JP7439576B2 - Prediction device, image forming device, program and prediction system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prediction device, an image forming device, a program, and a prediction system.

Conventionally, in order to determine an abnormality that occurs in an image forming device that forms images on paper and identify the cause of the abnormality, data obtained from a sensor attached to the image forming device is analyzed to determine the state of the image forming device. method is known. Other known methods include predicting the cause of an abnormality from an abnormality history collected in time series from an image forming apparatus.

For example, Patent Document 1, which is disclosed as a technique for predicting the cause of an abnormality that occurs in an image forming apparatus, states that ``When a service person visits, an abnormality that has accumulated in the storage means for a certain period before a predetermined date and time is detected. Based on the event or pre-abnormal event information and additional information, it is determined whether a visit by a service person is necessary."

Further, Patent Document 2 describes that ``a situation in which an abnormal load detection alarm of a servo axis is likely to be generated in a machine tool is predicted from an operator's operation history, and a main axis collision is warned''.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-253199 JP2018-92428A

By the way, even if the device does not generate an error message, an operator may determine that the device is in an undesirable state if the quality of the product output from the device is insufficient. However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, no error message is output unless an abnormality that makes the device unusable occurs, so even if the operator determines that the product is undesirable, the device It was not indicated whether the condition was correct or not. Therefore, even if some kind of performance drop or deterioration occurred in the equipment, the operator could not identify the cause of the performance drop or deterioration.

Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 merely predicts what kind of result the operator's actions will bring. Therefore, in a specific situation, it is possible to predict a situation that corresponds to a specific alarm, but it is not possible to predict what state the device is in. In both of the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, even if the image forming apparatus does not recognize the condition as abnormal, if the operator determines that the condition is undesirable, the condition of the image forming apparatus is determined. It was difficult to understand.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to enable the state of an image forming apparatus to be grasped from the operation of the image forming apparatus by an operator.

In order to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, a prediction device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit. An operation content acquisition unit that obtains the content, and an apparatus that stores the operation content in association with the device status of the image forming apparatus, and the device status includes countermeasures to be taken by the image forming apparatus in accordance with the device status. A device state prediction unit that refers to the device state table based on the state table and the operation details to predict the device state associated with the operation details , and outputs the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on the display unit. A display output section.
Further, a prediction device reflecting one aspect of the present invention includes an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming device operated by an operation performed on the image forming device from an operation unit; The machine state learning model created by machine learning that outputs the machine state by inputting the data and the history of the operation contents from the history table that stores the operation contents as a history, and the requested print state requested by the operator through the operation panel. The device includes a requested print state determining unit that determines the requested print state, and countermeasures to be taken to the image forming device according to the device state of the image forming device based on the operation content and the requested print state, using a device state learning model. The apparatus includes a device state prediction section that predicts a state, and a display output section that outputs the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on a display section.
Note that the above prediction device is one aspect of the present invention, and an image forming apparatus, a program, and a prediction system that reflect one aspect of the present invention are also configured in the same manner as the above prediction device.

According to the present invention, the predicted device state based on the operator's operation is displayed on the display unit, making it easier for the operator to grasp the state of the image forming device.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be made clear by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the head unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the recording material side. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of a history table when a printing failure other than an ink ejection failure occurs according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of a history table when a positional shift occurs in a nozzle unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a requested print status table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a device status table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the apparatus state table based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the apparatus state table based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of device state determination processing performed by the control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in which the control unit presents countermeasures on the operation display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the example of composition of the prediction system concerning the modification of the 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of machine learning according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a requested print status table according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a device status table according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the apparatus state table based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the example of composition of the prediction system concerning the modification of the 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functions or configurations are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

First, a configuration example of an inkjet recording apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 forms (records) an image on a recording material P (recording medium) by ejecting ink from a nozzle 244 provided in an inkjet head 242 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later. In this embodiment, an example in which paper is used as the recording medium will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various other materials such as film and cloth can be used as the recording medium.

This inkjet recording apparatus 1 is a color inkjet recording apparatus that overlays inks of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding section 10, an image forming section 20, a paper discharging section 30, and a control section 40. Then, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 forms the image data input from the terminal device 2 (see FIG. 3) on the recording material P.

The paper feed section 10 includes a paper feed tray 11 and a recording material supply section 12 . The paper feed tray 11 is a plate-shaped member on which the recording material P can be placed. The paper feed tray 11 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction depending on the number of recording materials P placed thereon. Of the plurality of recording materials P placed on the paper feed tray 11 , the uppermost recording material P in the vertical direction is held at a position where it is transported by the recording material supply section 12 .

The recording material supply section 12 includes a plurality of (in this example, two) rollers 121 and 122 and a conveyor belt 123. The conveyor belt 123 is formed in an endless shape with both longitudinal ends connected. The conveyor belt 123 is stretched around rollers 121 and 122. When one of the rollers 121 and 122 is rotationally driven, the conveyor belt 123 circulates between the two rollers 121 and 122. As a result, the recording material P placed on the conveyor belt 123 is conveyed.

The recording material supply section 12 also includes a drive section (not shown) that rotationally drives the rollers 121 and 122, and a supply device (not shown) that delivers the uppermost recording material P placed on the paper feed tray 11 to a conveyor belt 123. ). Then, the recording material supply section 12 transports the recording material P placed on the transport belt 123 toward the image forming section 20 and feeds the recording material P to the image forming section 20 .

The image forming section 20 includes an image forming drum 21, a delivery unit 22, a heating section 23, a head unit 24, a fixing section 25, an image reading section 26, a recording material discharging section 27, and a recording material reversing section 28. and forms an image on the recording material P.

The image forming drum 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The image forming drum 21 is rotated counterclockwise by a drive motor (not shown). The recording material P supplied from the paper feed section 10 is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 . The image forming drum 21 has holding areas 211 on three sides, which are obtained by dividing the outer peripheral surface into three equal parts. The holding areas 211 have a resin sheet or the like attached to the surface of a stainless steel (SUS) sheet or the like, and the recording material P can be held on the surface of each holding area 211 . The image forming drum 21 conveys the recording material P toward the paper discharge section 30 by being rotationally driven. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21, a heating section 23, a head unit 24, a fixing section 25, and an image reading section 26 are arranged facing each other.

The delivery unit 22 is provided between the recording material supply section 12 of the paper feed section 10 and the image forming drum 21. The delivery unit 22 includes a claw portion 221, a cylindrical delivery drum 222, and the like. The claw portion 221 supports one end of the recording material P conveyed by the recording material supply section 12. The delivery drum 222 guides the recording material P carried by the claw portion 221 toward the image forming drum 21 . Thereby, the recording material P is transferred from the recording material supply section 12 to the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 via the transfer unit 22.

A heating unit 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the delivery drum 222 in the conveyance direction of the recording material P. The heating unit 23 includes, for example, a heating wire, and generates heat when energized. The heating section 23 generates heat under the control of the control section 40 so that the recording material P carried by the image forming drum 21 and passing near the heating section 23 reaches a predetermined temperature.

Further, a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided near the heating section 23. The temperature sensor detects the temperature near the heating section 23. The control unit 40 then controls the temperature of the heating unit 23 based on the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor.

A head unit 24 is provided on the downstream side of the heating section 23 in the conveyance direction of the recording material P. Four head units 24 are provided corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). The four head units 24 are arranged in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black from the upstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording material P.

The head unit 24 is set to have a length (width) that covers the entire recording material P in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording material P. That is, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is a one-pass line head type inkjet recording apparatus. The four head units 24 have the same configuration, except for the colors of the ink they eject.

Next, a configuration example of the head unit 24 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the head unit 24 viewed from the recording material side.

The head unit 24 has a plurality of (16 in this example) inkjet heads 242. A set of two inkjet heads 242 constitutes one inkjet module 243. Therefore, eight inkjet modules 243 are provided in the head unit 24 of this example.

The eight inkjet modules 243 are arranged in two rows along the conveyance direction of the recording material P. Four inkjet modules 243 in one row are arranged side by side along a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording material P. Furthermore, the eight inkjet modules 243 are arranged in two rows in a staggered manner along the conveyance direction of the recording material P.

Note that the number and arrangement of inkjet modules 243 are not limited to those described above, and six or ten or more inkjet modules 243 may be arranged.

Further, the inkjet head 242 has a plurality of nozzles 244. The inkjet head 242 then discharges ink toward the recording material P from the nozzles 244. As a result, an image is formed on the recording material P carried by the image forming drum 21.

A fixing section 25 is arranged on the downstream side of the four head units 24 in the transport direction. As the fixing unit 25, for example, a fluorescent tube that emits ultraviolet light, such as a low-pressure mercury lamp, is used. The fixing unit 25 then irradiates the recording material P conveyed by the image forming drum 21 with ultraviolet rays to cure the ink ejected onto the recording material P. Thereby, the fixing section 25 fixes the image formed on the recording material P.

Fluorescent tubes that emit ultraviolet light include low-pressure mercury lamps, mercury lamps with an operating pressure of several hundred Pa to 1 MPa, light sources that can be used as germicidal lamps, cold cathode tubes, ultraviolet laser light sources, metal halide lamps, light-emitting diodes, etc. can be mentioned. Among these, a light source (for example, a light emitting diode) that can irradiate ultraviolet rays with higher intensity and consumes less power is more desirable.

Note that the fixing unit 25 is not limited to one that irradiates ultraviolet rays, but may be one that irradiates energy rays that have the property of curing the ink according to the properties of the ink, and the light source also has a wavelength of the energy rays. etc. will be replaced accordingly. Furthermore, the fixing section 25 is not limited to one that irradiates light such as ultraviolet light. As the fixing section, various other methods can be applied, such as one that dries the ink by applying heat to the recording material, or one that applies a liquid that causes a chemical change to the ink.

Further, an image reading section 26 is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing section 25 in the conveyance direction. The image reading unit 26 irradiates a reading target with light from a light source and reads the reflected image. The image reading section 26 includes an in-line sensor in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged along the direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording material P. The two-dimensional reflection image formed on the surface of the image forming drum 21 and the reflection image on the surface of the image forming drum 21 are read. The image data read by the image reading section 26 is sent to the control section 40 .

Note that the interval between the detection elements constituting the image reading section 26 is set wider than the interval between the nozzles 244 of the inkjet head 242. That is, the resolution of the image reading section 26 is set to be coarser than the resolution of the head unit 24. Further, the image reading section 26 is formed to be longer than the width direction of the image forming drum 21 and is formed so as to be able to read the entire holding area 211 on the surface of the image forming drum 21 in the width direction.

Furthermore, a recording material discharge section 27 and a recording material reversing section 28 are provided downstream of the image reading section 26 in the conveyance direction. The recording material discharge section 27 conveys the recording material P conveyed by the image forming drum 21 toward the paper discharge section 30 .

The recording material discharge section 27 includes a cylindrical separation drum 271 and a discharge belt 272. The separation drum 271 separates the recording material P supported on the image forming drum 21 from the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 . Then, the separation drum 271 guides the recording material P to the discharge belt 272 or the recording material reversing section 28 .

The separation drum 271 guides the recording material P to the ejection belt 272 when performing face-up ejection in single-sided image formation. Further, the separation drum 271 guides the recording material P to the recording material reversing section 28 when performing face-down paper discharge in single-sided image formation and double-sided image formation.

The discharge belt 272 is formed in an endless shape, similar to the conveyance belt 123 of the recording material supply section 12. The discharge belt 272 is rotatably supported by a plurality of rollers. The ejection belt 272 sends out the recording material P transferred by the separation drum 271 to the paper ejection section 30 .

The recording material reversing unit 28 includes a plurality of reversing rollers 281 and 282 and a reversing belt 283. When performing face-down paper ejection, the recording material reversing section 28 reverses the recording material P guided by the separation drum 271 , and conveys it to the recording material discharging section 27 . As a result, the recording material P is conveyed to the paper discharging section 30 with the surface on which the image is formed by the recording material discharging section 27 facing downward in the vertical direction.

Further, when performing double-sided image formation, the recording material reversing unit 28 reverses the recording material P guided by the separation drum 271, and conveys it to the outer circumferential surface of the image forming drum 21 again. Thereby, the recording material P is conveyed by the image forming drum 21 and passes through the heating section 23, head unit 24, fixing section 25, and image reading section 26 again.

The paper discharge section 30 stores the recording material P sent out from the image forming section 20 by the recording material discharge section 27. The paper discharge section 30 has a flat paper discharge tray 31. Then, the paper discharge section 30 places the recording material P on which the image is formed on the paper discharge tray 31.

[Configuration of inkjet recording device]
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a control section 40. The control unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42 used as a work area for the CPU 41, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 43 for storing programs executed by the CPU 41. and has. Furthermore, the control unit 40 has a storage unit 44 that is a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like as a mass storage device. The storage unit 44 stores information for controlling the inkjet recording apparatus 1, such as a control program (for example, an image processing program) and various data (for example, a learning model subjected to learning processing by machine learning or the like). For this reason, the ROM 43 and the storage unit 44 record programs, data, etc. necessary for the CPU 41 to operate, and are computer-readable non-standard stores that store programs to be executed by the computer that operates the inkjet recording apparatus 1. It is used as an example of a temporary storage medium.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 also includes a conveyance section 51 for conveying the recording material P, which includes an image forming drum 21, a recording material discharge section 27, a recording material reversing section 28, etc., an operation display section 52, and an input/output interface 53. have.

A CPU 41 of the control section 40 is connected to the heating section 23, head unit 24, fixing section 25, image reading section 26, RAM 42, ROM 43, and storage section 44 via a system bus 54, and controls the entire apparatus. Further, the CPU 41 is connected to a transport section 51, an operation display section 52, and an input/output interface 53 via a system bus 54, respectively.

The operation display unit 52 is a touch panel including a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display). The operation display section 52 displays information regarding the inkjet recording apparatus 1, such as an instruction menu for the operator, information regarding the ejection detection operation of the nozzle 244, and information regarding the acquired image data. Further, the operation display section 52 includes a plurality of keys and serves as an input section that receives input of various instructions, characters, numbers, and other data through key operations by an operator. Thereby, the operator can operate the inkjet recording apparatus 1 through the operation display section 52. Note that the operation display section 52 may be configured to be divided into an operation section and a display section. In this case, the operator operates the inkjet recording apparatus 1 through the operation section, and the display section displays information regarding the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

The input/output interface 53 is connected to a terminal device 2 such as a PC (personal computer) or a facsimile machine. The input/output interface 53 then receives image data from the terminal device 2. The input/output interface 53 outputs the received image data to the control unit 40. Then, the control unit 40 performs image processing such as shading correction, image density adjustment, and image compression on the image data received from the input/output interface 53 as necessary.

Further, the head unit 24 receives image data subjected to image processing by the control section 40, and forms a predetermined image on the recording material P based on the image data. Specifically, the head unit 24 causes the inkjet head 242 to eject ink to a predetermined position by driving the head drive section 241.

The image formed on the recording material P by the head unit 24 is read by the image reading section 26, and the image data is sent to the control section 40. Further, when performing an operation to determine whether there is a discharge failure in the nozzle 244, the control unit 40 determines which nozzle 244 has a discharge failure based on the image data sent from the image reading unit 26. Then, the control unit 40 performs correction processing for the head unit 24, for example, by increasing the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 244 adjacent to the nozzle 244 in which the ejection failure has occurred.

[Configuration of inkjet recording device]
Next, an example of the functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a prediction device 60 that determines the printing state requested by the operator and predicts the device state of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The prediction device 60 includes a control section 40 and a storage section 44. Although FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the storage section 44 is included inside the control section 40, in FIG. 4, the control section 40 and the storage section 44 are shown separately for convenience of explanation. Further, the prediction device 60 may be configured to be detachable from the inkjet recording device 1.

The control section 40 includes an operation content acquisition section 61 , a requested print state determination section 62 , an apparatus state prediction section 63 , and a display output section 64 .
The storage unit 44 also includes a history table 71 and a device status table 73. However, the device status table 73 includes a requested print status table 72. For this reason, the device status table 73 stores operation details and device statuses in association with each other.

When the operator performs an operation on the inkjet recording device 1 through the operation display section 52, the operation content acquisition section 61 acquires the operation content of the operation performed on the inkjet recording device 1 from the operation display section 52, and stores the operation content in the history table. Write to 71. The operation details include a history including the operation and degree of operation performed on the inkjet recording apparatus 1 by the operator, as well as the operation results of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 operated by the operator's operation, such as the printing state of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. It will be done.

The operation history is information that manages operation details in chronological order. The operation history includes, for example, test chart printing, maintenance operations, proof printing, and changes in print settings. Test chart printing includes, for example, defective nozzle detection, unevenness correction, position adjustment, head connection correction, head voltage adjustment, and the like. Furthermore, the maintenance operations include, for example, head (printing section) cleaning, conveyance section cleaning, and the like. Further, changes in print settings include, for example, tone curve correction, print position adjustment, front and back position adjustment, and the like.

The degree of operation includes, for example, the amount of correction when adjusting the position, the number of defective nozzles when detecting defective nozzles, the amount of change when changing the print position in print settings, and the like.
In addition, the printing condition includes, for example, the presence or absence of white stripes/black stripes in the printed matter, the presence or absence of density unevenness, the presence or absence of misalignment of print, the presence or absence of dirt, and the like.

The requested print state determination unit 62 reads out the history of operation details from the history table 71 in which the operation details are stored, and determines the requested print state requested by the operator through the operation display unit 52. For example, if it is found from the operation history that the same operation has been performed multiple times in a predetermined period, the requested printing state determination unit 62 performs processing to determine the requested printing state. Therefore, the requested printing state determination unit 62 refers to the requested printing state table 72 and determines the printing state requested by the operator (referred to as "operator requested printing state") that is linked to the operation details obtained from the history table 71. judge. As shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, the requested print status table 72 stores operator operation details and operator requested print statuses in association with each other.

The device state prediction unit 63 predicts the device state of the inkjet recording device 1 based on the operation details stored in the history table 71. For example, the device state prediction unit 63 performs a process of predicting the device state of the inkjet recording device 1 when it is found from the operation history that the same operation has been performed multiple times in a predetermined period. The device status indicates, for example, that the inkjet head 242 or nozzle 244 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is distorted, streaks due to ejection failure, density unevenness, etc. have occurred. Furthermore, the device status includes countermeasures that are recommended for the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in accordance with the device status.

Therefore, the device state prediction unit 63 refers to the device state table 73 and predicts the device state associated with the operation content acquired from the history table 71. Furthermore, the device state prediction unit 63 refers to the device state table 73 to predict the device state associated with the operation content obtained from the history table 71 and the requested print state obtained from the requested print state table 72. You can also do it. As shown in FIG. 8, which will be described later, the device status table 73 stores the details of the operator's operation recorded in the requested print status table 72, the operator requested print status, and the device status in association with each other.

Note that the image reading unit 26 reads an area where an image is printed on the recording material P or a test chart printed on the recording material P using an in-line sensor, and analyzes the read image. For this reason, the requested printing state determining section 62 and the device state predicting section 63 may use the pixel values (sensing values) of the image read by the image reading section 26 in their respective processes. The history table 71 may also store sensing values detected by a detection device other than the image reading unit 26. For example, the internal temperature of the apparatus detected by the thermometer, the transport timing, the size and amount of the recording material P supplied to the image forming section 20, etc. may also be stored in the history table 71 as sensing values.

The display output section 64 outputs the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63 to the operation display section 52 so that it can be displayed. The operation display section 52 displays the predicted device state. As described above, since the device status also includes countermeasures, the operation display section 52 can also display the countermeasures.

Even if there is only one operator-requested printing state, the device state may vary depending on the operation history. For example, even if the stripes are not visible from the reading results of the printed material, the stripes may be visible throughout the printed material when an operator visually checks the printed material. In this case, the operator's request is that "no streaks be visible," but the inkjet recording apparatus 1 that has produced prints with visible streaks may have various device states. Therefore, countermeasures corresponding to the predicted device state based on the operation history and operator-requested printing state are displayed on the operation display section 52. For example, when performing head cleaning is presented as a countermeasure, the operator performs head cleaning. Additionally, if streaks are visible at the joints of the heads, adjustment of the joint positions of the heads will be suggested as a countermeasure. Other countermeasures proposed include changing the printing speed and resolution, changing the amount of ink deposited per unit area, and processing using a dither mask. By implementing these proposed countermeasures, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 can create printed matter that meets the printing conditions requested by the operator, thereby increasing operator satisfaction.

Here, the operation and results of the image forming apparatus 1 when a printing defect occurs will be explained.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the history table 71 when a printing failure other than an ink ejection failure occurs. The history table 71 includes a table summarizing operator operations or operations of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and their results. The history table 71 stores, for example, a history of six operations.

For example, assume that in the first operation, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 prints a test chart on the recording material P, detects a defective nozzle, and complements the defective nozzle. If the nozzle 244 shown in FIG. 2 is partially clogged with ink or has a defective nozzle with air bubbles, ink ejection becomes poor. Therefore, the other nozzles 244 around the defective nozzle eject ink at the position where the defective nozzle should originally eject ink, thereby preventing missing prints. This process will be referred to as "defective nozzle complementation" in the following explanation. Note that in the first operation shown in FIG. 5, the number of defective nozzles is small, which indicates that the job of printing the test chart has also been successfully completed.

In the second operation, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 executes several pages of job A and prints images designated for job A, which indicates that job A has ended normally. However, since the operator is not satisfied with the quality of the image printed on the recording material P, the test chart is printed again.

Therefore, in the third operation, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 prints the test chart again, and in the fourth operation, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 again executes job A for several pages. Even after the fourth operation, the operator is not satisfied with the quality of the image printed on the recording material P, so the fifth and sixth operations similar to the third and fourth operations are repeated. Since the same operation is repeated many times in this way, it is assumed that the operator does not judge the quality of the image printed on the recording material P to be good. For example, when printing a company's corporate colors, even if the inkjet recording device 1 itself completes processing normally, if the operator notices slight color unevenness or streaks on the printed matter, the operator will judge the printed matter to be of poor quality. There are many things to do. In this case, the operator-requested printing state is a state in which white stripes/black stripes do not occur on the printed matter.

Therefore, the requested print state determination unit 62 refers to the history table 71 and the requested print state table 72 to determine the operator requested print state. Then, the device state prediction unit 63 refers to the device state table 73 and predicts the device state, thereby obtaining a device state indicating that there is a printing defect other than an ejection defect (for example, occurrence of white stripes/black stripes). . The determination according to the present embodiment uses a rule-based (combination of defective nozzle detection and a certain job N or more times) algorithm-based determination processing. Then, the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63 is outputted to the operation display section 52 by the display output section 64, so that the operator can check the device state.

Next, a description will be given of detection results when positional deviation occurs in nozzle units.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the history table 71A when positional deviation occurs in nozzle units. The history table 71A is a table in which contents different from the history table 71 shown in FIG. 5 are recorded. The history table 71A stores, for example, a history of seven operations.

For example, assume that the control unit 40 detects a defective nozzle in the first operation and complements the defective nozzle. At this time, since the number of defective nozzles was small, the printing results were not bad and the job was completed normally. As shown in the history table 71A, as a result of the second to sixth operations, the job ended normally. However, in the third and fourth operations, job A is printed after head maintenance is performed, and in the fifth and sixth operations, job A is printed after head unit position adjustment is performed. ing. Then, in the seventh operation, a defective nozzle is detected again, and the defective nozzle is complemented.

As shown in the history table 71A, since the position adjustment for each head was performed for the fifth time, it is assumed from the operation history that there is not a problem with the nozzle condition but a problem with the ink landing. As a countermeasure for this, it is necessary to adjust the position of each nozzle or adjust the head voltage. Therefore, if the adjustment method is presented to the operator, the operator will be able to make appropriate adjustments to print at the quality he or she desires without having to perform any extra operations.

Note that the history table 71 shown in FIG. 5 and the history table 71A shown in FIG. may also be recorded.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the requested print status table 72. The requested printing state determination unit 62 determines what the operator requested printing state is based on the history of the most recent N operations obtained from the history table 71. Here, the item of defective nozzle detection shown in the history table 71 represents a process automatically executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Items from density correction (cleaning the in-license sensor, white board, etc.) to proof printing represent processes that are executed by the operator issuing operational instructions through the operation display section 52.

In the requested printing state table 72, operator requested printing states are set according to the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and the operator's operations. For example, No. As shown in record No. 1, if a defective nozzle has been detected two or more times and head connection correction has been performed one or more times, the operator-requested printing state is "reducing streaks." Head joint correction is a correction process for preventing image quality deterioration caused by joints between inkjet heads 242.

Also, No. As shown in record No. 3, when density correction is performed two or more times and proof printing is performed two or more times, the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce density unevenness." Also, No. As shown in record No. 4, when position adjustment is performed two or more times and head connection correction is performed two or more times, the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce color misregistration."

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the device status table 73. The device state prediction unit 63 predicts the device state of the inkjet recording device 1 based on the history of the most recent N operations acquired from the history table 71.

In the device status table 73, the device status of the inkjet recording device 1 is set according to the operation of the inkjet recording device 1, operator operations, and operator-requested printing states. For example, No. As shown in record 1, if a defective nozzle has been detected two or more times and head connection correction has been performed one or more times, the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce streaks" and the device state is "head connection correction". "White stripes/black stripes occur at joint positions." Therefore, the display output section 64 displays the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63 on the operation display section 52. When the operator confirms on the operation display unit 52 that the device status is "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position," he or she can take appropriate action according to the device status.

<Modified example of device status table>
Note that the device status table 73 may take various forms. Here, a configuration example of device status tables 73A to 73B according to a modification will be described. Note that the device state prediction unit 63 can predict the device state of the inkjet recording device 1 based on the most recent N operation history obtained from the history table 71 in any of the device state tables 73A to 73B. .

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device status table 73A. The device status table 73A is set corresponding to the history table 71 when a printing failure other than the ejection failure shown in FIG. 5 occurs.

The device status table 73A has a configuration in which the device status table 73 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a countermeasure field. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the device status also includes countermeasures.
The countermeasure field stores countermeasures tailored to the device status.

No. As shown in record 1, if a defective nozzle has been detected two or more times, head connection correction has been performed at least once, and proof printing has been performed two or more times, the operator-requested printing status is "Reduce streaks". "I want to". Since the device status is "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position," the countermeasures are: (1) Promote detection with a higher threshold for detecting defective nozzles, (2) Perform head cleaning. (3) Promote head replacement. Therefore, the display output unit 64 displays any or all of the three countermeasures stored in the countermeasure field on the screen of the operation display unit 52 as countermeasures that allow the operator to resolve the defect in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. let In this way, countermeasures are shown when printing defects other than ejection defects occur, so the operator can take appropriate measures based on the countermeasures.

Note that, for example, adjustment methods and maintenance that have already been performed by the operator may be excluded from the countermeasures stored in the countermeasure field. Further, when the display output unit 64 presents the same countermeasure to the operation display unit 52, the content may be changed and presented, such as increasing the threshold value or intensifying the cleaning.

The operator can use the operation display section 52 to change the settings of the sensitivity (including threshold values) of items determined to be abnormal. That is, the sensitivity with which the device state prediction unit 63 predicts the device state is changed to the sensitivity requested by the operation display unit 52 based on the countermeasure displayed on the operation display unit 52. For example, the operator may change the setting to lower the sensitivity for posters and the like where color unevenness or streaks are likely to occur as a quality abnormality, and to increase the sensitivity for printed materials containing only text that are less likely to have color unevenness. Furthermore, for example, in the operation history stored in the history table 71 shown in FIG. You may take action.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device status table 73B. The device status table 73B is a table that is set corresponding to the history table 71A when positional deviation occurs in units of nozzles shown in FIG. The device status table 73B is also configured such that the device status table 73 shown in FIG. 8 includes a countermeasure field.

No. As shown in record 1, if a defective nozzle has been detected two or more times, head unit position adjustment has been performed at least once, head cleaning has been performed at least once, and proof printing has been performed at least two times. , the operator-requested printing status is "I want to reduce positional deviation on the conveyance side." The device status is "a landing position shift has occurred in a specific nozzle (group)". Therefore, there are four countermeasures: (1) Encourage head voltage adjustment, (2) Encourage head nozzle position adjustment, (3) Encourage cleaning of the image reading section, and (4) Encourage head replacement. There is one. Therefore, the display output unit 64 displays any or all of the four countermeasures stored in the countermeasure field on the screen of the operation display unit 52 as countermeasures that allow the operator to resolve the defect in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Display. In this way, since countermeasures are shown when positional deviation occurs in each nozzle, the operator can take appropriate measures based on the countermeasures.

Next, the apparatus state determination process performed by the control unit 40 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the device state determination process performed by the control unit 40.

First, the operation content acquisition unit 61 of the control unit 40 waits for an operation by an operator (S1). When the operator performs an operation through the operation display unit 52 (S2), the operation content acquisition unit 61 acquires the operation content from the operation display unit 52, and stores the operation content and the operation result of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in the history table 71. (S3).

Next, the requested print state determination unit 62 refers to the history table 71 and the requested print state table 72 and determines whether the operation details and operation results satisfy the operator requested print state (S4). The requested print state determination unit 62 determines, for example, the operation details and operation results such as the number of defective nozzle detections and the number of head connection corrections that are linked to the operator requested print state specified in the requested print state table 72. Determine whether the result is satisfied. If the operation details and operation results do not satisfy the operator-required printing state (NO in S4), the process returns to step S1 and repeats.

If the operation details and operation results satisfy the operator-requested printing state (YES in S4), the requested printing state determination section 62 outputs the operator-required printing state to the device state prediction section 63. The device state prediction unit 63 refers to the device state table 73, predicts the device state corresponding to the operator-requested printing state, stores the predicted device state in the RAM 42 (S5), and ends this process.

Next, the process of presenting countermeasures on the operation display section 52 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in which the control unit 40 presents countermeasures to the operation display unit 52.

First, the device state prediction unit 63 stores in the RAM 42 a predicted device state corresponding to the operation details, operation results, and operator-requested print state (S11). However, if the device state has already been stored in the RAM 42 in step S5 of FIG. 11, the process of step S11 is skipped.

Next, the device state prediction unit 63 refers to the device state table 73 and determines whether the operator can resolve the unfavorable output result (S12). For example, the device status prediction unit 63 refers to the countermeasure field corresponding to the device status field of the device status table 73, stores countermeasures that can be solved by the operator in the countermeasure field, and confirms whether the operator can solve the problem. .

If the operator can solve the problem (YES in S12), the display output unit 64 determines the content to be displayed on the operation display unit 52. Then, the display output unit 64 displays the determined content on the screen of the operation display unit 52 (S13), and ends this process.

On the other hand, if the operator is unable to solve the problem (NO in S12), the device status prediction unit 63 directly reports the defect in the inkjet recording device 1 to, for example, a service center. Alternatively, the display output unit 64 determines the content to be displayed on the operation display unit 52. Then, the display output unit 64 displays a message urging contact to the service center on the screen of the operation display unit 52 (S14), and ends this process.

The prediction device 60 according to the first embodiment described above allows the operator to use the inkjet recording device 1 based on a combination of multiple actions taken by the operator, even if the inkjet recording device 1 itself does not determine that the inkjet recording device 1 is abnormal. It is determined that an unfavorable condition such as some kind of performance deterioration or deterioration has occurred. At this time, the requested printing state determination section 62 of the control section 40 determines the operator requested printing state, and the device state prediction section 63 predicts the device state. However, the device state prediction unit 63 can also predict the device state directly from the operation details. Then, the display output section 64 displays the device state or countermeasure predicted by the device state prediction section 63 on the operation display section 52. Therefore, the operator can know the current state of the inkjet recording device 1 according to the displayed device state. Further, the operator can change the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to a preferable state by operating the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the displayed countermeasures.

Conventionally, even if the inkjet recording device is not determined to be abnormal, if the operator determines that the inkjet recording device 1 is in an unfavorable state due to performance deterioration or output deterioration, the inkjet recording device can identify the cause. It was not possible to identify the problem and provide countermeasures. However, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, actions taken by the operator (maintenance, various adjustments) are stored in the history table 71 as an operation history. The device state prediction unit 63 can predict the device state not only from the operation history for abnormal events stored in the history table 71 but also from the operation history for normal events. Therefore, the display output section 64 can present countermeasures to the operator based on the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63.

Note that the display output section 64 may display only the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63 on the operation display section 52. When such a display is performed, if the device status recognized by the operator is different from the device status predicted by the prediction device 60, the operator will be able to easily notice the error in his/her judgment, and will be able to effectively It is also possible to take appropriate measures.

Furthermore, in conventional inkjet recording apparatuses, parts cannot be inspected or replaced until after an actual abnormality has occurred. After an abnormality occurs, the paper and equipment tend to be unavailable for a long period of time while parts are inspected and replaced. However, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator can be notified of the apparatus status before an actual abnormality occurs. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the state of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 before an abnormality that requires maintenance occurs in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Therefore, the operator can take appropriate countermeasures for the inkjet recording apparatus 1 before the abnormality becomes serious, so that the actual abnormality that occurs can be kept to a small level, and the time required for inspecting and replacing parts can be reduced.

Further, if the operator is not satisfied with the execution result of job A executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, for example, he may cause the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to execute another job B, and then execute job A again. Even when a plurality of different jobs are executed consecutively in this way, all the operation histories are stored in the history table 71, so the requested print status determination unit 62 and the device status prediction unit 63 By extracting the history from the history table 71 for each job executed, the requested printing state can be determined and the device state can be predicted.

[Example of configuration of prediction system]
Next, a prediction system according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described. The amount of data in the history table 71, requested print status table 72, and device status table 73 according to the first embodiment described above is enormous. Therefore, these tables may be configured as a prediction system in which a management server connectable to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 via the communication network N is provided.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the prediction system 100.

The prediction system 100 includes an inkjet recording device 1 and a management server 101 that is communicably connected to the inkjet recording device 1 via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. It is assumed that a plurality of inkjet recording apparatuses 1 are connected to the management server 101.

The management server 101 includes a storage unit 110 configured as an HDD or the like capable of recording a large amount of data. The storage unit 110 includes a history table 111 and a device status table 113. However, the device status table 113 includes the requested print status table 112. Each data recorded in the history table 111, requested print status table 112, and device status table 113 is the same as each data recorded in the history table 71, requested print status table 72, and device status table 73 shown in FIG. 4, respectively. It is.

In addition, the operation content acquisition section 61, the requested printing state determining section 62, the device state predicting section 63, and the display output section 64 of the control section 40 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the modification example are configured to provide a history table 111 and a requested printing state table 112, respectively. The process of accessing the device status table 113 and writing or reading necessary data is similar to the process described through FIGS. 4 to 12.

By configuring such a prediction system 100, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 does not need to store a huge amount of data within itself. Furthermore, the management server 101 allows the request printing status table 112 and the device status table 113 to be referred to when the control unit 40 of another inkjet recording apparatus 1 accesses the storage unit 110. As a result, even if the control unit 40 of another inkjet recording apparatus 1 accesses the management server 101, it can determine the already set operator-requested printing state, predict the device state, and present countermeasures. becomes possible.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment described above refers to a table in which values are set in advance to determine various states, the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment The section uses machine learning to determine various conditions.

First, I will provide an overview of machine learning.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of machine learning.

Machine learning uses an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. The time series data _Xt input to the input layer is output to the intermediate layer. In the intermediate layer, a learning model using, for example, RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit), and LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) is created. At this time, data Y _t-1 is repeatedly calculated inside the intermediate layer. Then, data Y _t-1 output from the intermediate layer is output to the output layer. This data Y _t-1 is used as the result.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1A includes a prediction device 60A that determines the print state requested by the operator and predicts the device state. The prediction device 60A includes a control section 40 and a storage section 44. The prediction device 60A may be configured to be detachable from the inkjet recording device 1A.

The control section 40A includes an operation content acquisition section 61, a requested print state determination section 62A, an apparatus state prediction section 63A, and a display output section 64.
The storage unit 44A includes a history table 81, a device status table 83, a requested print status learning model 84, and a device status learning model 85. The device status table 83 includes a request printing status table 82.

Similar to the first embodiment, the operation content acquisition unit 61 acquires the operator's operation content from the operation display unit 52 and writes the operation content into the history table 81. The history of operation details recorded in the history table 81 is the same as the history table 71 (see FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment.

The requested print state determining unit 62A reads the history of operation details from the history table 81 in which the operation details are stored, and determines the requested print state requested by the operator through the operation display unit 52. For example, the requested printing state determination unit 62A performs processing to determine the requested printing state when it is found from the operation history that the same operation has been performed multiple times in a predetermined period. The requested printing state determining unit 62A writes into the storage unit 44A a requested printing state learning model 84 created by machine learning in which operation details are input and the requested printing state is output. Then, the requested printing state determination unit 62A uses the requested printing state learning model 84 read from the storage unit 44A to determine the requested printing state corresponding to the operation details obtained from the history table 81.

The requested printing state table 82 is a table configured to explain the operation contents that are input to the requested printing state learning model 84 and the requested printing states that are output. As shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later, the requested print status table 82 is expressed by linking the operator's operation history and the operator requested print status.

The device state prediction unit 63A predicts the device state based on the operation details obtained from the history table 81 and the requested printing state stored in the requested printing state table 82. For example, the device state prediction unit 63A performs a process of predicting the device state when it is found from the operation history that the same operation has been performed multiple times in a predetermined period. The device state prediction unit 63A writes into the storage unit 44A a device state learning model 85 created by machine learning in which operation details are input and the device state is output. Then, the device state prediction unit 63A predicts the device state corresponding to the operation content acquired from the history table 81 using the device state learning model 85 read from the storage unit 44A.

The device status table 83 is a table configured to explain the operation details and requested print status that are input to the device status learning model 85, and the device status that is output. As shown in FIG. 17, which will be described later, the device status table 83 is expressed by linking the operator's operation history, the operator-requested printing status, and the device status of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

The display output unit 64 determines display content to be displayed on the operation display unit 52 based on the determination result of the device state. The determined display content is displayed on the operation display section 52.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the requested print status table 82.

The requested printing state determination unit 62A creates a requested printing state table 82 that links the operator's operation history and the operator requested printing state as time series data for creating the requested printing state learning model 84. The operator-requested printing state is set in advance as teacher data. Therefore, during machine learning, after the operator operates the inkjet recording device 1 several times, the operator needs to set, for example, that the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce streaks." . Each time these operations are performed, the requested printing state determination unit 62A inputs the operation details to the input layer, performs machine learning, and creates a requested printing state learning model 84.

When the machine learning is completed, the requested printing state determination unit 62A uses the requested printing state learning model 84 to determine what the operator requested printing state is based on the history of the most recent N operations obtained from the history table 81. can be determined. At this time, the requested printing status table 82 is referred to by the requested printing status determination unit 62A.

The following description assumes that the requested print status table 82 stores the times when up to five operations were performed, the operation history, and the operator requested print status.
No. As shown in record No. 1, defective nozzle detection is performed after 0 minutes, which represents the instant of the first operation, and defective nozzle detection is performed 4 minutes later as the second operation. Furthermore, 7 minutes later, head connection position correction is performed as a third operation, 10 minutes later, proof printing is performed as a fourth operation, and 12 minutes later, proof printing is performed as a fifth operation. Then, the requested print state determination unit 62A determines that No. It can be seen that the operator-requested print status of record 1 is "I want to reduce streaks."

Also, No. The operation history shown in record No. 2 is No. This is different from the operation history shown in record 1. However, by creating the requested printing state learning model 84, the requested printing state determination unit 62A is able to obtain the No. Similar to record No. 1, record no. It can be seen that the operator-requested print status of record 2 is "I want to reduce streaks."

Thereafter, when a similar operation history is recorded in the history table 81, the requested print state determination unit 62A uses machine learning to create a requested print state using data that combines the operator's operation history and the operator requested print state. The state learning model 84 can be used to determine operator-requested printing states.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the device status table 83.

The device state prediction unit 63A creates, as time-series data for creating the device state learning model 85, a device state table 83 that links the operator's operation history, the operator-requested printing state, and the device state. When the device state prediction unit 63A performs machine learning, for example, when the operator operates the inkjet recording device 1 several times and the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce streaks," the device state becomes "I want to reduce streaks." It is necessary for the operator to set that "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position." Each time these operations are performed, the device state prediction unit 63A inputs the operation details and the print state requested by the operator into the input layer, performs machine learning, and creates the device state learning model 85.

When the machine learning is finished, the device state prediction unit 63A uses the device state learning model 85 to determine what the device state of the inkjet recording device 1A is based on the most recent N operation history obtained from the history table 81. Predict what will happen. At this time, the device state prediction unit 63A refers to the requested printing state table 82 and the device state table 83.

The following description will be made assuming that the device status table 83 stores the times at which up to four operations were performed, the operation history, the operator-requested print status, and the device status.
No. The first to fourth times and operation history shown in record No. 1 and the operator-requested printing state are the same as the first to fourth times and operation history shown in the requested printing state table 82 of FIG. 16, and the operator-requested printing state. The same is true. Then, the device state prediction unit 63A determines that No. It can be seen that the device status of record No. 1 is "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position."

Also, No. The operation history shown in record No. 2 is No. This is different from the operation history shown in record 1. However, by creating the device state learning model 85, the device state prediction unit 63A is able to create the device state learning model 85. Similar to record No. 1, record no. It can be seen that the device status of record No. 2 is "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position."

After that, when a similar operation history is recorded in the history table 81, the device state prediction unit 63A uses machine learning to create a Using the device state learning model 85, it becomes possible to predict the device state.

Therefore, the display output section 64 displays the device state predicted by the device state prediction section 63A on the operation display section 52. When the operator confirms on the operation display unit 52 that the device status is "white stripes/black stripes occur at the head connection position," he or she can take appropriate action according to the device status.

<Modified example of device status table>
Note that the device status table 83 may take various forms. Here, a configuration example of the device status table 83A according to a modification will be described. Note that when the control unit 40 predicts the device state, it can also predict the device state using parameters of the inkjet recording device 1 in addition to the operator's operation history and the operator-requested printing state.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device status table 83A.

The device status table 83A has a configuration in which the device status table 73 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a head temperature field.
The head temperature field stores, for example, three head temperatures: standard, standard +5°C or higher, and standard -5°C or lower. The head temperature is an example of a device parameter representing the state quantity of each part included in the inkjet recording device 1A. Other device parameters include the number of defects detected in the previous defective nozzle, the temperature and pressure of the head, and the pressure of the degassing module. The deaeration module is a device that deaerates the air that enters the nozzle 244 of the inkjet head 242 shown in FIG.

No. As shown in record No. 1, when a defective nozzle has been detected two or more times and head cleaning has been performed two or more times, the operator-requested printing state is "I want to reduce streaks." Here, if the head temperature is standard, the device state is "streaks occur due to nozzle bending". No. 2 and no. In records No. 3, the number of times defective nozzles were detected, the number of head cleanings, and the operator-requested printing status were all No. 3. This is the same as record 1. However, No. In record No. 2, the head temperature is above the standard +5° C., and the device condition is “streaks occur due to nozzle bending.” On the other hand, No. In record No. 3, when the head temperature is below the standard -5° C., the device status is "streaks occur due to drop in discharge temperature." Since the device state changes depending on the head temperature in this way, countermeasures may also differ. Therefore, by displaying the device status on the operation display unit 52 by the display output unit 64, the operator can grasp the device status and take appropriate measures.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment described above, the requested printing state determination unit 62A uses the requested printing state learning model 84 to determine the requested printing state from the operation history. Further, the device state prediction unit 63A uses the device state learning model 85 to predict the device state from the operation history and the requested print state. The requested printing state learning model 84 and the device state learning model 85 are created by machine learning. Therefore, even if the operator does not define the contents of the requested print status table 82 and the device status table 83 in advance, the contents of each table are almost automatically recorded. Then, when the operator recognizes that the inkjet recording apparatus 1A is in an unfavorable state, the control unit 40A can predict the operator-requested printing state and the device state.

Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, the device status table 83 may store countermeasures according to the device status determined based on the operation history and the requested print status. Therefore, the display output section 64 can display the countermeasures on the operation display section 52, and the operator can confirm the countermeasures and take appropriate measures.

[Example of configuration of prediction system]
Next, a prediction system according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described. The amount of data in the history table 81, requested print status table 82, and device status table 83 according to the second embodiment described above is enormous. Therefore, these tables may be provided in a management server connectable to the inkjet recording apparatus 1A via the communication network N.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the prediction system 100A.

The prediction system 100A includes an inkjet recording device 1A and a management server 101A that is communicably connected to the inkjet recording device 1A via a communication network N such as a LAN or the Internet. It is assumed that a plurality of inkjet recording apparatuses 1A are connected to the management server 101A.

The management server 101A includes a storage unit 130 configured as an HDD or the like capable of recording a large amount of data. The storage unit 130 includes a history table 131, a device status table 133, a requested print status learning model 134, and a device status learning model 135. The device status table 133 includes a requested print status table 132. Each data recorded in the history table 131, requested print status table 132, and device status table 133 is the same as each data recorded in the history table 81, requested print status table 82, and device status table 83 shown in FIG. 15, respectively. It is.

Further, the operation content acquisition section 61, the requested printing state determining section 62A, the device state predicting section 63A, and the display output section 64 of the control section 40A of the inkjet recording apparatus 1A according to the modification example are configured to provide a history table 131 and a requested printing state table 132, respectively. The process of accessing the device status table 133 and writing or reading necessary data is similar to the process described through FIGS. 15 to 18. Further, the machine learning process performed by the requested printing state determining unit 62A using the requested printing state learning model 134 and the machine learning process performed by the device state predicting unit 63A using the device state learning model 135 are both shown in FIG. This process is similar to the processing of the requested printing state determining section 62A and the device state predicting section 63A.

By configuring such a prediction system 100A, the inkjet recording apparatus 1A does not need to store a huge amount of data within itself. Furthermore, the management server 101A allows the request printing status table 132 and the device status table 133 to be referred to when the control unit 40A of another inkjet recording apparatus 1A accesses the storage unit 130. Therefore, even if the control unit 40A of another inkjet recording apparatus 1A accesses the management server 101A, it can determine the already set operator-requested printing state, predict the device state, and present countermeasures. becomes possible.

Note that in the first and second embodiments described above, the inkjet recording apparatuses 1 and 1A are cited as examples of image forming apparatuses, but image formation using an electrophotographic method in which an image is formed by attaching toner to a recording material is also applicable. The present invention may be applied to apparatuses, offset printing machines, and the like.

Furthermore, the prediction devices 60 and 60A may transmit the device state predicted by the device state prediction units 63 and 63A to an external support center or the like. The maintenance staff at the support center can grasp the device status of the inkjet recording apparatuses 1 and 1A and perform maintenance, parts replacement, etc. before an abnormality actually occurs in the inkjet recording apparatuses 1 and 1A.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various other applications and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.
For example, in each of the embodiments described above, configurations of devices and systems are explained in detail and specifically in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the embodiments are not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment described here with the configuration of other embodiments, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of a certain embodiment. It is possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each embodiment with other configurations.
Further, the control lines and information lines are shown to be necessary for explanation purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the product. In reality, almost all components may be considered to be interconnected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Inkjet recording device, 20... Image forming section, 26... Image reading section, 40... Control section, 44... Storage section, 52... Operation display section, 60... Prediction device, 61... Operation content acquisition section, 62... Request printing Status determination unit, 63... Apparatus status prediction unit, 64... Display output unit, 70... Storage unit, 71... History table, 72... Requested printing status table, 73... Apparatus status table, 84... Requested printing status learning model, 85... Equipment state learning model

Claims (13)

an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
an apparatus status table that stores the operation details in association with the apparatus status of the image forming apparatus, and the apparatus status includes countermeasures to be taken to the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus status;
a device state prediction unit that refers to the device state table based on the operation content and predicts the device state linked to the operation content ;
A prediction device, comprising: a display output section that outputs the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on a display section. comprising a requested print state determination unit that reads a history of the operation details from a history table in which the operation details are stored and determines a requested print state requested by an operator through the operation unit;
The prediction device according to claim 1 , wherein the device state prediction unit predicts the device state based on the operation content and the requested print state. comprising a requested print status table that stores the operation details and the requested print status in association with each other;
In the device status table, the operation details recorded in the requested print status table, the requested print status, and the device status are recorded in association with each other,
The requested printing state determination unit refers to the requested printing state table and determines the requested printing state linked to the operation content,
The prediction device according to claim 2 , wherein the device state prediction unit refers to the device state table and predicts the device state linked to the operation content and the requested print state. Any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the sensitivity at which the device state prediction unit predicts the device state is changed to the sensitivity requested by the operation unit based on the countermeasure displayed on the display unit. The prediction device according to item 1. an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
an apparatus state learning model created by machine learning that inputs the operation details and outputs the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus ;
a requested print state determination unit that reads a history of the operation content from a history table that stores the operation content as a history and determines a requested print state requested by an operator through the operation unit;
an apparatus state prediction unit that uses the apparatus state learning model to predict the apparatus state including a countermeasure to be taken by the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus state, based on the operation content and the requested print state; and,
A prediction device, comprising: a display output section that outputs the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on a display section . comprising a requested printing state learning model created by machine learning that inputs the operation details and outputs the requested printing state;
The prediction device according to claim 5 , wherein the requested printing state determination unit uses the requested printing state learning model to determine the requested printing state corresponding to the operation content. The prediction device according to claim 6 , wherein the device state prediction unit further predicts the device state using parameters of the image forming device. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material;
an operation unit for performing operations on the image forming apparatus;
a display section on which information regarding the image forming apparatus is displayed;
a prediction device that predicts a device state of the image forming device;
The prediction device includes:
an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from the operation unit;
an apparatus status table in which the operation details and the apparatus status are stored in association with each other, and the apparatus status includes countermeasures to be taken to the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus status;
a device state prediction unit that refers to the device state table based on the operation content and predicts the device state linked to the operation content ;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a display output section that outputs the predicted device state on the display section in a displayable manner. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material;
an operation unit for performing operations on the image forming apparatus;
a display section on which information regarding the image forming apparatus is displayed;
a prediction device that predicts a device state of the image forming device;
The prediction device includes:
an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
a device state learning model created by machine learning that inputs the operation details and outputs the device state;
a requested print state determination unit that reads a history of the operation content from a history table that stores the operation content as a history and determines a requested print state requested by an operator through the operation unit;
an apparatus state prediction unit that uses the apparatus state learning model to predict the apparatus state including a countermeasure to be taken by the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus state, based on the operation content and the requested print state; and,
a display output unit that outputs the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on a display unit.
Image forming device. a step of acquiring operation details including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
The operation contents and the device status of the image forming apparatus are stored in association with each other, and the device status includes a device status table including countermeasures to be taken to the image forming apparatus according to the device status. a step of referencing based on the operation content and predicting the device state linked to the operation content ;
A program for causing a computer constituting a prediction device to execute a procedure for displaying the predicted device state on a display unit. a step of acquiring operation details including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
reading the history of the operation contents from a history table that stores the operation contents as a history, and determining a requested print state requested by an operator through the operation unit;
A device state learning model created by machine learning that inputs the operation details and outputs the device state of the image forming apparatus is used to adjust the device state to the device state based on the operation details and the requested print state. a step of predicting the device state including countermeasures to be taken to the image forming device;
a step of outputting the predicted device state so that it can be displayed on a display unit;
A program that is executed by the computer that makes up the prediction device. comprising an image forming apparatus and a management server to which the image forming apparatus is connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
an apparatus status table that stores the operation details in association with the apparatus status of the image forming apparatus, and the apparatus status includes countermeasures to be taken to the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus status;
a device state prediction unit that refers to the device state table based on the operation content and predicts the device state linked to the operation content ;
a display output unit configured to display the predicted device state on a display unit;
The management server is
a history table that stores the operation contents acquired by the operation contents acquisition unit as a history;
The device state prediction unit predicts the device state by referring to the history table. A prediction system. comprising an image forming apparatus and a management server to which the image forming apparatus is connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
an operation content acquisition unit that acquires operation content including an operation result of the image forming apparatus operated by an operation performed on the image forming apparatus from an operation unit;
an apparatus state learning model created by machine learning that inputs the operation details and outputs the apparatus state of the image forming apparatus;
a requested print state determination unit that reads a history of the operation content from a history table that stores the operation content as a history and determines a requested print state requested by an operator through the operation unit;
an apparatus state prediction unit that uses the apparatus state learning model to predict the apparatus state including a countermeasure to be taken by the image forming apparatus according to the apparatus state, based on the operation content and the requested print state; and,
a display output unit configured to display the predicted device state on a display unit;
The management server is
having said history table
Prediction system.

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