JP2001285555A - Image forming apparatus and maintenance management system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an image forming apparatus which is easy to handle for a user who effectively utilizes an image quality evaluation judging function and a maintenance management system thereof. A digital copier 1 as an image forming apparatus is connected to a maintenance management device 2 via a network 3.
The evaluation unit 16 of the copying machine 1 compares and evaluates the reading result of the image reading unit 11 between the original image (reference image) for image quality evaluation and the evaluation image to be evaluated formed by the copying machine 1. The control unit 18 determines whether maintenance of the copying machine 1 is necessary based on the comparison evaluation result. The judgment result is the user I / F1
4 to be notified. When maintenance is necessary based on the determination result, the comparison evaluation result is transmitted from the communication unit 17 to the maintenance management device 2 via the network 3. In response to the data reception, the maintenance management device 2 transmits the maintenance data to the copying machine 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having an image quality evaluation determining function.
The present invention also relates to a maintenance management system for the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus and the maintenance management device are connected by a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-38687 relates to a digital copying machine, in which a scanner unit and a printer unit are automatically adjusted by comparing and evaluating known original electronic data and electronic data obtained by reading an original hard copy. There has been proposed a technique for notifying an operator or a maintenance technician of an adjustment amount or failure diagnosis information from a user interface such as a display.

[0003]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
The digital copier disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. H10-26139 is suitable for adjustment by a dedicated operator or maintenance by a maintenance engineer based on a maintenance management contract, but is not suitable for adjustment by general users. Absent. That is, it is difficult for a general user to determine whether to make adjustments by himself or to have a maintenance engineer perform maintenance. Further, even if the adjustment is made by oneself, if the expected result is not obtained, maintenance by a maintenance engineer is required. In this case, the generated phenomenon must be explained to the maintenance engineer appropriately. However, it is difficult for an ordinary user to accurately explain the phenomenon that has occurred. Furthermore, if the adjustment can be made without bothering the user, the image forming apparatus becomes easier to handle for the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be easily handled by a user who effectively utilizes an image quality evaluation judging function, and a maintenance management system therefor.

[0005]

According to the present invention, a reference image for evaluating image quality and an evaluation image to be evaluated formed by the image forming apparatus are provided in an image forming apparatus connected to a maintenance management apparatus via a network. Comparing and evaluating means for comparing and evaluating the read result of the image reading unit, determining means for determining whether maintenance of the image forming apparatus is necessary based on the comparative evaluation result, and notifying means for notifying the determined result A communication unit for transmitting a comparison evaluation result to the maintenance management device when maintenance is necessary based on the determination result.

According to the present invention, the reading result between the reference image and the evaluation image is compared and evaluated, and whether or not maintenance is necessary is determined by the apparatus itself based on the comparison and evaluation result. No action is required, and the necessity / unnecessity of maintenance is mechanically determined, and stable determination can always be performed based on the same standard. In addition, since the determination result is notified, the user can easily know. Further, when it is determined that maintenance is required, the comparison evaluation result is transmitted to the maintenance management device connected to the image forming apparatus and the network, so that the user needs to explain the situation requiring maintenance to the maintenance management engineer. Disappears. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to handle for the user by effectively utilizing the image quality evaluation determining function of the image forming apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an approval unit for approving transmission of the comparison evaluation result to the maintenance management device by a user, and the communication unit transmits the comparison evaluation result to the maintenance management device based on the approval result. It is characterized by transmitting.

According to the present invention, the result of the comparison and evaluation is transmitted to the maintenance management device when it is determined that maintenance is necessary and is approved by the user, so that the maintenance is performed according to the user's convenience. Can be. This is particularly effective when a plurality of users are sharing.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a comparative evaluation status storing means for storing the status of the comparative evaluation by the comparative evaluating means, and the communication means maintains not only the comparative evaluation result but also the comparative evaluation status. The information is transmitted to the management device.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that maintenance is required, not only the comparative evaluation result but also the comparative evaluation status is transmitted to the maintenance management device, so that the comparative evaluation status between the reference image and the evaluation image is maintained. The management device can be notified.
An appropriate maintenance procedure can be determined in the maintenance management device that has been notified of the comparative evaluation status.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an adjustment number storage unit for storing the number of adjustments, and the determining unit performs maintenance without depending on a comparison evaluation result when the number of adjustments is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number. It is characterized in that it is determined that it is necessary.

According to the present invention, the necessity / unnecessity of maintenance is determined by the image forming apparatus itself on the basis of a comparison evaluation result between the read reference image and the evaluation image, but the number of adjustments is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number. In this case, it is determined that maintenance is required regardless of the result of the comparative evaluation. Therefore, when the adjustment by the user is difficult or when the adjustment has reached the limit, appropriate maintenance can be performed by the maintenance management device.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an adjustment history storage unit for storing an adjustment history, and the communication unit transmits not only the comparison evaluation result but also an adjustment history to a maintenance management device. I do.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that maintenance is required, not only the comparison evaluation result but also the adjustment history is transmitted to the maintenance management device. It is possible to easily determine whether a failure has occurred in itself. In the case where an error occurs during adjustment by the user, there is a case where the maintenance management technician does not go to the installation location of the image forming apparatus and can cope with it only by giving advice to the user.

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus includes a conveying unit for conveying an evaluation document on which the evaluation image is drawn to an image reading unit.

According to the present invention, especially when a plurality of evaluation images are continuously compared and evaluated, the evaluation document on which the evaluation images are drawn is automatically conveyed to the image reading section, so that the user's hand is troublesome. Can be compared and evaluated without any problem.

According to the present invention, there is provided a maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus and the maintenance management apparatus are connected by a network. The maintenance management device is a maintenance management device-side communication unit that receives data from the image forming device-side communication unit, and transmits maintenance data necessary for maintenance of the image forming device to the image forming device in response to the data reception. A maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising a maintenance management device side communication unit for transmitting.

According to the present invention, as described above, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not maintenance of the image forming apparatus is necessary based on the comparison and evaluation result between the read reference image and the evaluation image. When necessary, the results of the comparison and evaluation are transmitted to the maintenance management device. The maintenance management device transmits maintenance data necessary for maintenance of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus in response to data reception from the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, a user who does not have specialized knowledge does not need to do anything.
A stable determination can always be made based on the same reference. Further, the user can easily know whether maintenance is required or not. Further, the user does not need to explain the situation requiring maintenance to the maintenance engineer. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to handle for the user by effectively utilizing the image quality evaluation determining function of the image forming apparatus.

Further, when it is determined that maintenance is necessary, not only the comparison evaluation result but also the comparison evaluation status is transmitted to the maintenance management device, so that the maintenance management device is notified of the comparison evaluation status between the reference image and the evaluation image. be able to. In the maintenance management device that has been notified of the comparative evaluation status, accurate and more detailed maintenance data can be determined. Further, maintenance can be performed only by transmitting maintenance data without the maintenance management technician going to the installation location of the image forming apparatus. further,
The maintenance management cost borne by the user can be reduced.

Further, when it is determined that maintenance is necessary, not only the comparison evaluation result but also the adjustment history is transmitted to the maintenance management device, so that a mistake occurs during adjustment by the user or a failure occurs in the image forming device itself. It can be easily determined whether or not this has occurred. In the case where an error occurs during adjustment by the user, there is a case where the maintenance management technician does not go to the installation location of the image forming apparatus and can cope with it only by giving advice to the user.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the maintenance management device side communication means transmits a maintenance program of the image forming apparatus as maintenance data.

According to the present invention, by receiving and executing the maintenance program in the image forming apparatus, the user can automatically execute the procedure from the comparative evaluation of the image to the maintenance without any operation. Further, it is not necessary for the maintenance engineer to go to the place where the image forming apparatus is installed. Further, it is possible to reduce the maintenance management cost borne by the user.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the maintenance management device includes an execution unit for causing the maintenance management device to execute a maintenance program transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the maintenance program transmitted from the maintenance management apparatus to the image forming apparatus is executed by the image forming apparatus according to an instruction from the maintenance management apparatus. Therefore,
The maintenance technician can execute the maintenance program without going to the place where the image forming apparatus is installed. For example, even when the user has neglected the adjustment, the procedure from the comparative evaluation of the image to the maintenance can be automatically performed without bothering the user.

Further, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a timer for measuring the timing of comparison and evaluation between the reference image and the evaluation image, and the comparison and evaluation means compares the reference image and the evaluation image with the timing of the timer. It is characterized by periodic comparative evaluation.

According to the present invention, since the comparison and evaluation are periodically performed to monitor the abnormality of the image forming apparatus and notify the user, the user can easily know the maintenance time. Further, the maintenance by the maintenance management device can be periodically performed more reliably than the adjustment by the user. Further, it is possible to reduce the maintenance management cost borne by the user.

[0028]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus and a maintenance management system for the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The maintenance management system is configured by connecting a digital copier 1 as an image forming apparatus and a maintenance management apparatus 2 via a network 3. The copying machine 1 electronically compares a known original image (reference image) drawn on the original document for image quality evaluation with an evaluation image to be evaluated formed by the copying machine 1 drawn on the evaluation document. The user can adjust the copying machine 1 relatively easily according to the announcement based on the comparison evaluation result. Further, the maintenance management device 2 can remotely manage the copier 1 based on the comparison evaluation result. The copier 1 and the maintenance management device 2 communicate various data via the network 3. The copying machine 1 may have an independent configuration such as a digital multifunction peripheral, a scanner and a printer, and is installed in a convenience store, an office, or the like. The maintenance management device 2 is installed in a service company, a component maker, or the like that specializes in maintenance and management of the copying machine 1.

The copying machine 1 includes an image reading unit 11, an image processing unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a user I / F (interface) 14, a storage unit 15, an evaluation unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a control unit 18. Be composed. The image reading unit 11 reads an image with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like and converts the image into digital data. The image processing unit 12 performs a predetermined process on the digital data from the image reading unit 11. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on a recording medium such as recording paper based on the digital data processed by the image processing unit 12, and the printed image is output from the copying machine 1 in this manner. User I / F1
Reference numeral 4 outputs the adjustment procedure, troubleshooting, evaluation results, and the like to the user by display and the like, and various instructions are input by the user, thus supporting input / output.

The storage unit 15 stores evaluation data 19, announcement data 20, original image data 21, history data 22, and the like. Evaluation data 19
Is equivalent to a function for comparing and evaluating the original image and the evaluation image, a feature amount extraction algorithm calculated at the time of the comparison evaluation, and the like. The evaluation data 19 is used by the evaluation unit 16 to compare and evaluate the original image and the evaluation image. It is mainly used when calculating evaluation values for Evaluation data 19
Are stored for each evaluation item. Announcement data 20
Is data for announcing the image quality comparison / evaluation results, adjustment procedures and results, etc., to the user of the copier 1 and the maintenance management device 2, thereby supporting dialogue between the user and the maintenance management engineer. The original image data 21 is data obtained by digitizing an original image. A plurality of original image data 21 are stored for each evaluation item, and a feasible storage method includes a method of digitizing and storing the original image input from the image reading unit 11 and a method of storing the original image from the maintenance management device 2 via the network 3. A method of downloading and storing the data in the unit 15 and a method of storing the data at the time of shipment are included. The history data 22 is history data such as an image quality comparison evaluation result and an adjustment result of the copying machine 1, and more specifically, an evaluation item, an evaluation count, an evaluation value, a feature amount, an adjustment item, an adjustment count, an adjustment value, Adjustment procedures.

The evaluation unit 16 compares and evaluates the original image and the evaluation image. Specifically, the evaluation unit 16 digitizes the original image data 21 stored in the storage unit 15 and the evaluation image input from the image reading unit 11. The evaluation value E indicating the degree of difference between the original image data 21 and the evaluation image data is calculated using the desired evaluation data 19 stored in the storage unit 15 by comparing the evaluation image data thus obtained. The feature amounts for the comparative evaluation include known pixel density, image density, color difference, linearity, image alignment, and margin value. As a comparative evaluation method, a known method or a method disclosed in JP-A-7-38687 can be employed.

The communication unit 17 transmits maintenance management information indicating the state of the copying machine 1 to a predetermined maintenance management device 2 via the network 3, or conversely, from the maintenance management device 2 via the network 3. It receives control information and the like. The maintenance management information includes the original image data 21, the evaluation image data, the history data 22, and the like.
The method of transmitting the maintenance management information is not limited to the mail and facsimile methods.
The technique of HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-234271 can be used.

The control unit 18 uses the various data stored in the storage unit 15 to make a desired announcement to the user or the maintenance management device 2 based on the result of the comparison between the original image and the evaluation image. The control unit 18 controls the control, management of the history of the evaluation results and the adjustment results, and controls each function. The control unit 18 includes a determination announcement unit 23 and a history storage unit 26. 25 is stored. The control unit 18 specifically acquires desired announcement data 20 and history data 22 stored in the storage unit 15 based on the evaluation value E calculated by the evaluation unit 16 and announces it to the user or the maintenance management device 2. I do. The contents of the announcement include an evaluation value E calculated by the evaluation unit 16, an adjustment history performed by the user through the user I / F 14 according to the announcement, a maintenance history performed by the maintenance management device 2, an adjustment value, an operation procedure, and an evaluation. Update information with the user such as the number of times is given.
The update information is stored as needed in the storage unit 15 as the history data 22.

Such a copying machine 1 has a LAN (local area network) at the installation site 27, for example.
28. The LAN 28 is connected to a firewall 29 which is a system for protecting the corporate LAN from unauthorized intrusion, and the network 3 is connected to the firewall 29. The network 3 is realized by a known LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

The maintenance management device 2 can manage and control the remote copying machine 1 and the like via the network 3 and can transmit and receive control information and maintenance management information. Such a maintenance management device 2 is connected to a LAN 31 in a maintenance company 30, for example. Also LAN3
1 is a corporate LAN similar to the firewall 29 described above.
Is connected, and the network 3 is connected to the firewall 32.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the maintenance management processing of the maintenance management system. FIG. 3 (A) to FIG. 3 (F)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data used during maintenance management processing. Here, a maintenance management process for the purpose of density adjustment will be described. A known original image for density adjustment is stored in the storage unit 15 as original image data 21 in advance. In step S1, the operation mode of the copying machine 1 is switched from the normal use mode, ie, the copy mode or the printer mode, to the evaluation mode for maintenance management. In step S2, original image data 21 for density adjustment is selected from various original image data 21 stored in the storage unit 15 in advance, and predetermined initial settings such as the number of adjustments are performed.

In step S3, evaluation image data to be evaluated is created. The evaluation image data is obtained, for example, by converting the original image data 21 selected in step S2 stored in the storage unit 15 into the image forming unit 13.
The image is printed on a recording medium such as recording paper, and the printed matter created in this manner is used as an evaluation document, and an image drawn on the evaluation document is read and input by the image reading unit 11, and the image is processed by the image processing unit 12. Created by digitization. Also,
The original image and the evaluation image can be also created by reading and inputting the original image and the evaluation image at the same time by the image reading unit 11, digitizing the image by the image processing unit 12, and dividing the original image data 21 and the evaluation image data.

In step S4, feature amounts effective for density adjustment are respectively extracted from the desired original image data 21 stored in the storage unit 15 and the evaluation image data created in step S3, and each extracted feature amount is extracted. Are compared in the next step S5 to calculate an evaluation value E indicating the degree of difference. 3 (A) and FIG.
In the case of an original document having a predetermined density (ID) as shown in FIG. 3B and an evaluation document, the average pixel density Do and the evaluation image data of the digitized original image data 21 as shown in FIG. Average pixel density De
Are extracted in step S4, and the function E = (Do−De) / Do × 100 of the evaluation data 19 stored in advance in the storage unit 15 as shown in FIG.
The evaluation value E indicating the degree of difference between the original image data 21 and the evaluation image data is
5 is calculated.

In step S6, based on the evaluation data 19 stored in the storage unit 15 in advance, step S5
It is determined whether the evaluation value E calculated in step 1 corresponds to normal, adjustment, or maintenance operation. For example, FIG.
A table for determination as shown in (E) is held in advance as evaluation data, and the evaluation value E is 0 or more and 10 or more.
When it is less than 30, a normal operation is determined, when it is 10 or more and less than 30, an adjustment operation is determined, and when it is 30 or more, a maintenance operation is determined. The normal operation means that the copier 1 requires no maintenance or adjustment, and the copier 1 is in a stable and normal state. The adjustment operation means that the user himself / herself adjusts the copying machine 1 in accordance with an interactive instruction with the maintenance management device 2, and refers to a state in which it is highly likely that the copier 1 returns to a normal state. The maintenance operation is a state in which it is difficult to cope with the adjustment by the user himself, and means a state in which specialized maintenance is required. The adjustment operation may be automatically adjusted based on the evaluation result as in, for example, JP-A-7-38687.

In step S7 where it is determined that the operation is normal,
Based on the announcement data 20 stored in the storage unit 15, the user is notified via the user I / F 14 that maintenance adjustment is not necessary. At this time, the table shown in FIG. It should be noted that the evaluation result and the date of the future adjustment may be announced at the same time.
In step S8, the operation mode of the copying machine 1 is switched from the evaluation mode to the copy or printer mode, and the maintenance management process during normal operation ends.

In step S9 where it is determined that the adjusting operation is performed,
The number of executions of the adjustment routine, that is, the number of adjustments is compared with an initially set predetermined value. If the user has made an adjustment equal to or more than the predetermined value, it is determined that adjustment by the user himself is difficult, and the process proceeds to step S15 to announce that special maintenance is required. If the adjustment made by the user is less than the predetermined value, it is necessary to make an adjustment to the user through the user I / F 14 based on the evaluation data 19 and the announcement data 20 stored in the storage unit 15 in advance. The process proceeds to steps S10 to S12 to announce the procedure, and FIG.
A specific adjustment method and announcement contents are selected using the table shown in (E). When the evaluation value E is determined to be 10 or more and less than 20 using the evaluation data 19 stored in the storage unit 15, the density adjustment is selected in step S10, and the evaluation value E is determined to be 20 or more and less than 30. In this case, toner replacement is selected.

If the density adjustment is selected in step S10, it is determined in step S11 whether the density adjustment has already exceeded the limit. If so, it is determined that it is difficult to cope with the density adjustment by the user himself. Step S to announce that special maintenance is required
Move to 15. If not exceeded, step S12
Then, the user is notified that the density adjustment is necessary. At this time, a display indicating that the density adjustment is necessary as shown in FIG.
You may go through 14. The adjustment amount performed by the user according to this announcement is transmitted to the control unit 18 through the user I / F 14, and the control unit 18 performs density adjustment by a known method. In step S13, it is determined whether the density adjustment has been completed.

If toner replacement is selected in step S10, it is determined in step S11 whether toner replacement has already exceeded the limit. If so, it is difficult for the user to respond by toner replacement. Then, the process proceeds to step S15 for announcing that special maintenance is required. If not, the process proceeds to step S12 and the user is notified that toner replacement is necessary. At this time, FIG.
May be displayed through the user I / F 14 indicating that toner replacement is necessary. The user himself replaces the toner cartridge according to this announcement. In step S13, it is determined whether the toner replacement has been completed.

When it is determined in step S13 that the density adjustment or the toner replacement is completed, the evaluation result and the adjustment result are stored in the storage unit 15 as history data 22 in step S14. The history data 22 includes an evaluation item, an evaluation count, an evaluation value, a feature amount, an adjustment item, an adjustment count, an adjustment value, an adjustment procedure, and the like. Upon completion of the process in the step S14, the process returns to the step S3, where the evaluation image data is created again, and the evaluation is performed to determine whether the adjustment is correct or not.

In step S15 where it is determined that the maintenance operation has been performed, the announcement data 20 stored in the storage unit 15 is stored.
Is announced through the user I / F 14 that the user needs specialized maintenance. In step S16, an approval is given to the user as to whether or not to notify the maintenance management device 2. If not, the process moves to step S8, and the maintenance management process at the time of the maintenance operation ends. When reporting, the process proceeds to step S17 to report the maintenance management information to the predetermined maintenance management device 2 via the network 3, and then proceeds to step S8 to end the maintenance management process during the maintenance operation. The maintenance management information to be reported is information indicating the status of the copying machine 1, such as the original image data 21, the evaluation image data, and the history data 22. This eliminates the need for the user to grasp the adjustment location and explain it to the maintenance management technician, and it is possible to accurately and in real time notify the state of the copying machine 1.

The maintenance management device 2 receives maintenance management information from the copying machine 1, and a maintenance technician responds based on the received maintenance management information. For example, installation site 27
To be directly dispatched for maintenance. Further, the control information is transmitted from the maintenance management device 2 to the copying machine 1 via the network 3 to perform maintenance from a distant place. In this case, specifically, in order to acquire more detailed maintenance management information of the copying machine 1, new original image data 21 is downloaded to the storage unit 15, and the image quality is determined using the original image data 21 by the above method. Is again evaluated.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a copier 1 and a maintenance management system thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention. The copy machine 1 is provided with a document feeder 41. The original document is transferred to the image forming unit 13 by the document conveying device 41.
Is automatically conveyed to the image reading unit 11 from the printer. As described above, the image reading section 11 may adopt a configuration in which the evaluation document is taken in, and the image quality may be compared and evaluated. Document feeder 4
As a specific configuration, for example, a configuration proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-332251 by the present applicant can be employed.

By installing the document feeder 41, especially in the case where a plurality of evaluation images are continuously compared and evaluated, the evaluation document on which the evaluation images are drawn is automatically conveyed to the image reading section 11. The comparative evaluation can be performed without bothering the user. Further, with this, relatively easy adjustment without replacement of parts or mechanical adjustment is performed by the maintenance management device 2 without using the user's hand.
It is possible to automatically make adjustments via the network 3 using a communication protocol such as this.

As described above, according to the copying machine 1 which is the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment and its maintenance management system, the copying machine 1 itself determines whether or not maintenance is necessary.
The user does not need to do anything, and the necessity of maintenance can be mechanically determined, and the determination can always be made stably based on the same standard. Further, the user can easily know the determination result from the user I / F 14. Further, when it is determined that maintenance is necessary, the comparison and evaluation result is transmitted from the copier 1 to the maintenance management device 2 by the communication unit 17 and the maintenance management device 2
Transmits the maintenance data necessary for the maintenance of the copying machine 1 to the copying machine 1 in response to the data reception from the copying machine 1. Therefore, the user does not need to explain the situation requiring maintenance to the maintenance engineer, and the maintenance engineer can perform maintenance simply by transmitting the maintenance data without going to the place where the copying machine 1 is installed. As a result, the maintenance management cost borne by the user can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the image quality evaluation determining function of the copying machine 1 and provide the copying machine 1 that is easy for the user to handle.

Further, the result of comparison and evaluation is transmitted to the maintenance management device 2 by the communication unit 17 when it is determined that maintenance is necessary and the user approves the maintenance, so that maintenance is performed according to the user's convenience. can do. Further, since the comparison evaluation result and the comparison evaluation status are transmitted to the maintenance management device 2 by the communication unit 17 when it is determined that maintenance is necessary, it is possible to notify the maintenance management device 2 of the image comparison evaluation status. It is possible to determine an appropriate maintenance procedure in the maintenance management device 2 that has been notified of the comparative evaluation status. In addition, when the number of adjustments is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, it is determined that maintenance is required regardless of the result of the comparative evaluation. Therefore, when the adjustment by the user is difficult or when the adjustment reaches the limit. In such a case, appropriate maintenance can be performed by the maintenance management device 2. further,
The communication unit 17 transmits the comparison evaluation result and the adjustment history to the maintenance management device 2 when it is determined that maintenance is necessary. Therefore, a mistake occurs during adjustment by the user or a failure occurs in the image forming device itself. Can be easily determined. In the case where an error occurs during adjustment by the user, there is a case where the maintenance and management engineer does not go to the installation location of the copying machine 1 and can cope with it only by giving advice to the user.

Further, the maintenance program is transmitted from the maintenance management device 2 to the copying machine 1 as maintenance data, and the copying program 1 receives and executes the maintenance program.
Further, the maintenance program transmitted from the maintenance management device 2 to the copying machine 1 is executed by the copying machine 1 according to an instruction from the maintenance management device 2, so that the user can automatically perform the procedure from the comparative evaluation of images to the maintenance without any operation. This eliminates the need for a maintenance technician to go to the place where the copying machine 1 is installed, thereby reducing the maintenance management costs borne by the user. For example, even when the user has neglected the adjustment, the procedure from the comparative evaluation of the image to the maintenance can be automatically performed without bothering the user.

Further, the copying machine 1 is provided with a timer for measuring the timing of comparison and evaluation between the reference image and the evaluation image,
By comparing and evaluating the images at the timing of the timer, the comparison and evaluation can be periodically performed to monitor the abnormality of the copying machine 1 and notify the user, and the user can easily know the maintenance time. It is possible to perform the maintenance by the maintenance management device 2 more reliably than the user's adjustment on a regular basis, and it is possible to reduce the maintenance management cost borne by the user.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the necessity / unnecessity of maintenance is determined by the image forming apparatus itself based on the comparison evaluation result between the read reference image and the evaluation image. Necessity / unnecessity of maintenance can be determined mechanically stably without the knowledge of a user. In addition, since the determination result is reported, the user can easily know. When it is determined that further maintenance is required, the comparison evaluation result is sent to the maintenance management device.
The user does not need to explain the situation requiring maintenance to the maintenance engineer. In this way, an image forming apparatus that is easy for the user to handle can be provided.

According to the present invention, the result of the comparative evaluation is required to be maintained and is transmitted to the maintenance management device at the time of approval by the user, so that the maintenance can be performed at the convenience of the user.

Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that maintenance is necessary, the comparative evaluation result and the comparative evaluation status are transmitted to the maintenance management device, so that the image comparative evaluation status is transmitted to the maintenance management device. The maintenance management device, which has been notified and notified of the comparative evaluation status, can determine an appropriate maintenance procedure.

According to the present invention, when the number of adjustments is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number, it is determined that maintenance is required regardless of the result of the comparative evaluation, so that it is difficult for the user to make adjustments. In the case or when the adjustment itself has reached the limit, appropriate maintenance can be performed by the maintenance management device.

Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that maintenance is required, the comparison evaluation result and the adjustment history are transmitted to the maintenance management device. Whether or not a failure has occurred in the forming apparatus itself can be easily determined.

According to the present invention, since the evaluation document is automatically conveyed to the image reading section, the comparison evaluation can be performed without troublesome operation of the user, especially when a plurality of evaluation images are continuously evaluated. can do.

Further, according to the present invention, the maintenance management device responds to the comparison evaluation result and the like transmitted from the image forming apparatus when the maintenance is necessary, and stores the maintenance data necessary for the maintenance of the image forming device in the image forming. Since the image is transmitted to the apparatus, an image forming apparatus that is easy for the user to handle can be provided.

According to the present invention, the maintenance program is received and executed by the image forming apparatus.
The user can automatically perform the procedure from the comparative evaluation of the image to the maintenance without doing anything, and there is no need for a maintenance technician to go to the installation location of the image forming apparatus, and the user bears the burden. Maintenance management costs can be reduced.

According to the present invention, the maintenance program transmitted from the maintenance management apparatus to the image forming apparatus is executed by the image forming apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the maintenance management apparatus. The maintenance program can be executed without having to go to the installation site.

Further, according to the present invention, the comparative evaluation is periodically performed to monitor the abnormality of the image forming apparatus and notify the user, so that the user can easily know the maintenance time. The maintenance by the maintenance management device can be performed more reliably than the adjustment by the user on a regular basis, and the maintenance management cost borne by the user can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a copier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a maintenance management system thereof.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a maintenance management process of the copying machine 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing data used during a maintenance management process.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a copier 1 and a maintenance management system thereof according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier (image forming apparatus) 2 Maintenance management apparatus 3 Network 11 Image reading part 12 Image processing part 13 Image forming part 14 User I / F (interface) 15 Storage part 16 Evaluation part 17 Communication part 18 Control part 41 Document feeder

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 510 G03G 21/00 510 F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 BB13 KK04 KK13 KK28 KK35 2H027 DA09 DA38 DE07 EC03 EJ08 EJ13 EJ15 HA03 HA07 HB01 HB17 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA30 AA35 AB02 AB05 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB42 AC02 AC04 AC21 AC38 AC55 AE15 9A001 HH34 JJ35 KK42 LL05 LL09

Claims (10)

[Claims] In an image forming apparatus connected via a network to a maintenance management apparatus, an image reading unit reads a reference image for image quality evaluation and an evaluation image to be evaluated formed by the image forming apparatus. Comparison and evaluation means for comparing and evaluating the results; determining means for determining whether maintenance of the image forming apparatus is necessary based on the result of the comparison; notification means for reporting the determination result; and maintenance required based on the determination result And a communication unit for transmitting a comparison evaluation result to the maintenance management device at any time. 2. The image forming apparatus includes an approval unit that approves transmission of a comparison evaluation result to a maintenance management device by a user, and the communication unit transmits the comparison evaluation result to the maintenance management device based on the approval result. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image forming apparatus includes a comparative evaluation status storage unit that stores the status of the comparative evaluation by the comparative evaluation unit, and the communication unit stores not only the comparative evaluation result but also the comparative evaluation status in the maintenance management device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is transmitted. 4. The image forming apparatus includes an adjustment number storage unit that stores the number of adjustments, and the determination unit requires maintenance regardless of a comparison evaluation result when the number of adjustments is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference number. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The image forming apparatus includes an adjustment history storage unit that stores an adjustment history, and the communication unit transmits not only the comparison evaluation result but also an adjustment history to a maintenance management device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys an evaluation document on which an evaluation image is drawn to an image reading unit. 7. A maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus and the maintenance management apparatus are connected by a network, wherein the image forming apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 6. The maintenance management device is a maintenance management device-side communication unit that receives data from the image forming device-side communication unit, and transmits maintenance data necessary for maintenance of the image forming device to the image forming device in response to the data reception. A maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a maintenance management device side communication unit for transmitting. 8. The maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said maintenance management apparatus side communication means transmits a maintenance program of the image forming apparatus as maintenance data. 9. The maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the maintenance management apparatus includes an execution unit that causes the maintenance management apparatus to execute a maintenance program transmitted to the image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus includes a timer for measuring the timing of comparison and evaluation between the reference image and the evaluation image, and the comparison and evaluation means periodically compares the reference image and the evaluation image with the timing of the timer. 9. The maintenance management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the maintenance management system performs a comparative evaluation.