. 1701 is the aircraft No. Like 1401, it represents a number that identifies the image forming apparatus connected to the server 103. The number of occurrences 1702 represents the number of jobs in which an abnormal cycle is detected in the image forming apparatus connected to the server 103, similarly to the number of occurrences 1402. The noise feature amount data 1703 represents the noise information of the image forming apparatus connected to the server 103, similarly to the noise feature amount data 1403.

The maintenance classification 1704 is a label indicating the classification of the maintenance content in each image forming apparatus. For example, "1" in maintenance classification 1704 indicates that maintenance is not required. A "2" in the maintenance category 1704 indicates that maintenance of the transmission line is required. A "3" in the maintenance category 1704 indicates that the installation environment needs to be improved. In the preliminary sample 1705, the classification contents predicted based on the number of occurrences 1702 and the noise feature amount data 1703 are set.

On the other hand, in the number of occurrences 1702 and the noise feature amount data 1703 in the market sample 1706, the noise information collected from each image forming apparatus by the abnormality prediction system 100 is set. Further, in the maintenance classification 1704 in the market sample 1706, the type of maintenance actually performed is set. For example, in the data management table 1700, the machine No. In the maintenance classification 1704 of the line in which 1701 is "1001" or "1002", "1" indicating that the maintenance request has not been received from the user is set. In addition, the aircraft No. In the maintenance category 1704 in the line where 1701 is "1003", "2" is set, which indicates that the maintenance inspector 106 has performed maintenance on the transmission line. Aircraft No. In the maintenance classification 1704 in the line 1701 of "1004", "3" indicating that the maintenance inspector 106 has taken measures to improve the installation environment of the image forming apparatus based on the request from the user is set. In the present embodiment, the management device 104 can acquire the information of these market samples 1706 from the server 103, and update the contents of the abnormality prediction process of FIG. 16 described above based on the acquired information. .. Here, for example, in the management device 104, it is assumed that the second threshold value used in the abnormality prediction process of FIG. 16 is preset to "20" as an initial setting. That is, it is predicted that maintenance of the transmission line is required when the average value of the maximum number of noises generated in one line reaches "20". On the other hand, in the market, when the maintenance inspector 106 performs maintenance after receiving a request from the user when the maximum number of noises generated in one line is 15 times, the management device 104 provides the corresponding information to the server 103. The second threshold value used in the abnormality prediction process of FIG. 16 is changed from "20" to "15" based on the acquired information. Similarly, the management device 104 can change the first threshold value and the third threshold value used in the abnormality prediction process of FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to change the number of maintenance classifications themselves.

In this way, by updating the threshold value used in the abnormality prediction process of FIG. 16 described above based on the collected noise information and the maintenance implementation status associated with the noise information, the maintenance can be performed in the abnormality prediction process. The actual status can be reflected.

The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be executed. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100 Abnormality prediction system 101 Image forming device 102 Image forming device 103 Server 104 Management device 201 Scanner unit 301 CPU
305 Scan image processing unit 311 Feature extraction data 315 System control unit 401 CPU
503 Vertical sync signal 504 Horizontal sync signal 505 Image data signal 601 Noise mask section

Claims (11)

It is an image forming device
A scanning means that generates image data of a scanned document and transfers the image data in synchronization with a synchronization signal.
An image processing means that performs image processing on the image data received from the reading means, and an image processing means.
A mask processing execution means for executing a mask processing for removing noise generated in the synchronization signal, and a mask processing execution means.
A generation means for generating information about noise generated in the synchronization signal, and
An image forming apparatus comprising a transmission means for directly or indirectly transmitting information regarding the noise to a management apparatus that manages maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding noise includes information regarding a synchronization signal having an abnormal period. Further provided with a noise generation number measuring means for measuring the number of noise generations in the synchronization signal,
Claim 1 is characterized in that the noise generation number measuring means measures the number of noises generated in the transfer of image data on one page and the number of noises generated in the data transfer for each line constituting the image data. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the synchronization signal is a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal. A management device that manages an image forming apparatus including an image processing means and a reading means that generates image data of a scanned document, synchronizes the image data with a synchronization signal, and transfers the image data to the image processing means.
An acquisition means for acquiring information on noise generated in the synchronization signal, and
A predictive means for predicting the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus based on the information regarding the noise, and
A management device including a notification means for notifying the contents of the predicted maintenance. Further provided with an updating means for updating the threshold value for predicting the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus.
The acquisition means acquires information on the noise associated with the maintenance implementation status of the image forming apparatus.
The fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the updating means updates a threshold value for predicting the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus based on the information regarding the noise associated with the acquired maintenance implementation status. The management device described. A control method for an image forming apparatus including an image processing means and a reading means that generates image data of a scanned document, synchronizes the image data with a synchronization signal, and transfers the image data to the image processing means.
A mask processing execution step for executing a mask processing for removing noise generated in the synchronization signal, and a mask processing execution step.
A generation step that generates information about the noise generated in the synchronization signal, and
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, which comprises a transmission step of directly or indirectly transmitting information regarding the noise to a management apparatus that manages maintenance of the image forming apparatus. It is a control method of a management device that manages an image forming apparatus including an image processing means and a reading means that generates image data of a scanned document, synchronizes the image data with a synchronization signal, and transfers the image data to the image processing means. hand,
An acquisition step for acquiring information about noise generated in the synchronization signal, and
A prediction step for predicting the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus based on the information regarding the noise, and
A method for controlling a management device, which comprises a notification step for notifying the contents of the predicted maintenance. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the management device according to claim 5 or 6. An image processing means, a reading means that generates image data of a scanned document, synchronizes the image data with a synchronization signal, and transfers the image data to the image processing means, and a mask process that removes noise generated in the synchronization signal are executed. A management system that manages one or more image forming apparatus including a means for executing mask processing.
An acquisition means for acquiring information about noise generated in the synchronization signal from the image forming apparatus, and
A storage means for storing information about the noise and
A predictive means for predicting the maintenance content of the image forming apparatus based on the information regarding the noise, and
A management system including a notification means for notifying the contents of the predicted maintenance.

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