JP7263844B2 - Image forming apparatus, abnormality identification method, abnormality identification program, and abnormality identification system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an abnormality identification method, an abnormality identification program, and an abnormality identification system.

2. Description of the Related Art Today, a technique is known for determining the cause of an abnormal image formed based on image data of an abnormal image formed by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-074290), a defect area is detected from a test pattern formed by an image forming apparatus, and a defect diagnosis is performed by analyzing the feature amount according to the defect type. A system is disclosed.

Here, when identifying the cause of an abnormality, a reference chart image (reference image) is obtained and stored in the past, and the chart image at the time of the abnormality occurrence is compared with the reference image for analysis. Consider identifying the cause of

In this case, if an abnormality occurs after a long period of time has passed since the reference image was obtained, the chart image at the time of the abnormality occurrence is compared with the past reference image separated in time. There is a concern that it will be difficult to identify the cause of the abnormality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an abnormality identification method, an abnormality identification program, and an abnormality identification system capable of improving the accuracy of identifying the cause of an abnormality. With the goal.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an output unit for outputting a test pattern, a reading unit for reading the output test pattern, and a read test pattern each time the test pattern is read. a storage control unit for sequentially storing and controlling the data of the test pattern in a storage unit, and controlling reading of the stored test pattern data; The pattern data is compared with the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an error occurs, and the differential image generator generates a differential image. The differential image is analyzed, and the cause of the error is identified based on the analysis results. an input reception unit that receives input of the type of abnormal image included in the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs; an image processing control unit that acquires image processing and applies the acquired image processing to the test pattern data read by the reading unit to generate processed image data; The processed image data is controlled to be stored in the storage unit as test pattern data .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is effective in the ability to aim at the improvement of the specific accuracy of the cause of abnormality.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the test chart correspondence table of 1st Embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing type correspondence table according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test chart printing processing flow according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing flow during reading according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reading processing flow in the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display-time image processing flow in the second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage-time image processing flow in the third embodiment; FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing flow during transmission according to the fourth embodiment; It is a hardware block diagram of the server apparatus or terminal device of 5th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a server device or a terminal device of a 5th embodiment. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of image processing; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a read image including an abnormal image; It is a figure which shows the example of a post-processing image. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a seventh example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an eighth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a ninth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a tenth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a twelfth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a thirteenth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of current countermeasures when a failure occurs in an image forming apparatus; FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of handling when a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus of the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment; FIG. 11 is another schematic diagram for explaining the flow of current measures when a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus; FIG. 20 is another schematic diagram for explaining the flow of handling when a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth embodiment; FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations when a failure occurs in an image forming apparatus provided in an information processing system according to an eighth embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the chart image which abnormality has generate|occur|produced. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chart image that is a difference between a normal chart image and an abnormal chart image;

An information processing system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system S1 includes n (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ) image forming apparatuses 100 (100-1, 100-2, . 200, 300, and a terminal device 400 used by a customer engineer (CE) or the like. Image forming apparatus 100, call center server devices 200 and 300, and customer engineer (CE) terminal device 400 are interconnected via network N. FIG. As the network N, for example, in addition to a wide area network such as the Internet, a private network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used.

As the image forming apparatus 100, for example, a multifunction device (MFP Multifunction Peripheral) having image forming functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a print function, and a facsimile transmission/reception function can be used. Note that any one of the scanner function, copy function, print function, and facsimile transmission/reception function may be provided.

The image forming apparatus 100 has a failure diagnosis program (an example of an abnormality identification program) for determining a failure of the image forming apparatus 100 itself from information on the executed operation. As will be described later, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment analyzes the location and cause of the failure based on the characteristics of the image data generated by reading the chart image printed on paper with the printer function with the scanner function. . For example, a member formed with an abnormal color on paper is determined as a member with a high possibility of failure. Also, if an abnormality is detected on the paper at a specific cycle, the member operating at that cycle is determined to be a member with a high possibility of failure.

Note that the operation information includes identification information of the image forming apparatus 100 that performed the operation, an operation log, the presence or absence of a predetermined specific operation, the consumption status of consumables, and the image formed by the image forming apparatus 100. This is image data generated by the process, information about failures, and the like. A failure (abnormality) is an operational abnormality of the image forming apparatus 100 and an operational state in which the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image including an abnormality (abnormal image). Also, a component of the image forming apparatus 100 that causes a failure may be called a failure location.

The call center server device 200 acquires, via the network N, operation information, which is information relating to the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the results of fault diagnosis, and the like. It also acquires the provided operation information, the result of failure diagnosis, and the like. Based on this information, the server device 200 provides necessary information to the image forming device 100, the server device 300, or the terminal device 400 via the network N as necessary.

The call center server device 300 responds to inquiries regarding the image forming device 100-n from each user of the image forming device 100-n via the network N. FIG. In addition, the server device 300 receives, via the network N, the user of the image forming device 100-n or from the server device 200, such as operation information and failure diagnosis results regarding the image forming device 100-n. Based on the received information, the server apparatus 300 responds to the user regarding actions to be taken for the image forming apparatus 100-n, such as consumable replacement/replenishment, parts replacement, parts cleaning, and various setting changes, as necessary.

In addition, the server device 300 sends the information to the terminal device 400 as necessary based on the user of the image forming device 100-n or the operation information and the result of failure diagnosis regarding the image forming device 100-n from the server device 200. A request is made to the image forming apparatus 100-n. The processing of the server device 300 may be performed by a person, or may be partially or wholly automated. Also, part or all of the processing of the server device 300 may be performed by the server device 200 .

The terminal device 400 receives a treatment request for the image forming device 100-n from the server device 300 via the network N. FIG. Examples of measures include parts replacement, parts cleaning, and various setting changes. In addition, the terminal device 400 receives operation information of the image forming device 100 and the result of failure diagnosis from the server device 200 or the server device 300 .

A customer engineer who is a user of the terminal device 400 visits the installation location of the image forming device 100-n according to the treatment request received by the terminal device 400, and performs necessary treatment on the image forming device 100-n. Further, the customer engineer can appropriately use the operation information of the image forming apparatus 100 received from the server device 200 or the server device 300 received by the terminal device 400 to take necessary measures for the image forming device 100 .

As described above, in the information processing system S1, operation information of the image forming apparatus 100, for example, image data generated by reading an abnormal image formed by the image forming apparatus 100, fault diagnosis executed in the image forming apparatus 100, and The server device 200, the server device 300, and the terminal device 400 can receive and use the results and the like via the network N, respectively. As a result, the program of each device further analyzes the information, and the user of each device sees the information, so that the user of the system can obtain the fault diagnosis performed in the image forming device 100 .

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, by using the information processing system S1, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 or the image forming apparatus 100 can use the network N when a failure such as forming an abnormal image occurs. can be notified to the server device 200 and the server device 300 via the . Furthermore, the customer engineer takes action on the image forming apparatus 100 as necessary.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 provided in the information processing system S1 of the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 has, for example, a copy function, a FAX function, a print function, a scanner function, and an input image (an original image read from a sheet of paper by the scanner function, or an image input by the printer function or the FAX function). ) will be described.

The image forming apparatus 100 has an operation unit 10 that receives operations from a user or a customer engineer, and a main body 20 that can implement various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. Note that accepting an operation is a concept that includes accepting information that is input according to an operation. The operation unit 10 and the main body 20 are connected via a dedicated communication path 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The communication path 30 can use, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be of any standard regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

The main body 20 can perform operations according to operations received by the operation unit 10 . The main body 20 can also communicate with an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), and can perform operations according to instructions received from the external device.

First, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a flash memory 14, and a connection I/F (inter Face) 15 , communication I/F 16 and operation panel 17 , which are interconnected via a system bus 18 .

The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 10 . The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the operation unit 10 by executing an OS (Operating System) stored in the ROM 12 or the flash memory 14 using the RAM 13 as a work area (work area), and other various application programs. It realizes various functions such as displaying information according to the received input.

A setting widget program is stored in the ROM 12 or the flash memory 14, and a setting widget indicating current settings of various functions such as a copy function or a printer function may be displayed on the home screen.

The connection I/F 15 is an interface for communicating with the main body 20 via the communication path 30 . The communication I/F 16 is an interface for connecting with the network N described in FIG.

The operation panel 17 accepts various inputs according to operations by a user or a customer engineer. The operation panel 17 also functions as a display unit that displays various kinds of information (for example, information corresponding to the received operation, information indicating the operation status of the image forming apparatus 100, information indicating the setting state, etc.).

The operation panel 17 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) equipped with a touch panel function, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be composed of an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function. Additionally or alternatively, hardware keys or the like or lamps or the like may be provided. Further, the operation panel 17 may be detachable from the image forming apparatus 100 for use, or a mobile information terminal may be used as the operation panel 17 .

Next, the hardware configuration of the main body 20 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, a connection I/F 25, a communication I/F 26, an image reading unit 1, an image forming unit 2 and a paper feed unit 3 , which are interconnected via a system bus 29 .

The CPU 21 controls operations of the main body 20 . The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the main body 20 by executing the OS and other various application programs stored in the ROM 22 or HDD 24 using the RAM 23 as a work area, thereby performing the above-described copy function, scanner function, facsimile function, and printer function. Realize various functions such as At least part of a fault diagnosis program for fault diagnosis, which will be described later, is also stored in the ROM 22 or the HDD 24 . The operation contents of these various functions can be saved in the HDD 24 or the like as an operation log of the image forming apparatus 100 each time.

The connection I/F 25 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 10 via the communication path 30 . Communication I/F 26 is an interface for connecting with network N. FIG.

The image reading unit 1, the image forming unit 2, and the paper feeding unit 3 are hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing a copy function, a scanner function, and a printer function.

As an example, the image reading unit 1 functions as a scanner that optically reads an image printed on a recording medium such as paper and creates image data. As an example, the image forming unit 2 forms or prints an image on a recording medium such as paper by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method capable of printing on paper or the like. Other methods may be used as long as printing is possible. As an example, the paper feeding unit 3 supplies the image forming unit 2 with a recording medium such as paper on which the image forming unit 2 forms an image. Hardware configurations of the image reading unit 1, the image forming unit 2, and the paper feeding unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

The main body 20 further functions as hardware for performing processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing the copy function, scanner function, facsimile function, and printer function. It may have a finisher for sorting the media.

The body 20 may also have a media I/F for reading and writing various media.

FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 from the side, and FIG. 3 shows, among the components of the image forming apparatus 100, components related to the image reading unit 1, the image forming unit 2, and the paper feeding unit 3 described in FIG. and its operation.

Note that the component of the image forming apparatus 100 does not refer to only a single component, but also refers to an assembly of a plurality of components that implement one function. An aggregate consisting of multiple aggregates is also called a component.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus 100 has an image reading section 1 , an image forming section 2 and a paper feeding section 3 .

The image reading unit 1 has a contact glass 31 as a reading table and an optical reading unit 40 . The optical reader 40 further has a light source 41 , a mirror 42 and an optical sensor 43 . The optical reading unit 40 irradiates a recording medium such as paper placed on the contact glass 31 with light from a light source 41, and the reflected light from the recording medium is further reflected by a mirror 42 and sent to an optical sensor. 43, and image data is generated based on the resulting data. The image reading section 1 may further have a DF (Document Feeder) 51 . The DF 51 automatically conveys the recording medium by the action of the paper feed roller, and generates image data in the reading unit in the reading DF 51 .

The image forming unit 2 includes an exposure unit 52, and image forming units 60Y, 60M, and 60C including photoreceptor drums 53Y, 53M, 53C, and 53K (hereinafter referred to as photoreceptor drums 53 in common description). , 60K (hereinafter referred to as an image forming unit 60 in the case of description common to each).

The exposure unit 52 exposes the photosensitive drum 53 to form a latent image based on image data generated by reading an image by the image reading unit 1 or a print instruction received from an external device. As will be described later, the image forming unit 60 develops the latent images formed on the sightseeing drum 53 by supplying toners of different colors.

After the transfer belt 54 transfers the image developed on the photoreceptor drum 53 to the recording medium supplied from the paper feeding section 3, the fixing section 55 melts the toner of the toner image on the recording medium and transfers it to the recording medium. A color image is fixed.

The paper feed unit 3 includes paper feed cassettes 56 and 57 each capable of accommodating recording media of different sizes, and various types of feed cassettes for conveying the recording paper stored in the paper feed cassettes 56 and 57 to the image forming position of the image forming unit 2. and a conveying portion 58 made up of rollers.

Note that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the electrophotographic method shown in FIG. 3, and may be an inkjet method or other image forming method.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The CPU 21 of the main body 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 implements each function of the control section 130 by executing a fault diagnosis program stored in a storage section such as the ROM 22, the RAM 23, or the HDD 24. Specifically, the CPU 21 executes the failure diagnosis program to perform each function of the input reception unit 110, the display control unit 120, the communication control unit 140, and the read/write processing unit 150 (an example of the storage control unit). come true. In addition, the CPU 21 executes the failure diagnosis program to obtain the chart acquisition unit 131, the image formation control unit 132, the image reading control unit 133, the image processing control unit 134, the difference extraction unit 136, the analysis unit 137, and the failure prediction unit 138. , each function of the component deterioration degree calculation unit 139 is realized.

The input reception unit 110 is realized by the processing of the operation unit 10 or the communication I/F 26, and executes a function of receiving various inputs to the image forming apparatus 100 through communication from an operator of the image forming apparatus 100 or an external apparatus. The display control unit 120 controls display of a display screen on the operation panel 17 .

The control unit 130 executes a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. In addition, the chart acquisition unit 131 acquires a chart image specified for output during regular visits by a service engineer or a chart image specified for output periodically by the user. Get the chart image to be displayed. Also, the chart acquisition unit 131 acquires a chart image at the time of occurrence of an abnormality.

An image formation control unit 132 (an example of an output unit) forms a copy image, a print image, a received facsimile image, and the like. The image reading control unit 133 (an example of a reading unit) reads images, characters, and the like on a sheet of paper on a platen using a scanner function.

A difference extraction unit 136 (an example of a difference image generation unit) generates a chart that is the difference between a chart image that is specified to be output periodically by a service engineer or a user and a chart image that includes an abnormality that is output when an abnormality occurs. An image (difference chart image) is formed. The analysis unit 137 analyzes the difference chart image and identifies a failure (abnormality) occurring in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the analysis result. The failure prediction unit 138 predicts failures that may occur in the future for the image forming apparatus 100 based on the analysis results periodically generated by the analysis unit 137 . The component deterioration degree calculation unit 139 calculates the deterioration degree of the components of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the analysis results periodically generated by the analysis unit 137 . The communication control unit 140 communicates with the server devices 200 and 300 via the network N via the communication I/F 26 (or the communication I/F 16).

The storage unit 160 has a chart storage unit 161 , an image processing type storage unit 162 , a message data storage unit 163 and an analysis result storage unit 164 . The chart storage unit 161 stores in advance a test chart table in which types of abnormal images (streak-like stains, color shift, etc.) are associated with test charts. The image processing type storage unit 162 stores types of abnormal images and information indicating image processing in association with each other. The message data storage unit 163 stores various message data such as message data instructing reading of the chart image and message data instructing the call center to transmit the difference chart image. The analysis result storage unit 164 stores analysis results of chart images that are read and analyzed periodically or when an abnormality occurs.

Here, the test chart will be explained. In order to eliminate or improve abnormal images, data indicating various characteristics such as the occurrence location, degree, nature, etc. (hereinafter, such data indicating the characteristics of abnormal images are sometimes referred to as feature amounts) are acquired. be done. The feature amount that appears differs depending on the type of abnormal image, and therefore the print pattern that is suitable for acquiring that feature amount also differs. In other words, by selecting a print pattern according to the type of abnormal image and using it as a test chart, it is possible to obtain a feature amount effective for eliminating or improving the abnormal image.

Therefore, in the chart storage unit 161 described above, types of abnormal images are associated with test charts suitable for acquiring feature amounts from the abnormal images of the types, and are stored in advance. Details will be described later.

The image processing type storage unit 162 stores in advance an image processing type table that associates types of abnormal images included in image data (streak-like stains, color shift, etc.) with image processing to be applied to the image data. there is Details will be described later.

FIG. 5 is an example of a test chart table. In the leftmost column, there are five types of abnormal images: streaked dirt (black streaks), white streaks, white spots (white dots), dirt (background dirt/black dots), light image, and color shift. Are listed. A print pattern with a circle marked in each row is associated with the test chart.

For example, if the type of abnormal image is "streak-like stain (black streak)", two print patterns of "white (blank paper: registration marks present)" and "halftone dither" are associated as test charts. In addition, "Each color" is written together with a circle mark in the halftone dither column. This means that a halftone dither pattern for each color that can be output by the image forming apparatus 100 is associated.

In addition, the number of prints in the "striped stains (black streaks)" line is described as "5" in color and "2" in monochrome because it is the total number of prints for both color and monochrome models. This is the number of printed test charts. In other words, when the type of abnormal image is "streak-like dirt (black streaks)", if it is a color machine, one sheet of test chart "white (blank paper) with registration marks" and halftone dither for each color of YMCK 4 sheets, total 5 sheets will be printed. In the case of monochrome, one sheet of "white (blank paper) with registration marks" and one sheet of halftone dither for K colors are printed, so a total of two test charts are printed. In the test chart shown in FIG. 5, the number of test charts to be printed is indicated in the "number of prints" column for both color and monochrome.

FIG. 6 is an example of an image processing type table. As shown in FIG. 6, types of abnormal images are associated with image processing. In the left column of the image processing type table, the types of abnormal images included in the image data are "main scanning black streaks that are black streaks extending in the main scanning direction" and "main scanning white streaks that are white streaks extending in the main scanning direction". streaks", "sub-scanning black streaks that are black streaks extending in the sub-scanning direction", "sub-scanning white streaks that are white streaks extending in the sub-scanning direction", "background stain", "black spots", and "white spots". Seven types are described.

In the image processing type table, as shown in FIG. 6, the type of each abnormal image is associated with the type of image processing. In other words, if the type of abnormal image is "main scanning black streak" or "main scanning white streak", in order to emphasize the edge of the streak extending in the main scanning direction, image processing "applies a low-pass filter in the main scanning direction of the image", and image processing of applying a high-pass filter in the sub-scanning direction of the image. On the other hand, if the type of abnormality is "sub-scanning black streaks" or "sub-scanning white streaks", in order to emphasize the edges of the streaks extending in the sub-scanning direction, image processing to "apply a low-pass filter in the sub-scanning direction of the image" and " Apply a high-pass filter in the main scanning direction of the image.” Image processing is executed. In order to perform edge enhancement processing in a desired direction in this manner, the coefficient of the spatial filter applied to the read image data may be appropriately set.

Further, when the abnormal image is "background dirt", image processing is executed to "widen the gradation of the high-brightness image" in order to make the dirt portion easier to see. Also, if the abnormal image is an "abnormal image with white dots (white dots)", the white dots are difficult to see in the faint (high-brightness) parts of the image. Execute image processing to widen the gradation of the image. On the other hand, if the abnormal image is a "black spotted abnormal image (black dots)", the black dots are difficult to see in dark (low-brightness) image areas. Execute image processing to widen the gradation of the image.

In the right column of the image processing type table, "high-pass filtering in the main scanning direction", "low-pass filtering in the main scanning direction", "high-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction", and "low-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" are shown as image processing. , “widen the gradation of high-luminance image”, and “widen the gradation of low-luminance image”.

Here, among these image processing, "high-pass filtering in the main scanning direction", "low-pass filtering in the main scanning direction", "high-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction", and "low-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" are the contents of image processing. It is a process including filtering as Further, "widening the gradation of a high-luminance image" and "widening the gradation of a low-luminance image" include processing for widening the gradation as the content of image processing.

"Low-pass filtering in the main scanning direction" and "Low-pass filtering in the main scanning direction" include processing performed in the main scanning direction as the direction of image processing. "High-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" and "Low-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" include processing performed in the sub-scanning direction as the direction of image processing.

"High-pass filtering in the main scanning direction" and "High-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" include processing for high-pass areas as image processing targets. "Low-pass filtering in the main scanning direction" and "low-pass filtering in the sub-scanning direction" include processing for low-pass areas as image processing targets. "Expanding the gradation of a high-brightness image" includes processing targeting a high-brightness area as an object of image processing. "Expanding the gradation of a low-luminance image" includes processing targeting a low-luminance region as an object of image processing.

In this way, the types of image processing can be classified into image processing with different content of image processing, image processing with different directions of image processing, and image processing with different types of images to be processed. As an example, "expanding the gradation of a high-luminance image" and "expanding the gradation of a low-luminance image" can be said to be image processing for different types of images to be processed. On the other hand, in terms of the content of the image processing, both are image processing for widening the gradation.

The type of abnormal image, the position of occurrence of the abnormal image, the color of the abnormal image, the size of the abnormal image, and the like may be combined to associate them with the type of image processing.

FIG. 7 is an example of a test chart printing processing flow in the first embodiment. This flow starts when the input reception unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 receives the type information of the abnormal image that the user wants to improve. As for the input of the type information of the abnormal image, the operator may be guided by the display of the operation panel 17 to be input as will be described later.

First, as an abnormal image type receiving step, the input receiving unit 110 receives input type information of an abnormal image (S101). Upon receiving the type of abnormal image, the chart acquisition unit 131 refers to the chart table in the chart storage unit 161 via the read/write processing unit 150 as a chart acquisition step, and obtains the test chart corresponding to the input abnormal image. (S102). The chart acquisition unit 131 passes the acquired test chart to the image formation control unit 132 . Then, the image formation control unit 132 prints the acquired test chart as a chart printing step (S103).

FIG. 8 is an example of an image processing flow during reading according to the first embodiment. This flow is started when an instruction to read the test chart printed in step S103 is input from the operation panel 17 of the image forming apparatus 100 after the test chart is printed in FIG.

First, the input reception unit 110 receives a reading instruction (S104). Then, the image processing control unit 1 acquires the inputted image abnormality type information as an image abnormality type information acquisition step (S105).

As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 1 acquires the type of image processing by referring to the image processing type table in FIG. S106). Then, the image reading control unit 133 starts image reading (S107). Then, the image processing control unit 1 performs the type of image processing acquired in step S106 on the read image data generated by starting reading in step S107 (S108). When image reading and image processing are completed (S109), this flow ends. When this flow ends, post-processing image data is generated.

In this way, since the processed image data is generated in which the characteristics of the abnormal image are easier to understand than the read image data, it is possible to more accurately determine the content of the failure due to the abnormal image based on the processed image data.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the second embodiment is common to FIGS. 1 to 7, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 9 is an example of a read processing flow in the second embodiment. This flow is started when an instruction to read the test chart printed in step S103 is input from the operation panel 17 of the image forming apparatus 100 after the test chart is printed in FIG.

First, the input receiving unit 110 receives a reading instruction (S201). Then, the image reading control unit 133 starts image reading (S202). When image reading is completed (S203), this flow ends. When this flow ends, read image data is generated.

FIG. 10 is an example of a display-time image processing flow in the second embodiment. This flow is started when an instruction to display the reading result of the test chart is input from the input reception unit 110 after the flow of FIG. 9 ends.

First, the input reception unit 110 receives a display instruction (S204). As an image abnormality type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 134 refers to the image processing type table in FIG. S205).

As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 134 refers to the image processing type table in FIG. S206). Then, the image reading control unit 133 starts image reading (S207). Then, the image processing control unit 134 performs the type of image processing acquired in step S206 on the read image data generated by starting reading in step S207 (S208). Then, the image processing is completed (S209), the display control unit 120 displays the generated post-processing image data (S210), and this flow ends. When this flow ends, read image data and processed image data are generated and displayed.

In this way, since the processed image data is generated in which the characteristics of the abnormal image are easier to understand than the read image data, it is possible to more accurately determine the content of the failure due to the abnormal image based on the processed image data.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. Since the third embodiment is common to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 9, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 11 is an example of an image processing flow during storage in the third embodiment. This flow is started when an instruction to store the result of reading the test chart is input from the input receiving unit 110 after reading is completed in FIG. Note that the storage here is storage in a non-volatile storage medium as an example.

First, the input reception unit 110 receives a storage instruction (S301). As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 134 refers to the image processing type table in FIG. S302).

As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 134 refers to the image processing type table in FIG. S303). Then, the image reading control unit 133 starts image reading (S304). Then, the image processing control unit 134 performs the type of image processing acquired in step S106 on the read image data generated by starting reading in step S107 (S305). Then, when the image processing is completed (S306), the read/write processing unit 150 stores the generated processed image data in the storage unit 160 (S307), and the flow ends. When this flow ends, post-processing image data is generated and stored.

In this way, since the post-processing image data that makes it easier to understand the characteristics of the abnormal image than the read image data is generated and stored, it is possible to make a more accurate determination of the content of the failure due to the abnormal image based on the post-processing image data. can. The processed image data stored in the image forming apparatus 100 in this way can be checked by a customer engineer who visits 0100, and can be used for state management of the image forming apparatus 100 by storing it periodically.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the fourth embodiment is common to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 9, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is an example of an image processing flow during transmission according to the fourth embodiment. This flow is started when an instruction to send the result of reading the test chart is input from the input receiving unit 110 after reading is completed in FIG.

First, the input reception unit 110 receives a transmission instruction (S401). As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 1 acquires the type of image processing by referring to the image processing type table in FIG. S402).

As an image processing type acquisition step, the image processing control unit 134 refers to the image processing type table in FIG. S403). Then, the image reading control unit 133 starts image reading (S404). Then, the image processing control unit 134 performs the type of image processing acquired in step S106 on the read image data generated by starting reading in step S107 (S405). Then, when the image processing is completed (S406), the communication control unit 140 transmits the generated processed image data to the outside (S407), and this flow ends. When this flow ends, processed image data is generated and transmitted.

In this way, since the post-processing image data that makes it easier to understand the characteristics of the abnormal image than the read image data is generated and transmitted, it is possible to more accurately determine the content of the failure due to the abnormal image based on the post-processing image data. Furthermore, the degree of freedom of the information processing system is increased.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Since the fifth embodiment is common to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 9, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server device according to the fifth embodiment. The server device 200 includes a CPU 201 , a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , an HDD 204 , a display 205 , an operation unit 206 such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and a communication I/F 207 . It is connected.

The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 by executing the OS and other various application programs stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204 using the RAM 203 as a work area. HDD 204 may also store at least part of a fault diagnosis program for executing fault diagnosis.

A display 205 displays various information necessary for user's operation to the user.

An operation unit 206 receives user operations. Note that accepting a user's operation is a concept that includes accepting information input according to a user's operation.

The communication I/F 207 is communication means for communicating with other devices via the communication network N by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi.

The server device 200 may also have a media I/F or the like for reading and writing various media.

Next, FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of the server device according to the fifth embodiment. The server device 200 has an input reception unit 210 , a display control unit 220 , a control unit 230 , a communication control unit 240 , a read/write processing unit 250 and a storage unit 260 .

The input reception unit 210 is realized by the processing of the operation unit 206, and executes a function of receiving various inputs by the operator.

Display control unit 220 is implemented by CPU 201 executing a program stored in ROM 202 or HDD 204 using RAM 203 as a work area, and performs a function of controlling a display screen displayed on display 205 .

Control unit 230 is implemented by CPU 201 executing a program stored in ROM 202 or HDD 204 using RAM 203 as a work area, and executes the functions of server device 200 as a whole.

The controller 230 has an image processing controller 231 .

The communication control unit 240 is realized by the processing of the communication I/F 207 and executes a function of performing communication using the network N.

The read/write processing unit 250 is implemented by the CPU 201 executing the ROM 202 or the HDD 204 using the RAM 203 as a work area, and stores various data in the storage unit 260 and reads various data stored in the storage unit 260. perform the function to

The storage unit 260 is executed by processing of the ROM 202 or the HDD 204, and executes a function of storing programs, various setting information necessary for the operation of the server device 200, an operation log of the server device 200, and the like. It may be executed by the temporary storage function of the RAM 203 .

The storage unit 260 has an image processing type storage unit 261 . The image processing type table described with reference to FIG. 6 is stored in advance in the image processing type storage unit 261 .

In the fifth embodiment, the server device 200 receives the read image data generated as the processing result of the reading processing flow of FIG. image processing.

[Sixth embodiment]
More specifically, FIG. 11 is executed in the image forming apparatus 100 in the third embodiment when an instruction to store the read image data in the storage unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 is received. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, when the input reception unit 210 of the server device 200 receives a storage instruction for the read image data, the image processing control unit 231, the read/write processing unit 250, and the storage unit 260 , the image processing type storage unit 261 executes the processing flow of FIG.

In the sixth embodiment, when the server device 200 receives the read image data generated as the result of the reading processing flow processing of FIG. process.

[Seventh embodiment]
More specifically, FIG. 12 is executed in the image forming apparatus 100 in the fourth embodiment when the image forming apparatus 100 instructs to transmit the read image data to the outside. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, when the input reception unit 210 of the server device 200 receives an instruction to transmit the read image data to the outside, the image processing control unit 231, the read/write processing unit 250, The storage unit 260, the image processing type storage unit 261, and the communication control unit 240 execute the processing flow of FIG.

In the seventh embodiment, the terminal device 400 performs image processing on the read image data generated as a result of the reading processing flow processing shown in FIG.

More specifically, FIG. 10 is executed in the image forming apparatus 100 in the second embodiment when an instruction to display the read image data on the display section of the image forming apparatus 100 is given. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, image processing is performed when the terminal device 400 receives a display instruction on the display 205 of the terminal device 400 . For example, a customer engineer using the terminal device 400 downloads the read image data to the terminal device 400 to obtain the read image data, and then inputs a display instruction to the display 205 using the operation unit 206 . As another example, a customer engineer using terminal device 400 obtains an address on network N that allows access to the read image data, and accesses that address to input a display instruction to display 205. There are, but not limited to, these.

[Image processing]
FIG. 15 is an example of image processing. γ correction will be described as an example of image processing with reference to FIG. 15 . The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 15 indicates the gradation values from 0 to 255 obtained from the read image data as input values. The vertical axis indicates the output value converted by the γ value. As shown in FIG. 15, a smaller γ value emphasizes the density difference between the black portion and the intermediate portion, and a larger γ value emphasizes the density difference between the white portion and the intermediate portion. By appropriately setting the γ value in accordance with the image, it is possible to perform image processing such as correcting the density gradation of the image and achieving desired contrast.

FIG. 16 is an example of an abnormal image. The read image shown in FIG. 16 has scum as an example of an abnormal image. Judgment to be made regarding the characteristics of the scumming, for example, in which part the scumming occurs, may vary depending on the skill level of the user who makes the judgment, the viewing environment, and the like.

FIG. 17 is an example of an image after processing. This is a case where the γ correction of γ=100 described with reference to FIG. 15 is applied to the read image data of the abnormal image shown in FIG. The processed image shown in FIG. 17 emphasizes the background stain more than the read image shown in FIG. 16, and is an image that makes it easier to identify the characteristics of the abnormal image. The γ value is not limited to 100 and can be set as appropriate.

In the information processing system S1, the image processing control unit 134 and the image processing control unit 231 may be included in any one of the image forming device 100, the server device 200, and the terminal device 400, or may be included in all of them. can be

[Screen transition example]
Next, examples of screen transitions displayed on the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 30. FIG.

[First example]
First, FIG. 18 is a first example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed when a predetermined button such as a help button or a support button is pressed in the home screen displayed on the operation panel 17 of the image forming apparatus 100 . This screen may hereinafter be referred to as a support screen TOP.

In the support screen TOP, when a button part described as "If you have a problem with image quality/paper" is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. Further, when a button section labeled “close” is pressed in this support TOP, the home screen of the image forming apparatus 100 is returned to.

A user or a customer engineer, who is an operator of the image forming apparatus 100, presses a button labeled "If you have a problem with image quality or paper" on the screen shown in FIG. A function of the image forming apparatus 100 provided for when the image quality of the formed image is unsatisfactory can be used.

[Second example]
FIG. 19 is a second example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed when a button labeled "If you have a problem with image quality or paper" is pressed.

When the user presses the button labeled "When you want to improve print quality" on the screen shown in FIG. 19, the screen shown in FIG. Transition to the screen. When the user presses the button section labeled "If you want to improve paper feeding," the screen transitions to a screen that guides the user to take measures to improve the problem of paper feeding. Further, when the button part described as "close" is pressed, the home screen of the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed again.

By pressing the "Improve print quality" button or "Improve paper feed" button on the screen shown in FIG. The functions of the image forming apparatus 100 are available for the operator to perform when desired.

[Third example]
FIG. 20 is a third example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. When the user wants to improve the print quality on the screen shown in FIG. 19, it is displayed when the button is pressed.

On the screen shown in FIG. 20, there are four buttons each describing "streaks and stains", "blurred/blurred", "white out", and "tilted/displaced" as types of abnormal images. are displayed. When the operator presses a button describing an abnormal image to be improved from among the four buttons, the corresponding screen is displayed. When the button labeled "Close" is pressed, the screen returns to the full screen, and when the button labeled "End" is pressed, the screen returns to the support TOP screen.

By selecting the type of abnormal image in the screen shown in FIG. 20, the operator can receive support provided by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the type of abnormal image.

As an example, when the operator inputs the type information of the abnormal image to the input receiving unit 110 from the operation panel 17 using the four buttons shown in FIG. It is accepted and the flow of FIG. 7 can be started.

It should be noted that there are 6 types of abnormal images in the test chart table shown in FIG. 5 and 7 types of abnormal images in the image processing type table shown in FIG. Only the select button is visible. All types of abnormal images associated with each table from the beginning, that is, six types for the test chart table shown in FIG. 5 and seven types for the image processing type table shown in FIG. However, it is often difficult for a general operator to specify the abnormal image in detail. Therefore, the selection screen shown in FIG. 19 is changed a plurality of times to input the abnormal image information. The type should be specified.

[Fourth example]
FIG. 21 is a fourth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed when the "There are streaks and stains" button is pressed. As shown in FIG. 21, actions that can be taken by the operator for the selected abnormal image are displayed. In FIG. 21, cleaning of the inside of the main body is displayed.

After executing the treatment according to the instructions on the screen, the operator presses the button labeled "Confirm". Then, a preset confirmation image is printed. The operator checks the printed image for confirmation, and if the image abnormality is improved, presses a button labeled "end support and resume printing". If it is not improved, press the button part that says "If cleaning does not improve".

In the screen shown in FIG. 21, when the operator presses the "end support and resume printing" button, the support screen ends and the screen transitions to a printable screen such as the home screen. In the screen shown in FIG. 21, when the operator presses the "cleaning does not improve" button, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. When the "close" button is pressed, the screen returns to the home screen.

In FIG. 21 , the operator can execute the failure diagnosis provided by the image forming apparatus 100 by pressing the “if cleaning does not improve” button.

[Fifth example]
FIG. 22 is a fifth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 21 is displayed when the "if cleaning does not improve" button is pressed.

In the screen of FIG. 22, when the operator presses and selects the button portion labeled "Print + Diagnose" and presses the start button, step S103 is executed to generate a test chart for fault diagnosis. is printed. When the button section labeled “image display” is pressed, the test chart to be printed is displayed on the operation panel 17 . When the "end" button is pressed, the screen returns to the support TOP screen.

By selecting the "print + diagnosis" button in FIG. 22 and pressing the start button, the user can print a test chart for diagnosing an abnormal image to be improved.

[Sixth example]
FIG. 23 is a sixth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This screen is displayed when the "print + diagnosis" button is selected and the start button is pressed. FIG. 23 shows a screen for informing the operator of the progress of printing. If the operator presses a "cancel" button, printing can be canceled halfway through.

[Seventh example]
FIG. 24 is a seventh example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This screen is displayed when printing of the test chart by the image forming apparatus 100 is completed.

When the operator presses the button labeled "Diagnosis", the fault diagnosis is continued. By pressing the button labeled "Cancel", the image diagnosis can be terminated without proceeding any further. Unless otherwise specified, the "cancel" button has the same function.

[Eighth example]
FIG. 25 is an eighth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This is the screen displayed when the "Diagnosis" button is pressed in FIG.

FIG. 25 shows a screen for instructing the operator to "set the printed test chart in the DF and press the start button."

When the operator refers to this screen and sets the printed test chart in the DF 51 and presses the start button, the image reading unit 1 reads the test chart and generates image data of the test chart.

The screen shown in FIG. 25 allows the operator to more reliably perform image diagnosis using test charts for failure diagnosis.

[Ninth example]
FIG. 26 is a ninth example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. This is a screen displayed when the start button is pressed in FIG. This screen is for notifying the operator that test chart reading is being performed. If the cancel button is pressed by the operator, reading can be canceled in the middle.

In the first embodiment, image processing is executed at the time of reading. As an example, image processing is executed at the time of reading when FIG. 26 is displayed.

[Tenth example]
FIG. 27 is a tenth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This screen is displayed following FIG. 26 when reading of the test chart is completed. This screen is a screen that informs the operator that failure diagnosis is being performed based on the test chart. Diagnosis can also be canceled in the middle when the cancel button is pressed by the operator.

[Eleventh example]
FIG. 28 is an eleventh example of a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. This screen is displayed following FIG. 27 after the failure diagnosis is completed.

When the start button is pressed in the screen of FIG. 28, the failure diagnosis result is sent to a pre-registered destination, for example, the server device 200 or the server device 300 . When the button section labeled "Diagnosis result display" is pressed, the diagnosis result can be displayed on the screen. Furthermore, a print button may be provided for printing the diagnosis result. When the end button is pressed, the screen returns to the support TOP screen.

That is, the output instruction reception of step S109 is executed by the input reception unit 110, and the output of step S110 is executed. The screen shown in FIG. 28 may be displayed on the display 205 of the server apparatus 200 of the second embodiment before step S210, and the operator of the server apparatus 200 may select it using the operation unit 206. FIG.

On the screen shown in FIG. 28, the operator can output the failure diagnosis result in a desired output method.

[Twelfth example]
FIG. 29 is a twelfth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This is a screen displayed when the start button is pressed in FIG. 28 . This screen is a screen that informs the operator that transmission is being executed as an output of the diagnosis result. If the cancel button is pressed by the operator, the transmission can be canceled in the middle.

In the fourth embodiment, image processing is executed at the time of transmission. As an example, it is possible to execute image processing at the time of transmitting diagnosis results, that is, while the screen of FIG. 29 is displayed, and transmit the image data together with the processed image data. be.

[Thirteenth example]
FIG. 30 is a thirteenth example of a screen displayed on image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. This screen is displayed following FIG. 29 when transmission of the diagnosis result is completed.

When the start button is pressed in a state in which the button portion labeled READING IMAGE DISPLAY in FIG. In the second embodiment, image processing is performed during display. As an example, when the start button is pressed while the read image display button is pressed and selected in FIG. 30, image processing is performed during display. At this time, both the read image data and the processed image data may be displayed.

When the end button is pressed in the image forming apparatus FIG. 30, the screen returns to the support top screen. Further, in FIG. 30, a button for deleting the test chart read data may be displayed, and by pressing the button, the read image data may be deleted and the process may be terminated.

29 and 30 may be displayed on the display 205 of the server device 200 and the operator of the server device 200 may perform button operations on the operation unit 206, as in FIG.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an information processing system according to the eighth embodiment will be described.

First, FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of countermeasures in a comparative example when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. In this FIG. 31,
1. When the user notices an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 100,
2. A user contacts a support window provided by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 100 by RS call (remote service call), Web (World Wide Web) contact, or telephone contact.

3. The support contact person requests the user to output and send a test chart for anomaly detection,
4. The user outputs a test chart for anomaly detection,
5. The user sends the test chart output results for anomaly detection.

6. The person in charge of the support window looks at the output result of the test chart and decides on a coping method such as requesting the user to perform processing such as cleaning, or having a person in charge of support (CE: customer engineer) visit.

7. If the coping method to visit the support staff is selected, the support staff visits the image forming apparatus for repair.
8. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 returns to its normal state. The person in charge of support regularly visits the user and checks the state of the image forming apparatus 100 even when an abnormality occurs. Then, when an abnormality is found, this measure is taken. During this visit, the support staff does not output and store test charts, unlike the information processing system of the eighth embodiment.

On the other hand, FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of countermeasures when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus 100 in the information processing system of the eighth embodiment. In the case of the information processing system of the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the following processing is added to the comparative example shown in FIG.

That is, in the case of the information processing system of the eighth embodiment, the person in charge of support (or the user may be) periodically visits the user, outputs the above-described test chart for abnormality detection, and be read and saved. As a result, test charts are saved periodically. In other words, chronologically new test charts are sequentially stored.

When an abnormality occurs, the user outputs, reads, and stores the test chart at the time of occurrence of the abnormality. The image reading apparatus 100 compares the test chart at the time of the occurrence of the abnormality with the chronologically newest test chart stored by the person in charge of support, and extracts the difference between the two.

The image reading apparatus 100 analyzes the abnormality based on the extracted difference, and identifies the cause of the abnormality such as dirt on the glass. Then, the image reading apparatus 100 prompts the user to perform processing such as cleaning the image forming apparatus 100 or contacting support according to the type of abnormality.

31 and 32, the image forming apparatus 100 on the user side corresponds to the image forming apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, etc. shown in FIG. Server devices 200a to 200c and server devices 300a and 300b of the manufacturer's call center correspond to server device 200 or server device 300 shown in FIG.

The difference between such a comparative example and the information processing system of the eighth embodiment will be explained again. FIG. 33 is another schematic diagram for explaining the flow of countermeasures against the occurrence of an abnormality in the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 33, in the case of the comparative example, the person in charge of support visits the user periodically to check the image forming apparatus and conduct sales. During the visit, the support staff will not output or store test charts.

In the comparative example, when an abnormality occurs, the person in charge of support visits the user and outputs a test chart (image pattern) from the image forming apparatus. Then, based on this test chart, the cause of the abnormality is identified.

On the other hand, in the case of the information processing system of the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the person in charge of support visits the user, outputs a test chart (image pattern) each time, and scans the image with the scanner function. It is read and stored in the image forming apparatus 100 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, new test charts (image patterns) are sequentially stored in the image forming apparatus 100 over time.

In the information processing system of the eighth embodiment, when an abnormality occurs, a support person visits the user, outputs a test chart (image pattern), and reads it with a scanner function. As a result, it is possible to obtain a test chart (image pattern) at a time not so long after the occurrence of the abnormality.

Next, in the case of the information processing system of the eighth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the test chart (chart image at the previous visit) stored at the time of the previous visit, which is the time of the previous visit, before the occurrence of an abnormality, and the Then, a "difference chart image" is formed by comparing with a test chart (abnormality occurrence chart image) stored at a time when not much time has passed, and extracting the difference between the two.

The test chart at the previous visit used as a reference image for forming the difference test chart is a test chart memorized at the time of the previous visit in which not much time has passed since the occurrence of the abnormality. Therefore, the difference between the previous visit test chart and the abnormality occurrence chart is a chart image that directly indicates the cause of the abnormality. By analyzing this difference test chart, it is possible to accurately identify the cause of the abnormality.

The flow chart of FIG. 35 shows the flow of operations when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus provided in the information processing system of the eighth embodiment. In the flow chart of FIG. 35, in step S1, the print output (discharge) of the test chart is instructed by the operation of the support staff who visits periodically. When this instruction is given, the chart acquisition unit 131 shown in FIG. output).

The support staff reads the printed and ejected test chart. As a result, the image reading control unit 133 reads the test chart based on the scanner function, and stores it in the chart storage unit 161 via the read/write processing unit 150 (step S501). A support person outputs and stores such a test chart each time he/she visits a user. As a result, a new chart image (chart image at the previous visit) is stored in the chart storage unit 161 each time.

Next, while using the image forming apparatus 100, the user outputs a chart image if an abnormality such as a streak appears in the printed image as shown by the dotted line in FIG. While operating, the chart image at the time of occurrence of this abnormality is read and operated. When the user performs a chart image output operation, the chart acquisition unit 131 acquires the test chart, which is the reference image stored in the chart storage unit 161, via the read/write processing unit 150, and prints it out. (eject).

The user reads the printed and ejected test chart. As a result, the image reading control unit 133 reads the test chart based on the scanner function, and stores it in the chart storage unit 161 via the read/write processing unit 150 . As a result, the chart image at the time of occurrence of the abnormality (abnormality occurrence chart image) is stored in the chart storage unit 161 (steps S502 and S503).

After the abnormality occurrence chart is stored in this manner, the process advances from step S504 to step S505. In step S<b>505 , the difference extracting unit 136 reads out the latest chart image at previous visit and the currently stored abnormality occurrence chart image among the chart images at previous visit stored in the chart storage unit 161 . That is, the difference extracting unit 136 reads out the chart image at the time of the previous visit and the abnormality occurrence chart image, which are the latest in terms of time. Then, the difference extraction unit 136 compares the previous visit chart image and the abnormality occurrence chart image, and forms a "difference chart image" by extracting the difference between the two, for example, as shown in FIG. 37 (step S505).

As an example, the greater the difference between the previous visit chart image and the abnormality occurrence chart image, the greater the pixel value and the brighter the color. That is, in FIG. 37, black portions indicate portions where the pixel values of both images match, and white portions indicate pixels with a large difference in pixel value between the two images. In the case of the example of FIG. 37, it is easy to detect the part where the upper right character is written and the position of the abnormality indicated by the vertical dotted line.

Next, the analysis unit 137 analyzes such a difference chart image to identify the cause of the abnormality. Then, the analysis result indicating the cause of the abnormality is stored in the analysis result storage unit 164 (step S506). The most recent chart at the previous visit used to form the difference chart image is the chart image stored at the time of the previous visit in which not much time has passed since the occurrence of the abnormality. Therefore, the difference between the most recent previous visit chart image and the abnormality occurrence chart image is a chart image that directly indicates the cause of the abnormality. By analyzing this difference chart image, the cause of the abnormality can be specified with high accuracy.

Next, the failure prediction unit 138 predicts a failure of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the latest analysis result or multiple analysis results stored in the chart storage unit 161 (step S507).

For example, an analysis result has been obtained that a vertical streak of 0.2 mm exists in the magenta color of the chart image. If it becomes clear based on the results, future changes in the thickness of vertical streaks can be predicted. Vertical streaks do not always change linearly, but since the analysis results are accumulated periodically, it is possible to predict the trend of change.

In general, based on past cases, if there is information that a user perceives an image with vertical streaks of 1 mm or more as an abnormal image, the user will and a threshold value such as 1 mm, it is possible to predict when the thickness of the vertical streak exceeds 1 mm. Note that the above-mentioned threshold value for recognizing the size of the vertical streak may be obtained through a network or the like from a threshold value stored as common information, or may be set by classifying it according to the user's home country, industry, or the like. may

By predicting a failure based on the analysis result in this way, it is possible to prevent or shorten downtime of the image forming apparatus 100 . In addition, the failure prediction result can be used for regular maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 and the like.

Also, the component deterioration degree calculation unit 139 calculates the component deterioration degree based on the latest analysis result or a plurality of analysis results. Specifically, if the thickness of the above-described vertical streak is 1 mm when abnormal, 0 mm when normal, and 0.2 mm during regular diagnosis, the component deterioration degree calculation unit 139 determines that the vertical streak is a factor. The degree of deterioration of the magenta fixing portion is calculated to be approximately 20%. Such a degree of deterioration of parts can be used for advance preparation of consumable parts, inventory management of parts, etc., and it is possible to prevent or shorten downtime of the image forming apparatus 100 . can be done.

Next, when the analysis unit 137 analyzes the difference chart image and identifies the cause of the abnormality that has occurred, the identified cause can be dealt with by the user, or it is difficult to deal with unless it is the person in charge of support. (step S508). For example, if the user can take action such as wiping the glass of the document table to eliminate the problem, the analysis unit 137 takes action such as "please wipe the glass of the document table". The prompting message is read out from the message data storage unit 163 and displayed on the display unit such as the operation panel 17 (step S509), and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 35 is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is difficult for the person in charge of support to deal with it, the analysis unit 137 prompts the person in charge of support to contact the person in charge, for example, "Please contact the person in charge of support by e-mail or telephone." The message is read out from the message data storage section 163 and displayed on the display section such as the operation panel 17 (step S510), and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 35 is terminated.

(Effect of the eighth embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, the information processing system of the eighth embodiment stores the chart image when the person in charge of support (or the user may be) visits. Then, when an abnormality occurs, the chart image memorized at a time not so long after the anomaly occurred (abnormality occurrence chart image) is compared with the latest chart image memorized at the time of the visit (the chart image at the time of the previous visit). , a difference chart image is formed by extracting the difference between the two.

The latest chart at the previous visit used to form the difference chart image is the chart image stored at the time of the previous visit in which not much time has passed since the occurrence of the abnormality. Therefore, the difference between the latest previous visit chart image and the abnormality occurrence chart image is a chart image that directly indicates the cause of the abnormality. By analyzing this difference chart image, the cause of the abnormality can be specified with high accuracy.

Further, by predicting a failure based on the analysis result, it is possible to prevent or shorten downtime of the image forming apparatus 100 . In addition, the failure prediction result can be used for regular maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 and the like.

Also, the component deterioration degree is calculated based on the analysis result. The degree of deterioration of the parts can be used for advance preparation of consumable parts, inventory management of parts, etc., and it is possible to prevent or shorten downtime of the image forming apparatus 100 . .

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 performs an operation for extracting and analyzing the difference between the abnormality occurrence chart image and the chart image at the time of the previous visit. It may be executed by the server device 200 (or the server device 300). The information processing system of this modified example is an example of an abnormality identification system.

In this case, the chart image read each time the support staff visits is transmitted to the server device 200 of the call center via the network N by the communication control unit 140 shown in FIG. be done. Further, when an abnormality occurs, the communication control unit 140 shown in FIG. 4 transmits the above-described abnormality occurrence chart image to the call center server device 200 via the network N. FIG.

The server apparatus 200 is provided with functions such as the difference extraction unit 136, the analysis unit 137, the failure prediction unit 138, the component deterioration degree calculation unit 139, and the like. When the server device 200 receives the abnormality occurrence chart image from the image forming device 100, the server device 200 forms a difference chart image showing the difference from the previous visit chart image stored in the storage unit on the server device 200 side, and forms the formed difference chart image. By analyzing the chart image, the cause of the abnormality occurring on the image forming apparatus 100 side is specified.

Further, such analysis results are accumulated in the storage unit on the server device 200 side. The server device 200 performs failure prediction and calculates the degree of deterioration of parts based on the accumulated analysis results. Then, each information indicating the cause of the identified abnormality, the failure prediction result, and the degree of deterioration of the component is stored in the storage section of the server device 200 and transmitted to the image forming device 100 .

In the case of such a modification, by providing the server apparatus 200 with an image accumulation function and a diagnosis function, the storage area of the storage unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 can be used to store various information such as chart images at the previous visit and analysis results. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience of pressing with In addition, since the server apparatus 200 has a higher storage capacity and a higher processing capability of the control unit than the image forming apparatus 100, analysis can be performed using a high-resolution chart image at the time of the previous visit, etc., and the cause of the abnormality can be identified. Identification accuracy is also improved. In addition, since complicated processing can be executed by calculation of abnormality analysis, it is possible to perform analysis with high accuracy, and the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Finally, the embodiments and modifications described above are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the novel embodiments and modifications described above can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is. In addition, the embodiments and 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 equivalents thereof.

S1 information processing system 100-n image forming apparatus 110 input reception unit 120 display control unit 130 control unit 131 chart acquisition unit 132 image formation control unit 133 image reading control unit 134 image processing control unit 136 difference extraction unit 137 analysis unit 138 failure prediction Unit 139 Component deterioration degree calculation unit 140 Communication control unit 150 Read/write processing unit 160 Storage unit 161 Chart storage unit 162 Image processing type storage unit 163 Message data storage unit 164 Analysis result storage unit 200 Server device 210 Input reception unit 220 Display Control unit 230 Control unit 231 Image processing type storage unit 240 Communication control unit 250 Read/write processing unit 260 Storage unit 261 Image processing type storage unit 400 Terminal device

JP 2007-074290 A

Claims (6)

an output unit that outputs a test pattern;
a reading unit that reads the output test pattern;
a storage control unit that sequentially stores the read test pattern data in a storage unit each time the test pattern is read, and controls reading of the stored test pattern data;
When an abnormality occurs, the most recent test pattern data stored in the storage unit is compared with the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs, and a difference image is generated. an image generator;
an analysis unit that analyzes the difference image and identifies the cause of the abnormality based on the analysis result ;
an input receiving unit that receives an input of the type of abnormal image included in the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs;
Acquiring the image processing according to the type of the accepted abnormal image from a plurality of types of image processing, applying the acquired image processing to the test pattern data read by the reading unit, and processing an image processing control unit that generates post-image data;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the storage control unit controls storage of the processed image data in the storage unit as data of the test pattern . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a failure prediction unit that predicts a failure based on the analysis result. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a component deterioration degree calculation unit that calculates the deterioration degree of the component based on the analysis result. Each time the test pattern output by the output unit is read by the reading unit, the storage control unit sequentially stores the data of the read test pattern in the storage unit, and controls the stored test pattern. a storage control step for controlling the reading of the data of
a difference image generation unit, when an abnormality occurs, compares the latest test pattern data stored in the storage unit with the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs; a difference image generating step for generating a difference image;
an analysis step in which the analysis unit analyzes the difference image and identifies the cause of the abnormality based on the analysis result ;
an input reception step in which an input reception unit receives an input of the type of abnormal image included in the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs;
An image processing control unit acquires the image processing according to the type of the received abnormal image from a plurality of types of image processing, and applies the acquired image processing to the data of the test pattern read by the reading unit. and an image processing control step of generating processed image data by applying to
The abnormality identifying method , wherein the storage control unit controls storage of the processed image data in the storage unit as data of the test pattern . the computer,
Each time the test pattern output by the output unit is read by the reading unit, the data of the read test pattern is sequentially stored in the storage unit, and the readout of the stored test pattern data is controlled. function as a memory control unit that performs
When an abnormality occurs, the most recent test pattern data stored in the storage unit is compared with the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs, and a difference image is generated. an image generator;
an analysis unit that analyzes the difference image and identifies the cause of the abnormality based on the analysis result ;
an input receiving unit that receives an input of the type of abnormal image included in the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs;
Acquiring the image processing according to the type of the accepted abnormal image from a plurality of types of image processing, applying the acquired image processing to the test pattern data read by the reading unit, and processing function as an image processing control unit that generates post-image data;
The abnormality identification program , wherein the storage control unit controls storage of the processed image data in the storage unit as data of the test pattern. an output unit that outputs a test pattern;
a reading unit that reads the output test pattern;
a transmission unit that transmits data of the read test pattern;
an image forming apparatus comprising
a storage control unit that sequentially controls storage of the test pattern data received from the image forming apparatus in a storage unit and controls reading of the stored test pattern data;
When an abnormality occurs, comparing the most recent test pattern data stored in the storage unit with the test pattern data transmitted from the image forming apparatus when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, a difference image generation unit that generates a difference image;
an analysis unit that analyzes the difference image and identifies the cause of the abnormality based on the analysis result ;
an input receiving unit that receives an input of the type of abnormal image included in the test pattern data read by the reading unit when an abnormality occurs;
Acquiring the image processing according to the type of the accepted abnormal image from a plurality of types of image processing, applying the acquired image processing to the test pattern data read by the reading unit, and processing an image processing control unit that generates post-image data,
a server device, wherein the storage control unit controls storage of the processed image data in the storage unit as data of the test pattern;
anomaly identification system.

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