JP4513405B2 - Status monitoring device, status monitoring method, and status monitoring program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a status monitoring apparatus, a status monitoring method, and a status monitoring program for monitoring an operation state of a printing apparatus connected via a network.

  In the conventional repair service, when a sold electronic device such as a printer breaks down, the customer makes a repair request by telephone or e-mail to the service support center, and the customer engineer who receives the repair request receives the repaired electronic device. I went to the installation site and repaired at the installation site.

  In addition, a repair service support system is provided that enables quick and accurate repair service of a wide variety of devices. An apparatus that is a target of the repair service support system is configured in advance so as to display and output a failure code that identifies the failure at the time of failure. This repair service support system includes a server arranged to be connectable via a network to a mobile phone capable of inputting a failure code. The server has a repair procedure database that stores the failure code and the repair procedure of the failure represented by the failure code in association with each other, and when the failure code displayed on the device is input from the mobile phone via the network, A failure repair procedure represented by the failure code input with reference to the repair procedure database is returned to the mobile phone (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2003-228632 A

  However, if there is a bug in the firmware that controls the printer, or depending on how the device is used by the user and the environment where the device is installed, a malfunction that does not normally occur may occur. The firmware needs to be customized accordingly.

  In such a case, there is a problem that the customer engineer goes to the installation location of the printer and rewrites or replaces the recording medium on which the firmware is recorded, which takes time and increases the service cost. Further, since the user is restricted by the rewriting or replacement work of the recording medium, the apparatus cannot be used, which is inconvenient.

  In addition, automatic firmware update can be considered, but it is only monitored whether the latest version is being updated, as the user intends depending on the usage method and environment specific to the user's printer. Cannot be customized. Therefore, there may be a problem that a failure that does not occur in normal use may occur depending on the user's use method and use environment.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, the present invention aims at optimum customization intended by the user by updating the printer firmware regardless of the difference in the usage method and environment of the printer unique to the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a status monitoring device, a status monitoring method, and a status monitoring program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a status monitoring apparatus according to the present invention sends status information about the operating state of a printing apparatus that is controlled by firmware stored therein from the printing apparatus via a network. Receiving means, receiving means for determining feature information indicating characteristics of the operating state based on status information received by the receiving means, and firmware stored in the printing apparatus, An update program related to the firmware specified by the specifying means is extracted from a specifying means for specifying firmware that matches the feature information determined by the determining means and an update program related to the firmware stored in the printing apparatus. Extracting means for Based on the update program extracted by means have been the firmware specified by the specifying means, it characterized in that it comprises, and updating means for updating via the network.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to update the firmware optimally by grasping the usage method and usage environment of the user's printing apparatus from the status information of the printing apparatus.

  In the status monitoring apparatus according to the invention, the determination unit includes a print ratio determination unit that determines whether a print ratio of monochrome printing with respect to color printing included in the status information is equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio. The printing ratio is determined as the feature information based on the determination result determined by the printing ratio determination unit, and the specifying unit is configured to determine whether the printing device includes the firmware stored in the printing device. The firmware relating to the fixing temperature at the time of printing operation is specified, and the extracting means extracts an update program relating to the change in the fixing temperature from among update programs relating to firmware stored in the printing apparatus. It is characterized by that.

  According to this invention, the warm-up time of the printing apparatus can be changed according to the printing ratio.

  In the status monitoring apparatus according to the invention, the determination unit calculates a moisture content of air inside the printing apparatus based on an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the printing apparatus included in the status information. A moisture content calculating means; and a condensation determining means for determining whether or not condensation has occurred inside the printing apparatus based on the moisture content calculated by the moisture content calculating means. The internal temperature and internal humidity are determined as the feature information based on the determination result determined by the step, and the specifying unit relates to warm-up of the printing apparatus from firmware stored in the printing apparatus. The firmware is identified, and the extraction unit updates the firmware stored in the printing apparatus. From the preparative program, and extracting an update program regarding modification of the warm-up time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect whether or not condensation occurs in the inside of the printing apparatus, and to change the warm-up time so that the condensation does not occur.

  Further, in the status monitoring apparatus according to the above invention, the determination unit includes a sheet number determination unit that determines whether or not the number of continuous prints in a specific paper width included in the status information is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. , Based on the determination result determined by the number determination means, determines the number of continuous prints with the specific paper width as the feature information, and the specification means is selected from the firmware stored inside the printing apparatus. The firmware relating to the fixing temperature at the time of the printing operation at the specific paper width is specified, and the extracting unit is configured to update the firmware from the update program stored at the inside of the printing apparatus at the time of the printing operation at the specific paper width. An update program relating to a change in fixing temperature is extracted.

  According to the present invention, by changing the fixing temperature in accordance with the paper size of the printing paper, it is possible to prevent deformation of internal components due to heat dissipation of the fixing temperature.

  In the status monitoring apparatus according to the above invention, the determining unit calculates the consumption rate of the coloring material based on the number of printed sheets and the consumption amount of the coloring material such as ink or toner included in the status information. Consumption speed calculating means, and consumption speed determining means for determining whether or not the consumption speed calculated by the consumption speed calculating means is equal to or higher than a predetermined consumption speed, and determined by the consumption speed determining means Based on the determination result, the number of printed sheets and the consumption amount of the coloring material are determined as the feature information, and the specifying unit determines that the coloring material is in a near-empty state from firmware stored in the printing apparatus. Firmware for notifying that there is, and the extracting means updates the firmware stored in the printing apparatus. From within the program, and extracting an update program regarding changes when to notify that the a near empty state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to output a near empty alarm according to the use situation of the user.

  The status monitoring method according to the present invention includes: a receiving step for receiving status information relating to an operation state of a printing apparatus whose operation is controlled by firmware stored therein; from the printing apparatus via a network; and the receiving step Based on the received status information, a determination step for determining feature information indicating the feature of the operating state, and a feature information determined by the determination step out of firmware stored in the printing apparatus An extraction process for extracting the update program related to the firmware specified in the specifying process from the update process related to the firmware stored in the printing apparatus; Update Based on the program, the firmware specified by the specifying step, characterized in that it contains, and updating step of updating via the network.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to update the firmware optimally by grasping the usage method and usage environment of the user's printing apparatus from the status information of the printing apparatus.

  A status monitoring program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the status monitoring method.

  According to the present invention, the status monitoring method can be realized by a computer.

  Exemplary embodiments of a status monitoring apparatus, a status monitoring method, and a status monitoring program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus will be described as a printing apparatus.

(Embodiment)
(Overall configuration of status monitoring system)
First, the overall configuration of the status monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, an example will be described in which an apparatus handled by a customer is a customer system, the state of a printing apparatus (for example, a printer) that constitutes a part of the customer system is remotely monitored, and this printer repair and maintenance service is performed.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a status monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The customer system 100 includes a personal computer (PC) 101 and a printer 102. As the printer 102, in addition to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer, a multifunction device having a scanner and a printer function is used. The printer 102 is connected to a network 104 such as a LAN via a network card (NIC) 103. The network 104 is connected to an external network 105 such as the Internet via a proxy server (not shown).

  The printer 102 also includes a CPU 106, a rewritable memory 107 such as an EPROM, an EEPROM, a RAM, and a flash memory via a network card 103, and various sensors 108 such as temperature, humidity, and paper width. The memory 107 stores firmware that controls the operation of the printer 102.

  Such a customer system 100 is provided for each customer, and a plurality of customer systems 100 (not shown) are similarly connected to the network 105. Each customer system 100 is connected to a status monitoring device 111 of the data center 110 via a network 105. This status monitoring device 111 functions as a server. A status monitoring device 111 provided in the data center 110 monitors the operating state of the printer 102 provided in each customer system 100.

  Further, the status monitoring device 111 includes a database 112. The database 112 stores an upgrade program for updating firmware in the memory 107 of the printer 102 in association with the firmware. The database 112 will be described later.

  Each of the printers 102 provided in the customer system 100 detects its own operation state (status information), and transmits this status information to the status monitoring device 111 via the networks 104 and 105. When the status monitoring device 111 detects that the status information includes error information that requires repair, the status monitoring device 111 outputs information on the occurrence of repair related to the customer system 100 (printer 102) that needs repair.

  The field service center 120 is a department in charge of regular maintenance of the printer 102 and repair in the event of a failure. In the field service center 120, the corresponding printer 102 is repaired based on the repair occurrence information output from the status monitoring device 111. When the printer 102 needs to be repaired, the dispatcher 121 acquires information on occurrence of repair output from the status monitoring device 111, estimates necessary repair contents, for example, a repair location, selects a part 130 to be used for repair, A custom engineer (CE) 122 responsible for repairing the corresponding printer 102 is selected.

  The appointed CE 122 brings parts 130 necessary for repairing the printer 102 and goes to the installation location of the customer system 100 to repair the printer 102. The CE 122 may perform estimation of a repair location performed by the dispatcher 121 and selection of the part 130.

  When the printer 102 is out of order, a repair request can be made by contacting a telephone or the like that has been provided conventionally. The call center 140 is a department that receives telephone communications from customers. When the call center 140 receives notification from the customer about the failure of the printer 102, the call center 140 requests the field service center 120 for repair. Thereafter, the CE 122 goes to repair the printer 102 in the same manner.

(Hardware configuration of status monitoring device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the status monitoring device 111 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the status monitoring apparatus 111 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the status monitoring device 111 is an example of a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD (hard disk drive) 204, HD (hard disk) 205, FDD (flexible disk drive) 206, and a removable recording medium. FD (flexible disk) 207, display 208, I / F (interface) 209, keyboard 211, mouse 212, scanner 213, printer 214, and disk drive 216. Each component is connected by a bus 200.

  Here, the CPU 201 governs overall control of the status monitoring device 111. The ROM 202 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD 204 controls data read / write with respect to the HD 205 according to the control of the CPU 201. The HD 205 stores data written under the control of the HDD 204 and causes the status monitoring device 111 to read data stored in the HD 205.

  The FDD 206 controls data read / write with respect to the FD 207 in accordance with the control of the CPU 201. The FD 207 stores data written under the control of the FDD 206, or causes the status monitoring device 111 to read data stored in the FD 207.

  In addition to the FD 207, the removable recording medium may be a CD-ROM (CD-R, CD-RW), MO, memory card, or the like. The display 208 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 208, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The I / F 209 is connected to a network 105 such as the Internet through the communication line 210, and is connected to other devices via the network 105. The I / F 209 manages an internal interface with the network 105 and controls input / output of data from an external device. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 209.

  The keyboard 211 includes keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. Moreover, a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad may be used. The mouse 212 performs cursor movement, range selection, window movement, size change, and the like. A trackball or a joystick may be used as long as they have the same function as a pointing device.

  The scanner 213 optically reads an image and takes in the image data into the status monitoring device 111. The scanner 213 may have an OCR function. The printer 214 prints image data and document data. For example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer can be employed as the printer 214. The disk drive 216 controls reading of data with respect to the CD / DVD disk 215 that is a detachable recording medium according to the control of the CPU 201.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing information transmitted from the customer system 100 to the status monitoring device 111. In FIG. 3, the transmission information 300 includes a device ID 301 and status information 302. The device ID 301 includes the ID of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1 and user information that owns the printer 102. The status information 302 is information indicating the operating state of the printing apparatus (printer 102). Examples of the status information 302 include a monochrome printing ratio 311 to color printing, an internal temperature / internal humidity 312 of the printer 102, a paper width 313 of the paper feed tray, a continuous print number 314 for each paper width, and a coloring material such as toner or ink. Consumption 315, (cumulative) number of printed sheets 316, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the database 112 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, update programs a1, a2, and b to z are stored for each of the firmware A to Z. Further, the status information 302 (information 311 to 316 shown in FIG. 3) corresponds to the update programs a1, a2, and b to z. Here, each firmware will be described.

  “Firmware A” is a program related to warm-up of the printer 102. Here, it is assumed that the printer 102 is a color printer capable of color printing and monochrome printing, and the sensor 108 is a temperature sensor installed near the fixing device in the printer 102. This “firmware A” detects the temperature of the temperature sensor as the fixing temperature. When the detected fixing temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined fixing temperature (threshold value) by “firmware A”, the warm-up is completed when a predetermined warm-up time has elapsed, and the printable lamp is turned on.

  “Firmware B” is a program relating to the printing status for each paper size of the printing paper. Here, it is assumed that the sensor 108 is a paper width sensor that detects the paper width of the paper feed tray. The paper size of the printing paper is detected from the position of the guide plate detected by the paper width sensor. Then, the number of continuous prints for each detected size is counted. In this “Firmware B”, if a specific paper width is a business card size paper width, the number of continuous printings at the business card size paper width is counted to determine how many business cards are printed continuously. I can grasp it.

  “Firmware Z” is a program related to the near empty alarm. “Firmware Z” calculates a consumption amount of a coloring material such as toner or ink. When the calculated consumption amount reaches a predetermined amount, an alarm indicating that the toner or ink should be replaced is notified.

  Next, update programs a1, a2, and b to z for updating the firmware A to Z will be described. The “update program a1” is a program for rewriting a part of “firmware A” based on the print ratio 311 of the status information 302. The “update program a1” is a program for changing a predetermined fixing temperature (threshold value) set by “firmware A”.

  The “update program a2” is a program added to “firmware A” based on the internal temperature / internal humidity 312 of the status information 302. The “update program a2” is a program for changing, specifically, increasing the warm-up time set by “firmware A”.

  The “update program b” is a program for rewriting a part of “firmware B” based on the paper width 313 and the continuous printing number 314 of the status information 302. The “update program b” is a program for changing a predetermined fixing temperature (threshold value) at a specific paper width (for example, business card size) set by “firmware B”.

  The “update program z” is a program for rewriting a part of “firmware Z” based on the colorant consumption 315 and the number of printed sheets 316 in the status information 302. This “update program z” is a program for changing the near empty alarm notification time set by “firmware Z”.

(Functional configuration of status monitoring device)
Next, a functional configuration of the status monitoring device 111 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the status monitoring apparatus 111 shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the status monitoring device 111 includes a storage unit 501, a receiving unit 502, a determining unit 503, a specifying unit 504, an extracting unit 505, and an updating unit 506.

  The storage unit 501 stores update programs a1, a2, and b to z for updating the firmware A to Z in association with the status information. Specifically, this storage unit 501 corresponds to the database 112 whose contents are shown in detail in FIG. More specifically, the storage unit 501 realizes its function by a readable / writable recording medium such as the RAM 203, the HD 205, the FD 207, and the CD / DVD disc 215 shown in FIG.

  The receiving unit 502 also receives status information 302 regarding the operation state of the printer 102 that is controlled by firmware stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 from the printer 102 via the network 105. Specifically, the receiving unit 502 realizes its function by, for example, the I / F 209 shown in FIG.

  The determination unit 503 determines feature information indicating the feature of the operation state based on the status information 302 received by the reception unit 502. This characteristic information is information regarding the usage method and environment unique to the user, such as the printing ratio and paper size of monochrome printing, the consumption of coloring material, the installation location or the temperature and humidity inside the printer 102, and the like. Normal or abnormal. The determination unit 503 includes a print ratio determination unit 510, a moisture content calculation unit 511, a dew condensation determination unit 512, a number determination unit 513, a consumption rate calculation unit 514, a consumption rate determination unit 515, and a determination processing unit. 516.

  The print ratio determination unit 510 determines whether the print ratio 311 for monochrome printing with respect to color printing included in the status information 302 is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. When the printer 102 is a color printer, it is necessary to mix four colors of toner in color printing, so the fixing temperature needs to be higher than the fixing temperature of monochrome printing. Therefore, normally, in a color printer, a predetermined fixing temperature (threshold value) necessary for warm-up is set to a fixing temperature at the time of color printing.

  On the other hand, since some users use only for monochrome printing, the ratio of color printing to monochrome printing is detected from the printing ratio 311 of the status information 302, and the printing ratio 311 for monochrome printing is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. In this case, it is determined that the user uses only for monochrome printing.

  Further, the moisture content calculation unit 511 calculates the moisture content per day inside the printer 102 based on the internal temperature / internal humidity 312 included in the status information 302. Specifically, it is assumed that the sensor 108 is a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the printer 102 and a humidity sensor that detects internal humidity.

  In this case, the temperature of the temperature sensor (for example, maximum daily temperature or average temperature) is detected as the internal temperature, and the humidity of the humidity sensor (for example, maximum daily humidity or average humidity) is detected as the internal humidity. Then, the moisture content in the air in the printer 102 per day is calculated from the detected internal temperature and internal humidity. In addition, the dew condensation determination unit 512 compares the water content calculated by the water content calculation unit 511 with a predetermined water content (threshold value) to determine whether or not dew condensation has occurred.

  The number determination unit 513 determines whether the continuous print number 314 with the specific paper width 313 included in the status information 302 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of continuously printed sheets 314 having a paper width of a business card size that is a specific sheet width 313 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. If the number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the user determines that only business card size printing is performed.

  Based on the consumption amount 315 of the colorant such as ink or toner and the number of printed sheets 316 included in the status information 302, the consumption rate calculation unit 514 determines the colorant consumption rate (the colorant consumption rate per print sheet). Consumption). The consumption speed determination unit 515 determines whether the consumption speed calculated by the consumption speed calculation unit 514 is equal to or higher than a predetermined consumption speed.

  The determination processing unit 516 determines the print ratio as feature information based on the determination result determined by the print ratio determination unit 510. When the monochrome print ratio 311 is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio, the print ratio determination unit 510 determines that the print ratio is almost exclusively used for monochrome printing. Based on the determination result, the determination processing unit 516 determines the print ratio 311 having a predetermined ratio or more as the feature information.

  Further, the determination processing unit 516 determines the internal temperature 312 as feature information based on the determination result determined by the internal temperature determination unit 512. Specifically, when it is determined that the internal temperature 312 is lower than a predetermined internal temperature, condensation occurs due to the fixing temperature of the printer 102 and causes a failure. Therefore, the internal temperature 312 lower than the predetermined internal temperature is determined as the feature information.

  Further, the determination processing unit 516 determines the continuous print number 314 with the specific paper width 313 as the feature information based on the determination result determined by the number determination unit 513. If the specific paper width 313 is a business card size paper width, it is determined that only business card printing is performed, and the number of continuous prints with the business card size paper width is determined as the feature information.

  Further, the determination processing unit 516 determines the consumption rate calculated by the consumption rate calculation unit 514 as feature information based on the determination result determined by the consumption rate determination unit 515. When the consumption speed calculated by the consumption speed calculation unit 514 is equal to or higher than the predetermined consumption speed, it is determined that the consumption amount of the coloring material of the user is larger than the normal user consumption amount. Determine the feature information.

  The identifying unit 504 identifies firmware that matches the feature information determined by the determining unit 503 from the firmware stored in the printer 102. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 4, when the print ratio 311 is determined as the feature information, the corresponding “firmware A” is specified.

  The extraction unit 505 extracts the update program related to the firmware specified by the specification unit 504 from the update programs related to the firmware stored in the printer 102. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 4, when the printing ratio 311 is determined as the feature information and the corresponding “firmware A” is specified, it corresponds to the firmware A to Z stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102. The update program a1 of the identified “firmware A” is extracted from the update programs a1, a2, b to z. In this case, although there is an update program a2 of “firmware A”, the update program a1 corresponding to the print ratio 311 is extracted.

  The updating unit 506 updates the firmware identified by the identifying unit 504 via the network 105 based on the update program extracted by the extracting unit 505. Specifically, in the above example, the update program a1 is transmitted via the network 105, and a part of “firmware A” stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 is rewritten by the update program a1.

  Further, the update unit 506 may transmit an e-mail indicating that the firmware has been updated to the user's e-mail address. Furthermore, the address of a Web page from which an update program can be acquired may be described in the e-mail, and the firmware may be updated by access from the user. This allows the user to recognize the contents to be customized.

  Note that the determining unit 503, the specifying unit 504, the extracting unit 505, and the updating unit 506 described above are specifically recorded in, for example, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the HD 205, the FD 207, the CD / DVD disc 215, and the like shown in FIG. The function is realized by the CPU 201 executing the recorded program or by the I / F 209.

(Status monitoring processing procedure)
Next, the status monitoring processing procedure of the status monitoring device 111 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a status monitoring processing procedure of the status monitoring apparatus 111 shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, first, when status information 302 is received (step S601: Yes), feature information determination processing is performed (step S602). A specific example of this determination processing content will be described later. Next, when the feature information has not been determined (step S603: No), the process ends. On the other hand, when the feature information is determined (step S603: Yes), the firmware corresponding to the feature information is specified (step S604).

  Then, an update program for the identified firmware is extracted from the storage unit 501 (database 112) (step S605), and the firmware in the memory 107 of the printer 102 (the firmware identified in step S604 is the same as the extracted update program). (Firmware) is updated (step S606). Accordingly, customization suitable for the user's usage method and usage environment can be performed without the user's knowledge, and the printer 102 can be used without giving the user a sense of insecurity. Next, a specific processing procedure (part 1) of the determination processing in step S602 described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure (part 1) of the determination processing in step S602. In FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the print ratio 311 included in the status information 302 is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (step S701). If it is not greater than the predetermined ratio (step S701: No), the feature information is not determined (step S702). On the other hand, if the ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined ratio (step S701: Yes), the printing ratio 311 is determined as feature information (step S703).

  In this case, “firmware A” is identified in step S604 described above, and “update program a1” is extracted in step S605. Then, part of the firmware A stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 is rewritten to “update program a1” by the update process in step S606.

  According to this processing procedure, even if the printer 102 is a color printer, even if it is a color printer that only performs monochrome printing, a predetermined fixing temperature (threshold) assuming color printing is set to monochrome printing. Therefore, the warm-up time can be shortened because the fixing temperature (threshold value) is lower than the predetermined fixing temperature. Next, a specific processing procedure (part 2) of the determination processing in step S602 described above will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a specific processing procedure (part 2) of the determination processing in step S602. In FIG. 8, the moisture content in the air in the printer 102 is calculated based on the internal temperature / internal humidity 312 included in the status information 302 (step S801).

  If the calculated water content is not equal to or higher than the predetermined water content (step S802: No), it is determined that no condensation has occurred inside the printer 102, and the feature information is not determined (step S803). On the other hand, if it is equal to or higher than the predetermined moisture content (step S802: Yes), it is determined that condensation has occurred in the printer 102, and the internal temperature / internal humidity 312 from which the moisture content is calculated is determined as the feature information. (Step S804).

  In this case, “firmware A” is identified in step S604 described above, and “update program a2” is extracted in step S605. Then, part of the firmware A stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 is rewritten to “update program a2” by the update process in step S606.

  According to this processing procedure, if it is determined that dew condensation has occurred, it can be changed so that the warm-up time is extended by the “update program a2”, and therefore it is included in the air inside the printer 102. The printing operation can be performed after the internal temperature is raised to such an extent that moisture is evaporated.

  As a result, condensation inside the printer 102 can be prevented, and the occurrence of failure can be prevented. In particular, when the printer 102 is installed indoors, such as a prefab installed at a construction site, where the outside air temperature does not change much, it is possible to prevent condensation by performing such processing. Next, a specific processing procedure (part 3) of the determination processing in step S602 described above will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific processing procedure (part 3) of the determination processing in step S602. Here, a paper width of a business card size will be described as an example of the specific paper width. In FIG. 9, it is determined whether the paper width 313 included in the status information 302 is a specific paper width, that is, a paper width of a business card size (step S901). If it is not the paper width of the business card size (step S901: No), the feature information is not determined (step S902).

  On the other hand, when the paper width is a business card size (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether or not the continuous print number 314 included in the status information 302 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S903). If it is not more than the predetermined number (step S903: No), the feature information is not determined (step S902). On the other hand, when the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S903: Yes), the continuous print number 314 with the business card size paper width 313 is determined as the feature information (step S904).

  In this case, “firmware B” is specified in step S604 described above, and “update program b” is extracted in step S605. Then, part of the firmware B stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 is rewritten to “update program b” by the update process in step S606.

  When only business card size printing is performed as in this example, the surface area of the business card printing paper is smaller than the surface area of normal printing paper such as A4 size. Accordingly, the fixing temperature is lowered only at the center portion of the drum, and the fixing temperature is high at both ends, so that internal components may be deformed by heat radiation from both ends. According to this processing procedure, it is possible to prevent deformation of the internal parts by resetting the fixing temperature to a lower value according to the number of business card-sized continuous prints. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to deformation of the internal parts, and it is possible to reduce the repair cost by replacing the parts. Next, a specific processing procedure (part 4) of the determination processing in step S602 described above will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific processing procedure (part 4) of the determination processing in step S602. In FIG. 10, first, the colorant consumption speed of the printer 102 is calculated from the colorant consumption 315 and the number of printed sheets 316 included in the status information 302 (step S1001). If the calculated consumption speed is not equal to or higher than the predetermined consumption speed (threshold value) (step S1002: No), the feature information is not determined (step S1003). On the other hand, if it is equal to or higher than the predetermined consumption speed (step S1002: Yes), the calculated consumption speed is determined as the feature information (step S1004).

  In this case, “firmware Z” is specified in step S604 described above, and “update program z” is extracted in step S605. Then, part of the firmware Z stored in the memory 107 of the printer 102 is rewritten to “update program z” by the update processing in step S606.

  According to this processing procedure, for the printer 102 that consumes a large amount of colorant per print sheet, the time from when the near empty alarm is output until the colorant runs out is shortened. By updating, the near empty alarm output time can be output earlier than the preset alarm output time, avoiding the unprintable state due to the absence of coloring material before replenishing the coloring material And a sufficient colorant replenishment period can be secured.

  As described above, according to the status monitoring device, the status monitoring method, and the status monitoring program according to the embodiments of the present invention, the printer firmware can be used regardless of the difference in the usage method and usage environment of the user. By updating, optimum customization intended by the user can be achieved.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent a failure caused by a user-specific usage method and usage environment. As a result, the repair work can be reduced, and the repair service can be improved. In addition, there is also an advantage that the user is not bothered by the repair work.

  The status monitoring method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a status monitoring system according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the status monitoring apparatus of embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the information transmitted to a status monitoring apparatus from a customer system. Explanatory drawing explaining the content of the database shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the status monitoring apparatus of embodiment. The flowchart which shows the status monitoring process sequence of embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a determination processing procedure (part 1) in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a determination processing procedure (part 2) in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a determination processing procedure (part 3) in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a determination processing procedure (part 4) in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 Printer (printing apparatus), 111 Status monitoring apparatus, 112 Database, 302 Status information, 502 Reception part, 503 Determination part, 504 Identification part, 505 Extraction part, 506 Update part, 510 Print ratio determination part, 511 Water content calculation , 512 Condensation determination unit, 513 Number determination unit, 514 Consumption rate calculation unit, 515 Consumption rate determination unit, 516 Determination processing unit

Claims (4)

Receiving means for receiving status information about the operation state of the printing apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by firmware stored therein, from the printing apparatus via the network;
Print ratio determination means for determining whether a print ratio of monochrome printing to color printing included in the status information is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio;
When the printing ratio determining unit determines that the ratio is equal to or higher than the predetermined ratio, a specifying unit that specifies firmware related to the fixing temperature of the printing apparatus from a plurality of firmwares;
Extracting means for extracting an update program for lowering the fixing temperature, which is an update program related to the identified firmware from a plurality of update programs;
Updating means for updating the firmware identified by the identifying means based on the update program extracted by the extracting means via the network;
A status monitoring device comprising: Receiving means for receiving status information about the operation state of the printing apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by firmware stored therein, from the printing apparatus via the network;
Based on the internal temperature and internal humidity of the printing device included in the status information, the moisture content calculation means for calculating the moisture content of air inside the printing device;
Condensation determination means for determining whether or not condensation has occurred inside the printing apparatus based on the moisture content calculated by the moisture content calculation means;
When it is determined by the condensation determination means that condensation has occurred inside the printing apparatus, a specifying means for specifying firmware relating to warm-up of the printing apparatus from a plurality of firmware,
An extracting means for extracting an update program for the identified firmware from among a plurality of update programs , and for extending the warm-up time ;
Updating means for updating the firmware identified by the identifying means based on the update program extracted by the extracting means via the network;
A status monitoring device comprising: Receiving means for receiving status information about the operation state of the printing apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by firmware stored therein, from the printing apparatus via the network;
A number determination means for determining whether or not the number of continuous prints in a specific paper width included in the status information is equal to or greater than a predetermined number;
Specifying means for specifying firmware relating to a fixing temperature during a printing operation at the specific paper width from a plurality of firmware when the number determining means determines that the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number ;
Extraction means for extracting an update program related to the identified firmware from among a plurality of update programs, the update program reducing the fixing temperature during the printing operation at the specific paper width ;
Updating means for updating the firmware identified by the identifying means based on the update program extracted by the extracting means via the network;
A status monitoring device comprising: Receiving means for receiving status information about the operation state of the printing apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by firmware stored therein, from the printing apparatus via the network;
Consumption rate calculation means for calculating the consumption rate of the colorant based on the number of printed sheets and the consumption of ink or colorant included in the status information;
Consumption speed determination means for determining whether the consumption speed calculated by the consumption speed calculation means is equal to or higher than a predetermined consumption speed;
When it is determined by the consumption speed determination means that the consumption speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined consumption speed, a specification means for specifying firmware that notifies that the colorant is in a near empty state from a plurality of firmware,
Extraction means for extracting from among a plurality of update programs, an update program related to the identified firmware, and an update program that makes an early notification of the near empty state;
Updating means for updating the firmware identified by the identifying means based on the update program extracted by the extracting means via the network;
A status monitoring device comprising:

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