JP4609405B2 - Image forming apparatus, failure diagnosis apparatus, image forming system, and failure diagnosis program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a fault diagnosing apparatus, an image forming system, and a fault diagnosing program that can reduce a diagnosis time required for fault diagnosis.

  Conventionally, a failure cause inference apparatus for inferring a cause of a system failure and a failure diagnosis method for diagnosing a failure are known. In particular, failure cause reasoning devices and failure diagnosis methods are widely known for systems in which the number of types of failures caused by failures has increased due to multifunction, high functionality, high performance, etc., and the number of components that can cause failures has also increased. ing.

  Such a failure cause inference device has a knowledge base for storing a cause-and-effect relationship between a cause of failure and a failure caused by the result of the failure, a cause-and-effect relationship stored by the knowledge base, and a system input by a system driver There is known a failure cause inference device that infers a cause of failure using an inference engine while collating with information on the state of the device (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, as such a diagnostic method, there is a diagnostic method for a system composed of a plurality of mutually linked modules, and the step of receiving an alarm such as an error code indicating a module failure from the system, and the received alarm include There is known a diagnostic method for diagnosing a failure by inferring the probability of malfunction based on the causal relationship between the malfunction result (failure) shown and the malfunction of one or more modules that may have caused the malfunction. (For example, Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, a simulation device is known that can shorten the inspection time in an inspection using simulation such as inference of a cause of failure (for example, Patent Document 3). This simulation apparatus models an integrated circuit to be inspected and an address space in which the integrated circuit holds information to be operated, and inputs an input pattern to the modeled integrated circuit to be inspected as an address space model. This is a device that can modify or add an input pattern without interrupting the simulation by giving it to an external port.
JP 05-298105 A JP-A-10-326204 JP2003-032253

  Here, for example, the inference time required for inferring the cause of failure by analyzing a model that models the cause-and-effect relationship between a component that may cause the failure of the electronic circuit device and the failure caused by the result of the failure is reduced. There is a need to.

  In particular, in electronic circuit devices in which the number of types of faults caused by failure has increased due to multi-functions and the number of parts that can cause faults has increased, it is useful for fault diagnosis due to the types of faults to be modeled and the increase in parts. It is necessary to suppress an increase in time required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a fault diagnosing apparatus, an image forming system, and a fault diagnosing program that can reduce the diagnostic time required for fault diagnosis. Is to provide.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, which is a component constituting the image forming apparatus , and a plurality of components used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. The first collecting means for collecting the first diagnostic information relating to the state of the parts group composed of the first diagnostic information collected by the first collecting means, the cause of the failure that may occur in the article group, and the parts group The failure caused by the cause is input to the first model that is modeled by associating the failure caused by the cause with the cause-and-effect relationship and analyzing the first model to which the first diagnosis information is input. A first calculating means for calculating the probability of occurrence of the cause, and a second relating to the state of the parts constituting the parts group when the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold Collect diagnostic information 2, the probability calculated by the first calculation unit, and the second diagnostic information collected by the second collection unit are used to determine the cause of failure, the state of the component, and the cause of the component constituting the component group. The cause of the failure in the component is analyzed by inputting the probability and the second diagnostic information into the second model that is modeled by associating the failure caused by the cause with the causal relationship. A second calculating means for calculating the probability of occurrence of a fault, and for a part group for which the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the probability is displayed in units of parts constituting the part group. And a display means for displaying a probability and a button for each component group for a component group that does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the button selects the displayed component group, and the selected selected component group Collect second diagnostic information about Then, the probability of the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information are input to the second model, and the second model is analyzed to cause a failure in the components constituting the selected component group. It is characterized by being a button capable of inputting a command to calculate the probability of occurrence .

In the above configuration, the display means includes information for identifying the parts group rearranged based on the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the parts group calculated by the first calculation means, and the second calculation means calculates It is possible to adopt a configuration in which at least one piece of information for identifying the rearranged parts is displayed based on the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the selected parts.

  In the above configuration, the part includes a replaceable part, and the second model has a cause of a failure that may occur in a part constituting the part group and a connection part between the parts, a state of the part and the connection part of the part, and a cause. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a configuration that is a model obtained by associating a defect caused by the above with a causal relationship.

The failure diagnosis apparatus according to the present invention relates to the state of a component group that is a component that constitutes an image forming apparatus and that is composed of components that are used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. The receiving means for receiving the first diagnostic information and the second diagnostic information relating to the state of the parts constituting the parts group, and the first diagnostic information received by the receiving means as a cause of a failure that may occur in the article group By inputting the first model in which the state of the component group and the failure caused by the cause are modeled by associating them with the causal relationship, and analyzing the first model to which the diagnostic information is input, the failure of the component group is detected. A first calculating means for calculating a probability of occurrence of a cause; a probability calculated by the first calculating means when the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a receiving means Received 2 is input to the second model modeled by associating the cause of the failure that may occur in the parts constituting the part group, the state of the part, and the failure caused by the cause by a causal relationship, and the probability. By analyzing the second model inputted with the diagnostic information, the second calculation means for calculating the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the component, and the probability calculated by the first calculation means are predetermined. Display means for displaying a probability for each component group that exceeds the threshold value, and displaying a probability and a button for each component group that does not exceed the predetermined threshold value; And the button selects the displayed component group, collects second diagnostic information for the selected selected component group, and displays the probability for the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information. Input to second model And by analyzing the model of the second I am characterized by a possible input button commands to command to calculate the probability that the cause of failure in components of the selected component group has occurred.

An image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, which is a component that constitutes the image forming apparatus , and that is used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. first collecting means for collecting first diagnostic information about the state of the configured component group in a second collection means for collecting the second diagnostic information about the status of parts constituting the component group, and the first a first diagnostic information collecting means collects, the image forming apparatus having a transmission hand stage second collection means for transmitting a second diagnostic information collected, transmission means of the image forming apparatus has sent and 1 diagnostic information, second receiving means for receiving the diagnostic information, the first diagnostic information received by the receiving means, the problem caused by the state and cause of the cause and part group of faults that may occur to the article group By causal relationship The first model that is input to the first model that has been added and is analyzed and the first model that has been input with the first diagnosis information is analyzed to calculate a probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the component group. When the probability calculated by the first calculating means and the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the probability calculated by the first calculating means and the second diagnostic information received by the receiving means are The cause of a failure that may occur in the components that make up the group, the state of the component, and the failure caused by the cause are input to the second model that is modeled by associating the cause and effect, and the probability and the second diagnosis information are input by analyzing the second model that is, a second calculation means to calculate the probability that the cause of the failure part is occurring, the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold value For the parts group, the parts group A display unit for displaying a probability and a button for each component group for a component group that does not exceed a predetermined threshold, and the button selects the displayed component group. And collecting second diagnostic information for the selected selected component group, inputting the probability for the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information to the second model, and the second model. by analyzing is characterized by comprising a failure diagnosis apparatus for a button can input instructions to order to calculate the probability that the cause of failure in components of the selected component group has occurred.

A failure diagnosis program according to the present invention is a component group that is a component that constitutes an image forming apparatus and that is used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. The first collecting means for collecting the first diagnostic information relating to the state of the product and the first diagnostic information collected by the first collecting means are caused by the cause of the failure that may occur in the article group and the state and cause of the parts group. The cause of the failure occurs in the component group by inputting the first model that is modeled by associating the failure with the causal relationship and analyzing the first model to which the first diagnosis information is input. A first calculating means for calculating a probability of being present, and a second diagnostic information relating to a state of a part constituting the part group when the probability calculated by the first calculating means exceeds a predetermined threshold . 2 The collecting means, the probability calculated by the first calculating means, and the second diagnostic information collected by the second collecting means are determined according to the cause of the failure that may occur in the parts constituting the parts group, the state of the parts, and the cause By inputting the probability and the second diagnosis information into the second model that is modeled by associating the caused failure with the causal relationship, the cause of the failure in the part is analyzed. The computer is caused to function as a second calculation unit that calculates the probability of occurrence , and the computer causes the display unit to display the component group for a component group for which the probability calculated by the first calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. Probability is displayed for each component part. For parts group that does not exceed the specified threshold, the probability and button are displayed for each part group. The button selects the displayed part group and the selected selection. About parts The second diagnostic information is collected, the probability for the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information are input to the second model, and the second model is analyzed. The button is characterized in that it is a button capable of inputting a command for commanding to calculate the probability that a failure is occurring in the component parts .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a fault diagnosing apparatus, an image forming system, and a fault diagnosing program that can reduce the diagnostic time required for fault diagnosis.

According to the configuration of the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation required for failure diagnosis, which increases with an increase in the types of malfunctions or parts caused by expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus.

According to the configuration of the second aspect , since it is possible to know at a glance the parts group or parts that have a high probability of causing the failure, it is possible to reduce the diagnosis time required for the failure diagnosis.

According to the configuration of the third aspect, the diagnosis time required for the failure diagnosis can be reduced by exchanging the parts based on the calculated probability or inspecting the connection portion between the parts.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect , it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation required for failure diagnosis, which increases with an increase in the types of malfunctions or parts caused by expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus.

According to the configuration of the fifth aspect , it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation required for the failure diagnosis, and the amount of calculation that increases with an increase in the types of defects or parts caused by expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect , it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation required for failure diagnosis, which increases with an increase in the types of defects or parts caused by expanding the functions of the image forming apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic circuit device of the present invention.
The electronic circuit device 1000 according to the present invention includes, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral having an image input function (scan function), a print function (print function), a facsimile function (FAX function), and a copy function (copy function). Consists of. The electronic circuit device 1000 has a failure diagnosis function for diagnosing a failure of the electronic circuit device 1000.

  The electronic circuit device 1000 is connected to the communication network 100. The electronic circuit device 1000 includes a FAX function unit 1010, an image input function unit 1020, a control function unit 1030, and an image output function unit 1040.

  The communication network 100 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a public line network.

  The functions of the FAX function unit 1010, the image input function unit 1020, the control function unit 1030, and the image output function unit 1040 can be realized by software control executed by the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Here, the configuration of the electronic circuit device 1000 for executing software control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the electronic circuit device 1000 for realizing this software control.

  The electronic circuit device 1000 includes, for example, a calculation unit 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 1002 (Read Only Memory) such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). -Only Memory), DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or SRAM (Static RAM) and other volatile memories, and NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) and other non-volatile memories such as RAM 1003 (Random Access Memory), and external storage such as hard disks The calculation unit 1001, the ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, and the external storage unit 1004 are connected to each other via a bus 1005.

  In the software control, the arithmetic unit 1001 reads a program stored in the ROM 1002, and the arithmetic unit 1001 performs an operation according to the read program, thereby realizing the functions of the above units. Note that operation result data is written in the RAM 1003. In particular, the NVRAM stores data that needs to be backed up when the power is turned off.

Here, returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the electronic circuit device 1000 will be described.
The FAX function unit 1010 is connected to the communication network 100 and the control function unit 1030. The FAX function unit 1010 is controlled by the control function unit 1030 to provide a FAX function by transmitting and receiving information through the communication network 100 according to a communication standard such as G3 or G4.

  The FAX function unit 1010 includes a FAX control unit 1011 and a communication unit 1012. The FAX control unit 1011 is connected to the communication unit 1012 and the print control unit 1031. Further, the FAX control unit 1011 is connected to the communication network 100 via the communication unit 1012.

  The FAX control unit 1011 acquires an electronic document read by an image reading unit 1021 described later via the image processing unit 1022 and the print control unit 1031. Next, the FAX control unit 1011 controls the communication unit 1012 to compress the acquired electronic document and transmit the compressed data according to a protocol such as G3 or G4.

  Similarly, the FAX control unit 1011 controls the communication unit 1012 to receive data according to a protocol such as G3 or G4, and decompresses the data received by the communication unit 1012. The decompressed data of the FAX control unit 1011 is transmitted to the image formation control unit 1041 via the print control unit 1031 and printed out as an output image by the image formation unit controlled by the image formation control unit 1041.

  The communication unit 1012 is configured by, for example, a FAX modem, and is connected to the communication network 100, the FAX control unit 1011, and the print control unit 1031. The communication unit 1012 is controlled by the FAX control unit 1011 and transmits / receives information via the communication network 100 according to a communication standard such as G3 or G4.

  The image input function unit 1020 is connected to the control function unit 1030. The image input function unit 1020 is controlled by the control function unit 1030 to provide a function of inputting, for example, a document to be copied or FAX transmission target as an electronic image to the control function unit 1030 (that is, an image input function).

  The image input function unit 1020 includes an image reading unit 1021 and an image processing unit 1022. The image reading unit 1021 is configured by a scanner or the like, for example, and is connected to the image processing unit 1022 and the print control unit 1031. The image reading unit 1021 is controlled by the print control unit 1031 to optically read an image drawn on the original from a sheet-like original to be read, and acquire original information. It is converted into digitized electronic information (hereinafter simply referred to as an electronic manuscript).

  Although not shown, the image reading unit 1021 includes a light source control unit, a light receiving sensor unit, and an image signal correction processing unit. The light source control unit controls a light source lamp that irradiates the original with light.

  The light receiving sensor unit is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and is a light irradiated by a light source controlled by a light source control unit. The reflected light of the reflected light is received. Next, the light receiving sensor unit digitizes the document information by outputting an electrical signal based on the received reflected light.

  The image signal correction processing unit corrects the signal output from the light receiving sensor unit, and transmits the corrected signal to the image processing unit 1022 as an electronic document.

  The image processing unit 1022 is connected to the image reading unit 1021 and the print control unit 1031, and acquires an electronic document from the image reading unit 1021. The image processing unit 1022 performs processing for matching the acquired electronic document with the output characteristics of the image forming unit. The image forming unit is controlled by the image forming control unit 1041 to form an output image.

  Specifically, the processing executed by the image processing unit 1022 includes color correction processing, processing for separating a picture and characters, processing for removing a background, or enlargement or reduction processing for realizing enlargement or reduction output. including.

Before describing the control function unit 1030, the image output function unit 1024 will be described.
The image output function unit 1040 is connected to the control function unit 1030. The image output function unit 1040 is controlled by the control function unit 1030 to provide a function of printing out an image input by the image input function unit 1020 (that is, an image output function).

The image output function unit 1040 includes an image formation control unit 1041 and an actuator control unit 1042.
The image formation control unit 1041 is connected to the print control unit 1031 and the actuator control unit 1042. The image formation control unit 1041 controls the image formation unit via the actuator control unit 1042.

  Specifically, the image formation control unit 1041 performs control related to the electrophotographic process and paper conveyance. The control related to the electrophotographic process is a process related to image formation, and is used in, for example, control of driving timing of members performing charging, exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and fixing processes, and a process related to image formation. This refers to feedback control based on information acquired by various sensors.

  The control related to paper conveyance refers to control related to the operation of a part that conveys the original of the image reading unit 1021 and the recording (printing) paper of the image forming unit. Specifically, for example, a motor, a solenoid, a clutch, and the like The timing control related to each actuator and the detection control of paper jam.

  Here, although illustration is omitted, the sheet conveying unit constituting the image forming unit has a plurality of timing sensors. The timing sensor collects information related to the sheet conveyance timing. The image formation control unit 1041 detects a paper jam based on timing information collected by the timing sensor and executes control related to paper conveyance.

  The actuator control unit 1042 is connected to the image forming control unit 1041 and an actuator constituting the image forming unit. The actuator control unit 1042 converts a control signal for controlling each actuator output from the image formation control unit 1041 into a control signal unique to each actuator. Thereafter, the actuator control unit 1042 controls each actuator using the converted control signal.

  The control function unit 1030 is connected to the FAX function unit 1010, the image input function unit 1020, and the image output function unit 1040. The control function unit 1030 has a function of controlling the FAX function unit 1010, the image input function unit 1020, and the image output function unit 1040 in order to provide a FAX function, a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a failure diagnosis function. Have.

  The control function unit 1030 includes a print control unit 1031, a storage unit 1036, a U / I control unit 1037, an input unit 1038, and a display unit 1039.

  Before describing the print control unit 1031, the storage unit 1036, U / I control unit 1037, input unit 1038, and display unit 1039 will be described.

  The storage unit 1036 includes the ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, and the external storage unit 1004 described with reference to FIG. 2, and is connected to the print control unit 1031.

  The ROM 1002 stores a model used for providing the fault diagnosis function of the electronic circuit device 1000. A model stored in the ROM 1002 will be described later.

  The ROM 1002 stores firmware executed by the arithmetic unit 1001 in order to provide each function of the electronic circuit device 1000. Note that the functions of the electronic circuit device 1000 include not only a scan function, a print function, a FAX function, a copy function, a data transfer function, and a failure diagnosis function, but also a standby function, a power saving function, and an activation function.

  The RAM 1003 provides a work area used when the arithmetic unit 1001 executes a firmware. The external storage unit 1004 stores image information used when the electronic circuit device provides a function, in particular, image information such as an electronic original that is electronically sorted and copied or printed, or transmitted and received by FAX.

  The external storage unit 1004 also stores a log information file describing the operation history of the electronic circuit device 1000 and state information inside the electronic circuit device 1000. In particular, the log information file includes boot log information recorded at startup, operation log information recorded at the time of providing the function, test log information extracted from the function diagnosis test at the time of failure, or a file recording the inspection result. Including.

  The U / I control unit 1037 is connected to the print control unit 1031, the input unit 1038, and the display unit 1039. The U / I control unit 1037 controls display on the display unit 1039 and outputs various commands to the print control unit 1031 based on the signal input by the input unit 1038.

  The input unit 1038 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse, and is connected to the U / I control unit 1037. The input unit 1038 is operated by the user and inputs information for identifying a defect caused by a failure. When the electronic circuit device 1000 recognizes a defect and generates information for identifying the recognized defect, the user does not need to input information for identifying the defect.

  Specific examples of problems that the electronic circuit device 1000 cannot recognize include malfunctions such as the electronic circuit device 1000 being frozen, image defects, and job processing defects.

  The input unit 1038 selects a scan function, a print function, a FAX function, a copy function, a data transfer function, a failure diagnosis function, a standby function, and a power saving function, and inputs a signal instructing provision of the selected function. .

  Furthermore, the input unit 1038 is operated by the user and inputs a command to shift to a state in which only an operation for diagnosing a failure that causes a failure (hereinafter simply referred to as a failure diagnosis mode) is received. Thereafter, the input unit 1038 inputs a signal that selects a group of parts that are a plurality of parts that constitute the electronic circuit device and is a target of the second failure diagnosis process. The second failure diagnosis process will be described later.

  The display unit 1039 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and is connected to the U / I control unit 1037. The display unit 1039 is controlled by the U / I control unit 1037 and displays various types of information. Information displayed by the display unit 1039 will be described later.

  Here, before describing the print control unit 1031, hardware components constituting the control function unit 1030 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control function unit.

  The control function unit 1030 includes a hardware component ROM 1002, RAM 1003, external storage unit 1004, fan 1131, UI PWBA 1137, touch panel 1138, display 1139, and ESS PWBA 1231.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, the external storage unit 1004, the fan 1131, the UI PWBA 1137, the touch panel 1138, the display 1139, and the ESS PWBA 1231 are components that are installed in the electronic circuit device 1000 in a replaceable manner.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, and the external storage unit 1004 constitute a storage unit 1036. The ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, and the external storage unit 1004 are connected to the ESS PWBA 1231.

  The fan 1131 and the ESS PWBA 1231 constitute a print control unit 1031. The ESS PWBA 1231 is connected to the fan 1131 and the UI PWBA 1137. The ESS PWBA 1231 is a circuit board (Printed Wiring Board Assy) in which an ESS (Electric SubSystem) that is a central part of a circuit including the arithmetic unit 1001 is arranged.

  The ESS PWBA 1231 controls the fan 1131 to suppress heating of the ESS PWBA 1231. The ESS PWBA 1231 acquires various information and signals from the touch panel 1138 via the UI PWBA 1137, and provides a function of the electronic circuit device 1000 based on the acquired information and signals. The ESS PWBA 1231 controls information displayed on the display 1139 via the UI PWBA 1137.

  The fan 1131 is replaceably installed on the ESS PWBA 1231 and is controlled by the ESS PWBA 1231 to blow air to the ESS PWBA 1231.

  The UI PWBA 1137 constitutes the U / I control unit 1037 and is connected to the ESS PWBA 1231, the touch panel 1138, and the display 1139.

  The UI PWBA 1137 is a circuit board on which a touch panel 1138 that is a component related to a user interface (User Interface) and a circuit that controls input and output of information with the display 1139 are arranged.

  The touch panel 1138 constitutes the input unit 1038 and is connected to the UI PWBA 1137. The touch panel 1138 is operated by the user and inputs various information and signals to the UI PWBA 1137.

  The liquid crystal display 1139 constitutes a display unit 1039 and is connected to the UI PWBA 1137. The liquid crystal display 1139 is controlled by the UI PWBA 1137 and displays various types of information.

  Note that, for example, hardware components that configure the input unit 1038 such as the touch panel 1138 and hardware components that configure the display unit 1039 such as the liquid crystal display 1139 are collectively referred to as a UI 1238.

  Here, the control function unit 1030 includes a plurality of hardware components (that is, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1003, an external storage unit 1004, a fan 1131, a UI PWBA 1137, a touch panel 1138, which are used to achieve a similar function called a control function. This is a group of components including a display 1139 and ESS PWBA 1231).

  Similarly, although illustration and description are omitted, the FAX function unit 1010 is used to achieve the same function as a FAX function, the image input function unit 1020 is an image input function, and the image output function unit 1040 is an image output function. This is a component group composed of a plurality of hardware components.

  The print control unit 1031 is connected to the FAX control unit 1011, the communication unit 1012, the image reading unit 1021, the image processing unit 1022, the storage unit 1036, the image formation control unit 1041, and the U / I control unit 1037.

  The print control unit 1031 executes the firmware stored in the storage unit 1036 to control the FAX control unit 1011, the communication unit 1012, the image reading unit 1021, and the image formation control unit 1041. The functions of the electronic circuit device 1000 are provided.

  Here, the configuration of the print control unit 1031 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the print control unit 1031.

  The print control unit 1031 includes a first collection unit 1032, a first calculation unit 1033, a second collection unit 1034, and a second calculation unit 1035.

  The first collection unit 1032 is connected to the storage unit 1036, the U / I control unit 1037, and the first calculation unit 1033. The first collection unit 1032 collects first diagnostic information from the FAX function unit 1010, the image input function unit 1020, the control function unit 1030, and the image output function unit 1040, which are component groups, when a failure occurs. . Here, the first diagnosis information refers to information regarding the state of each component group when a failure occurs in the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Here, the first diagnosis information will be described more specifically. The first diagnosis information includes environmental information about the component group, the component group, or the function diagnosis result of the program executed by the component group.

  This diagnostic information is obtained by analyzing a log information file describing an operation history of the electronic circuit device 1000 and state information inside the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Further, the first collection unit 1032 acquires information for identifying a defect input by operating the input unit 1038 by the user from the U / I control unit 1037.

  In addition, the first collection unit 1032 is executed to provide information for identifying a defect recognized by the electronic circuit device 1000 from each component group to be connected and for the electronic circuit device 1000 to provide a function when the failure occurs. Also collect information related to other processes (hereinafter simply referred to as jobs).

  Thereafter, the first collection unit 1032 outputs information for identifying the collected defects, information about the job, and first diagnosis information (hereinafter simply referred to as first diagnosis information or the like) to the first calculation unit 1033. To do.

  The first calculation unit 1033 is connected to the first collection unit 1032, the storage unit 1036, and the U / I control unit 1037. The first calculation unit 1033 acquires the first model from the storage unit 1036.

Here, the first model will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of the first model.
The first model shown in FIG. 5 is a model in which a cause of a failure that may occur in an article group, a state of a part group, and a failure caused by the cause are associated with each other by a causal relationship.

  The first model is a Bayesian network model including first evidence information nodes ND1 to ND5 and component group state nodes NG1 to NG4. The Bayesian network model is a model that expresses a causal relationship that is a qualitative dependency between nodes by a graph structure, and a quantitative causal relationship between variables by a conditional probability defined between the variables. is there.

  The first evidence information nodes ND1 to ND5 are state variables based on fail information, boot log information, operation log information, function diagnostic tests, and the like associated with the component group state nodes NG1 to NG1, and are collected by the first collection unit 1032 The first evidence information is determined when the first calculation unit inputs it to the first model.

  The FAX function unit state node NG1, the image input function unit state node NG3, the control function unit state node NG2, and the image input function unit state node NG3 are included in the component group state node NG. The component group state node NG is a random variable that represents the normal or defective state of the component group.

  That is, the FAX function unit state node NG1, the image input function unit state node NG3, the control function unit state node NG2, and the image input function unit state node NG3 are the FAX function unit 1010, the image input function unit 1020, the control function unit 1030, And a random variable representing a normal or defective state of the image input function unit 1020. Specific values that the random variable representing the state of the component group can take are, for example, “failure” or “normal”.

  In the present embodiment, the first calculation unit 1033 calculates the state probability corresponding to this node, and the probability that the cause of the failure occurs for each component group (hereinafter simply referred to as the failure cause occurrence probability). Is calculated. In other words, each node is associated with a probability table used by the first calculation unit 1033 to calculate the occurrence probability of the failure cause.

  This probability table is a table that summarizes the probabilities that quantitatively indicate the strength of the causal relationship between the cause of a failure that may occur in the article group, the state of the component group, and the malfunction caused by the cause.

  The probability table has a prefailure probability that is a probability that a part group to be modeled by the first model is in a failure state in an initial state, and the prefailure probability is a data or component at the time of past failure occurrence. The average failure interval MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) can be determined.

  Next, the first model, which is a Bayesian network, expresses the causal relationship of “cause” and “result” from “cause” in order to express the causal relationship that is a qualitative dependency between nodes by a graph structure. Wired as shown by the arrow to “Result”.

  For example, the relationship between the first evidence information nodes ND1 and ND2 and the FAX function unit state node NG1 is the probability of the FAX function unit state node NG1 with the state variable of the first evidence information nodes ND1 and ND2 as “cause”. It represents a qualitative causal relationship in which a variable takes a specific value “abnormal” as a “result”.

  Further, the relationship between the first evidence information node ND2 and the image input function unit state node NG3, the relationship between the first evidence information node ND3 and the control function unit state node NG2, the first evidence information node ND4 and the image output function. Since the relationship with the part state node NG4 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, the relationship between the FAX function unit state node NG1 and the image output function unit state node NG4 is determined based on the fact that the random variable of the FAX function unit state node NG1 takes the specific value “abnormal” as the “cause”. This represents a qualitative causal relationship in which the fact that the random variable of the node NG4 takes the specific value “abnormal” is the “result”. The relationship between the control function unit state node NG2 and the FAX function unit state node NG1, the image input function unit state node NG3, and the image output function unit state node NG4, the image input function unit state node NG3 and the FAX function unit state node NG1. Since the relationship with the image output function unit state node NG4 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the relationship between the image output function unit state node NG4 and the first evidence information node ND5 is based on the fact that the random variable of the image output function unit state node NG4 takes the specific value “abnormal” as the “cause”. The state variable of the evidence information node ND5 represents a qualitative causal relationship in which “result” is taken to take a specific value indicating a failure caused by the failure.

  To give a specific example, the relationship between the image output function unit state node NG4 and the first evidence information node ND5 is that the image output function unit state node NG4 takes a specific value “abnormal” and causes a line in the output image. In other words, a defect (that is, a result) that a defect of a shape appears appears.

Here, returning to FIG. 3, the first calculation unit 1033 will be continuously described.
The first calculation unit 1033 acquires first diagnosis information and the like from the first collection unit 1032. Next, the first calculation unit 1033 determines whether the first calculation unit 1033 out of the models stored in the storage unit 1036 is based on information for identifying a defect included in the acquired diagnosis information or the like and information on the job. A first model suitable for fault diagnosis to be executed is selected.

  Next, the first calculation unit 1033 inputs part or all of the first diagnosis information acquired from the first collection unit 1032 to the first model, and the model to which the first diagnosis information is input is input. By analyzing, the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the component group is calculated. Thereafter, the first calculation unit 1033 outputs the calculated probability and information for identifying the component group (hereinafter simply referred to as article group identification information) to the second collection unit 1034.

  Here, the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 will be described with reference to Table 1. Table 1 is a table for explaining the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033.

  Table 1 has a failure location column and a failure probability column. The failure location column indicates information for identifying the component group that is subject to failure diagnosis by the first calculation unit 1033, and the failure probability column indicates the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the component group calculated by the first calculation unit 1033. Are stored in association with the same row.

  Table 1 shows that the cause of the failure is estimated with a probability of 51% for the image input function unit 1020, a probability of 3% for the control function unit 1030, and a probability of 2% for the FAX function unit 1010. Represents.

Here, returning to FIG. 3, the configuration of the print control unit 1031 will be described.
The second collection unit 1034 is connected to the storage unit 1036, the U / I control unit 1037, and the second calculation unit 1035. The second collection unit 1034 collects second diagnostic information from each unit to be connected when a problem occurs. Here, the second diagnosis information refers to information related to the state of the components constituting each component group when a failure occurs in the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Here, the second diagnosis information will be described more specifically. The second diagnosis information includes environmental information regarding the parts constituting the part group, and the function diagnosis result of the part or the program executed by the part.

  Similar to the first diagnosis information, the second diagnosis information is obtained by analyzing an operation history of the electronic circuit device 1000 and a log information file describing state information inside the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Similarly to the first collection unit 1032, the second collection unit 1034 acquires information for identifying a defect input by the user operating the input unit 1038 from the U / I control unit 1037, and the electronic circuit device Information for identifying a defect recognized by the device 1000 and information regarding a job executed by the electronic circuit device 1000 when the failure occurs are also collected.

  Thereafter, the second collection unit 1034 outputs information for identifying the collected defects, information about the job, and second diagnosis information (hereinafter simply referred to as second diagnosis information) to the second calculation unit 1035. To do.

  The second calculation unit 1035 is connected to the second collection unit 1034, the storage unit 1036, and the U / I control unit 1037. The second calculation unit 1035 acquires the second model from the storage unit 1036.

Here, the second model will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of the second model.
The second model shown in FIG. 6 is a model obtained by modeling an article constituting the control function unit 1030 that is an article group targeted by the first model.

  The second model is a model obtained by associating a cause of a failure that may occur in an article constituting the control function unit 1030, a state of a part, and a failure caused by the cause by a causal relationship.

  The second model is a Bayesian network model composed of a second evidence information node and a component state node NP. In FIG. 6, the second evidence information node is not shown for convenience of explanation.

  The second evidence information node is a state variable based on fail information, boot log information, operation log information, a function diagnostic test, and the like associated with the articles constituting the control function unit 1030. The second evidence information node is collected by the second collection unit 1034. The second piece of evidence information is determined by the second calculation unit inputting it into the second model.

  ESS PWBA state node NP01, RAM connection state node NP02, ROM connection state node NP03, HDD connection state node NP04, UI PWBA connection state node NP05, FAN connection state node NP06, RAM state node NP07 shown in FIG. ROM state node NP08, HDD state node NP09, UI PWBA state node NP10, FAN state node NP11, UI connection unit state node NP12, and UI state node NP13 are included in the component state node NP.

  The ESS PWBA state node NP01, the RAM state node NP07, the ROM state node NP08, the HDD state node NP09, the UI PWBA state node NP10, the FAN state node NP11, and the UI state node NP13 are the ESS PWBA1231, RAM1003, ROM1002, HDD1003, and UI PWBA1137. , Fan 1131 and UI 1238 are assumed to be random variables representing the normal and defective states. Specific values that can be taken by the random variable representing the state of the component are, for example, “failure” or “normal”.

  In addition, the RAM connection state node NP02, the ROM connection state node NP03, the HDD connection state node NP04, the UI PWBA connection state node NP05, the FAN connection state node NP06, and the UI connection state node NP12 are the RAM 1003 and the ESS PWBA1231. A connection part between the ROM 1002 and the ESS PWBA 1231, a connection part between the HDD 1004 and the ESS PWBA 1231, a connection part between the UI PWBA 1137 and the ESS PWBA 1231, a connection part between the fan 1131 and the ESS PWBA 1231, and a UI 1238 and a UI PWBA 1137. Let it be a random variable representing the normal or defective state of the connection. Specific values that can be taken by the random variable representing the state of the connection between the components are, for example, “failure” or “normal”.

  That is, the component state node NP is a random variable that represents whether the state of the component and the connection portion between the components is normal or defective. Specific values that can be taken by the random variable representing the state of the component and the connection portion between the components are, for example, “failure” or “normal”.

  In the present embodiment, the second calculation unit 1035 calculates a state probability corresponding to this node, and calculates the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred for each component (hereinafter simply referred to as the failure cause occurrence probability). calculate. That is, similar to the first model, each node is associated with a probability table used by the second calculation unit 1035 to calculate the probability of occurrence of a failure cause. Similarly to the first model, the probability table has a prior failure probability that is a probability that a part to be modeled by the second model is in a failure state in the initial state.

  Regarding the relationship between the component state nodes NP and the relationship between the component state node NP and the second evidence information node, the relationship between the component group state nodes NG and the component group state node NG and the second evidence information node in the first model. Since it is the same as the relationship with the evidence information node ND, description thereof is omitted.

  Here, returning to FIG. 3, the second calculation unit 1035 will be further described. The second calculation unit 1035 acquires second diagnosis information and the like from the second collection unit 1034. Next, the second calculation unit 1035 determines whether the second calculation unit 1035 out of the models stored in the storage unit 1036 is based on the information for identifying the defect included in the acquired diagnosis information and the information on the job. A second model suitable for fault diagnosis to be executed is acquired.

  Next, the second calculation unit 1035 inputs part or all of the second diagnosis information acquired from the second collection unit 1034 and the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 to the second model. By analyzing the model to which the second diagnosis information is input, the probability that a cause of failure has occurred in the parts constituting the part group is calculated.

  Here, a failure diagnosis process executed when the print control unit 1031 provides a failure diagnosis function will be described. The failure diagnosis process includes a first failure diagnosis process and a second failure diagnosis process.

  Therefore, the first failure diagnosis process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the first failure diagnosis process executed by the print control unit.

  The print control unit 1031 obtains a command for instructing a shift to the failure diagnosis mode, which is input by operating the input unit 1038 by the user using the electronic circuit device 1000 (step ST001).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command to the first collection unit 1032 so as to collect the first diagnosis information (step ST002). Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 outputs an instruction to the first collection unit 1032 so as to select the first model suitable for the failure diagnosis executed by the first calculation unit 1033 (step ST003).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 inputs the first diagnosis information to the selected first model, and outputs a command to the first calculation unit 1033 to analyze the input first model (step ST004). .

  Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 determines whether or not the determination in step ST007 has been executed for all of the component groups targeted for failure diagnosis (step ST005). The print control unit 1031 executes the process of step ST006 when determining that the determination of step ST007 has been executed for all parts groups, and executes the process of step ST011 otherwise.

  In step ST005, if the print control unit 1031 determines that the determination in step ST007 has not been executed for all the component groups, the component whose determination target is step ST7 is one of the undetermined component groups. A group (hereinafter simply referred to as a determination target component group) is selected (step ST006).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 determines whether or not the failure probability of the determination target component group calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step ST007). If the print control unit 1031 determines that the failure probability of the determination target component group exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the print control unit 1031 returns to step ST005 and repeats the above process.

  Note that a configuration in which the threshold value is always a fixed value can be adopted. Moreover, the structure which is the threshold value which the user of the electronic circuit apparatus 1000 designated for every failure diagnosis process is employable.

  In step ST007, when the print control unit 1031 determines that the failure probability of the determination target component group exceeds a predetermined threshold, the print control unit 1031 estimates that the cause of the failure has occurred in the determination target component group, and determines the determination target. A command for instructing the second collection unit 1034 to collect the second diagnostic information related to the component group is output (step ST008).

  Here, the processing of steps ST007 and ST008 will be described with reference to Table 1. It is assumed that the predetermined threshold is 50%.

  In step ST007, when the determination target component group is the image input function unit 1020, the print control unit 1031 determines that the probability 51% calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 is greater than 50%.

  Therefore, in step ST008, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command to the second collection unit 1034 so as to collect the second diagnosis information related to the image input function unit 1020.

  In step ST007, when the determination target component group is the control function unit 1030, the print control unit 1031 determines that the probability 3% calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value 50%. To do.

  Accordingly, in step ST008, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command to the second collection unit 1034 so as to collect the second diagnosis information related to the control function unit 1030. The same applies to the case where the determination target component group is the FAX function unit 1010, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command for instructing the second calculation unit 1035 to select the second model suitable for the failure diagnosis of the determination target component group executed by the second calculation unit 1035 (step S1). ST009).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 inputs the second diagnosis information and the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 to the selected second model, and analyzes the input second model so as to analyze the second model. An instruction is output to calculation unit 1035 (step ST010). Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 returns to step ST005 and repeats the above processing.

  In step ST005, the print control unit 1031 controls the display unit 1039 to display the first result display screen when determining that the determination in step ST007 has been executed for all the component groups (step ST011). Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 ends the first failure diagnosis process.

  Here, the first result display screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first result display screen.

  The first result display screen FR1 includes a first result display matrix MR1, a scroll bar SB, an end button BTC, and second result display buttons BTD1 and BTD2.

  The first result display matrix MR1 has a failure estimation location column, a failure probability column, and a remarks column. The failure estimation location column contains information for identifying the component group, the component, or the part connecting them, the probability of which indicates whether or not the cause of the failure has occurred, the failure probability column the calculated failure probability, and the remarks column Is displayed in association with the remarks related to the part group, the parts, or the parts connecting them, or the second result display button BTD displayed on the same line. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the information for identifying the component group, the component, or the portion connecting them is the name of the component group, the component, or the portion connecting them.

  The first result display matrix MR1 is displayed in descending order of the probability displayed by the failure probability column. That is, the display unit 1039 controls the print control unit 1031 to sort the information displayed by the print control unit 1031 in the failure estimation location column, the failure probability column, and the remarks column based on the probability displayed by the failure probability column. To be displayed.

  Here, to explain with reference to the example shown in Table 1, the first result display matrix MR1 is a control function that is a component group in which the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value 50%. For the unit 1030 and the FAX function unit 1010, the 20th and 21st lines are associated by associating information identifying the component group and the part connecting the component group with the probabilities 3% and 2% calculated by the first calculation unit 1033, respectively. To display.

  Further, the first result display matrix MR1 constitutes the image input function unit 1020 for the image input function unit 1020 that is a component group in which the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 exceeds a predetermined threshold value 50%. The information for identifying the part and the part connecting the parts group and the probability calculated by the second calculation unit 1035 are associated with each other and displayed in the first to 19th lines.

  Here, the components constituting the image input function unit 1020 and the parts connecting them include a CCD PWBA, a lamp PWBA, and a CCD PWBA connection unit. Further, the second calculation unit 1035 calculates the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the CCD PWBA, the lamp PWBA, and the CCD PWBA connection unit as 30%, 25%, and 10%.

  The CCD PWBA is a circuit board on which a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) that is a light receiving sensor and a circuit that controls the CCD are arranged. The lamp PWBA is a lamp that is a light source that irradiates light on a document and a circuit that controls the lamp. The CCD PWBA connection part is a part for connecting the CCD PWBA and another circuit board.

  The second result display button BTD is displayed when information for identifying a component group is displayed in the failure estimated location column of the row where the second result display button BTD is displayed.

  The second result display button BTD selects a component group identified by information displayed on the same line as the second result display button BTD when the user of the electronic circuit device 1000 operates the input unit 1038. It is a button display indicating that a command for inputting a selection signal and instructing execution of the second failure diagnosis process for the selected component group can be input to the print control unit 1031.

  The scroll bar SB is displayed when information on all the component groups, components, and their connection portions that are the target of failure diagnosis cannot be displayed in the first result display matrix MR1.

  The scroll bar SB is a display indicating that a scroll command for commanding to display information that is not displayed in the first result display matrix MR1 can be input.

  When the print control unit 1031 acquires the scroll command input by the input unit 1038, the print control unit 1031 controls the display unit 1039 to display information that is not displayed in the first result display matrix MR1.

  The end button BTC is a button display indicating that an instruction to end the display of the first result display screen can be input.

  Next, the second failure diagnosis process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the second failure diagnosis process executed by the print control unit.

  First, the print control unit 1031 acquires information for identifying a component group (hereinafter simply referred to as a selected component group) selected by the user using the electronic circuit device 1000 by operating the input unit 1038 (step ST101). .

  Next, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command for instructing the second collection unit 1034 to collect the second diagnostic information related to the selected component group (step ST102).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 outputs a command for instructing the second calculation unit 1035 to select a second model suitable for failure diagnosis of the selected component group executed by the second calculation unit 1035 (step ST103). ).

  Next, the print control unit 1031 inputs the second diagnosis information and the probability calculated by the first calculation unit 1033 to the second model, and the second calculation unit analyzes the input second model. An instruction is output to 1035 (step ST104).

  Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 controls the display unit 1039 to display the second result display screen (step ST105). Thereafter, the print control unit 1031 ends the second failure diagnosis process.

  Here, the second result display screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the second result display screen.

  The second result display screen FR2 includes a second result display matrix MR2, a scroll bar SB, and an end button BTC.

  The second result display matrix MR2 includes a failure estimation location column, a failure probability column, and a remarks column. The failure estimation location column is the component that calculates the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred, or information that identifies the part that connects the components, the failure probability column is the calculated failure probability, the remarks column is the component or between components Remarks related to the part to connect are displayed in association by displaying them on the same line.

  Note that the second result display matrix MR2 is displayed in descending order of the probability that the failure probability column displays. That is, the display unit 1039 controls the print control unit 1031 to sort the information displayed by the print control unit 1031 in the failure estimation location column, the failure probability column, and the remarks column based on the probability displayed by the failure probability column. To be displayed.

  A second result display screen FR2 illustrated in FIG. 10 is a screen that displays a result of the second failure diagnosis process performed by the print control unit 1031 using the control function unit 1030 as a selected component group.

  Therefore, the second result display matrix MR2 displays information for identifying the components constituting the control function unit 1030 and the portions connecting the components in descending order of the probability calculated by the second calculation unit 1035.

  The scroll bar SB is a display indicating that a scroll command for instructing to display information that is not displayed in the second result display matrix MR2 can be input.

  When the print control unit 1031 acquires the input scroll command, the print control unit 1031 controls the display unit 1039 to display information that is not displayed in the second result display matrix MR2.

  The end button BTC is a button display indicating that an instruction to end the display of the second result display screen can be input.

  In the present embodiment, the first collection unit 1032 corresponds to the first collection unit, the first calculation unit 1033 corresponds to the first calculation unit, and the second collection unit 1034 corresponds to the second collection unit. The second calculation unit 1035 corresponds to a second calculation unit.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second example, an embodiment of a failure diagnosis system will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the failure diagnosis system of the present invention in the second embodiment.

  The fault diagnosis system 10 according to the present invention includes a communication network 100, a fault diagnosis device 2000, and one or a plurality of electronic circuit devices 9000 to 900n.

  Since the communication network 100 is the same as the communication network 100 described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Prior to describing the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000, the electronic circuit devices 9000 to 900n will be described. Since the electronic circuit devices 9000 to 900n have almost the same configuration, only the electronic circuit device 9000 will be described.

  The electronic circuit device 9000 is connected to the failure diagnosis device 2000 through the communication network 100 so as to be communicable.

  Here, the configuration of the electronic circuit device 9000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic circuit device.

  Similar to the electronic circuit device 1000 described in the first embodiment, the electronic circuit device 9000 includes a FAX function providing unit 9010, an image input function unit 9020, a control function unit 9030, and an image output function unit 9040.

  The FAX function providing unit 9010 includes a FAX control unit 9011 and a communication unit 9012. The image input function unit 9020 includes an image reading unit 9021 and an image processing unit 9022. The control function unit 9030 includes a print control unit 9031, The storage unit 9036, the U / I control unit 9037, the input unit 9038, and the display unit 9039, and the image output function unit 9040 includes the image formation control unit 9041 and the actuator control unit 9042.

  Since the configuration and function of the electronic circuit device 9000 are substantially the same as the configuration and function of the electronic circuit device 1000 described in the first embodiment, differences will be mainly described.

  The electronic circuit device 9000 does not have a failure diagnosis function. Therefore, the configuration of the print control unit 9031 is different from the configuration of the print control unit 1031 shown in the first embodiment.

  Here, the configuration of the print control unit 9031 included in the electronic circuit device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The print control unit 9031 includes a first collection unit 9032 and a second collection unit 9034.

  The first collection unit 9032 and the second collection unit 9034 are connected to the communication unit 9012 as well as the U / I control unit 9037 and the storage unit 9036. The first collection unit 9032 outputs the collected first evidence information and the like to the communication unit 9012. Further, the second collection unit 9034 outputs the collected second evidence information and the like to the communication unit 9012.

  The communication unit 9012 acquires the first evidence information, the second evidence information, and the like acquired from the first collection unit 9032 and the second collection unit 9034, and is acquired by being controlled by the print control unit 9031. The evidence information and the second evidence information are transmitted to the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000.

  Unlike the storage unit 1036 described in the first embodiment, the ROM 1002 constituting the storage unit 9036 does not store a model and firmware used to provide a failure diagnosis function of the electronic circuit device 1000.

  Next, the configuration of the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a failure diagnosis apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The failure diagnosis apparatus 2000 includes a communication unit 2012, a failure diagnosis control unit 2031, a storage unit 2036, a U / I control unit 2037, an input unit 2038, and a display unit 2039.

  Each function of the failure diagnosis control unit 2031 and the U / I control unit 2037 can be realized by software control executed by the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000. Note that the configuration of the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000 for executing the software control is the same as the configuration of the electronic circuit apparatus 1000 described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The communication unit 2012 is connected to the communication network 100 and the failure diagnosis control unit 2031. The communication unit 2012 acquires first evidence information and second evidence information transmitted from the communication network 100 by the electronic circuit device 9000.

  Before describing the failure diagnosis control unit 2031, the storage unit 2036, U / I control unit 2037, input unit 2038, and display unit 2039 will be described.

  The storage unit 2036 is connected to the failure diagnosis control unit 2031, the U / I control unit 2037 is connected to the failure diagnosis control unit 2031, the input unit 2038, and the display unit 2039, and the input unit 2038 is connected to the U / I control unit 2037. The display unit 2039 is connected to the U / I control unit 2037.

  The configurations and functions of the storage unit 2036, U / I control unit 2037, input unit 2038, display unit 2039, and communication unit 2012 are the same as those of the storage unit 1036 and U / I control unit 1037 of the electronic circuit device 1000 described in the first embodiment. The input unit 1038, the display unit 1039, and the communication unit 1012 are substantially the same.

  However, functions provided by the failure diagnosis apparatus 2000 by the firmware stored in the ROM 1002 constituting the storage unit 2036 do not include a scan function, a print function, a FAX function, and a copy function, but include a failure diagnosis function.

  The failure diagnosis control unit 2031 is connected to the communication unit 2012, the storage unit 2036, and the U / I control unit 2037. The failure diagnosis control unit 2031 provides a failure diagnosis function.

  Here, the configuration of the failure diagnosis control unit 2031 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the failure diagnosis control unit 2031.

  The failure diagnosis control unit 2031 includes a first calculation unit 2033 and a second calculation unit 2035.

  The first calculation unit 2033 and the second calculation unit 2035 are connected to the communication unit 2012 as well as the U / I control unit 2037 and the storage unit 2036.

  Further, the first calculation unit 2033 acquires the first evidence information received by the communication unit 2012, and the first calculation unit from the model stored in the storage unit 2036 based on the acquired first evidence information and the like. The first model suitable for the failure diagnosis process executed by 2033 is selected, and part or all of the acquired first evidence information is input to the selected first model, and the input first model is analyzed. Thus, the probability that the cause of failure has occurred in the component group constituting the electronic circuit device 9000 is calculated.

  In addition, the second calculation unit 2035 acquires the second evidence information received by the communication unit 2012 and the second calculation unit from the model stored in the storage unit 2036 based on the acquired second evidence information and the like. Selecting a second model suitable for failure diagnosis executed by 2035, inputting part or all of the acquired second evidence information into the selected second model, and analyzing the input second model Thus, the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the parts constituting the parts group constituting the electronic circuit device 9000 is calculated.

  Further, the failure diagnosis control unit 2031 executes the first failure diagnosis process and the second failure diagnosis process described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, and causes the first result display screen and the second result display screen to fail. Control is performed so that the display unit 2039 of the diagnostic device 2000 or the display unit 9039 of the electronic circuit device 9000 connected via the communication network 100 displays.

  In this embodiment, the communication unit 2110 corresponds to a reception unit, the first calculation unit 2033 corresponds to a first calculation unit, the second calculation unit 2035 corresponds to a second calculation unit, and the communication unit 9012 corresponds to a transmission unit, the first collection unit 9032 corresponds to a first collection unit, and the second collection unit 9034 corresponds to a second collection unit.

  The electronic circuit device 1000 can be functionally realized by the arithmetic unit 1001 executing a program stored in at least one of the ROM 1002, the RAM 1003, and the external storage unit 1004. Further, this program can be provided by being stored and distributed in a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or other recording medium, or distributed via a network.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications, within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims, It can be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the external storage device is described as being configured by a hard disk (Hard Disk). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD- An implementation format including a ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk Random Access Memory), an MO (magneto-optic), and a flash memory can be adopted.

It is a lineblock diagram showing one embodiment of an electronic circuit device. It is a hardware block diagram of the electronic circuit apparatus for implement | achieving software control. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a control function part. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a print control unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which expresses the example of composition of the 1st model notionally. It is a figure which expresses the example of composition of the 2nd model notionally. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a first failure diagnosis process executed by a print control unit. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the 1st result display screen which a display part displays. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a second failure diagnosis process executed by a print control unit. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the 2nd result display screen which a display part displays. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a failure diagnosis system. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the electronic circuit apparatus in Example 2. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a print control unit according to a second embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the failure diagnosis apparatus in Example 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a failure diagnosis control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Failure diagnosis system 100 ... Communication network 1000 ... Electronic circuit device 1001 ... Operation part 1002 ... ROM
1003 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1004 ... External storage part 1005 ... Bus 1010 ... FAX function part 1011 ... FAX control part 1012 ... Communication part 1020 ... Image input function part 1021 ... Image reading part 1022 ... Image processing part 1030 ... Control function part 1031 ... Print control part 1032 ... First collecting unit (first collecting means)
1033 ... 1st calculation part (1st calculation means)
1034 ... 2nd collection part (2nd collection means)
1035 ... 2nd calculation part (2nd calculation means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1036 ... Memory | storage part 1037 ... U / I control part 1038 ... Input part 1039 ... Display part 1039 ... Display part 1040 ... Image output function part 1041 ... Image formation control part 1042 ... Actuator control part 1131 ... Fan 1137 ... UI control part 1138 ... Touch panel 1139 ... Liquid crystal display 1231 ... ESS PWBA
1238 UI
2000 ... Failure diagnosis device 2012 ... Communication unit (reception means)
2031 ... Failure diagnosis control unit 2033 ... First calculation unit (first calculation means)
2035 ... 2nd calculation part (2nd calculation means)
2036: Storage unit 2037 ... U / I control unit 2038 ... Input unit 2039 ... Display unit 9000-n ... Electronic circuit device 9010 ... FAX function unit 9011 ... FAX control unit 9012 ... Communication unit (transmission means)
9020 ... Image input function unit 9021 ... Image reading unit 9022 ... Image processing unit 9030 ... Control function unit 9031 ... Print control unit 9032 ... First collection unit (first collection unit)
9034 ... Second collection unit (second collection means)
9036: Storage unit 9037 ... U / I control unit 9038 ... Input unit 9039 ... Display unit 9040 ... Image output function unit 9041 ... Image formation control unit 9042 ... Actuator control unit BTC ... End button BTD1, 2 ... Second result display button FR1 ... first result display screen FR2 ... second result display screen MR1 ... first result display matrix MR2 ... second result display matrix ND1-5 ... first evidence information nodes NG1-4 ... part group state node NP01 -13 ... Part status node SB ... Scroll bar

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus,
First diagnostic information relating to a state of a component group that is a component that constitutes the image forming apparatus and that includes a plurality of components that are used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming device. A first collecting means for collecting
A first diagnostic information collected by the first collecting means is modeled by associating a cause of a failure that may occur in the article group, a state of the component group, and a failure caused by the cause by a causal relationship. A first calculation unit that calculates a probability that a cause of a failure has occurred in the component group by analyzing the first model that is input to the model and the first diagnosis information is input;
A second collecting means for collecting second diagnostic information relating to a state of a part constituting the part group when the probability calculated by the first calculating part exceeds a predetermined threshold ;
The probability calculated by the first calculation means and the second diagnosis information collected by the second collection means are determined according to the cause of the failure that may occur in the parts constituting the part group, the state of the parts, and the cause. A failure is caused in the component by inputting the probability and the second diagnosis information into a second model that is modeled by associating the failure to be caused with a causal relationship and analyzing the second model. a second calculation means for calculating a probability that the cause of occurs,
For a component group for which the probability calculated by the first calculation means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the probability is displayed in units of components constituting the component group, and for a component group that does not exceed the predetermined threshold, Display means for displaying the probability and button in parts group unit,
The button selects the displayed component group, collects the second diagnostic information about the selected selected component group, and the probability about the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information, Can be input to the second model, and an instruction to calculate the probability that the cause of failure has occurred in the components constituting the selected component group can be input by analyzing the second model An image forming apparatus characterized by being a button . The display means includes information for identifying the parts group rearranged based on a probability that the cause of the failure has occurred in the parts group calculated by the first calculation means, and the parts calculated by the second calculation means the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein displaying at least one of information identifying a fault the components cause sorted based on the probability that the occurrence of the. The part includes a replaceable part,
The second model is a causal relationship between a cause of a failure that may occur in a part constituting the part group and a connecting part between the parts, a state of the part and a connecting part of the part, and a failure caused by the cause. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a model modeled in association with each other. First diagnostic information relating to a state of a component group that is a component that constitutes an image forming apparatus and that is a component used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming device ; Receiving means for receiving second diagnostic information relating to the state of the parts constituting the parts group;
The first diagnostic information received by the receiving unit is converted into a first model in which a cause of a failure that may occur in the article group, a state of the component group, and a failure caused by the cause are associated with each other by a causal relationship. A first calculation means for calculating a probability that a cause of a failure has occurred in the component group by analyzing the first model that is input and the diagnosis information is input;
When the probability calculated by the first calculation means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the probability calculated by the first calculation means and the second diagnostic information received by the reception means are used as the component group. The cause of the failure that may occur in the parts constituting the part, the state of the part, and the failure caused by the cause are input to a second model that is modeled by associating the cause and cause, and the probability and the diagnostic information are input. Analyzing the second model, a second calculation means for calculating a probability that a failure has occurred in the component ;
For a component group for which the probability calculated by the first calculation means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the probability is displayed in units of components constituting the component group, and for a component group that does not exceed the predetermined threshold, Display means for displaying the probability and button in parts group unit,
The button selects the displayed component group, collects the second diagnostic information about the selected selected component group, and the probability about the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information, Can be input to the second model, and an instruction to calculate the probability that the cause of failure has occurred in the components constituting the selected component group can be input by analyzing the second model A failure diagnosis device characterized by being a button . An image forming apparatus, which is a component constituting the image forming apparatus , and a state of a component group composed of parts used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. first collecting means for collecting first diagnostic information, a second collecting means for collecting second diagnostic information about the state of the component constituting the component group, and the first of said first collection means collects and diagnostic information, and an image forming apparatus having a transmission means to transmit the second diagnostic information second collection means collects,
A first diagnostic information transmitting means for the image forming apparatus has sent a failure receiving means for receiving a second diagnostic information, the first diagnostic information received by the receiving unit, may occur in the group of articles The first model input with the first diagnosis information is analyzed by associating the cause of the component, the state of the component group, and the failure caused by the cause with a cause-and-effect relationship and modeling them. Thus, when the probability calculated by the first calculation means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first calculation means for calculating the probability that a failure has occurred in the parts group. The probability calculated by one calculating means and the second diagnostic information received by the receiving means are the causes of a failure that may occur in the parts constituting the parts group, the state of the parts, and the malfunctions caused by the causes. Causal By inputting the probability and the second diagnosis information into the second model that is modeled in association with the person in charge, the cause of the failure occurs in the component by analyzing the second model a second calculation means to calculate the probability that are, for the part groups probabilities calculated exceeds a predetermined threshold value by the first calculating means displays a probability component units constituting the component groups, For the component group that does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the display unit displays a probability and a button in units of the component group, and the button selects the displayed component group and the selected selection Collecting the second diagnostic information for a component group, inputting the probability for the selected component group and the collected second diagnostic information to the second model, and analyzing the second model To configure the selected parts group A fault diagnosis apparatus is capable of inputting button commands to command to calculate the probability of that cause malfunctions in the component occurs,
An image forming system comprising: Computer
Collecting first diagnostic information relating to the state of a component group that is a component that constitutes an image forming apparatus and that is a component that is used to achieve at least one of a plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus. A first collection means;
A first diagnostic information collected by the first collecting means is modeled by associating a cause of a failure that may occur in the article group, a state of the component group, and a failure caused by the cause by a causal relationship. A first calculation unit that calculates a probability that a cause of a failure has occurred in the component group by analyzing the first model that is input to the model and the first diagnosis information is input;
A second collecting means for collecting second diagnostic information relating to a state of a part constituting the part group when the probability calculated by the first calculating part exceeds a predetermined threshold ;
The probability calculated by the first calculation means and the second diagnosis information collected by the second collection means are used to determine the cause of a failure that may occur in the parts constituting the part group, the state of the parts, and the cause By inputting the probability and the second diagnostic information into the second model, and inputting the probability and the second diagnostic information into the second model. Function as a second calculating means for calculating the probability that the cause of the failure has occurred ,
The computer causes the display unit to display the probability for each component group in which the probability calculated by the first calculation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value for each component constituting the component group, and sets the predetermined threshold value. For the parts group that did not exceed, the probability and the button are displayed for each part group, and the button selects the displayed part group and collects the second diagnosis information about the selected selected part group. The components constituting the selected component group by inputting the probability of the selected component group and the collected second diagnosis information to the second model and analyzing the second model A failure diagnosis program characterized by being a button capable of inputting a command for commanding to calculate the probability that a failure has occurred .

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