JP7102978B2 - Image processing equipment, image processing system, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program.

In image processing devices such as printers, copiers, and MFPs (Multifunction Peripheral), calibration is performed to correct changes in color tone (color tint, density, etc.) that occur in response to changes in the printing environment, deterioration over time, and the like. When performing calibration, for example, a chart containing a plurality of patches constituting a color gradation is printed on a recording medium, and the reading value (RGB value, etc.) read by the scanner is compared with the ideal value. As a result, correction processing is performed so that printing can be continued with a color tone as close as possible to the ideal value under any circumstances.

For example, as a calibration technique, there is a technique that prohibits the execution of calibration when the remaining amount of toner is insufficient in order to prevent calibration from being performed in a situation where satisfactory results cannot be obtained. It is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

In conventional calibration, if the error between the read value and the ideal value exceeds the permissible range, abnormal gamma will be generated by the calibration, so an error will be displayed and the calibration execution will be stopped. May be taken. However, even if the error is within the permissible range, an abnormality may occur in the image processing apparatus. For example, if the transfer capacity of the intermediate transfer belt, which is responsible for the primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process, is reduced, the density of the final printed image gradually decreases. If the error is within the permissible range, the abnormality of the intermediate transfer belt is left unattended.

A sign of an abnormality in the image processing device may appear in the time course of calibration data (reading values such as density value and color difference value). For example, even if the density value obtained by reading the calibration chart is within the permissible range, if the density value tends to decrease or increase, something is done in the image processing apparatus. There is a high possibility that an abnormality has occurred. In this way, by monitoring the transition of the calibration data over time, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality at an early stage and deal with it. However, in the prior art, the calibration data is not effectively used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to enable early detection of an abnormality by using calibration data.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention executes calibration from the acquisition means for acquiring the read data of the chart and the difference between the read data and the ideal value. A calibration means for generating a correction table for the purpose, a sign detection means for detecting a sign of abnormality based on the characteristics of the transition of the read data over time, and an amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process. When the sticking amount detecting means to be detected and the sign information indicating the sign are detected by the sign detecting means, an abnormality is made based on the characteristics of the time course of the sticking amount detected by the sticking amount detecting means. It is characterized by including a factor estimation means for estimating the factor of the above, and an output means for outputting the estimated factor information indicating the factor to a predetermined output destination in addition to the sign information indicating the sign.

According to the present invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality at an early stage by using the calibration data.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a calibration chart according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reading data of the solid concentration over time according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data read over time at an intermediate concentration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent reading data of the color difference value according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent adhesion amount data of the toner adhesion amount according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an activation request confirmation screen according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the diagnostic process according to the third embodiment.

The image processing apparatus, the image processing system, the image processing method, and the embodiment of the program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those easily conceived by those skilled in the art, substantially the same, and so-called equivalent ranges. .. Various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of components can be made without departing from the gist of the following embodiments.

<First Embodiment>
The image processing device according to the present embodiment is a device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a calibration (color proofing) function. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a document reading function that reads image data from a document, converts the read image data (analog signal) into digital data, and outputs the data, and calibrates the read image data (digital data). It has an image processing function that performs various processing including, and a printing function that prints an image on a recording medium based on the data after the image processing.

In the following description, color image data of three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (hereinafter, may be referred to as "RGB data" or the like) is read from the manuscript, and the RGB data is C. Color-converted to four-color process color image data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "CMYK data", etc.) of (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and based on the CMYK data. A color image shall be output to the recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The image processing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 11, an operation panel 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a plotter 14, a scanner 15, a storage medium I / F16, and a communication I / F17, which are buses. They are interconnected via 18.

The controller 11 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, and a ROM 23, and controls the entire image processing device 1. The ROM 23 stores a program executed when the image processing device 1 is started, a program executed after the startup, setting data, and the like. The RAM 22 temporarily stores programs, setting data, and the like read from storage means such as the ROM 23, the HDD 13, and the external storage medium 30. The CPU 21 executes a program stored in the RAM 22 and executes various control calculation processes for realizing the functions of the image processing device 1.

The operation panel 12 includes an input device such as a hard key and a touch panel mechanism, and a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), receives various input operations by the user, and receives various information generated in the image processing device 1 by the user. Notify to.

The HDD 13 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device that stores received document data, image data, programs, system files, databases, etc. handled by the image processing device 1.

The plotter 14 is a device (print engine) that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium (printing paper or the like) based on rendered data (raster data or the like) of print data (image data). In the present embodiment, a plotter 14 that prints a bitmap data image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic process method is assumed, but the plotter 14 is not limited thereto.

The scanner 15 is a device that optically reads an image formed on a recording medium using an in-line sensor or the like to generate image data (scanned data).

The storage medium I / F 16 is an interface device that enables data to be read and written between an external storage medium 30 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card and the image processing device 1.

The communication I / F 17 is an interface device that enables data communication with an external information processing device such as a server 41 and a PC (Personal Computer) 42 via a network 31. The network 31 is an appropriate computer network that enables data communication between a plurality of information processing devices, and is, for example, IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394), Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), and the like. It is configured using the LAN (Local Area Network) constructed using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc., and the Internet constructed using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), etc. ..

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The image processing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a chart generation unit 101, a reading unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, a recording unit 104, a sign detection unit 105, an output unit 106, and a calibration unit 107.

The chart generation unit 101 forms a calibration chart 51 used for calibration on a recording medium. The chart generation unit 101 may be configured by the cooperation of the plotter 14, the controller 11, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the calibration chart 51 according to the first embodiment. The calibration chart 51 illustrated here is composed of a plurality of patches whose gradation gradually changes to form a color gradation, and includes a character patch group 55 for performing calibration for character printing and photo printing. Includes photographic patch groups 56A, 56B for performing calibration for. When calibrating for photo printing, higher accuracy is required than for character printing, so the average value of the readings obtained by the two patch groups 56A and 56B arranged in the sub-scanning direction is used. .. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of density unevenness caused by the eccentricity of the photoconductor and the developing roller.

The reading unit 102 reads the calibration chart 51 generated by the chart generation unit 101 and generates read data. The read data is data indicating the color tone of the calibration chart 51 such as the RGB color space value (RGB value). For example, the density value indicating the density of each patch of the calibration chart 51, the color tone of each scanned patch, and the reference. It may be a color difference value indicating a color difference from a color tone, a weighted moving average value of these values (density value or color difference value), or the like. The reading unit 102 may be configured by the cooperation of the scanner 15, the controller 11, and the like.

The acquisition unit 103 acquires the read data obtained by reading the calibration chart 51. In addition to acquiring the read data from the reading unit 102, the acquisition unit 103 may acquire the read data from another information processing device via the network 31. For example, the read data obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 with an external scanner, the read data stored in the server 41, and the like may be received via the network 31. The acquisition unit 103 may be configured by the cooperation of the controller 11, the communication I / F17, the HDD 13, the storage media I / F16, and the like.

The recording unit 104 records the read data acquired by the acquisition unit 103 over time, and generates time-time read data showing the transition of the read data over time. The data read over time may be, for example, data showing a transition of a density value, data showing a transition of a color difference value, or the like. The recording unit 104 may be configured by the cooperation of the controller 11, the HDD 13, the recording medium I / F16, and the like.

The sign detection unit 105 detects a sign of an abnormality based on the data read over time. The sign detection unit 105 according to the present embodiment includes a density transition monitoring unit 111 and a color difference transition monitoring unit 112. The concentration transition monitoring unit 111 monitors parameters related to the transition of the concentration value. The parameter relating to the transition of the concentration value may be, for example, the rate of change of the concentration value. The color difference transition monitoring unit 112 monitors parameters related to the transition of the color difference value. The parameter relating to the transition of the color difference value may be, for example, the rate of change of the color difference value. The sign detection unit 105 detects the sign based on, for example, the rate of change of the density value, the rate of change of the color difference value, and the like. The specific sign detection method will be described later. The sign detection unit 105 may be configured by the cooperation of the controller 11 and the like.

The output unit 106 outputs the detection result of the sign detection unit 105, that is, the sign information indicating the sign of the occurrence of an abnormality. The sign detection unit 105 according to the present embodiment has a user notification unit 121 and an external notification unit 122. The user notification unit 121 notifies the user of the sign information via the user interface (operation panel 12, etc.). The external notification unit 122 notifies the sign information to an external system, for example, a call center system that performs maintenance and management of the image processing device 1 via the network 31. The method of outputting the sign information is not particularly limited, but for example, a message prompting the user to contact the call center may be displayed on the operation panel 12, or the image processing device 1 may be displayed on the call center system via the network 31. It is conceivable to directly send information that identifies the information, information that indicates the content of the sign, and so on. The output unit 106 may be configured by the cooperation of the controller 11, the operation panel 12, the communication I / F 17, and the like.

The calibration unit 107 performs calibration based on the read data acquired by the acquisition unit 103. The calibration unit 107 according to the present embodiment provides a correction table for performing calibration from the value indicated by the read data and the ideal value, specifically, from the difference between the value indicated by the read data and the ideal value. Generate. The correction table may be, for example, a known one-dimensional or multidimensional LUT (Lookup Table), but is not limited to these, and should be appropriately configured according to the conditions of use. The specific method of calibration is not particularly limited, and a known or new appropriate method may be used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of reading data of the solid concentration over time according to the first embodiment. The time-dependent reading data according to this example shows the transition of the measured value (reading value) of the solid density of the patch of the calibration chart 51 and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the measured value. Since the measured value is affected by in-plane fluctuations and the concentration fluctuations during the day, the weighted moving average value (the weight of the latest data is increased) is used as the index rather than the measured value as it is. It is better to do it. The weighted moving average value is preferably close to the median value of the product standard, and when the weighted moving average value is less than the product permissible concentration value, it is judged to be abnormal.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is shown that the solid concentration decreases from around 2017/1/17. From 2017/1/17 to 2017/1/29, it can be read that the weighted moving average value does not fall below the product permissible concentration value, but tends to decrease. From this, it is presumed that there is a high possibility that an abnormality will occur if the product is used continuously after 2017/1/29.

Therefore, the sign detection unit 105 according to this example monitors the rate of change of the weighted moving average value of the concentration value, and determines that there is a sign of abnormality occurrence when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined value. Then, the output unit 121 notifies the user or an external mechanism (call center or the like) of the sign information indicating that there is a sign of the occurrence of an abnormality. As a result, when a sign of an abnormality appears, it is possible to notify the user or an external mechanism of the sign of an abnormality while continuing the operation of the image processing device 1, and take appropriate measures before the abnormality occurs. It becomes possible to take.

In addition to monitoring the rate of change of the concentration value as described above, the sign of abnormality is detected by monitoring the deviation of the concentration value (weighted moving average value or measured value) from the median product standard. be able to. For example, when the weighted moving average value remains at a level lower or higher than the median product standard to some extent for a certain period of time or longer, it may be determined that there is a sign of abnormality occurrence.

In addition to monitoring the solid density value, the density value in the entire gradation range including the intermediate density value, the solid density value and the intermediate density value may be monitored. Further, the detection value of the sensor may be directly monitored, or the Lab value or the like may be monitored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data read over time at an intermediate concentration according to the first embodiment. The time-dependent reading data according to this example shows the transition of the measured value (reading value) of the intermediate concentration of the patch of the calibration chart 51 and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the measured value. Even when such time-dependent reading data on the intermediate concentration is used, the rate of change, deviation from the median product standard, etc. are monitored in the same manner as when using the time-consuming reading data on the solid concentration. It is possible to detect a sign of an abnormality.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent reading data of the color difference value according to the first embodiment. The time-dependent reading data according to this example is the transition of the measured value (reading value) of the color difference value ΔE between a plurality of patches (solid surfaces) of the same color existing in the calibration chart 51, and the weighted movement of the measured value. It shows the transition of the average value. The weighted moving average value is preferably close to the ΔE product ability value, and when the weighted moving average value exceeds the ΔE allowable value, it is judged to be abnormal.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is shown that the color difference value ΔE increases from around 2017/1/17. From 2017/1/17 to 2017/1/29, it can be read that the weighted moving average value does not exceed the ΔE permissible value, but tends to increase. From this, it is presumed that there is a high possibility that an abnormality will occur if the product is used continuously after 2017/1/29.

The sign detection unit 105 according to this example monitors the rate of change of the color difference value ΔE between a plurality of patches (solid surfaces) of the same color, and when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined value, it is considered that an abnormality has occurred. After making a determination, the output unit 121 notifies the user and the external mechanism of the sign information. By monitoring the color difference value ΔE in this way, it is possible to detect a sign of an abnormality.

Further, the sign of the occurrence of an abnormality may be detected by directly monitoring the difference between the detected values of the sensor without obtaining the color difference value as described above.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. When the chart generation unit 101 outputs (prints) the calibration chart 51 on the recording medium (S101), the reading unit 102 reads the calibration chart 51 (S102), and the acquisition unit 103 acquires the read data. The recording unit 104 records the acquired read data over time (S103) and generates the read data over time.

The sign detection unit 105 determines whether or not the rate of change of the concentration value (for example, the rate of change of the weighted moving average value of the solid concentration value shown in FIG. 4) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on the data read over time (S104). ), When the rate of change of the concentration value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S104: Yes), it is determined that there is a sign of an abnormality (S105), and the output unit 121 outputs the sign information to a predetermined output destination (for example, an operation panel). 12. Output to the call center system, etc.) (S106).

On the other hand, when the rate of change of the density value is not equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S104: No), the sign detection unit 105 sets the color difference change rate (for example, the rate of change of the weighted moving average value of the color difference ΔE shown in FIG. 6) to a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not it is the above (S107). When the color difference change rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S107: Yes), it is determined that there is a sign of an abnormality (S105), and the output unit 121 outputs the sign information to a predetermined output destination (for example, operation panel 12, call center system, etc.). Is output to (S106). When the color difference change rate is not equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S107: No), it is determined that there is no sign of abnormality occurrence (S108), and this flow is terminated (the normal operation of the image processing device 1 is continued).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a sign of an abnormality is detected based on the time-lapse reading data obtained by recording the calibration reading data over time, and the detection result is used by the user or an external mechanism (call center, etc.). ) Can be notified. As a result, it is possible to deal with the failure before it appears, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the image processing device.

Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, but the same reference numerals may be given to locations that exhibit the same or similar effects as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing device 2 according to the second embodiment. The difference between the image processing device 2 according to the present embodiment and the image processing device 1 according to the first embodiment is that the image processing device 2 according to the present embodiment has a toner adhesion amount detecting unit 201. Further, the sign detection unit 202 according to the present embodiment has the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211 and the factor estimation unit 212 in addition to the concentration transition monitoring unit 111 and the color difference transition monitoring unit 112.

The toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 detects the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt is a member that constitutes a part of the plotter 14 and contributes to the execution of the primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process. The specific configuration of the intermediate transfer belt is not particularly limited, but for example, an endless belt-like shape in which a toner image formed on the surface of a photoconductor drum is copied and the copied toner image is transferred to a recording medium. It can be a member or the like. By monitoring the amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, the cause of fluctuations in the density value or color difference value of the calibration chart 51 is part of the electrophotographic process (exposure, development, primary transfer, secondary transfer, and fixing). It is possible to identify which process has a problem. The toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 may be configured by the cooperation of a sensor, a controller 11, etc. installed in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt in the plotter 14.

The adhesion amount data indicating the toner adhesion amount detected by the toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 is acquired by the acquisition unit 103 together with the read data. The recording unit 104 records the read data over time to generate the time-honored reading data, and also records the adhesion amount data over time to generate the time-time adhesion amount data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of time-dependent adhesion amount data of the toner adhesion amount according to the second embodiment. The time-dependent adhesion amount data according to this example shows the transition of the measured value of the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the measured value. The weighted moving average value is preferably close to the median value of the product standard, and when the weighted moving average value is less than the product permissible concentration value, it is judged to be abnormal.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is shown that the amount of toner adhered tends to decrease from around January 17, 2017.

The sign detection unit 202 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211 and a factor estimation unit 212.

The adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211 monitors the parameters related to the transition of the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt based on the adhesion amount data over time as described above. The parameter relating to the transition of the toner adhesion amount may be, for example, the rate of change of the toner adhesion amount.

The factor estimation unit 212 estimates the cause of the decrease in the concentration value by reading the calibration chart 51 based on the monitoring result by the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211. The concentration value is, for example, a weighted moving average value or a solid concentration measured value in the time-dependent reading data of the solid concentration of FIG. 4, or a weighted moving average value or a solid concentration measured value in the time-dependent reading data of the intermediate concentration of FIG. be. The factor estimation unit 212 generates factor information indicating the estimated factor.

It is presumed that the decrease in the amount of toner adhered to the intermediate transfer belt is due to a problem in the pre-primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process, that is, the exposure process, the developing process, or the primary transfer process. Therefore, when the density value obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 tends to decrease and the toner adhesion amount also tends to decrease, it is considered that the cause of the decrease in the density value is the exposure process, the developing process, or the primary transfer process. Can be estimated. If the concentration value tends to decrease and the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease, it is presumed that the cause of the decrease in the concentration value is the process after the secondary transfer, that is, the secondary transfer process or the fixing process. can do.

The output unit 106 according to the present embodiment outputs factor information to a predetermined output destination in addition to the predictive information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. First, the sign detection unit 202 determines whether or not the concentration value (hereinafter, abbreviated as the read concentration value) read from the calibration chart 51 tends to decrease based on the monitoring result by the concentration estimation monitoring unit 111. (S201). The method for determining whether or not the read density value tends to decrease is not particularly limited, but for example, when the rate of change of the weighted moving average value in the time-lapse read data shown in FIG. 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. , When the weighted moving average value deviates from the median product standard to some extent for a certain period of time or longer, it can be determined that the reading concentration value tends to decrease. If the read density value does not tend to decrease (S201: No), this flow ends.

When the reading density value tends to decrease (S201: Yes), does the sign detection unit 202 tend to decrease the amount of toner adhered to the intermediate transfer belt based on the monitoring result by the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211? It is determined whether or not (S202). The method for determining whether or not the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease is not particularly limited, but for example, the rate of change of the weighted moving average value in the time-dependent adhesion amount data shown in FIG. 9 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In this case, it can be determined that the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease when the weighted moving average value deviates from the median product standard to some extent for a certain period of time or longer.

When the amount of toner adhered tends to decrease (S202: Yes), the decrease in the reading density value is due to the following factors related to the pre-primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process, for example, the exposure process, the developing process, or the primary transfer process. It is presumed to be caused by (S203).
・ Change in surface shape of photoconductor ・ Decrease in primary transfer rate ・ Decrease in developing ability ・ Insufficient toner charge

On the other hand, when the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease (S202: No), the decrease in the reading concentration value is due to the following factors related to the process after the secondary transfer in the electrophotographic process, for example, the secondary transfer process or the fixing process. It is presumed to be caused by (S204).
・ Decrease in quantitative nip pressure ・ Decrease in secondary transfer rate ・ Moisture absorption of paper (recording medium)

After that, the output unit 106 outputs factor information indicating either the factor shown in step S203 or the factor shown in S204 to a predetermined output destination (for example, the operation panel 12, the call center system, etc.) (S205).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to estimate not only the sign of the occurrence of an abnormality but also the cause of the abnormality and notify the user or an external mechanism (call center or the like). This makes it possible to take more accurate measures.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing device 3 according to the third embodiment. The difference between the image processing device 3 according to the present embodiment and the image processing device 2 according to the second embodiment is mainly that the image processing device 3 according to the present embodiment has a diagnostic unit 301.

The diagnostic unit 301 performs diagnostic processing for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality. The diagnosis unit 301 generates diagnostic information that indicates the cause of the abnormality in more detail than the estimation result (factor information) by the factor estimation unit 212, based on the sign information, the factor information, and the like obtained from the sign detection unit 202. The specific method of the diagnostic process is not particularly limited, but for example, a diagnostic chart 57 for the diagnostic process is generated by the chart generation unit 101 as needed, and the reading unit 102 reads the diagnostic chart 57. It can be a method of analyzing data or the like. Further, the diagnostic unit 301 may have a means for determining execution / non-execution of the diagnostic process in response to a request from the user. For example, the diagnostic processing may be executed only when an operation requesting the diagnostic processing is received from the user via an appropriate user interface (operation panel 12, etc.). The specific content of the diagnostic information is not particularly limited, but for example, the process (for example, exposure, development, primary transfer, secondary transfer, fixing, etc.) or module (for example, light emitting device, etc.) that caused the abnormality. Information that separates and identifies the photoconductor, transfer belt, recording medium transfer device, drying device, etc.) may be included.

The output unit 106 according to the present embodiment outputs diagnostic information to a predetermined output destination in addition to predictive information and factor information.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the image processing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. First, the sign detection unit 202 determines whether or not the read density value tends to decrease based on the monitoring result by the concentration estimation monitoring unit 111 (S301). If the read density value does not tend to decrease (S301: No), this flow ends.

When the reading density value tends to decrease (S301: Yes), does the sign detection unit 202 tend to decrease the amount of toner adhered to the intermediate transfer belt based on the monitoring result by the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211? It is determined whether or not (S302).

When the amount of toner adhered tends to decrease (S302: Yes), it is estimated that the decrease in the reading density value is due to the following factors related to the exposure process, the developing process, or the primary transfer process (S303).
・ Change in surface shape of photoconductor ・ Decrease in primary transfer rate ・ Decrease in developing ability ・ Insufficient toner charge

On the other hand, when the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease (S302: No), it is estimated that the decrease in the reading concentration value is due to the following factors related to the secondary transfer process or the fixing process (S304).
・ Defective fixing module, secondary transfer module, T-sensor

After that, the diagnostic unit 301 determines whether or not there is a request to activate the diagnostic mode for executing the diagnostic process (S305). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the activation request confirmation screen 61 according to the third embodiment. The activation request confirmation screen 61 is displayed on the operation panel 12, for example, and is configured so that the user can select either "Yes" or "No". The diagnostic unit 301 displays the activation request confirmation screen 61 on the operation panel 12 when executing step S305, and determines whether or not the user has requested the activation of the diagnostic mode.

When the activation of the diagnostic mode is requested (S305: Yes), the diagnostic unit 301 activates the diagnostic mode (S306) and outputs the diagnostic chart 57 to the chart generation unit 101 (S307) as needed. , The reading unit 102 executes a diagnostic process based on the data obtained by reading the diagnostic chart 57 (S308), and the output unit 106 outputs diagnostic information indicating the result of the diagnostic process to a predetermined output destination (S309). On the other hand, when the activation of the diagnostic mode is not requested (S305: No), the output unit 106 outputs the factor information to a predetermined output destination (S310).

According to the above processing, when the cause of the abnormality is estimated by the factor estimation unit 212 and then the user requests the activation of the diagnostic mode, the diagnostic processing for identifying the cause of the abnormality in more detail is performed, and the abnormality is performed. It is possible to isolate the process or module that caused the problem, generate identifiable diagnostic information, and notify the user or an external mechanism (call center, etc.).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the diagnostic process according to the third embodiment. The diagnosis unit 301 determines whether or not the color difference value (ΔE) tends to increase based on the monitoring result by the color difference transition monitoring unit 112 (S401), and when the color difference value does not tend to increase (S401: No). When this flow is terminated and the color difference value tends to increase (S401: Yes), the diagnostic mode is activated (S402). Here, an example of starting the diagnostic mode without confirming the presence or absence of a start request by the user is shown, but the diagnostic mode is started only when there is a start request by the user using the screen as shown in FIG. You may.

After that, the diagnostic unit 301 outputs the diagnostic chart 57 including the uniform patch in which the increasing tendency is observed to the chart generation unit 101, causes the reading unit 102 to re-execute the reading of the diagnostic chart 57, and re-executes the reading. The presence or absence of abnormality is determined based on the obtained data (S405). When it is determined that there is an abnormality by re-execution of the reading (S405: Yes), diagnostic information indicating the cause of the abnormality in detail is generated (S406), and when it is determined that there is no abnormality (S405: Yes). In No), this flow ends without generating diagnostic information.

According to the above processing, when the color difference value tends to increase when the calibration chart 51 is read, the presence or absence of an abnormality is reconfirmed using the diagnostic chart 57, and if there is an abnormality, the cause of the abnormality is detailed. The diagnostic information shown in is generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, not only the predictive information indicating the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality and the factor information which is the estimation result of the cause of the abnormality, but also the diagnostic information indicating the result of diagnosing the cause of the abnormality in detail is provided. It is possible to notify the user and an external mechanism (call center, etc.). This makes it possible to take more accurate measures.

(Modification example)
In the first to third embodiments, examples are shown in which the image processing devices 1 to 3 independently realize the above functions, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, the image processing devices 1 to 3 and the server 41 connected to the network 31 may cooperate to realize the above function.

A program that realizes the above functions is a file in an installable or executable format that can be read on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded and provided. Further, the program may be stored on another computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading the program via the network. The program may also be configured to be provided or distributed over the network.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments and can be variously omitted, replaced, modified and combined without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 to 3 Image processing device 11 Controller 12 Operation panel 13 HDD
14 Plotter 15 Scanner 16 Storage media I / F
17 Communication I / F
18 bus 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
30 External storage medium 31 Network 41 Server 42 PC
51 Calibration chart 55 Character patch group 56A, 56B Photo patch group 57 Diagnostic chart 61 Start request confirmation screen 101 Chart generation unit 102 Reading unit 103 Acquisition unit 104 Recording unit 105, 202 Predictive detection unit 106 Output unit 107 Calibration unit 111 Concentration transition monitoring unit 112 Color difference transition monitoring unit 121 User notification unit 122 External notification unit 201 Toner adhesion amount detection unit 211 Adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 212 Factor estimation unit 301 Diagnosis unit

Japanese Patent No. 34846777

Claims (10)

An acquisition method for acquiring chart reading data,
A calibration means for generating a correction table for performing calibration from the read data and an ideal value, and
A sign detection means for detecting a sign of abnormality based on the characteristics of the transition of the read data over time, and
Adhesion amount detecting means for detecting the amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process,
When the sign information indicating the sign is detected by the sign detecting means, the cause of the abnormality is estimated based on the characteristics of the time course of the sticking amount detected by the sticking amount detecting means. Means and
In addition to the sign information indicating the sign, an output means for outputting the estimated factor information indicating the factor to a predetermined output destination, and
An image processing device comprising. The sign detecting means determines that there is a sign when the rate of change of the concentration value indicated by the read data is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The sign detecting means determines that there is a sign when the rate of change of the color difference value indicated by the read data is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the sign is detected and the amount of adhesion tends to decrease, the sign detecting means presumes that the factor is in the process before the primary transcription in the electrophotographic process.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . When the sign is detected and the amount of adhesion does not tend to decrease, the sign detecting means presumes that the factor is in the process after the secondary transcription in the electrophotographic process.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 4 . A diagnostic means for diagnosing the cause of an abnormality corresponding to the sign based on the information obtained from the sign detecting means.
Further prepare
The output means outputs diagnostic information indicating the result of the diagnosis to a predetermined output destination.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The diagnostic means determines whether to execute or not execute the diagnosis based on the user's request.
The output means outputs the diagnostic information when requested by the user.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 . By operating the image processing device and the server connected to the image processing device via the network in cooperation with each other, the image processing device and the server connected via the network operate in cooperation with each other.
An acquisition method for acquiring chart reading data,
A calibration means for generating a correction table for performing calibration from the read data and an ideal value, and
A sign detection means for detecting a sign of abnormality based on the characteristics of the transition of the read data over time, and
Adhesion amount detecting means for detecting the amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process,
When the sign information indicating the sign is detected by the sign detecting means, the cause of the abnormality is estimated based on the characteristics of the time course of the sticking amount detected by the sticking amount detecting means. Means and
In addition to the sign information indicating the sign, an output means for outputting the estimated factor information indicating the factor to a predetermined output destination, and
Image processing system that composes. The process of acquiring chart reading data and
A process of generating a correction table for performing calibration from the read data and an ideal value, and
A sign detection process that detects signs of abnormality based on the characteristics of the transition of the read data over time, and
An adhesion amount detection process that detects the amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process,
When the sign information indicating the sign is detected in the sign detection step, the cause of the abnormality is estimated based on the characteristics of the time course of the adhesion amount detected in the adhesion amount detection step. Process and
In addition to the sign information indicating the sign, the process of outputting the estimated factor information indicating the factor to a predetermined output destination, and
Image processing method including. On the computer
The process of acquiring the read data of the chart and
A process of generating a correction table for performing calibration from the read data and the ideal value, and
A sign detection process that detects signs of abnormality based on the characteristics of the transition of the read data over time, and
Adhesion amount detection processing that detects the amount of toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process,
When the sign information indicating the sign is detected by the sign detection process, the cause of the abnormality is estimated based on the characteristics of the time course of the bond amount detected by the bond amount detection process. Processing and
In addition to the sign information indicating the sign, the process of outputting the estimated factor information indicating the factor to a predetermined output destination, and
A program that executes.

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