JP2003316528A - Image output device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide an image output device capable of managing the operation status of an apparatus main body up to now and guaranteeing stable operation without stopping operation of the apparatus main body based on the management information. provide. SOLUTION: A printer device 1 electronically performs image processing of input image data, and outputs an image in a recording unit 19. Management unit 11 that manages the operation status of printer device 1
A recording unit 19 for adjusting image forming conditions to adjust the image quality of an image to be output; and a recording unit 19 based on information on the operation status of the printer device 1 managed by the management unit 11.
And a CPU 18 for adjusting the image forming conditions.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output device for electronically image-processing input image data and outputting an image by a recording means. The present invention relates to an image output device that prevents the operating rate of the device body from decreasing based on the management information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a recent network environment, a plurality of people can share a device connected to the network and use it. For example, a printer connected to the network sequentially receives jobs output from a plurality of clients and prints them out in order. This is convenient because the job requested for output processing is automatically printed out as a recorded matter.

Recently, as a multifunction printer,
A composite system in which a scanner (including a copy), a fax, and a printer are integrated has been commercialized, and image data input in each mode is sequentially output from a printer of the printer composite machine.

[0004]

However, in the conventional image output apparatus shared by a plurality of persons, or in the image output apparatus in which a plurality of modes such as an image input path are mounted, the operation of the image output apparatus is performed. There is a problem that the rate becomes high, particularly when a plurality of jobs are overlapped and the operating rate is in a peak state, it is difficult to process even if a new job is requested.

Further, in order to always keep the environment of the image output apparatus constant, it is necessary to periodically supply consumables, replace parts, adjust and inspect. However, stopping the operation of the image output device is a problem from the user side,
Ideally, there should be no problems in use.

Further, in order to be able to list the operation status of the image output device, the past operation history is managed, and a function of displaying and printing out in the form of a list is provided.
Although a management system in which an administrator or the like grasps the operation status of the device is also considered, it is only a list display and is very difficult for the administrator to understand. Therefore, if periodic inspections or the like overlap when the operation rate of the image output device is high, it may cause trouble to the user at the installation destination.

Here, as a technique of this kind, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-277580 (published date 1991 (199
1) There is a printer with a cumulative usage status display function disclosed on December 9th. This printer with the cumulative usage status display function can count the printing operation time and the number of times of the printer and manage the total usage time of each printer. This can only grasp the total operating time from the installation of the printer to the present.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-134142.
There is a print system disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (published on May 21, 1999). In this printing system, each client can check the current operating status of a plurality of printers. However, this technology can only understand the current operating conditions.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-22729.
Publication No. 9 (published on August 24, 1999)
The printing apparatus disclosed in JP-A No. 9-104, manages the past total number of prints, the number of prints of the day, the number of processed jobs, the number of paper jams, the frequency of paper jams, etc. This is to notify the information being processed. However, this technique only manages the operation status so far as data, and multiplies the request from the outside to notify the data.

Further, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-71581.
The printing system disclosed in the publication (published March 7, 2000) stores the past print history as data, and calculates the amount of consumables used from this print history. It is intended to predict when to replace consumables. This technique merely calculates how much the consumables have been consumed from the past history and how much is the remaining consumables, and then calculates the time when the consumables are exhausted and prompts the administrator.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to manage the operation status of the apparatus main body so far and to operate the apparatus main body based on the management information. An object of the present invention is to provide an image output device capable of guaranteeing stable operation without stopping.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image output device of the present invention is an image output device for electronically image-processing input image data and outputting an image by a recording means. Management means for managing the operating status of the apparatus body, image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image forming conditions of the recording means to adjust the image quality of the output image, and operating status of the apparatus body managed by the managing means And a first control unit for adjusting the image forming condition of the recording unit on the basis of the information.

According to the above invention, the image output device electronically performs image processing on the input image data and outputs the image by the recording means.

Here, in this type of image output device, when a predetermined number of images are output by the recording means, the image forming conditions of the recording means are adjusted to adjust the image quality of the image to be output. Is preferred. Therefore, in the present invention, image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image forming condition of the recording means is provided in order to adjust the image quality of the output image.

On the other hand, since the adjustment of the image forming condition of the recording means by the image quality adjusting means requires a certain period of time, when this adjustment overlaps with a high operating rate of the apparatus main body, many users Will bother you.

Therefore, in the present invention, a management means for managing the operating status of the apparatus main body is provided. Therefore, it is possible to ascertain when the period in which the operating rate of the device main body is high in a predetermined period such as one day, one week, month, year, etc., by the information on the operating status of the device main body in the management means. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, the first control means causes the image quality adjusting means to adjust the image forming conditions of the recording means on the basis of the information on the operating condition of the apparatus body managed by the managing means.

Therefore, based on the information of the management means, the image forming condition of the recording means can be adjusted by the image quality adjustment means before the operating rate becomes high. That is, the future operating status is predicted based on the operating status of the apparatus main body so far, and the automatic image quality adjusting step in the recording means is executed before the operating status reaches a peak. Therefore, even when the operating rate of the apparatus main body actually becomes high, the image quality level of the image of the recorded matter to be recorded and reproduced is guaranteed, which is also effective for the user.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an image output apparatus capable of guaranteeing stable operation without stopping the operation of the apparatus main body based on the management information of the operation status of the apparatus main body which has been managed so far. it can.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image output device of the present invention is an image output device which electronically image-processes input image data and outputs the image by the recording means. Management means for managing the operating condition, notifying means for notifying that the recording means should be inspected, and based on information on the operating status of the apparatus main body managed by the managing means, the notifying means of the recording means It is characterized by being provided with a second control means for informing that the inspection is urged.

According to the above invention, the image output device electronically performs image processing on the input image data, and outputs the image by the recording means.

Here, in this type of image output device, in order to always keep the environment of the image output device constant, periodic inspections such as adjustment, replacement of parts, and cleaning are required. However, since the inspection requires a certain time, it is a problem from the viewpoint of the user to stop the operation of the image output device, and it is ideal that there is no problem in use.

Therefore, in the present invention, a management means for managing the operating status of the apparatus main body is provided. Therefore, according to the operating status data of the device body in this management means,
For example, it is possible to know when a period in which the operating rate of the apparatus main body is high in a predetermined period such as one day, one week, month, or year.

Further, in the present invention, there is provided an informing means for informing that the recording means should be inspected, and the second control means is
Based on the information on the operating status of the apparatus body managed by the management means, the notification means is notified to prompt the inspection of the recording means.

Therefore, the information of the management means can prompt the manager through the notification means to inspect the recording means before the operating rate becomes high. That is, the future operation status is predicted based on the operation status of the apparatus main body up to now, and the execution of the image quality restoration process such as the periodic inspection and cleaning of the recording means is promoted before the operation rate becomes high. For this reason,
When the operating rate of the apparatus main body actually becomes high, the image quality level of the image of the recorded matter to be recorded and reproduced is guaranteed, which is also effective for the user.

As a result, stable operation can be guaranteed without stopping the operation of the apparatus main body by managing the operation status of the apparatus main body up to now and notifying based on the management information in advance. An image output device can be provided.

The image output apparatus of the present invention is the image output apparatus described above, further comprising communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external electronic device,
It is characterized in that the control means informs an external electronic device via the communication means that the inspection of the recording means is urged.

According to the above invention, the image output device includes:
Communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external electronic device is provided. Then, the second control means notifies the external electronic device via the communication means that the inspection of the recording means is prompted.

Therefore, for example, when the administrator of the image output device is not at the installation location, the external electronic device such as a service center is connected to the external electronic device via the communication means.
It is possible to give notifications such as email notifications prompting the inspection of the device body.

As a result, it is possible to set a notification mode for prompting the inspection of the apparatus body according to the management mode of the image output apparatus at the installation site, so that it can be utilized as an effective function for the administrator and the user of the image output apparatus.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

The printer device 1 as an image output device in this embodiment is connected to a network as shown in FIG. That is, a plurality of electronic devices such as a scanner device 3, a personal computer 4, ..., A PDA terminal 5, and an externally provided fax device 6 are always connected to the printer device 1 via a network 2, which is a communication path. Alternatively, connection is possible in response to a connection request. Then, the printer device 1 sequentially prints out the image data sent from the plurality of electronic devices as recorded matter.

Under this environment, the printer apparatus 1 of the present embodiment manages the operation status of the printer apparatus 1 and manages it as operation status information, and manages it in response to a request for confirmation of the operation status. Based on the operating status information, the operating rate of the printer device 1 is represented in a graph or the like in an easy-to-understand manner.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer apparatus 1 has an operating status based on a management section 11 that manages the operating status of the printer apparatus 1 and operating status information managed by the managing section 11. Is included in the processing unit 12. The printer device 1 is provided with the peripheral devices such as the personal computers 4 ... Connectable via the network 2.

The printer device 1 is equipped with an interface such as a network card such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) 13 as a communication means, which enables communication connection with various devices on the network 2. ing. The communication connection may be wireless or wired. Also, IrDA (Infrared Data)
A wireless communication interface such as an association (infrared data communication standardization organization) 14 is also installed, and a temporary connection is made as necessary to enable image output from the printer device 1. The wireless communication interface may be Bluetooth, for example. further,
Through the FAX unit 15, mutual communication with the external fax machine 6, that is, transmission / reception of a transmission image is enabled,
/ F (interface) 16 through scanner device 3
It is also possible to print out in the copy mode by receiving the image data of the manuscript converted into data.

Each of these interfaces 13 ・ 14 ・ 1
Image data input from various external devices 3 to 6 via 5 and 16 is subjected to image processing by an ICU (Image Control Unit) 17, and a recording operation based on the image data in a recording unit 19 as a recording unit. Is done.

On the other hand, in the CPU 18, each unit of the printer device 1 is controlled, and in order to enable recording of an image based on the image data sent from the ICU 17, an image formation (not shown) forming the recording unit 19 is performed. It controls each part of the process in detail.

Further, the CPU 18 manages an operation panel (OP) 20 equipped with a display section 20a as a notifying means having a transparent touch panel on the upper surface, and grasps the instruction contents input by the operator. In addition to controlling the operation of the printer device 1, it also controls the display operation for notifying the operator of guidance information regarding the printer device 1.

Then, an operation instruction from the operation panel 20,
Alternatively, the processing operation for the image data is performed based on the image input instruction through the interfaces 13, 14, 15, 16. Therefore, the CPU 18
It manages the operation of each part of the image forming process and controls the image forming process that gives operation instructions, and also functions as the first control unit and the second controller of the present invention.

In order to manage each of these parts, in the present embodiment, a sensor for detecting a movement or the like is arranged at a required position, and the state of each part is confirmed based on a detection signal from this sensor. For example, a sensor that detects the remaining amount level of the developer (toner) in a developing device (not shown), a sensor that detects the remaining amount level of the recording material (paper) in the paper cassette, the life of the electrophotographic process for recording an image. A life management counter and the like for performing management. It should be noted that these detected data are managed while being updated as the latest data in the consumables management table 19a stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the recording unit 19, and are managed by the consumables management table 19a as necessary. By checking the detected data, the state of each part can be known.

The management section 11 constantly manages the operating status of the printer device 1, and the operating status information obtained by the management is stored in the managing section 11 as information regarding the status.

Finally, the processing unit 12 is equipped with a function for illustrating the operating status of the printer device 1. For example, it is represented by a graph in which the horizontal axis is the time axis, which will be described later.

On the other hand, the operation panel 2 of the printer device 1
As shown in FIG. 3, a display unit 20a and an operation unit 20b are arranged on the display unit 0. Specifically, the operation panel 20
A dot matrix type liquid crystal display panel is provided as a display unit 20a on the substantially left side of the display unit 20a. A transparent touch panel (tablet) is arranged on the upper surface of the display unit 20a, and when a portion of the display unit 20a displayed as a key is touched with a fingertip, a mode signal is input to the CPU 18 as if the key was operated. It has become so. At this time, the display form of the key portion displayed on the display unit 20a is changed so that it can be seen that the key portion has been operated. Also, the entire display screen is adapted to transition as necessary.

The operation mode of the printer device 1 is set to the printer (PR
"INT""" FAX "" Copy (COP
Y) ”, which corresponds to each mode, a“ mode selection ”key, a“ job status ”key for checking the progress status of a print job, a“ numeric ”key group for inputting the number of prints, a mode There are provided a "Clear (C)" key for partially clearing, a "All clear (CA)" key for clearing all modes, a "Print" key for instructing the start of the printing operation, and the like.

The usage status key 20c arranged on the right side of the "job status" key is a key for instructing the apparatus so as to illustrate the operating status of the printer device 1 which is the point of the present embodiment. Yes, this usage status key 20c
By operating the display unit 20 of the operation panel 20.
The graph of the operating status illustrated in a is generated and displayed.

As an example of the operation status management data of the printer apparatus 1 managed by the management unit 11 of the printer apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the information of the operation status management table 22 can be cited.

The contents of the information managed on the operating status management table 22 include the date and time, the input path (mode), the document for each job for sequentially processing the image data input through each interface. , Size information of images, paper, etc., number of output sheets, etc.
You can increase or decrease as needed. For example, it is the usage status of the post-processing device or the like for the sheet on which the image is recorded.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a graphic display.
As shown in FIG. 3, the processing unit 12 of the printer device 1 performs data processing such that monthly aggregated data is graphically displayed based on the operation status monitoring data, and the result of the data processing is displayed on the display unit 20a. Is mentioned. As a result, the operation status management table 2 of the management unit 11
2 in the processing unit 12 of the printer device 1 based on the operation status management data of the printer device 1 managed by
It is possible to make a graph so that the operating status of the printer device 1 within a predetermined period such as day, week, month, or year can be seen at a glance.

In the present embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that there is a request to graph the operating status of the printer device 1 when the usage status key 20c of the operation panel 20 is operated, and the processing unit A graph 12 is generated based on the information managed by the management unit 11.

The information on the operating status in this graph is C
It is displayed on the display unit 20a of the operation panel 20 by the PU 18. In addition to displaying the graphed operating status information on the display unit 20a, the recording unit 19 of the printer device 1 outputs the information as a print image to an external device communicable via a network. It is possible to output.

In the graphs showing the above operating conditions, the horizontal axis is taken as a time axis so that it can be expressed so that it can be understood in which time zone or time the apparatus operating rate is high or low. In addition, the horizontal axis is the time axis, so that the operating status within a given period can be understood.
It is possible to instruct (switch) days, one week, one month, one year, etc., and it is possible to graph the operating status of the printer device 1 within the instructed period.

For example, FIG. 6 (same as the screen of FIG. 5) is a graphical representation of the annual operating status. The annual operating status of 2001 is aggregated by month and the annual operating status is displayed as a level. This is the screen.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the monthly operating status, and is a screen displaying the monthly operating status in October 2001 on a daily basis and displaying the monthly operating status as a level.

Further, FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the weekly operation status, and is a screen in which the weekly operation status of the first week of October 2001 is totaled by day of the week and the weekly operation status is displayed as a level. .

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the operating status of one day, and is a screen in which the operating status of October 12, 2001 is aggregated by the hour and the operating status of one day is displayed as a level. .

As described above, when the usage status key 20c provided on the operation panel 20 is operated, the printer device 1
In the processing unit 12 provided in the inside, a graph is formed to understand (confirm) the operating status of the device in a time zone, and the user who requests confirmation can confirm it through the display unit 20a of the operation panel 20 or the like. Has become.

Here, in the present embodiment, a part of the operation status graphing function in the processing unit 12 is further used to
It is equipped with a function of predicting future operating conditions so as to ensure the quality of the image formed on the recording material before the peak of image formation is reached.

Specifically, the future operation status is predicted from the operation status up to now managed by the management unit 11, and before the operation of the printer device 1 reaches its peak, the recording unit 19 which is an image forming unit. Image quality is automatically adjusted and main parts are exchanged as needed.

More specifically, assuming that the operating status of the printer device 1 is confirmed by the processing unit 12, and the monthly operating status as shown in FIG.
It can be confirmed that the operation rate of the printer device 1 is higher than usual every 11 days and every 25 days.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing control unit 12a provided in the processing unit 12 confirms and predicts that the operating rate on the 11th and the 25th will be higher than usual. To do. Specifically, the processing control unit 12a
Based on the monthly operating condition data managed by the management unit 11, for example, when the number of prints per day exceeds 1000 (1k) is determined. In the case of this example, it is determined when the number of prints per day exceeds 1000 (1k) continuously for, for example, 3 days or more. Thereby, in the case of this example, it is possible to confirm and predict that the operating rates on the 11th and the 25th will be higher than usual.

In the present embodiment, since it is highly possible that the operating rates on the 11th and the 25th are increased, first, the electrophotographic process is automatically adjusted in advance to stabilize the quality of the image reproduced and recorded. I have to. This automatic adjustment of the electrophotographic process means, as shown in FIG.
A test image having a constant reference density is actually formed on the first image, and the density of the test image at this time is detected to determine whether it is at an appropriate level, and the detected density level at this time. Based on the above, the electrophotographic process such as the charge amount of the photoconductor 31, the laser light amount, the supply amount of the developing bias, and the transfer bias is controlled to prepare an environment in which an image of an appropriate level is recorded. There is.
The image forming condition of the recording unit 19 is adjusted by the recording unit 19 as an image quality adjusting unit. Further, the CPU 18 as the first control unit controls the recording unit 19 to adjust the image forming condition based on the information on the operating status of the printer device 1 managed by the management unit 11. .

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
A photo sensor (not shown) actually detects a test image having a predetermined density formed under a predetermined condition, and the CPU 18 determines the density information. Then, based on the result, feedback such as adjustment of operating conditions is performed to each component of the electrophotographic process. In the electrophotographic process, it is a known technique that the quality of an image recorded and reproduced is changed by adjusting the conditions by combining at least one of charging, exposure, development, and transfer, and further combining some of them. .

On the other hand, in the printer device 1 according to the present embodiment, a deteriorated unit is replaced with a new unit by using a cartridge structure in which a consumable item which is a component (unit) constituting the electrophotographic process in the recording unit 19 can be easily replaced. The configuration is such that the state of the recording unit 19 is restored simply by replacing

As shown in the figure, the exchange unit 30 in the electrophotographic process is based on, for example, a photosensitive member 31 at the center of the electrophotographic process, and a charging device 32, a transfer device 33, and a transfer device 33 arranged around the photosensitive member 31. It is configured by integrally supporting the cleaning device 34 with a frame.

In the printer device 1 having the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the operation status management table 22 of the management unit 11 is used.
Based on the information of the
The above-mentioned notification is made to the administrator to prompt the administrator to confirm the above. The above notification is performed as date and time information, for example, one day before the 11th and 25th, or at an appropriate timing such as the first morning of the day.

Therefore, for example, this exchange unit 3
When the service life reaches 0, as shown in FIG. 11, a message prompting the replacement of the replacement unit 30 is displayed.
It is displayed on the display unit 20a of the operation panel 20 of.

This is done by the recording unit 1 as described above.
The printer 9 has a consumables management table 19a for managing the lifespan of the consumables in the printer device 1 and a counter (not shown). Therefore, the timing for displaying the lifespan is controlled in conjunction with this counter. Note that the display timing control here is set in advance by advancing or delaying the display timing, or by displaying according to the counter, and the replacement message is displayed at that timing. It is a thing.

Normally, the life of replacement parts is 5000 sheets, 1
It is managed by 0000 sheets and a proper number,
Considering the environment in which it is used, a certain margin of life is provided, and it is possible to delay the replacement display of consumables in accordance with the peak of image forming operation.

As a result, by prompting the replacement unit 30 which has deteriorated and is about to be replaced to be replaced with a new one, the replacement is carried out before the peak of the operation of the printer apparatus 1 is reached, so that the optimum condition can be obtained. Even if a large amount of image is formed, output processing will be performed without any problem. As a result, stable operation of the printer device 1 can be guaranteed.

In the above description, “2001 October 10
Although the operating status of the printer device 1 from now on is predicted based on the operating status in January of "Month", the future operating status is predicted based on the management data so far, for example, data for several months. Is also possible.

Further, although it is explained that the prediction is made on a monthly basis, it is also possible to make a prediction on a weekly or daily time zone basis. Accordingly, the unit precision of the referenced data can be changed.

In the present embodiment, the printer device 1
When the operating rate of the printer unit 1 is predicted to increase, the printer device 1 is a destination to notify the replacement of the replacement unit 30 in advance.
It is supposed that the notification is given on the display unit 20a on the operation panel 20 of. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the printer device 1 is connected to the network 2, for example, the NI as the communication means installed in the printer device 1 may be used.
With C13, it is also possible to notify the personal computer 4 of a preset notification destination such as a network administrator, a device administrator, a service center, etc., by using the electronic mail function.

Then, according to the management system and environment of the printer device 1 at the installation site, the display unit 20a of the printer device 1 notifies or, as shown in FIG. 11,
The notification information can be transmitted or selected to the administrator terminal which is the personal computer 4 outside the printer device 1.

As described above, in the printer device 1 of the present embodiment, the input image data is electronically image-processed,
The recording unit 19 outputs the image.

In this type of printer device 1, when the recording unit 19 outputs a predetermined number of images, the image forming conditions of the recording unit 19 are adjusted to adjust the image quality of the image to be output. Preferably. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the recording unit 19 that adjusts the image forming conditions to adjust the image quality of the output image is provided.

On the other hand, since the adjustment of the image forming conditions by the recording unit 19 requires a certain period of time, if this adjustment overlaps with a high operating rate of the printer device 1, many users will be annoyed. Will be multiplied.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a management unit 11 for managing the operating status of the printer device 1 is provided. Therefore, by the information on the operating status of the printer device 1 in the management unit 11, it is possible to know when the operating ratio of the printer device 1 is high during a predetermined period such as one day, one week, month, and year. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 18 as the first control means uses the recording unit 19 based on the operating status information of the printer device 1 managed by the management unit 11.
To adjust the image forming conditions.

Therefore, the information of the management section 11 allows the recording section 19 to adjust the image forming conditions before the operating rate increases. That is, the future operation status is predicted based on the operation status of the printer device 1 up to now, and the automatic image quality adjustment process in the recording unit 19 is executed before the operation status reaches a peak. Therefore, even when the operating rate of the printer device 1 actually increases, the image quality level of the image of the recorded matter to be recorded and reproduced is guaranteed, which is effective for the user.

Therefore, the operation status of the printer apparatus 1 so far is managed, and based on the management information, the printer apparatus 1 is provided which can guarantee stable operation without stopping the operation of the printer apparatus 1. be able to.

Further, in the printer apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in order to keep the environment of the printer apparatus 1 constant at all times, periodical inspections such as adjustment, replacement of parts and cleaning are required. However, since it takes a certain amount of time to perform the inspection, it is a problem from the viewpoint of the user to stop the operation of the printer device 1, and it is ideal that there is no problem in use.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a management unit 11 for managing the operating status of the printer device 1 is provided. Therefore, by the data of the operating status of the printer device 1 in the management unit 11, it is possible to know when there is a period in which the operating ratio of the printer device 1 is high in a predetermined period such as one day, one week, month, and year. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display unit 20a for notifying that the recording unit 19 should be inspected is provided.
The CPU 18 as a control unit, based on the operating status information of the printer device 1 managed by the management unit 11,
The display unit 20a is informed that the recording unit 19 should be inspected.

Therefore, the information of the management unit 11 can prompt the manager to inspect the recording unit 19 through the display unit 20a before the operating rate increases. That is, the future operation status is predicted based on the operation status of the printer device 1 up to now, and the execution of the image quality restoration process such as the periodic inspection and cleaning of the recording unit 19 is urged before the operation rate becomes high. Therefore, when the operating rate of the printer device 1 actually increases, the image quality level of the image of the recorded matter to be recorded and reproduced is guaranteed, which is also effective for the user.

As a result, the operation status of the printer device 1 up to now is managed, and a notification is made in advance based on the management information so that a stable operation is guaranteed without stopping the operation of the printer device 1. It is possible to provide the printer device 1 that can do so.

Further, in the printer device 1 of the present embodiment, data is transmitted / received to / from the external personal computer 4.
An IC 13 is provided. Then, the CPU 18 as the second control means informs the external personal computer 4 via the NIC 13 that the inspection of the recording unit 19 is urged.

Therefore, for example, when the administrator of the printer device 1 is not in the installation place, the NIC 1
An external personal computer 4 such as a service center can be notified via e.g. 3 a mail notification or the like urging the printer 1 to be inspected.

As a result, the printer device 1 at the installation destination
Since the notification form for prompting the inspection of the printer device 1 can be set according to the management form of 1., it can be utilized as an effective function for the administrator and the user of the printer device 1.

[0089]

As described above, the image output apparatus according to the present invention adjusts the image forming conditions of the recording means so as to adjust the image quality of the image to be output and the management means for managing the operating condition of the apparatus body. And a first control unit that causes the image quality adjustment unit to adjust the image forming condition of the recording unit based on the operating status information of the apparatus body managed by the management unit.

Therefore, the first control means causes the image quality adjusting means to adjust the image forming conditions of the recording means on the basis of the information on the operating condition of the managing means. Therefore, based on the information of the management unit, the image forming condition of the recording unit can be adjusted by the image quality adjustment unit before the operating rate increases. That is, the future operating status is predicted based on the operating status of the apparatus main body so far, and the automatic image quality adjusting step in the recording means is executed before the operating status reaches a peak. Therefore, even when the operating rate of the apparatus main body actually becomes high, the image quality level of the image of the recorded matter to be recorded and reproduced is guaranteed, which is also effective for the user.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an image output apparatus capable of guaranteeing a stable operation without stopping the operation of the apparatus main body by managing the operation status of the apparatus main body so far and based on the management information. It has the effect of being able to.

As described above, the image output apparatus of the present invention includes the management means for managing the operating status of the apparatus main body, the notification means for notifying the inspection of the recording means, and the management means. It is provided with a second control means for informing the informing means that the inspection of the recording means is to be instructed, based on the managed operation status information of the apparatus main body.

Therefore, the informing means is informed that the inspection of the recording means is urged based on the information on the operating status of the apparatus body managed by the managing means. Therefore, the information of the management means can prompt the manager via the notification means to inspect the recording means before the operating rate increases.

As a result, stable operation can be guaranteed without stopping the operation of the apparatus main body by managing the operation status of the apparatus main body up to now and notifying based on the management information in advance. It is possible to provide an image output device.

The image output apparatus of the present invention is the image output apparatus described above, further comprising communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external electronic device,
The control means informs the external electronic device via the communication means that the inspection of the recording means is urged.

Therefore, since it is possible to set a notification mode for prompting the inspection of the apparatus body according to the management mode of the image output apparatus at the installation site, it can be utilized as an effective function for the administrator and the user of the image output apparatus. Produce an effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image output apparatus according to the present invention and showing a printer apparatus and an entire system in which the printer apparatus is connected to a network.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the overall system.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an operation panel of the printer device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation status management table in a management unit of the printer device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a display unit showing an example of a graphic display of operating status (print total) in a year.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the display unit extracted from FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a display unit showing an example of a graphic display of monthly operating status (print total).

FIG. 8 is a front view of a display unit showing an example in which a weekly operation status (print total) is graphically displayed.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a display unit showing an example of a graphic display of operating conditions (print total) for a day.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an exchange unit in a recording unit.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state in which a display prompting confirmation of a consumable item is displayed on a display unit that graphically displays an operating state (print total) in a year.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a state in which a display prompting confirmation of a consumable item is displayed on an external personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Printer device (image output device, device body) 3 Scanner device 4 PC (electronic device) 6 FAX machine 11 Management Department (Management Means) 12 Processing unit 13 NIC (communication means) 14 IrDA 15 FAX unit 16 I / F 18 CPU (first control means, second control means) 19 recording unit (recording means, image quality adjusting means) 20a Display unit (informing means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tsutomu Yoshimoto             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06                       HJ07 HK15 HK19 HL01 HV13                       HV14 HV19 HV26 HV32                 2C187 AC06 AD03 AD04 AD14 AE07                       AE15 BF49 GD10 HA10 HA11                       HA29 HA30 HA38                 5B021 AA01 NN00

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image output apparatus for electronically image-processing input image data and outputting the image by a recording means, a management means for managing the operating condition of the apparatus body, and an image quality of the output image are adjusted. In order to adjust the image forming condition of the recording means, the image quality adjusting means adjusts the image forming condition of the recording means based on the information on the operating condition of the apparatus body managed by the managing means. 1. An image output device comprising: a control unit. 2. An image output device for electronically image-processing input image data and outputting an image by a recording means, and a management means for managing the operating condition of the main body of the apparatus and an inspection of the recording means. And a second control means for informing the informing means of instructing the inspection of the recording means based on the information on the operating status of the apparatus body managed by the managing means. An image output device characterized by the above. 3. A communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external electronic device is provided, and the second control means checks the recording means with respect to the external electronic device via the communication means. The image output device according to claim 2, wherein the image output device notifies the user of the prompting.