JP4720187B2 - Maintenance management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for surely resetting a counter for counting the frequency of use of a component with a simple operation.

  The image forming apparatus has a part whose life is almost determined by the number of times of use such as a photosensitive drum and a paper feed roller, and the number of times of use for each corresponding part in order to grasp the appropriate replacement time. A counter is provided. Normally, this counter is reset by a serviceman who has exchanged parts by performing a predetermined operation from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote management device that automatically resets a counter. Each consumable part of this terminal device has a built-in fuse, and a circuit is provided to detect whether or not the fuse of the set part is connected. When the fuse is detected, it is determined that the consumable part has been replaced with a new one. Reset the counter and flow a large current to blow the fuse. When the used parts or parts are simply removed and set again, the fuse is already cut, so the counter is not reset.

  In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a component life detection and display device in which component replacement is performed properly while reducing the number of maintenance operations. In this apparatus, each consumable part is divided into groups so that the consumable part replacement cycle is the shortest, and is an integral multiple of the shortest cycle. Then, when the replacement period comes to the group with the shortest cycle, it is judged whether there is another group that has had the replacement period, and other groups that need to be replaced are exchanged at the same time as the group with the shortest cycle. It has become. By exchanging consumable parts in groups, it is possible to improve the efficiency of replacement work.

JP-A-6-89287 JP-A-9-146421

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the counter is reset using a fuse, a reliable reset is possible. However, it is necessary to provide a fuse and a circuit for detecting and disconnecting the fuse for each component, and the configuration is as follows. Complicated and expensive.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a plurality of grouped parts are exchanged together. However, since the counter is reset for each part, not only the reset operation takes time but also a part. It is easy for human error to occur, such as forgetting to reset the counter of the part or resetting the counter of the wrong part.

  In addition, in order to check whether or not the parts have been properly replaced or the counter has been reset in the parts replacement work, and to manage the maintenance history, it is common to have a service person report the work contents. For example, after returning to the maintenance management center, the work content is input to the maintenance management terminal or a work report is submitted. However, since labor for reporting work is required in addition to the exchange work, the work amount of the service person increases. In addition, there has been a problem in that it is difficult to reliably manage the work content, since an erroneous report may occur in the report work.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and it is possible to reliably reset a counter associated with parts replacement of an image forming apparatus with a simple operation, and to centrally manage information related to maintenance work. It is an object of the present invention to provide a maintenance management system that can be.

The invention according to claim 1 is a maintenance management system having an image forming apparatus and a central management apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
A counter that stores part usage history information;
Reporting means for transmitting information on the maintenance work performed or completion thereof to the centralized management device, and
The centralized management device is:
Based on the comparison between the reference value for determining the replacement time of the parts stored in advance and the use history information obtained from the image forming apparatus, the replacement required parts are determined and notified,
Based on the information received from the reporting means, a part replaced or repaired by maintenance work is determined , and a reset signal for resetting the counter of the replaced or repaired part is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the notification If the required replacement parts have not been replaced, the change operation of the reference value related to the non-replaced parts is requested,
The image forming apparatus is a maintenance management system that resets a counter based on a reset signal received from the central management apparatus .

  According to the above invention, information on the contents of the maintenance work performed is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the centralized management apparatus, and based on this information, the parts that have been replaced or repaired in the work on the centralized management apparatus side are determined, The counter of the corresponding part included in the image forming apparatus is reset from the central management apparatus.

  As a result, the amount of human work related to resetting the counter is reduced. In addition, a reliable reset that matches the content of the maintenance work is possible. Further, it is possible to grasp and manage the contents of the maintenance work performed in each image forming apparatus on the central management apparatus side.

  The counter counts and stores the number of times the component is used and the time it is used as the component usage history information. The counter may be a mechanical type, but it needs to be resettable from the central control device, and is preferably an electronic type.

  The information related to the maintenance work or its completion includes the number and name of the parts replaced or repaired in the work, unique information of the image forming apparatus, and the like. Examples of the information input method include information input from a panel, input using image reading, and input using sound. When it is input by voice or image, an operation for analyzing it and extracting necessary information is performed. This operation may be performed by either the image forming apparatus or the central management apparatus.

Further, the reset signal transmitted from the transmission unit of the centralized management apparatus to the image forming apparatus may request resetting in units of parts or request resetting in units of groups in which a plurality of parts are grouped. In the former case, when the part determined to be replaced by the determination unit is an exchange unit including a plurality of parts, the transmission unit transmits a reset signal to each counter related to the replacement unit. Further, according to the above-described invention, the usage history information such as the number of use times and the usage time of each component is obtained from the counter of the image forming apparatus, and the lifetime of the component is determined. The lifetime of the component is determined by comparing the counter value with a reference value. Further, the lifetime may be determined based only on the use history information obtained from the counter, or may be determined in combination with other information. For example, the determination may be made in consideration of the condition that the installation environment is hot and humid. Furthermore, the determination of the life is not limited to the determination of whether or not the replacement time has come, and the approaching condition to the replacement time may be determined in a plurality of stages. It may also be determined how much the replacement time has passed. Then, when the central management device determines that a part that needs to be replaced is not replaced from the information on maintenance work, the central management device changes a reference value that is a criterion for determining the replacement timing of the unreplaced part. Ask. When a maintenance worker determines that a part that needs replacement is still usable, changing the reference value delays the time when the part is determined to need replacement, and continues to use the part. Is possible. In addition, when replacement of a part is forgotten, this is notified by a request for changing the reference value.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the image forming apparatus acquires the information by reading a predetermined sheet on which information relating to the maintenance work performed or information on the completion thereof is read by a reading unit. The maintenance management system according to 1.

  According to the above invention, the information related to the maintenance work is printed or entered on the predetermined sheet, and the image forming apparatus acquires the previous information by reading the image on the sheet.

  As a result, information relating to the maintenance work is transmitted to the centralized management apparatus and collected only by the operator filling in the necessary items on the sheet and causing the reading means to read it.

  The sheet format includes, for example, a check sheet format for checking a check column arranged in advance, and a format for entering characters such as a part number exchanged on the sheet. Information entered on the sheet is recognized by image analysis. In the former case, OMR (Optical Mark Reader) technology is used, and in the latter case, OCR (Optical Character Reader) technology is used. The sheet preferably has a predetermined format so that image analysis is easy.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the reporting unit of the image forming apparatus acquires the information by determining a check status of a check column arranged at a predetermined position of the sheet read by the reading unit. The maintenance management system according to claim 2.

  According to the above invention, the image forming apparatus reads a sheet in which a check column is arranged at a predetermined position, determines whether or not each check column is checked, acquires information related to maintenance work, and centrally manages the information. Send to device.

  As a result, it is possible to enter information on maintenance work on the sheet simply by checking the corresponding check column, and work efficiency is improved. Further, since the analysis result is transmitted to the centralized management apparatus, the amount of data to be transmitted is reduced.

  In this sheet, the type of part is specified at the place where the check column is located, and the check column and the part are individually associated with each other by adding the part name, part number, etc. next to each check column. There is a method. In the latter case, the part name represented by characters may be recognized by the OCR technique. The part name may be written together with a barcode or the like. In the method of associating check fields and parts individually, even if there are many types of replacement parts, it is possible to extract only the parts that need replacement and post them on the sheet. This saves you the trouble of finding the check box for the relevant part.

In the invention according to claim 4, the reporting unit of the image forming apparatus transmits the image of the sheet read by the reading unit,
The said centralized management apparatus discriminate | determines the check condition of the check column arrange | positioned in the predetermined position of the said sheet | seat based on the image received from the said report means, and acquires the said information. The maintenance management system described.

  According to the above invention, the image forming apparatus transmits the read sheet image to the centralized management apparatus, and the centralized management apparatus analyzes the image received from the image forming apparatus and arranges each image disposed at a predetermined position in the sheet. Information on maintenance work is acquired by determining whether or not the check column is checked.

  Since the sheet is analyzed on the central management apparatus side, the function is not required in the image forming apparatus, and the configuration is simplified. In addition, it is possible to flexibly cope with sheet format changes by simply replacing the analysis software on the central management device side.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the centralized management apparatus performs the notification by transmitting print data for printing a sheet on which a replacement required part is printed to the image forming apparatus. The maintenance management system according to 1, 2, 3 or 4.

  According to the above invention, the centralized management apparatus obtains information on parts from the image forming apparatus, determines which parts need to be replaced, and prints print data of a sheet on which only the parts determined to be replaced are posted. To print the sheet.

  As a result, a sheet on which only replacement parts are listed is created, so that it is possible to reduce the time and effort of searching for the corresponding part name from among a large number of listed part names. In addition, since part names that do not need to be replaced are not listed, it is easy to fit on one sheet.

  The data obtained from the image forming apparatus is not limited to the counter value, but may be any information that can determine the life of the component. For example, the image forming apparatus model, environmental conditions (cold region, hot and humid place, etc.), permissible period from when it is determined that replacement is necessary until it is actually replaced, the user's required image quality level, and the like may be included.

6. The maintenance management according to claim 1, wherein the centralized management apparatus performs the notification by printing a sheet on which a replacement part is posted. System.

  According to the above invention, the centralized management apparatus creates a sheet on which a part that is determined to be replaced based on information obtained from the image forming apparatus is printed, and prints the sheet. Thereby, the operator can grasp the parts necessary for the replacement from the printed sheet, and the replacement part preparation is made efficient.

Invention relating to aspect 7, the sheet is a maintenance management system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the addition of specific information of an image forming apparatus.

  According to the above invention, the unique information of the image forming apparatus targeted by the sheet is added to the sheet on which the replacement required part is posted. The unique information may be information that can uniquely identify the image forming apparatus. For example, a serial number or a manufacturing number can be used. As a method for adding the unique information to the sheet, there are printing of characters and the like that can be grasped visually by humans, code information that requires decoding such as bar codes and punch holes, or a combination thereof.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the image forming apparatus can execute an operation related to resetting the counter only when the operation mode is set to the maintenance mode. The maintenance management system according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 .

  According to the above-described invention, the operation related to the reset can be performed only in the maintenance mode. The maintenance mode is an operation mode in which a function that cannot be used by a general user can be used, and is a special operation that a general user does not know or an operation mode that can be shifted by authentication.

  The operation related to reset includes an operation of transmitting information related to maintenance work to the centralized management device, an operation of resetting a counter by designation from the centralized management device, and the like. Creation or printing of a sheet on which a replacement part is posted may or may not be limited to the maintenance mode only.

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the centralized management apparatus transmits print data for printing a work report to the image forming apparatus based on information received from the reporting means. The maintenance management system according to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 .

  According to the above invention, the centralized management apparatus creates print data of the work report based on the received information regarding the maintenance work and transmits it to the image forming apparatus. The work report printed by the image forming apparatus of the transmission destination is preliminarily described with matters that can be determined based on the information regarding the maintenance work received from the reporting means.

  According to the maintenance management system according to the present invention, the centralized management device discriminates a part that has been replaced or repaired by the work based on the information about the maintenance work received from the image forming apparatus, and determines the corresponding part of the image forming apparatus. Since the counter is reset from the centralized management device, the counter can be reliably reset without any human error and the information related to the maintenance work can be centrally managed. In addition, since the counter is automatically reset, the burden on the operator accompanying the parts replacement is reduced.

  In the case of acquiring information related to maintenance work by reading a predetermined sheet, an operator can send necessary information to the centralized management device simply by filling the sheet and reading it. The transmission work can be completed more easily and in a shorter time than when inputting the information.

  When a check box is arranged on a sheet and information on maintenance work is obtained by distinguishing the check field, the work is made easier and less time-consuming than writing characters on the sheet, and the work effort is reduced. And fewer typing errors.

  When the central management device analyzes the sheet image received from the image forming device and obtains information related to maintenance work, it is not necessary to install an image analysis function on the image forming device, and the manufacturing cost of the image forming device Can be lowered. In addition, it is possible to flexibly cope with changes in the sheet format, etc., by simply changing the analysis method on the central management apparatus side.

  In the case of automatically creating a sheet on which only the required parts are posted after judging the lifespan of the parts, the corresponding part name is searched compared to the case where a large number of parts are posted without distinguishing whether or not replacement is necessary. Saves time and simplifies entry. Also, since no part names that do not need to be exchanged are listed, it is easy to fit on one sheet, the required number of sheets is reduced, and printing, carrying, and reading operations are facilitated.

  In the case of transmitting the sheet to the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to carry the sheet, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. Even if a sheet is lost or a writing error occurs, if the sheet is retransmitted, the work can be performed without delay.

  In the case of printing a sheet with the centralized management apparatus, the necessary parts can be procured by bringing the printed sheet to the parts warehouse. In addition, when the image forming apparatus subject to maintenance work is out of order and cannot receive or print data, it is possible to bring a sheet printed by the central management apparatus.

  In the case of determining the lifetime of a component based on the value of a counter included in the image forming apparatus, the lifetime of the component can be objectively determined based on the actual number of times and the usage time of each component.

  In the case where the unique information of the image forming apparatus is added to the sheet, it is recognized from the unique information added to the sheet which image forming apparatus relates to the maintenance work information obtained by reading the sheet. Can be managed. In addition, if the unique information is added to the sheet using characters or the like that allow humans to recognize the contents, the operator can easily grasp which image forming apparatus the sheet corresponds to.

  If the operation related to the resetting of the counter can be executed only when the maintenance mode is set, the counter can be prevented from being erroneously reset by a general user. Secured.

  When a replacement required part has not been replaced in maintenance work, a change in the reference value used to determine the replacement time of that part is delayed. Therefore, it is possible to continue use and avoid unnecessary parts replacement. In addition, since the replacement time of parts that have not been replaced this time is determined based on the changed reference value, forgetting to replace the parts when the appropriate replacement time according to the deterioration status of the parts has arrived. Can be done without.

  From the information regarding the maintenance work received from the image forming apparatus, the central management apparatus creates print data of the work report of the maintenance work and sends it to the image forming apparatus. Since the described work report can be obtained, the items to be filled in by the operator are reduced, and the work report creation work is made more efficient.

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

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration of a maintenance management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The maintenance management system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20 as a multifunction peripheral connected via a network 11, a central management apparatus 40 that serves as a network server, and a client terminal 60 that operates the central management apparatus 40. Consists of

  The network 11 is configured using the Internet. For security reasons, a private network may be used. For example, a network that uses a public telephone line for dial-up connection or a network that uses a dedicated line may be used.

  In this maintenance management system 10, the centralized management device 40 acquires information indicating the deterioration status of consumable parts from the image forming apparatus 20 via the network 11, and publishes parts to be replaced (hereinafter referred to as replacement required parts). A replacement work sheet 13 (see FIG. 4) or the like is issued, and the result of the replacement work by the worker and the counter of the replaced parts are automatically reset using this sheet.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes a system control unit 21 that performs overall control of the operation. The system control unit 21 is configured with a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown) as a core. The system control unit 21 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 23, a magnetic disk device 24, a nonvolatile memory 25, a printing unit 28, a reading The means 29, the display part 30, the operation part 31, and the communication part 32 are connected.

  The ROM 22 stores programs executed by the CPU of the system control unit 21 and various fixed data. The DRAM 23 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU executes a program and a page memory that stores at least one page of image data. The magnetic disk device 24 stores a large amount of image data and the like.

  The printing unit 28 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet. The printing means 28 uses an electrophotographic process, and includes a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. It is comprised as what is called a laser printer.

  The reading unit 29 has a function of reading a document image and taking in corresponding image data. The reading unit 29 includes a light source that irradiates the document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction, a moving unit that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflected light from the document. And an optical path made up of a lens and a mirror for guiding the light to a line image sensor. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The nonvolatile memory 25 is a rewritable memory that retains stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage area of the nonvolatile memory 25 includes a counter 26 that counts the number of times the consumable part is used, a serial number 27 for identifying the image forming apparatus 20, and count data that cumulatively counts the number of printed sheets of the image forming apparatus 20. Used for storage. The counter 26 is provided one by one for each consumable part, or by associating the necessary number of unit parts with each other, and the usage history of the corresponding part is stored as a count value such as the number of use times and the usage time of the part. .

  A consumable part refers to a part whose life is almost determined by the number of uses and use time, such as a photosensitive drum and a paper feed roller. The serial number 27 is a combination of a model code and a manufacturing number of the image forming apparatus 20 and is unique information that can uniquely identify the image forming apparatus 20.

  The display unit 30 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of guidance information and print state information regarding the image forming apparatus 20. The operation unit 31 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 30 and other switches, and performs functions such as display switching, execution of processing, and setting of the image forming apparatus 20 in response to a user request.

  The communication unit 32 includes a network I / F (interface) and plays a role of communicating with an external terminal or device via the network 11.

  In addition to various functions for controlling the execution of the copy function and the print function, the system control unit 21 manages the replacement time of consumable parts and transmits / receives information related to replacement work to / from the central management device 40. It has various functions. Specifically, it functions as a sheet analysis unit 33, a reporting unit 34, an operation mode control unit 35, and a reset control unit 36.

  The sheet analysis unit 33 recognizes whether or not the image read from the reading unit 29 corresponds to the replacement work sheet 13, and when the image is the replacement work sheet 13, the sheet analysis unit 33 analyzes the description content to thereby replace the replacement work sheet. 13 fulfills the function of grasping information related to maintenance work.

  The reporting unit 34 plays a role of transmitting information related to the maintenance work analyzed by the sheet analyzing unit 33 to the centralized management apparatus 40 through the communication unit 32.

  The operation mode control unit 35 plays a role of switching the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 20 between a normal mode and a maintenance mode in which a predetermined function prohibited in the normal mode can be used. In the maintenance mode, a special operation such as resetting the counter 26 can be executed.

  The reset control unit 36 performs control related to resetting the counter 26. The reset control unit 36 detects whether or not there is a reset request from the operation unit 31 or a reset signal from the network 11 only when the current operation mode is the maintenance mode. The counter 26 is reset.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the centralized management apparatus 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The central management device 40 includes a system control unit 41 that performs overall control of the operation. The system control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a DRAM (not shown) as the core. In addition, a communication unit 42 and a database management unit 50 are connected to the system control unit 41.

  The central management device 40 is connected to a client terminal 60 that functions as an operation terminal for operating the central management device 40 and a printer 70. These connections may be connected via a LAN (local area network) or other connection methods.

  The client terminal 60 includes an operation unit 61 that receives operations on the central management device 40 and a display unit 62 that displays processing results of the central management device 40. For the client terminal 60, for example, a personal computer can be used. Note that an operation unit and a display unit may be provided in the central management device 40 itself.

  The database management unit 50 functions to manage the customer database 51, the device database 52, and the parts database 53.

  The customer database 51 functions to manage customer information, and the device database 52 functions to manage attribute information of the image forming apparatus such as the installation location and model name based on the serial number 27 of the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, the parts database 53 performs a function of managing the lifespan of each consumable part constituting the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the parts database 53 is compared with a count value acquired from the counter 26 of the image forming apparatus 20 to replace the consumable parts. Is stored for each image forming apparatus 20 to be managed and for each component.

  The customer database 51, the device database 52, and the parts database 53 may be integrated into a single database, or the central management device 40 may not be provided with these databases, and may be used as a database server on the network. It may be configured.

  The system control unit 41 has various functions for centrally managing the image forming apparatus 20 arranged on the network 11. Specifically, it functions as an exchange determination unit 43, a sheet creation unit 44, a sheet transmission unit 45, a print control unit 46, a determination unit 47, and a reset signal transmission unit 48.

  The replacement determination unit 43 acquires the reference value of each consumable part from the parts database 53, compares the reference value with the count value acquired from the counter 26 of the image forming apparatus 20 via the network 11, and the count value is the reference. When the value is exceeded, it plays the role of determining that the part needs to be replaced.

  The reference value may be only a value indicating the replacement time of the part. For example, a plurality of reference values are provided for each consumable part, and the first reference value is used to determine that the replacement time is approaching. It may be used to determine that an appropriate replacement time has arrived. When the count value exceeds a reference value indicating an appropriate replacement time, the replacement determination unit 43 may warn of the necessity of component replacement according to the excess amount.

  The sheet creating means 44 has a function of extracting the consumable parts that are determined to be replaced by the replacement determining unit 43 with respect to the predetermined image forming apparatus 20 and creating the replacement work sheet 13 on which those replacement required parts are posted. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 has a function of acquiring information such as the serial number 27, model number, customer information, and installation location from the customer database 51 and the apparatus database 52 and adding these information to the exchange work sheet 13. .

  The sheet transmission unit 45 performs a function of transmitting the replacement work sheet 13 to the image forming apparatus 20 on which the replacement work sheet 13 is created. The print control unit 46 prints the replacement work sheet 13 to the printer 70. Fulfills the function of instructing. Whether to print or transmit can be selected by the centralized management device 40 by the operator's operation.

  The determination unit 47 has a function of determining whether or not a replacement-required part has been replaced based on information on the replacement work sheet 13 read by the image forming apparatus 20. The discriminating means 47 has a function of making a request for changing the reference value for exchanging when it is discriminated that the part requiring replacement has not been replaced. Next, for the image forming apparatus 20, the replacement determination unit 43 determines the replacement timing of the non-replaceable parts based on the changed reference value. That is, the replacement time is extended by increasing the reference value. The reference value may be changed for other image forming apparatuses 20.

  The reset signal transmitting unit 48 plays a role of transmitting a reset signal for instructing a reset operation of the counter 26 to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20 for a part determined to have been replaced by the determining unit 47.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the replacement work sheet 13. On the upper part of the illustrated replacement work sheet 13, an issue number column 81 on which an issue number for uniquely identifying the replacement work sheet 13 is printed, and a sheet on which the date on which the replacement work sheet 13 was created is printed. An issue date column 82, a model name column 83 on which the model name of the image forming apparatus 20 targeted by the replacement work sheet 13 is printed, and a serial number column 84 on which the serial number 27 of the image forming apparatus 20 is printed. Is arranged.

  In the central part of the replacement work sheet 13, a list of replacement required parts is formed. This list includes a check column 85 in which check boxes for checking the presence / absence of replacement are arranged, a part number column 86 in which the part numbers of the parts required for replacement associated with each check box are arranged, and the part numbers And a part name column 87 printed with a part name corresponding to, and one horizontal line represents one replacement required part.

  A check is entered for the replaced part as in the check box 85a in the figure, and a check is not entered for the unreplaced part as in the check box 85b. The sheet analysis unit 33 analyzes the check column 85 using the OMR technique, and analyzes the part number column 86 and the component name column 87 using the OCR technique. The sheet analysis unit 33 recognizes and associates the analysis results of the check column 85, the component number column 86, and the component name column 87 with information on one replaceable part in the horizontal row.

  In addition, when creating the replacement work sheet 13, it is stored which part of the list contains which part, and by referring to this stored content when analyzing the image, which part each check box corresponds to. You may comprise so that it may recognize. In this case, analysis of the part number and part name by the OCR technique is not necessary.

  Below the replacement work sheet 13, a customer field 88 in which customer information of the image forming apparatus 20 targeted by the replacement work sheet 13 is printed, and a worker field in which the name of the worker performing the maintenance work is printed. 89 are arranged.

  The printed information is acquired from the customer database 51, the device database 52, the parts database 53, etc. based on the serial number 27. Further, the name of the worker is input from the client terminal 60 or the like when receiving an instruction to create this sheet.

  In addition to the columns illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, a column for entering detailed work contents may be provided, or a check column for information regarding work may be provided. Further, a mark or a bar code analyzed by the OMR technique may be printed instead of or together with the character printed in each column.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the work report 14. The work report 14 is a document for the customer to confirm the contents of the performed part replacement work and to manage the maintenance work history and the like with the centralized management device 40. The work report 14 is a sheet having a predetermined format, and is created by the centralized management device 40 based on information on maintenance work reported from the image forming apparatus 20 to the centralized management device 40.

  The work report 14 includes an issue number field 91 in which an issue number for uniquely identifying the work report 14 is printed, and a report issue date field in which the date when the work report 14 is created is printed. 92, a customer name field 93 on which customer information of the image forming apparatus 20 that is the object of work is printed, a work person in charge field 94 on which the name of the worker is printed, and an image forming apparatus that is the object of work. A model name column 95 on which 20 model names are printed and a serial number column 96 on which the serial number of the image forming apparatus 20 is printed are arranged. Information printed in each column is generated based on the analysis result of the replacement work sheet 13 received by the central management device 40.

  In the work content column 97, an outline of the work content is printed, and in the replacement part column 98, the replaced parts recognized from the check status of each check box of the replacement work sheet 13 are printed in the form of a list.

  The confirmation sign column 99 is a space for a person in charge of management of the image forming apparatus 20 to confirm and sign and seal the coincidence between the contents described in the work report 14 and the work contents actually performed. Since items other than the confirmation sign column 99 are printed, the work report 14 is completed only by receiving the signature / seal in the confirmation sign column 99.

  FIG. 6 shows the overall flow of component replacement work. The centralized management device 40 repeatedly collects the count value from the counter 26 of the image forming apparatus 20, compares the value with the corresponding reference value, and repeatedly determines whether or not each component needs to be replaced at an appropriate timing. (Step S100). When receiving the request for creating the replacement work sheet 13 from the operator, the centralized management device 40 creates the replacement work sheet 13 in response to the request (step S200).

  The operator carries the necessary replacement parts, goes to the work place, and performs the replacement work (step S300). When the operator fills in the exchange work sheet 13 after the exchange work is completed and causes the image forming apparatus 20 to read the work contents, the contents are transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the centralized management apparatus 40 and reported (step). S310).

  The central management apparatus 40 creates a work report 14 based on the report received from the image forming apparatus 20 and transmits the print data to the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 20 prints the work report 14 based on the received print data, and the operator receives a signature from the customer on the printed work report 14 and causes the image forming apparatus 20 to read the signature and the centralized management apparatus. 40 is transmitted.

  The central management apparatus 40 receives the work report 14 with the signature / sealing, determines that the maintenance work is completed, and remotely resets the counter 26 of the parts replaced in the current work (step S320).

  When the worker returning from the work performs post-processing necessary for the current maintenance work on the central management apparatus 40 (step S400), a series of parts replacement work is completed (end). Hereinafter, the details of each operation described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows the flow of the component replacement determination process. The component replacement determination process is a process executed by the replacement determination unit 43 of the centralized management apparatus 40, and corresponds to step S100 in FIG. This processing is repeatedly executed at an appropriate timing determined in advance, for example, once a day.

  The replacement determination unit 43 acquires the serial number 27 and information (count value) indicating the consumable part usage history stored in the counter 26 from the image forming apparatus 20 (step S101). The acquired count value is compared with the corresponding reference value acquired from the parts database 53 to determine whether the consumable part needs to be replaced (step S102), and the determination result is stored.

  When it is determined that there is a replacement required part (step S103; Y), a warning for prompting replacement work is performed (step S104). When it is determined that there is no replacement required part (step S103; N), this process is performed as it is. End (end).

  FIG. 8 shows a flow of processing performed in the central management apparatus 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 from the start to the end of the maintenance work on site. This process corresponds to each process of step S200, step S300, step S310, and step S320 of FIG.

  The worker instructs the centralized management device 40 to create the replacement work sheet 13 based on a component replacement warning issued by the replacement determination unit 43 (step S201). In this instruction, the image forming apparatus 20 that is the creation target of the replacement work sheet 13 is designated.

  The centralized management apparatus 40 that has received the instruction to create the replacement work sheet 13 uses the sheet creation means 44 to create print data of the replacement work sheet 13 for the image forming apparatus 20 designated by this instruction. In creating the print data, information related to the replacement required part that has already been determined and stored by the replacement determination unit 43 is referred to.

  The operator selects whether or not to print the replacement work sheet 13 with the central management apparatus 40 (step S202). When printing with the central management apparatus 40 is selected (step S202; Y), the replacement work sheet 13 is printed with the printer 70 of the central management apparatus 40. On the other hand, when transmission is selected (step S202; N), the sheet transmission unit 45 transmits the print data of the replacement work sheet 13 to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20 (step S203).

  The operator grasps the replacement required part from the screen display or the printed replacement work sheet 13 and brings the corresponding replacement part to the installation place of the image forming apparatus 20. When the replacement work sheet 13 is printed on the central management apparatus 40 side, it is also taken along with the parts.

  After the worker arrives at the installation location, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 is set to the maintenance mode (step S301). The image forming apparatus 20 set in the maintenance mode confirms whether or not the print data of the replacement work sheet 13 has been received from the central management apparatus 40 (step S302), and if it has been received (step S302; Y ), The replacement work sheet 13 is printed (step S303). If not received (step S302; N), the centralized management device 40 determines that printing has been completed.

  After performing the replacement work, the worker puts a check mark on the check box of the replacement work sheet 13 for the actually replaced parts, and further fills in necessary information as appropriate. Then, the image forming apparatus 20 is caused to read the exchange work sheet 13 after the entry. The image forming apparatus 20 analyzes the read image using the OMR technique or the OCR technique in the sheet analysis unit 33, and recognizes and acquires the check status of each check box and information regarding the maintenance work described in each column. The reporting unit 34 transmits the acquired information to the centralized management device 40 (step S311).

  Based on the information received from the image forming apparatus 20, the determination unit 47 of the central management apparatus 40 determines whether or not the replacement required parts posted on the previous replacement work sheet 13 have been actually replaced, The result is stored (step S312).

  The sheet creation unit 44 creates print data of the work report 14 from the information received from the image forming apparatus 20 and the determination result of the determination unit 47, and the sheet transmission unit 45 transmits this print data to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20. (Step S313). The image forming apparatus 20 receives this print data and prints the work report 14 (step S314).

  After confirming that the printed work report 14 is correct, the worker confirms the maintenance work completion confirmation sign or seal from the manager in charge of the visit, and confirms the work report 14 confirmation sign. Get in column 99. Thereafter, the worker causes the image forming apparatus 20 to read the work report 14, and the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the reading result to the centralized management apparatus 40 using the report unit 47 (step S315).

  When the central management device 40 receives the work report 14 with a signature or seal as a maintenance work completion notification (step S316), the central management device 40 resets the actually exchanged parts based on the information stored in the discrimination means 47. The signal is transmitted to the corresponding image forming apparatus 20 (step S321).

  The reset control unit 36 of the image forming apparatus 20 resets the counter 26 according to the reset signal received from the central management apparatus 40 (step S322). The image forming apparatus 20 displays the fact that the reset is completed on the display unit 30 (step S323), and then automatically ends the maintenance mode (step S324). The maintenance mode may be manually ended after the operator confirms the previous display.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a maintenance mode operation screen 501 displayed on the display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 20. FIG. 9 shows a display state at the end of the replacement work.

  On the maintenance mode operation screen 501, various selection switches related to the maintenance work are displayed. Also, a replacement work end message 502 is displayed at the bottom of the screen. This display also plays a role of indicating that the corresponding counter 26 has been normally reset by a reset signal from the centralized management device 40.

  FIG. 10 shows the flow of the replacement reference value changing process. This process is a post-process performed by the central management apparatus 40 when an unreplaced part is detected from the information obtained from the replacement work sheet 13, and corresponds to S400 in FIG.

  After the work is completed, the worker connects to the central management device 40 from the client terminal 60 and performs a confirmation work related to the current maintenance work. The central management device 40 refers to the contents determined and stored by the determination means 47 in the previous step S312, and grasps the replacement required parts posted on the corresponding replacement work sheet 13 and their replacement status. (Step S401), it is determined whether there are any unreplaceable parts (Step S402).

  If there are no unreplaceable parts (step S402; N), the replacement reference value changing process is terminated (end). If there is an unreplaced part (step S402; Y), a display requesting the operator to change the reference value related to the unreplaced part is performed (step S403).

  If the displayed non-replaceable part is a part that has not been intentionally replaced because it is determined that continuous use is possible (step S404; Y), the worker sets the value to a value that is appropriate for the appropriate replacement time of the part. The reference value is changed (step S405). Due to the change of the reference value, the next time when the part is determined to be replaced is delayed. On the other hand, when the cause of the unreplacement is simply forgetting to replace (step S404; N), the operator prepares for another replacement operation (step S406).

FIG. 11 shows an example of the reference value change screen 511 displayed by the central management apparatus 40.
The reference value change screen 511 includes a warning text 512 that warns that there is an unreplaceable part, unreplaceable part information 513 that indicates information about the unreplaceable part, and an OK button 514 that accepts confirmation of the warning. On this screen 511, the operator confirms the warning, and changes the reference value when extending the replacement time of the non-replaced parts. If the user simply forgets to replace it, he / she notices this on the screen 511 and starts preparing for replacement again.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the replacement work sheet 13 is selected to be printed on the central management apparatus 40 side or transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 to be printed. It may be configured. For example, an operator prints and uses the replacement work sheet 13 on the central control device 40 side for checking parts arrangement, and this worker forgets to bring the replacement work sheet 13 to the work site or replaces the work during the replacement work. When the sheet 13 is lost or written, it is preferable that the print data of the replacement work sheet 13 can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 again. It is even better if transmission can be requested from the image forming apparatus 20 side.

  In the embodiment, information on the result of image analysis of the replacement work sheet 13 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the centralized management apparatus 40. However, the image data may be transmitted without being analyzed. . In this case, the analysis may be performed by the central management device 40 on the receiving side. Thereby, it is not necessary to equip the image forming apparatus 20 with a function for analysis, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 is simplified. In addition, when the image analysis function of the image forming apparatus 20 does not function well, the centralized management apparatus 40 can receive image data read by the image forming apparatus 20 and perform image analysis. Provides a way to avoid problems when analysis trouble occurs.

  In the embodiment, the replacement work sheet 13 is intended for parts replacement work. However, the replacement work sheet 13 may be intended for repairs and periodic inspections. For example, in the same way as the list of replacement parts, create a sheet that lists parts that require repairs and periodic inspections along with check boxes, and automatically recognize whether repairs or inspections have been carried out according to the check status of each check box. In addition, a work report can be created based on the recognition result. In principle, counter reset processing does not occur for repairs or inspections. For example, if a counter is provided to manage the timing of inspections, it can be configured to automatically reset it remotely. Good. In this way, the central management device 40 can centrally manage work such as repair and periodic inspection in the same manner as in the case of replacement work.

  In the embodiment, the replacement work sheet 13 is created by the centralized management apparatus 40. However, the count value acquired by the image forming apparatus 20 from the counter 26 is compared with the reference value stored in advance by the own apparatus. Alternatively, it may be configured such that a replacement required part is determined and the replacement work sheet 13 is printed based on the determination result. The reference value may be acquired from an external server. Further, instead of receiving the print data of the replacement work sheet 13 from the centralized management device 40, basic data including the names of parts required for replacement necessary for creating the replacement work sheet is received, and based on this, predetermined data is received. You may comprise so that the exchange work sheet | seat of a form may be produced.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 prints the replacement work sheet 13 based on the print data received from the central management apparatus 40. However, the image and the necessary items of the replacement work sheet are displayed on the display unit 30. Instead of displaying the check mark and inputting the check mark, an input operation may be received from the operation unit.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a maintenance management system including an image forming apparatus and a central management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the centralized management apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the exchange work sheet concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the work report concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the components replacement | exchange operation | work concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the components replacement judgment process concerning embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus and the central management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen after components replacement | exchange in the image forming apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the exchange reference value change process concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reference value change screen displayed on the centralized management apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Maintenance management system 11 ... Network 13 ... Replacement work sheet 14 ... Work report 20 ... Image forming apparatus 21 ... System control part 22 ... ROM
23 ... DRAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 24 ... Magnetic disk apparatus 25 ... Non-volatile memory 26 ... Counter 27 ... Serial number 28 ... Printing means 29 ... Reading means 30 ... Display part 31 ... Operation part 32 ... Communication part 33 ... Sheet analysis part 34 ... Report means 35 ... Operation mode control Unit 36 ... Reset control unit 40 ... Centralized management device 41 ... System control unit 42 ... Communication unit 43 ... Exchange determination unit 44 ... Sheet creation unit 45 ... Sheet transmission unit 46 ... Print control unit 47 ... Determination unit 48 ... Reset signal transmission unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Database management part 51 ... Customer database 52 ... Apparatus database 53 ... Parts database 60 ... Client terminal 61 ... Operation part 62 ... Display part 70 ... Printer 81 ... Issue number column 82 ... Sheet issue date column 83 ... Model name column 84 ... Serial number field 85 ... Check row 85a ... Check box 85b ... H Box 86 ... Part number column 87 ... Part name column 88 ... Customer column 89 ... Worker column 91 ... Issue number column 92 ... Report issue date column 93 ... Customer name column 94 ... Worker column 95 ... Model name column 96 ... Serial number field 97 ... Work content field 98 ... Replacement part field 99 ... Confirmation sign field 501 ... Display screen 502 ... Title 503 ... End message 511 ... Reference value change screen 512 ... Warning text 513 ... Unreplaced parts information 514 ... OK button

Claims (9)

In a maintenance management system having an image forming apparatus and a central management apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A counter that stores part usage history information;
Reporting means for transmitting information on the maintenance work performed or completion thereof to the centralized management device, and
The centralized management device is:
Based on the comparison between the reference value for determining the replacement time of the parts stored in advance and the use history information obtained from the image forming apparatus, the replacement required parts are determined and notified,
Based on the information received from the reporting means, a part replaced or repaired by maintenance work is determined, and a reset signal for resetting the counter of the replaced or repaired part is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and the notification If the required replacement parts have not been replaced, the change operation of the reference value related to the non-replaced parts is requested,
The image forming apparatus resets a counter based on a reset signal received from the centralized management apparatus. 2. The maintenance management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus acquires the information by reading a predetermined sheet on which information related to the performed maintenance work or the completion thereof is read by a reading unit. . The maintenance unit according to claim 2, wherein the reporting unit of the image forming apparatus acquires the information by determining a check status of a check column arranged at a predetermined position of the sheet read by the reading unit. Management system. The reporting unit of the image forming apparatus transmits an image of the sheet read by the reading unit,
The said centralized management apparatus discriminate | determines the check condition of the check column arrange | positioned in the predetermined position of the said sheet | seat based on the image received from the said report means, and acquires the said information. The maintenance management system described. The said centralized management apparatus performs the said notification by transmitting the printing data for printing the sheet | seat in which the replacement required part was published to the said image forming apparatus. The Claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The maintenance management system described. The maintenance management system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the centralized management device performs the notification by printing a sheet on which a replacement part is posted. The maintenance management system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein unique information of the image forming apparatus is added to the sheet. The image forming apparatus can execute an operation related to resetting the counter only when an operation mode is set to a maintenance mode. The maintenance management system according to 6 or 7. The central management apparatus transmits print data for printing a work report to the image forming apparatus based on information received from the reporting unit. The maintenance management system according to 5, 6, 7 or 8.

Images