JP2010161661A - Image forming apparatus and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for which a serviceman carrying a terminal device with him/her can repair or maintain immediately after arriving at a job site. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 is provided which is connectable with a terminal device 300 over a network. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: a communication unit 122; a storage unit 109 for storing first information; a generation means 1011 for generating second information on trouble when the trouble occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus 1; a transfer means 1012 for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit 109 to another storage unit 194; and a communication control means 1013 for transmitting the second information to the terminal device 300 via the communication unit 122 when the transfer is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a terminal device via a network, and a network system including the image forming apparatus and the terminal device, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that notifies a terminal device that a problem has occurred and The present invention relates to a network system including an image forming apparatus and the terminal device.

  There is known an image forming apparatus that transmits and receives information to and from an external apparatus via a network. Among such image forming apparatuses, there is one that analyzes a problem (trouble) that has occurred in the image forming apparatus and outputs the content of the problem to the outside.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-38082 (Patent Document 1) discloses a maintenance support system suitable for providing a maintenance service with high satisfaction for a user. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-38082 (Patent Document 1), the printer transmits the failure information to the printer management server. On the other hand, when receiving the completion time information, the printer sets the maintenance completion time based on the received completion time information. indicate. When it is determined that a failure requiring maintenance has occurred based on the received failure information, the printer management server selects a maintenance worker, reads out and reads out the technical level information and position information corresponding to the selected maintenance worker. The maintenance required time and estimated arrival time are calculated based on the technical level information and the position information, the total of the calculated maintenance required time and estimated arrival time is calculated as the maintenance completion time, and the completion time indicating the calculated maintenance completion time Send information to the printer.

  Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-63108 (Patent Document 2) discloses an image forming apparatus management system that can perform communication from a copying machine to a plurality of destinations in a short time. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-63108 (Patent Document 2), when a malfunction of a copying machine is detected by an operating state detection unit, failure data corresponding to the detection result is read from the storage unit and a failure is detected from the storage unit. The PHS mail addresses of the management host computer and service man are read out. Then, the failure data read from the storage means is changed to the mail format by the mail function unit, and the changed data is transmitted to the transmitting server. The mail information transmitted to the transmitting server is distributed to the receiving server via the Internet. Then, the receiving server notifies the failure management host computer and the PHS of the incoming mail, and accesses the receiving server from the failure management host computer or the PHS side that received the notification, and fetches the distributed mail information. .

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-122867 (Patent Document 3) discloses that a serviceman possessing a repair part for a repair target machine in which a trouble requiring repair has occurred can always quickly and quickly reach the repair target machine. A repair support system is disclosed. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-122867 (Patent Document 3), the service center determines a part necessary for repair based on trouble information received from the multifunction peripheral, and possesses the repair part based on the contents of the serviceman possessed parts memory. Pick up the serviceman who is working and contact the PHS of the corresponding serviceman. Then, it grasps the situation such as whether the current situation is working, moving or resting, and stores it in the serviceman situation memory. Next, based on the contents of the serviceman location memory, serviceman status memory, and multifunction device installation location memory, it is possible to quickly go to the installation location of the multifunction device to be repaired among service personnel possessing parts. The service person is searched, and the PHS of the searched service person is informed of the installation location of the MFP and the content of the trouble together with a repair instruction.

JP 2005-38082 A JP 2003-63108 A JP 2003-122867 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus and network system, even if a service person arrives at the site to repair the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus may still back up various data. Therefore, the service person cannot repair or maintain the image forming apparatus as soon as it arrives. In other words, in the conventional image forming apparatus and network system, it is not possible to turn off the power of the image forming apparatus for repair immediately after the service person arrives at the image forming apparatus, resulting in wasted time. was there.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus to be repaired or maintained immediately after a serviceman having a terminal device arrives at the site. A network system including a forming apparatus, the terminal device, and the image forming apparatus is provided.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a terminal device via a network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores first information; a generation unit that generates second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus; Transfer means for transferring the stored first information to another storage unit, and communication control means for transmitting the second information to the terminal device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus that can be connected to a terminal device via a network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores first information; a generation unit that generates second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus; Transfer means for transferring the stored first information to another storage unit; calculation means for calculating the time required for transfer by calculating the time required for transfer; and second means via the communication unit. Communication control means for transmitting information and time to another device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores first information; a generation unit that generates second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus; Transfer means for transferring the stored first information to another storage unit, and communication control means for transmitting the second information to the server device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed. The server device includes a server communication unit and a server communication control unit that transmits the second information to the terminal device via the server communication unit when the second information is received. The terminal device includes a terminal communication unit and a display unit that displays second information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores first information; a generation unit that generates second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus; Transfer means for transferring the stored first information to another storage unit; calculation means for calculating the time required for transfer by calculating the time required for transfer; and second means via the communication unit. Communication control means for transmitting information and time to the server device. The server device includes a server communication unit, and server communication control means for transmitting the second information and the time to the terminal device via the server communication unit when receiving the second information and the time. The terminal device displays the second information and the time.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores first information; a generation unit that generates second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each unit of the image forming apparatus; Transfer means for transferring the stored first information to the other storage unit, and communication control means for transmitting the second information to the server device via the communication unit. When the server device receives the second information from the server communication unit, the server device calculates the time required for the transfer to calculate the time when the transfer is completed, and the terminal device via the server communication unit. Server communication control means for transmitting the second information and time. The terminal device includes a terminal communication unit and a display unit that displays second information and time.

  Preferably, the communication control unit transmits the second information to the terminal device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed.

  Preferably, when the transfer is completed, the communication control means transmits to the server device that the transfer is completed via the communication unit. The server communication control means transmits to the terminal device that the transfer has been completed via the server communication unit.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the first information needs to be transferred to another storage unit. When the determination unit determines that the first information needs to be transferred to another storage unit, the communication control unit transmits the second information to the server device via the communication unit. The second information is transmitted to the terminal device via the communication unit when it is determined that it is not necessary to transfer the information to the other storage unit.

  Preferably, the network system includes a plurality of terminal devices. The server device includes a server storage unit that stores a position of the image forming device and each of the plurality of terminal devices, and a plurality of terminal devices based on the position of the image forming device and each of the plurality of terminal devices. Extraction means for extracting one terminal device from the above. The server communication control means transmits the second information to one terminal device via the server communication unit.

  Preferably, the server storage unit stores a defect attribute in association with each of the plurality of terminal devices. The extraction means extracts one terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices based on the defect attributes of the plurality of terminal devices.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of performing repair work and maintenance work on an image forming apparatus as soon as a serviceman having the terminal apparatus arrives at the site, and a network including the terminal apparatus and the image forming apparatus A system is provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of the network system according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing an image forming apparatus. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an image figure which shows the display part of the terminal device which displays defect information. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of main processing in the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data transfer processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing an effect of the network system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation outline of the network system according to the second embodiment. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an image figure which shows the display part of the terminal device which displays defect information and transfer completion time. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data transfer processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an image diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation outline of the network system according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a server apparatus. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a network system according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation outline of the network system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a network system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of the network system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a network system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a network system according to a sixth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration of network system>
First, the overall configuration of the network system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system 11 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, network system 11 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a terminal device 300. The network system 11 according to the present embodiment also includes another printer 2 and another terminal device 400.

  The terminal device 300 and the image forming apparatus 1 are configured to be capable of data communication with each other via the network 100. The network 100 includes a dedicated line such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a public line such as the Internet or a virtual private network, and part or all of the line is wireless. A wireless communication line such as a LAN may be used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 (printer 2) is typically an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) equipped with a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, and a scanner function. Note that the image forming process includes printing an image on a paper medium and generating image data. The image forming apparatus 1 can transmit data to a plurality of terminal devices 300 via the network 100.

  In particular, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment detects a defect that has occurred inside and outputs the content of the defect (hereinafter referred to as defect information). Here, the defect information typically indicates a location where the defect has occurred, the type of the defect, the situation of the defect, and a process (repair) for solving the defect.

  The terminal device 300 (terminal device 400) is typically a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), or a notebook personal computer. The terminal device 300 receives data from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 100.

<Overview of network system operation>
Below, the operation | movement outline | summary of the network system 11 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment.

  1 and 2, when a problem occurs in image forming apparatus 1 (step S010), image forming apparatus 1 generates defect information by analyzing the problem (step S012). The image forming apparatus 1 may transmit the defect information to another terminal device 300 at this timing (step S024). That is, the other terminal device 300 may receive the defect information once at this timing (step S026). Then, the terminal device 300 may display the defect information for the service person (step S028).

  The image forming apparatus 1 recognizes processing necessary to solve the defect by generating the defect information. In particular, whether the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment needs to back up various stored data (such as adjustment data for adjusting the device) in advance before a serviceman repairs the image. Judge whether or not. When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the adjustment data to another memory in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S014). The image forming apparatus 1 may transfer the adjustment data to another server device or the like via the network 100. When the transfer of the adjustment data is completed (step S016), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits defect information to the other terminal device 300 (step S018).

  The terminal device 300 receives the defect information (step S020). The terminal device 300 displays the defect information for the service person (step S022). That is, the service person holding the terminal device 300 browses the defect information after the image forming apparatus 1 completes the transfer of the adjustment data.

  As described above, in the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information to the terminal device 300 of the service person when the adjustment data backup operation is completed. Therefore, the service person can arrive at the site for repairing the image forming apparatus 1 after the adjustment data backup operation is completed. That is, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment can prevent time that is wasted for a serviceman.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Overall configuration of image forming apparatus>
Next, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic front sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20, an engine control unit 120, and a printer controller unit 190. Imaging units 150K, 150Y, 150M, and 150C are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The imaging units 150 </ b> K, 150 </ b> Y, 150 </ b> M, and 150 </ b> C are covered with a cover (front cover) (not shown) when mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and are included in the image forming apparatus 1. .

  The image reading unit 10 is a known device that reads an image of a document placed on a document glass plate (not shown) by moving a scanner. More specifically, a document image obtained by irradiation with an exposure lamp installed in the scanner is imaged by a condenser lens. The reflected light from the original is split into light of three wavelengths, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), by a spectroscope, respectively, and a red CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor and green It is incident on the CCD image sensor and the blue CCD image sensor. An output signal from each CCD image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as “CCD sensor”) is AD (analog-digital) converted into R, G, and B image data of the document.

  The obtained image data for each color component is subjected to various kinds of data processing in the engine control unit 120, and further, each reproduction color of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) (hereinafter referred to as “color”). , K, Y, M, and C are added as subscripts to the numbers of the constituent parts related to each reproduction color. The converted image data is stored for each reproduction color in the SRAM 108 (see FIG. 4) of the main body in the engine control unit 120, and the image writing necessary for the positional deviation correction is reflected on the result of the registration correction described later. Receives correction of position, etc. Thereafter, the image data is read for each scanning line in synchronization with the supply of the transfer paper, and becomes a drive signal for a laser diode that exposes the photosensitive drums 51K, 51Y, 51M, 51C.

  The image forming unit 20 includes a transfer belt 41 that is stretched and driven in the image forming unit 20, imaging units 150K, 150Y, 150M, and 150C for the respective colors that are arranged at predetermined intervals so as to face the transfer belt 41, Exposure scanning units 60K to 60C provided for each imaging unit, a paper feeding unit 70 for feeding transfer paper to the transfer belt 41, a fixing unit 80 arranged on the downstream side of the transfer paper transport unit, and a duplex unit 81.

  The exposure scanning units 60K to 60C receive a drive signal output from the engine control unit 120, respectively, and emit laser beams, or deflect the laser beams on the photosensitive drums 51K to 51C in the main scanning direction. A polygon mirror (not shown) for exposure scanning is provided.

  The paper feed unit 70 takes the timing of feeding the transfer paper to the transfer belt 41 and the paper feed cassettes 71 to 75 for storing the transfer paper of different sizes and orientations, the transfer paper from the paper feed cassettes. And registration rollers 79 for the purpose.

  The black imaging unit 150K includes a photosensitive drum 51K, an eraser disposed around the photosensitive drum 51K, a cleaner, a cleaning blade, a charging charger, a developing roller, a TCR sensor, a stirring screw, and the like. Have.

  The photosensitive drum 51K is uniformly charged by a charging charger after the toner remaining on the surface is removed by a cleaner before being exposed, the charge is removed by an eraser. When the photosensitive drum 51K is exposed to the laser beam in a charged state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51K.

  Further, as will be described later, the black imaging unit 150K includes a unit storage unit 151K (see FIG. 5) configured from a nonvolatile memory. The unit storage unit 151K includes, for example, initial adjustment information including unit ID and unit identification information for identifying the imaging unit 150K, new and old product information indicating whether or not the imaging unit 150K is new, and the imaging unit 150K. Usage history information including a unit number counter indicating the number of times of use (the number of printed sheets that have been printed using the black imaging unit 150K).

  The other color imaging units 150Y, 150M, and 150C have the same configuration as that of the black imaging unit 150K, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The electrostatic latent image of each color is developed by the developing roller of each color. As a result, toner images of K, Y, M, and C are respectively formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 51K to 51C, and transfer paper is transferred by the action of the transfer charger disposed on the back side of the transfer belt 41 at each transfer position. The images are sequentially transferred onto the transfer paper conveyed by the conveyance unit. At this time, the image forming operation for each color is executed while shifting the timing from the upstream side toward the downstream side so that the toner image is transferred in a superimposed manner at the same position on the transfer sheet being conveyed.

  The transfer paper on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in a multiple manner is conveyed to the fixing unit 80 by the transfer belt 41. The fixing roller 801 of the fixing unit 80 has a heater inside. The CPU 101 controls energization of the heater while detecting the surface temperature of the fixing roller 801 with a temperature detection sensor. The transfer paper is pressed at a high temperature by a fixing roller 801, and toner particles on the surface thereof are fused and fixed on the surface of the transfer paper, and then discharged onto the paper discharge tray 82.

  The engine control unit 120 analyzes image data acquired as a result of reading a document, for example, and controls switching between the monochrome mode and the color mode. The engine control unit 120 controls the timing and contents of the image stabilization control described above. The configuration and processing contents of the engine control unit 120 will be described later.

<Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus>
Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 4, image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an engine control unit 120, a printer controller unit 190, removable imaging units 150K, 150Y, 150M, and 150C.

  The engine control unit 120 is centered on the CPU 101 (control unit), the IF control unit 102, the expansion I / O 103, the laser diode 104, the main body backup memory 106, the SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 108, the EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only). Memory) 109 and the like, which are connected via an internal bus. The CPU 101 is connected to each part of the image forming apparatus 1 such as various sensors 105, the door switch 110, the imaging units 150K to 150C, and the exposure scanning units 60K to 60C via the expansion I / O 103. Here, the door switch 110 is a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the front cover.

  The CPU 101 (control unit) controls each unit in accordance with a control program stored in the EEPROM 109. Whether the EEPROM 109 is set to the color mode according to the contents of various data for controlling the device (adjustment data for adjusting the device, etc.) or the image data acquired from the original stored in the main unit backup memory 106, for example. Various control programs such as a program for determining whether to set the monochrome mode and a program for performing image stabilization control are stored in a nonvolatile manner.

  The SRAM 108 is used as a storage area when the CPU 101 executes a program.

  The IF control unit 102 is connected to the paper discharge device 122 and the image processing controller 191 of the printer controller unit 190.

  The expansion I / O 103 is connected to the laser diode 104 and the imaging units 150K, 150Y, 150M, and 150C attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The printer controller unit 190 includes an image processing controller 191, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 192 that controls an operation panel (not shown), a keyboard controller 193 that receives external commands (inputs commands) via the operation panel, and the like. Including. The printer controller unit 190 includes a controller memory 194 that stores various data (such as adjustment data for adjusting devices) in a nonvolatile manner.

  The image processing controller 191 is connected to another device such as a computer existing outside the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication IF 122. For example, the image processing controller 191 is connected to a scanner device, a FAX device, another terminal device 300 (400), or a server device 200 (500), which will be described later, via the communication IF 122 or the network 100. More specifically, the image processing controller 191 receives a print instruction from another personal computer or the like via the communication IF 122. In addition, the image processing controller 191 transmits and receives electronic mail to and from the terminal device 300 and the server device via the network 100.

<Hardware configuration of terminal device>
Next, a hardware configuration of terminal device 300 (400) in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device 300 (400).

  Referring to FIG. 5, terminal device 300 (400) according to the present embodiment includes display unit 302, CPU 310, RAM 371, ROM 372, communication IF 374, microphone 375, speaker 376, and operation key 377. Including. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus DB2.

  CPU 310 executes a program stored in RAM 371 or ROM 372. The operation key 377 receives an instruction input by the user of the terminal device 300. The RAM 371 volatilely stores data generated by executing a program by the CPU 310 or data input via the operation keys 377. The ROM 372 stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The communication IF 374 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 and a server apparatus 500 to be described later via the network 100 by using, for example, an antenna (not shown).

  The display unit 302 is realized by a display or the like. The display unit 302 displays an image based on data from the CPU 310.

  By the way, the processing in the terminal device 300 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 310. Such software may be stored in the ROM 372 in advance. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

  Such software is read from the storage medium or downloaded via the communication IF 374 or a communication unit (not shown) and then temporarily stored in the ROM 372 or the RAM 371. The software is read from the ROM 372 or the RAM 371 by the CPU 310 and stored in the RAM 371 in the form of a program executable by the CPU 310. CPU 310 executes the program. However, the CPU 310 may directly execute the software by sequentially reading the software stored in the ROM 372.

  Each component which comprises the terminal device 300 shown by FIG. 5 is a general thing. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is software stored in the RAM 371, the ROM 372, and other storage media, or software that can be downloaded via a network.

  The recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, but a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, an FD (Flexible Disk), a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (MD Semiconductor memory such as Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM, flash ROM, etc. It may be a medium for storing the program in a fixed manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

<Functional configuration of network system>
Next, the functional configuration of the network system 11 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, network system 11 according to the present embodiment includes image forming apparatus 1 and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, and a communication control unit 1013. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109 or the unit storage unit 151K (hereinafter also referred to as the first storage unit), the backup memory 106 or the controller memory 194 (hereinafter also referred to as the second storage unit). , Communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013 are realized by the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the programs and data stored in the EEPROM 109 and the like. More specifically, in the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013, the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once reads out, for example, a control program stored in the EEPROM 109 to the SRAM 108 and stores it in the SRAM 108. This is realized by executing the control program.

  The generation unit 1011 detects the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in the image forming apparatus 1. The generation unit 1011 analyzes the content of the defect using various sensors and generates defect information. As described above, the defect information typically indicates a location where a defect has occurred, the type of the defect, the situation of the defect, and a process (repair) for solving the defect.

  The generation unit 1011 determines whether or not the adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109 should be transferred to another storage device based on the defect information. For example, when it is necessary to replace the substrate on which the EEPROM 109 is mounted or the imaging unit 150K on which the unit storage unit 151K is mounted, the data in the EEPROM 109 or the unit storage unit 151K is transferred to another storage device. It is necessary to keep. When the generation unit 1011 determines that the adjustment data should be transferred to another storage device, the generation unit 1011 passes the defect information to the transfer unit 1012.

  In addition, when the generation unit 1011 determines that the adjustment data should be transferred to another storage device, the generation unit 1011 passes the transfer command to the transfer unit 1012.

  At this time, the generation unit 1011 emits a warning sound indicating that a failure has occurred via a speaker (not shown) or displays failure information on a display unit (not shown) via the LCD controller 192. In addition, the generation unit 1011 receives data indicating that the transfer is completed from the transfer unit 1012, and transfers defect information to the communication control unit 1013.

  The transfer unit 1012 transfers the adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109 to, for example, the controller memory 194 of the printer controller unit 190 or the main body backup memory 106 based on the transfer command and defect information from the generation unit 1011. More specifically, the transfer unit 1012 specifies adjustment data to be backed up in order to perform repair for eliminating the defect based on the defect information. The transfer unit 1012 transfers the specified adjustment data from the EEPROM 109 to the controller memory 194 or the backup memory 106. When the transfer is completed, the transfer unit 1012 notifies the generation unit 1011 to that effect.

  When the communication control unit 1013 receives the defect information, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information to another terminal device 300 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information using an HTML mail.

  As described above, the terminal device 300 includes the communication IF 374 and the display unit 302. The terminal device 300 includes a CPU 310. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 100. More specifically, the communication IF 374 delivers the received defect information to the CPU 370 functioning as a terminal communication control unit.

  The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374. More specifically, the CPU 370 functioning as a communication control unit causes the display unit 302 to display defect information.

  Further, when receiving the defect information, the terminal device 300 may notify the service person 700 that the defect information has been received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the service person 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information on the service person 700.

  FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information. As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 302 displays, as defect information, the date and time when the defect information was received, the installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 where the defect occurred, and a defect code indicating the type of the defect.

  As a result, the service person 700 carrying the terminal device 300 can know the repair location, repair details, and the like. In particular, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment allows the serviceman 700 holding the terminal device 300 to grasp the defect information when the image forming apparatus 1 finishes the transfer operation. It is possible to prevent useless time from occurring.

<Main processing>
Next, a processing procedure of main processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of main processing in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the power of image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, CPU 110 functioning as generation unit 1011 determines whether or not a failure has occurred inside image forming apparatus 1 (step S102). CPU110 complete | finishes a main process, or repeats the process from step S102, when the malfunction has not generate | occur | produced (when it is YES in step S102).

  When a failure occurs (YES in step S102), the CPU 101 generates failure information based on data from various sensors and determines whether adjustment data needs to be transferred ( Step S104). More specifically, in the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of types of problems such as motor drive failure may occur. In the present embodiment, a defect code, necessity of transfer, and the like are defined in advance for each defect. Based on the data from the various sensors, the CPU 101 analyzes the location where the failure occurred, the type of the failure, the state of the failure, the process for solving the failure, and the like, and identifies the failure code.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not adjustment data needs to be transferred based on the defect code. For example, if a communication failure occurs between the CPU 101 on the board and the ASIC 123, the service person 700 needs to replace the board. Therefore, the CPU 101 stores the data stored in the storage device mounted on the board. Determine that it needs to be transferred. On the other hand, even if a defect occurs on the board, if a defective part is found in the memory, the data stored in the memory may be incorrect, so the CPU 101 needs to transfer the data. Judge that there is no.

  When there is an external storage medium that can be physically and electrically connected to the memory, the CPU 101 may transfer data from the memory to the external storage medium.

  When CPU 101 determines that adjustment data needs to be transferred (YES in step S104), CPU 101 executes a data transfer process (step S200). The data transfer process (step S200) will be described later. If CPU 101 does not need to transfer adjustment data (NO in step S104), CPU 101 ends the main process.

<Data transfer processing>
Next, a processing procedure of data transfer processing (step S200) in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of data transfer processing (step S200) in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 101 functioning as transfer unit 1012 determines whether or not a detachable nonvolatile memory is connected to engine control unit 120 (step S202). If the detachable nonvolatile memory is not connected to the engine control unit 120 (NO in step S202), the CPU 101 transfers data to the controller memory 194 of the printer controller unit 190 (step S206). Then, the CPU 101 ends the data transfer process (step S200).

  When the removable nonvolatile memory is connected to the engine control unit 120 (YES in step S202), the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is an empty area in the removable nonvolatile memory ( Step S204). If there is no free area in the removable nonvolatile memory (NO in step S204), the CPU 101 transfers data to the controller memory 194 of the printer controller unit 190 (step S206). Then, the CPU 101 ends the data transfer process (step S200).

  If there is an empty area in the removable nonvolatile memory (YES in step S204), CPU 101 transfers data from EEPROM 109 to the empty area (step S208). At this time, the CPU 101 delivers defect information to the printer controller unit 190 (step S208). Here, the case where the CPU 101 transfers data to the removable nonvolatile memory has been described. However, when the backup memory 106 is mounted on a board different from the EEPROM 109, the CPU 101 stores the data in the EEPROM 109 or the like. The adjusted adjustment data may be transferred to the backup memory 106 in the engine control unit 120.

  The CPU 101 temporarily stores the data stored in the EEPROM 109 sequentially in the removable nonvolatile memory or the backup memory 106 (step S214). The CPU 101 determines whether or not all data stored in the EEPROM 109 has been temporarily stored, that is, whether or not the transfer operation has been completed (step S216).

  If CPU 101 determines that the temporary storage of all data has not been completed (NO in step S216), CPU 101 repeats the processing from step S214. If the CPU 101 determines that the temporary storage of all data has been completed (YES in step S216), the CPU 101 notifies the printer controller unit 190 that the transfer operation has been completed (step S218). The CPU 101 ends the data transfer process (step S200).

<Defect information transmission process>
Next, a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the image processing controller 191 executes defect information transmission processing.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the image processing controller 191 determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the engine control unit 120 (step S302). The image processing controller 191 ends the defect information transmission process when no defect has occurred in the engine control unit 120 (NO in step S302).

  When a problem occurs in the engine control unit 120 (YES in step S302), the image processing controller 191 stores the current state of the engine control unit 120 in the EEPROM 109 (step S304). Here, the image processing controller 191 may transmit only the fact that a malfunction has occurred to the terminal device 300, or transmits the fact that a malfunction has occurred to the terminal device 300 only when the data transfer operation is unnecessary. (Step S306).

  The image processing controller 191 determines whether or not the adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109 can be transferred to the removable nonvolatile memory or the backup memory 106 that can be connected to the engine control unit 120 (step S308). That is, the image processing controller 191 determines whether a detachable nonvolatile memory is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or whether the backup memory 106 is operating normally. When the adjustment data can be transferred to the detachable nonvolatile memory or the backup memory 106 (YES in step S308), the image processing controller 191 receives information from the engine control unit 120 via the communication IF 122 as a server device. (Step S310).

  After the transmission, the image processing controller 191 uses the communication IF 122 to transmit information indicating that the transfer operation is completed and defect information to the terminal device 300 via the network 100 (step S332). Then, the image processing controller 191 ends the defect information transmission process (step S300).

  If the adjustment data cannot be transferred to the removable nonvolatile memory or backup memory 106 (NO in step S308), the image processing controller 191 stores all the adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109 in the controller memory 194. It is determined whether or not it is possible (step S312).

  If all the adjustment data can be stored in the controller memory 194 (YES in step S312), the image processing controller 191 sequentially temporarily stores the adjustment data in the controller memory 194 (step S318). The image processing controller 191 determines whether or not the temporary storage of all data stored in the EEPROM 109 has been completed (step S320). If the image processing controller 191 determines that the temporary storage of all data has not been completed (NO in step S320), the processing from step S318 is repeated.

  If the image processing controller 191 determines that the temporary storage of all data has been completed (YES in step S320), the fact that the transfer processing has been completed via the network 100 using the communication IF 122, and failure information Is transmitted to the terminal device 300 (step S332). Then, the image processing controller 191 ends the defect information transmission process.

  If all the adjustment data cannot be stored in the controller memory 194 (NO in step S312), the image processing controller 191 transfers the adjustment data to another server apparatus via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. It starts to perform (step S322). The image processing controller 191 sequentially transmits the adjustment data to the server device (step S328). The image processing controller 191 determines whether or not the transfer of the adjustment data has been completed (step S330). If the image processing controller 191 determines that the transfer of the adjustment data has not been completed (NO in step S330), the image processing controller 191 repeats the processing from step S328.

  If the image processing controller 191 determines that the transfer of the adjustment data has been completed (YES in step S330), the image processing controller 191 notifies the terminal that the transfer processing has been completed via the network 100 using the communication IF 122, and defect information. It transmits to the apparatus 300 (step S332). Then, the image processing controller 191 ends the defect information transmission process.

<Summary>
An operation example of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an effect of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, for example, CPU 101 of image forming apparatus 1 detects a motor drive abnormality or a communication abnormality. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the CPU 101 on the engine board 121 of the engine control unit 120 becomes unable to communicate with the ASIC 123 will be described.

  When a problem occurs between the CPU 101 and the ASIC 123, the service person 700 needs to replace the engine board 121 of the image forming apparatus 1. However, when exchanging the engine board 121, it is necessary to transfer the data stored in the memory mounted on the engine board 121 to another storage device before the exchange. For example, SRAM 108, EEPROM 109, DRAM (not shown), flash ROM (not shown), and the like are mounted on the engine board 121.

  In a normal image forming apparatus, when repairing the image forming apparatus on site, the service person 700 first stores the data stored in the memory on the engine board 121 once in another record outside the engine board 121. Transfer to media. Then, after replacing the engine board 121, the service person 700 transfers the data to the non-volatile memory on the new engine board. Here, the other recording medium is, for example, the controller memory 194 of the printer controller unit 190 or a detachable nonvolatile memory.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transmits defect information to the terminal device 300 of the service person 700 after the data transfer operation is completed, that is, when the service person 700 can replace the engine board 121. Send. Therefore, the service person 700 having the terminal device 300 can perform maintenance work and repair work on the image forming apparatus 1 immediately after arrival at the site.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the network system 11 will be described. In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the adjustment data to the terminal device 300 after the data transfer is completed. In the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time (or work start possible time) to the terminal device 300 before the completion of data transfer.

  Note that the overall configuration of the network system 11, the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, and the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus 300 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be described here. Do not repeat.

<Overview of network system operation>
Below, the operation | movement outline | summary of the network system 11 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation outline of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment.

  1 and 12, when a problem occurs in image forming apparatus 1 (step S010), image forming apparatus 1 generates defect information by analyzing the problem (step S012).

  The image forming apparatus 1 recognizes processing necessary to solve the defect by generating the defect information. In particular, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment needs to back up various stored data (such as adjustment data for adjusting the device) in advance before the service person 700 repairs the image. Determine whether or not.

  When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the time required for transferring the adjustment data (step S030). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer time based on the data amount of adjustment data to be transferred, the transfer data amount per unit time (transfer speed), and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer completion time based on the current time and the transfer time. The image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300 via the network 100 (step S032).

  The terminal device 300 receives the defect information and the transfer completion time (step S034). The terminal device 300 displays the defect information and the transfer completion time on the service person 700 (step S036).

  When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the adjustment data to another memory (step S014). When the transfer of the adjustment data is completed (step S016), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits information indicating that the transfer has been completed and defect information to another terminal device 300.

  Thus, in the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, the service person 700 holding the terminal device 300 can know the time when the adjustment data backup operation is completed and the defect information. As a result, the service person 700 can arrive at the site for repairing the image forming apparatus 1 after the adjustment data backup operation is completed. That is, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment can prevent unnecessary time for the serviceman 700 from occurring.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Functional configuration of network system>
A functional configuration of the network system 11 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 11 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, network system 11 according to the present embodiment also includes image forming apparatus 1 and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, a communication control unit 1013, and a calculation unit 1014. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109, the backup memory 106 (or the controller memory 194), the communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, the communication control unit 1013, and the calculation unit 1014 are realized by programs and data stored in the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the EEPROM 109, and the like. More specifically, in the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013, the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once reads out, for example, a control program stored in the EEPROM 109 to the SRAM 108 and stores it in the SRAM 108. This is realized by executing the control program. In the following description, description of functional blocks similar to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

  The calculation unit 1014 calculates the transfer time required for transfer by acquiring the speed at which the transfer unit 1012 transfers adjustment data, the amount of adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109, and the like. The calculation unit 1014 acquires the current time via a clock IC (not shown) or the like. The calculation unit 1014 calculates a transfer completion time at which the transfer work ends based on the current time and the transfer time. The calculation unit 1014 passes the transfer completion time to the communication control unit 1013.

  The communication control unit 1013 receives defect information from the generation unit 1011 and transfer completion time from the transfer unit 1012. The communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the other terminal device 300 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time by HTML format mail.

  The terminal device 300 includes a communication IF 374 and a display unit 302. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information and transfer completion time from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 100.

The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374 and the transfer completion time.
Further, when receiving the defect information and the transfer completion time, the terminal device 300 may notify the serviceman 700 that the defect information and the transfer completion time are received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the serviceman 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information and the transfer completion time on the serviceman 700.

  FIG. 14 is an image diagram showing the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information and the transfer completion time. As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 302 displays, as defect information, a date and time when the defect information was received, an installation location of the image forming apparatus 1 where the defect occurred, and a defect code indicating the type of the defect.

  As a result, the service person 700 carrying the terminal device 300 can know the repair location, repair details, transfer completion time, and the like. In the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, since the service person 700 holding the terminal device 300 can grasp the time when the image forming apparatus 1 completes the transfer operation, time is wasted for the service person 700. Can be prevented.

<Data transfer processing>
Next, a processing procedure of data transfer processing (step S200) in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of data transfer processing (step S200) in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the description of the same steps (processes) as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the data transfer process (step S200) according to the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that it includes steps S210 and S212.

  In other words, after delivering the defect information to the printer controller unit 190 (step S208), the CPU 101 functioning as the calculation unit 1014 calculates the transfer time required for transferring the adjustment data (step S210). The CPU 101 calculates the transfer completion time based on the current time and the transfer time. The transfer completion time is a work start possible time when the service person 700 can start work such as repair. The CPU 101 transfers the transfer completion time to the printer controller unit 190 (step S212). Thereafter, the CPU 101 temporarily stores the data stored in the EEPROM 109 sequentially in the removable nonvolatile memory or the backup memory 106 (step S214).

<Defect information transmission process>
Next, a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing controller 191 executes defect information transmission processing. Note that the description of the same steps (processes) as in the first embodiment will not be repeated. Referring to FIG. 16, the defect information transmission process according to the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that it includes step S314, step S316, step S324, and step S326.

  That is, if all the adjustment data can be stored in the controller memory 194 (YES in step S312), the image processing controller 191 calculates the transfer time required to transfer the adjustment data (step S314). The image processing controller 191 calculates a transfer completion time based on the transfer time and the current time. The image processing controller 191 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time using the communication IF 122 (step S316).

  Further, when all the adjustment data cannot be stored in the controller memory 194 (NO in step S312), the image processing controller 191 uses the communication IF 122 to transfer the adjustment data to another server device via the network 100. (Step S322). The image processing controller 191 calculates a transfer time required for transferring the adjustment data (step S324). The image processing controller 191 calculates a transfer completion time based on the transfer time and the current time. The image processing controller 191 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time using the communication IF 122 (step S326).

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the network system will be described. In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the adjustment data to the terminal device 300 after the data transfer is completed. In the network system according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits defect information to the terminal device 300 via the server device. That is, the network system according to the present embodiment is obtained by adding a server device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 300 to the network system 11 according to the first embodiment.

  Note that the overall configuration and hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment and the hardware configuration of terminal apparatus 300 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

<Overall configuration of network system>
Below, the whole structure of the network system 12 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 17 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of network system 12 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 17, network system 12 according to the present embodiment includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300. The network system 12 according to the present embodiment also includes another printer 2, a terminal device 400, and a server device 500 such as a workstation.

  The server apparatus 200 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 300 (400) via the network 100. The server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment receives the defect information from the image forming apparatus 1 and transmits the defect information to the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal device 300 most suitable for the content of the defect.

  The server device 500 acquires defect information and the like accumulated in the server device 200. The administrator of the server apparatus 500 can grasp a problem that has occurred in each of the image forming apparatuses 1.

<Overview of network system operation>
Below, the operation | movement outline | summary of the network system 12 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment.

  17 and 18, when a problem occurs in image forming apparatus 1 (step S010), image forming apparatus 1 generates the defect information by analyzing the problem (step S012).

  The image forming apparatus 1 may transmit the defect information to the server apparatus 200 at this timing. (Step S024). In this case, the server device 200 receives the defect information (step S046). The server device 200 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 (step S048), and transmits defect information to the extracted terminal device 300 (step S050). In other words, the other terminal device 300 receives the defect information once at this timing (step S026). Then, the terminal device 300 displays the defect information for the service person (step S028).

  In step S <b> 024, the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes processing necessary to eliminate the defect by generating defect information. In particular, whether the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment needs to back up various stored data (such as adjustment data for adjusting the device) in advance before a serviceman repairs the image. Judge whether or not. When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the adjustment data to another memory (step S014). When the transfer of the adjustment data is completed (step S016), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits defect information to the server apparatus 200 (step S018).

  The server device 200 receives the defect information (step S040) and extracts the optimum terminal device 300 (step S042). More specifically, the server apparatus 200 stores position information of each image forming apparatus 1, position information of the terminal apparatus 300, a terminal apparatus 300 corresponding to tools and skills necessary for repairing a defect, and the like. The server apparatus 200 extracts the optimum terminal apparatus 300 based on the position of the image forming apparatus 1 where the problem has occurred and the position of the terminal apparatus 300 possessed by the service person who can solve the problem. The server device 200 transmits the defect information to the optimum terminal device 300 (step S044).

  The terminal device 300 receives the defect information (step S020). The terminal device 300 displays the defect information for the service person (step S022). That is, the service person holding the terminal device 300 browses the defect information after completing the transfer of the adjustment data.

  As described above, in the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 completes the backup operation of the adjustment data, it becomes a failure to the optimum serviceman terminal apparatus 300 via the server apparatus 200. Send information. Therefore, the service person can arrive at the site for repairing the image forming apparatus 1 after the adjustment data backup operation is completed. That is, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment can prevent time that is wasted for a serviceman.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Hardware configuration of server device>
Next, the hardware configuration of the server device 200 (500) will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server device 200 (500).

  Referring to FIG. 19, server apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes display unit 202, CPU 210, RAM 271, ROM 272, communication IF 274, microphone 275, speaker 276, and operation key 277. . Each component is connected to each other by a data bus DB2.

  The CPU 210 executes a program stored in the RAM 271 or the ROM 272. The operation key 277 receives an instruction input by the user of the server device 200. The communication IF 274 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 and the terminal apparatus 300 via the network 100 by using, for example, an antenna (not shown).

  The RAM 271 volatilely stores data generated by execution of a program by the CPU 210 or data input via the operation keys 277. The ROM 272 stores data in a nonvolatile manner. Specifically, the RAM 271 or the ROM 272 stores the position where each image forming apparatus 1 is placed.

  The RAM 271 or the ROM 272 stores repair tools, skills, and the like (failure attributes) necessary for solving the problem for each terminal device 300. Alternatively, the RAM 271 or the ROM 272 stores a defect code suitable for the terminal device 300 for each terminal device 300. The RAM 271 stores the current position of each terminal device 300. Accordingly, the CPU 101 can extract the terminal device 300 that is most suitable for the malfunction that has occurred, with reference to the RAM 271 or the ROM 272.

  The display unit 202 is realized by a display or the like. The display unit 202 displays an image based on data from the CPU 210.

  By the way, the process in the server apparatus 200 is implement | achieved by the software performed by each hardware and CPU210. Such software may be stored in the ROM 272 in advance. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM or other storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium or downloaded via the communication IF 274 or a communication unit (not shown) and then temporarily stored in the ROM 272 or the RAM 271. The software is read from the ROM 272 or the RAM 271 by the CPU 210 and stored in the RAM 271 in the form of an executable program. CPU 210 executes the program.

  Each component which comprises the server apparatus 200 shown by FIG. 19 is a general thing. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is software stored in the RAM 271, ROM 272, and other storage media, or software that can be downloaded via a network. Since the hardware operation of main device 201 of server device 200 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, but is a memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile). Disc)), IC (Integrated Circuit) cards (excluding memory cards), optical cards, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM, flash ROM, and other semiconductor memories etc. It may be a medium.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

<Functional configuration of network system>
Next, the functional configuration of the network system 12 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, network system 12 according to the present embodiment includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, and a communication control unit 1013. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109, the backup memory 106 (or the controller memory 194), the communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013 are realized by programs and data stored in the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the EEPROM 109, and the like. More specifically, in the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013, the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once reads out, for example, a control program stored in the EEPROM 109 to the SRAM 108 and stores it in the SRAM 108. This is realized by executing the control program. In the following description, description of functional blocks similar to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

  That is, the communication control unit 1013 transmits failure information to the server device 200 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information using an HTML mail.

  The server device 200 includes a RAM 271, an extraction unit 2101, and a communication IF 274. The extraction unit 2101 and a communication control unit to be described later are functions realized by the CPU 210. More specifically, the CPU 101 implements the extraction unit 2101 by reading a program stored in the ROM 272 into the RAM 271 and executing the program on the RAM, for example.

  The extraction unit 2101 analyzes failure information received via the network 100 using the communication IF 274. Specifically, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 or the optimum service person 700 based on the position of the terminal device 300 and the position of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the defect information. Further, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the terminal device 300 held by the service person suitable for the defect based on the defect information.

  The CPU 210 functioning as a communication control unit transmits defect information to the extracted terminal device 300 using the communication IF 274.

  The terminal device 300 includes a communication IF 374 and a display unit 302. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information from the server device 200 via the network 100.

The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374.
Further, when receiving the defect information, the terminal device 300 may notify the service person 700 that the defect information has been received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the service person 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information on the service person 700.

  Note that the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information is the same as that shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the network system will be described. In the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits adjustment data to the server apparatus 200 after completion of data transfer. In the network system according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200 before the completion of data transfer.

  The overall configuration of the network system 12, the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 200, and the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus 300 in this embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment. Since it is the same, description is not repeated here.

<Overview of network system operation>
Below, the operation | movement outline | summary of the network system 12 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, when a problem occurs in image forming apparatus 1 (step S010), image forming apparatus 1 generates defect information by analyzing the problem (step S012).

  The image forming apparatus 1 recognizes processing necessary to solve the defect by generating the defect information. In particular, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment needs to back up various stored data (such as adjustment data for adjusting the device) in advance before the service person 700 repairs the image. Determine whether or not.

  When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the time required for transferring the adjustment data (step S030). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer time based on the data amount of adjustment data to be transferred, the transfer data amount per unit time, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer completion time based on the current time and the transfer time. The image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200 via the network 100 (step S032).

  The server device 200 receives the defect information and the transfer completion time (step S052). The server device 200 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 (step S042). Since the optimum terminal device extraction method is the same as that in the third embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here. The server device 200 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300 (step S054).

  The terminal device 300 receives the defect information and the transfer completion time (step S034). The terminal device 300 displays the defect information and the transfer completion time on the service person 700 (step S036).

  When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the adjustment data to another memory (step S014). When the transfer of the adjustment data is completed (step S016), the image forming apparatus 1 transmits information indicating that the transfer operation is completed and defect information to another terminal device 300 (step S018).

  As described above, in the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, the service person 700 holding the terminal device 300 can know the time when the adjustment data backup operation ends and the defect information. As a result, the service person 700 can arrive at the site for repairing the image forming apparatus 1 after the adjustment data backup operation is completed. That is, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment can prevent unnecessary time for the serviceman 700 from occurring.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Functional configuration of network system>
Next, the functional configuration of the network system 12 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, network system 12 according to the present embodiment also includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, a communication control unit 1013, and a calculation unit 1014. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109, the backup memory 106 (or the controller memory 194), the communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, the communication control unit 1013, and the calculation unit 1014 are realized by programs and data stored in the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the EEPROM 109, and the like. More specifically, the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, the communication control unit 1013, and the calculation unit 1014 are such that the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once reads a control program stored in, for example, the EEPROM 109 into the SRAM 108. This is realized by executing the control program stored in the SRAM 108. In the following description, description of functional blocks similar to those in any of Embodiments 1 to 3 will not be repeated.

  That is, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time by HTML format mail. The communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information to the server device 200 when the transfer completion time is received from the calculation unit 1014 and when the transfer is actually completed.

  The server device 200 includes a RAM 271, an extraction unit 2101, and a communication IF 274. The extraction unit 2101 and a communication control unit to be described later are functions realized by the CPU 210. More specifically, the CPU 101 implements the extraction unit 2101 by reading a program stored in the ROM 272 into the RAM 271 and executing the program on the RAM, for example.

  The extraction unit 2101 analyzes failure information received via the network 100 using the communication IF 274. Specifically, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 or the optimum service person 700 based on the position of the terminal device 300 and the position of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the defect information. Further, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the terminal device 300 held by the service person suitable for the defect based on the defect information.

  The CPU 210 functioning as a communication control unit transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the extracted terminal device 300 using the communication IF 274.

  The terminal device 300 includes a communication IF 374 and a display unit 302. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information and transfer completion time from the server device 200 via the network 100.

The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374 and the transfer completion time.
Further, when receiving the defect information and the transfer completion time, the terminal device 300 may notify the serviceman 700 that the defect information and the transfer completion time are received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the serviceman 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information and the transfer completion time on the serviceman 700.

  Note that the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information and the transfer completion time is the same as that shown in FIG. 14, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the network system will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates a transfer completion time and transmits the transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the server device 200 calculates the transfer completion time based on the defect information and then transmits the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300.

  The overall configuration of the network system 12, the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 200, and the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus 300 in this embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment. Since it is the same, description is not repeated here.

<Overview of network system operation>
Below, the operation | movement outline | summary of the network system 12 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of operation of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 and 23, when a problem occurs in image forming apparatus 1 (step S010), image forming apparatus 1 generates defect information by analyzing the problem (step S012). The image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information to the server apparatus 200 (step S062).

  The server device 200 receives the defect information (step S064) and recognizes a process necessary for solving the defect. In particular, the server device 200 according to the present embodiment backs up various stored data (such as adjustment data for adjusting the device) in advance, before the service person 700 repairs, based on the defect information. Determine whether you need to keep it. When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the server device 200 calculates the time required for transferring the adjustment data (step S066). More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer time based on the data amount of adjustment data to be transferred, the transfer data amount per unit time, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 calculates the transfer completion time based on the current time and the transfer time.

  The server apparatus 200 extracts the optimum terminal apparatus 300 based on the position of the image forming apparatus 1, the type of defect, and the current position of each terminal apparatus 300 (step S042). The server device 200 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the extracted terminal device 300 via the network 100 (step S054).

  The terminal device 300 receives the defect information and the transfer completion time (step S034). The terminal device 300 displays the defect information and the transfer completion time on the service person 700 (step S036).

  When the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the image forming apparatus 1 transfers the adjustment data to another memory (step S014). When the transfer of the adjustment data is completed (step S016), the image forming apparatus 1 may transmit a message indicating that the transfer work has been completed to the server apparatus 200 via the communication IF 122.

  As described above, in the network system 11 according to the present embodiment, the service person 700 holding the terminal device 300 can know the time when the adjustment data backup operation ends and the defect information. As a result, the service person 700 can arrive at the site for repairing the image forming apparatus 1 after the adjustment data backup operation is completed. That is, the network system 11 according to the present embodiment can prevent unnecessary time for the serviceman 700 from occurring.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Functional configuration of network system>
Next, the functional configuration of the network system 12 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 12 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 24, network system 12 according to the present embodiment also includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, and a communication control unit 1013. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109, the backup memory 106 (or the controller memory 194), the communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013 are realized by programs and data stored in the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the EEPROM 109, and the like. More specifically, in the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, and the communication control unit 1013, the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once reads out, for example, a control program stored in the EEPROM 109 to the SRAM 108 and stores it in the SRAM 108. This is realized by executing the control program. In the following description, description of functional blocks similar to those in any of Embodiments 1 to 3 will not be repeated.

  That is, the communication control unit 1013 transmits failure information to the server device 200 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information using an HTML mail. The communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information to the server device 200 when the transfer completion time is received from the calculation unit 1014 and when the transfer is actually completed.

  The server device 200 includes a RAM 271, an extraction unit 2101, a calculation unit 2102, and a communication IF 274. An extraction unit 2101, a calculation unit 2102, and a communication control unit described later are functions realized by the CPU 210. More specifically, for example, the CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 272 to the RAM 271 and executes the program on the RAM to realize the extraction unit 2101, the calculation unit 2102, and the communication control unit.

  The extraction unit 2101 analyzes failure information received via the network 100 using the communication IF 274. Specifically, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 or the optimum service person 700 based on the position of the terminal device 300 and the position of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the defect information. Further, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the terminal device 300 held by the service person suitable for the defect based on the defect information.

  The calculation unit 2102 calculates the transfer time required for transfer by acquiring the speed at which the transfer unit 1012 transfers adjustment data, the data amount of adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 109, and the like as defect information. The calculation unit 2102 acquires the current time via a clock IC (not shown) or the like. The calculation unit 2102 calculates a transfer completion time at which the transfer work ends based on the current time and the transfer time. The calculation unit 2102 delivers the transfer completion time to the communication control unit.

  The CPU 210 functioning as a communication control unit transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the extracted terminal device 300 using the communication IF 274.

  The terminal device 300 includes a communication IF 374 and a display unit 302. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information and transfer completion time from the server device 200 via the network 100.

The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374 and the transfer completion time.
Further, when receiving the defect information and the transfer completion time, the terminal device 300 may notify the serviceman 700 that the defect information and the transfer completion time are received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the serviceman 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information and the transfer completion time on the serviceman 700.

  Note that the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information and the transfer completion time is the same as that shown in FIG. 14, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Embodiment 6]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the network system will be described. In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300. In the fifth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal apparatus 300 via the server apparatus 200. In the network system according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits defect information to the terminal apparatus 300 via the server apparatus 200 as necessary.

  Note that the overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the hardware configuration of the server apparatus 200, and the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus 300 are the same as those in the third embodiment, so here. Do not repeat the explanation.

<Overall configuration of network system>
Below, the whole structure of the network system 13 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 25 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of network system 13 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 25, network system 13 according to the present embodiment includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300. The network system 12 according to the present embodiment also includes another printer 2 and a terminal device 400.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transmits defect information and transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200 via the network 100 when, for example, adjustment data needs to be transferred. The server device 200 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 and transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transmits defect information directly to the terminal device 300 via the network 100, for example, when there is no need to transfer adjustment data. That is, in the network system 13 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits defect information to the terminal device 300 via the server apparatus 200 or image formation in accordance with a defect that occurs in the image forming apparatus 1. The device 1 transmits defect information directly to the terminal device 300.

Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing such a function will be described in detail.
<Functional configuration of network system>
A functional configuration of the network system 13 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network system 13 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 26, network system 13 according to the present embodiment includes image forming apparatus 1, server apparatus 200, and terminal apparatus 300.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a generation unit 1011, a transfer unit 1012, a communication control unit 1013, a calculation unit 1014, and a determination unit 1015. Further, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the EEPROM 109, the backup memory 106 (or the controller memory 194), the communication IF 122, and other devices.

  The generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, the communication control unit 1013, the calculation unit 1014, and the determination unit 1015 are realized by programs and data stored in the CPU 101, the image processing controller 191, the EEPROM 109, and the like. Is. More specifically, the generation unit 1011, the transfer unit 1012, the communication control unit 1013, the calculation unit 1014, and the determination unit 1015 are configured such that the CPU 101 or the image processing controller 191 once executes a control program stored in the EEPROM 109, for example. This is realized by reading out to the SRAM 108 and executing the control program stored in the SRAM 108. In the following description, description of functional blocks similar to those in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

  When a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, the determination unit 1015 determines whether the problem satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the determination unit 1015 determines whether or not the adjustment data needs to be backed up based on the defect information from the generation unit 1011.

  If the adjustment data backup is unnecessary, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information to the terminal device 300 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information using an HTML mail.

  On the other hand, when the adjustment data needs to be backed up, the transfer unit 1012 starts data transfer. The calculation unit 1014 calculates the time required for data transfer. The calculation unit 1014 calculates the transfer completion time when the data transfer is completed. The communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the terminal device 300 via the network 100 using the communication IF 122. For example, the communication control unit 1013 transmits the defect information using an HTML mail.

  The server device 200 includes a RAM 271, an extraction unit 2101, and a communication IF 274. The extraction unit 2101 and a communication control unit to be described later are functions realized by the CPU 210. More specifically, the CPU 101 implements the extraction unit 2101 by reading a program stored in the ROM 272 into the RAM 271 and executing the program on the RAM, for example.

  The extraction unit 2101 analyzes failure information received via the network 100 using the communication IF 274. Specifically, the extraction unit 2101 extracts the optimum terminal device 300 or the optimum service person 700 based on the position of the terminal device 300 and the position of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the defect information.

  The CPU 210 functioning as a communication control unit transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the extracted terminal device 300 using the communication IF 274.

  The terminal device 300 includes a communication IF 374 and a display unit 302. Each of the terminal devices 300 is carried by a service person 700.

  The communication IF 374 receives defect information and transfer completion time from the server device 200 via the network 100. Further, the communication IF 374 receives defect information from the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 100.

The display unit 302 displays the defect information received by the communication IF 374 and the transfer completion time.
Further, when receiving the defect information, the terminal device 300 may notify the service person 700 that the defect information has been received via the speaker 376. The display unit 302 may receive a display command from the service person 700 via the operation key 377 and display the defect information on the service person 700.

  Note that the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information is the same as that shown in FIG. 7, and therefore, the description thereof will not be repeated here. Further, the display unit 302 of the terminal device 300 that displays the defect information and the transfer completion time is the same as that shown in FIG. 14, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here.

<Defect information transmission process>
Next, a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of defect information transmission processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing controller 191 executes defect information transmission processing. Note that description of steps (processes) similar to those of the second embodiment will not be repeated. Referring to FIG. 27, the defect information transmission process according to the present embodiment is different from that of the second embodiment in that it includes steps S305 and S307.

  That is, the image processing controller 191 according to the present embodiment stores the current state of the engine control unit 120 in the EEPROM 109 (step S304). The image processing controller 191 determines whether or not adjustment data needs to be transferred based on the defect information (step S305). That is, the image processing controller 191 determines whether the defect satisfies a predetermined condition based on the defect information.

  When the adjustment data needs to be transferred (YES in step S304), the image processing controller 191 transmits to the server apparatus 200 that a problem has occurred (step S306). For example, the image processing controller 191 transmits defect information to the server device 200 via the communication IF 122. Thereafter, the image processing controller 191 executes processing from step S308.

  On the other hand, when it is not necessary to transfer the adjustment data, the image processing controller 191 transmits information indicating that a problem has occurred to the terminal device 300 (step S307). For example, the image processing controller 191 transmits defect information to the terminal device 300 via the communication IF 122. Then, the image processing controller 191 ends the defect information transmission process.

  However, the image processing controller 191 transmits the defect information to the terminal device 300 and the server device 200 when the defect satisfies a predetermined condition, and the defect information is transmitted to the terminal device 300 when the defect does not satisfy the predetermined condition. May be sent only to

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment directly transmits the defect information to the terminal device 300 when the defect does not satisfy the predetermined condition (when data transfer is unnecessary). At this time, the service person 700 can perform maintenance work and repair work on the image forming apparatus 1 immediately after arrival at the site. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the server apparatus 200 when the defect does not satisfy a predetermined condition (when data transfer is necessary). . The server device 200 transmits the defect information and the transfer completion time to the optimum terminal device 300. As a result, the service person 700 can perform maintenance work and repair work on the image forming apparatus 1 immediately after arrival at the site.

[Other embodiments]
The program according to the present invention may be a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. . In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  Furthermore, part or all of the functions realized by the program according to the present invention may be configured by dedicated hardware.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus, 2 Printer, 10 Image reading part, 11, 12, 13 Network system, 20 Image forming part, 41 Transfer belt, 51K, 51Y, 51M, 51C Photosensitive drum, 70 Paper feed part, 76 Pickup roller, 79 Registration roller, 80 fixing unit, 81 double-sided unit, 82 paper discharge tray, 100 network, 101 CPU, 102 IF control unit, 104 laser diode, 105 sensor, 106 main unit backup memory (second storage unit), 108 SRAM, 109 EEPROM (first storage unit), 110 door switch, 120 engine control unit, 121 engine board, 122 paper discharge device, 150K, 150Y, 150M, 150C imaging unit, 150K, 150Y, 150M, 150C Unit, 151K unit storage unit (first storage unit), 190 printer controller unit, 191 image processing controller, 192 LCD controller, 193 keyboard controller, 194 controller memory (second storage unit), 200,500 server device, 202 Display unit, 275 microphone, 276 speaker, 277 operation key, 300,400 terminal device, 302 display unit, 375 microphone, 376 speaker, 377 operation key, 700 serviceman, 801 fixing roller, 1011 generation unit, 1012 transfer unit, 1013 Communication control unit, 1014 calculation unit, 1015 determination unit, 2101 extraction unit, 2102 calculation unit, DB2 data bus.

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus connectable to a terminal device via a network,
A communication department;
A storage unit for storing first information;
Generating means for generating second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each part of the image forming apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit to another storage unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication control unit configured to transmit the second information to the terminal device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed. An image forming apparatus connectable to a terminal device via a network,
A communication department;
A storage unit for storing first information;
Generating means for generating second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each part of the image forming apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit to another storage unit;
Calculating means for calculating a time at which the transfer is completed by calculating a time required for the transfer;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication control unit that transmits the second information and the time to the other apparatus via the communication unit. A network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication department;
A storage unit for storing first information;
Generating means for generating second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each part of the image forming apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit to another storage unit;
Communication control means for transmitting the second information to the server device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed;
The server device
A server communication unit;
Server communication control means for transmitting the second information to the terminal device via the server communication unit when receiving the second information,
The terminal device
A terminal communication unit;
And a display unit for displaying the second information. A network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication department;
A storage unit for storing first information;
Generating means for generating second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each part of the image forming apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit to another storage unit;
Calculating means for calculating a time at which the transfer is completed by calculating a time required for the transfer;
Communication control means for transmitting the second information and the time to the server device via the communication unit;
The server device
A server communication unit;
Server communication control means for transmitting the second information and the time to the terminal device via the server communication unit when receiving the second information and the time;
The network system, wherein the terminal device displays the second information and the time. A network system including an image forming apparatus, a terminal device, and a server device that can be connected to each other via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication department;
A storage unit for storing first information;
Generating means for generating second information related to the malfunction when a malfunction occurs in each part of the image forming apparatus;
Transfer means for transferring the first information stored in the storage unit to another storage unit;
Communication control means for transmitting the second information to the server device via the communication unit,
The server device
A server communication unit;
Calculating means for calculating a time at which the transfer is completed by calculating a time required for the transfer when receiving the second information;
Server communication control means for transmitting the second information and the time to the terminal device via the server communication unit,
The terminal device
A terminal communication unit;
A network system, comprising: a display unit that displays the second information and the time.   The network system according to claim 4, wherein the communication control unit transmits the second information to the terminal device via the communication unit when the transfer is completed. When the transfer is completed, the communication control means transmits the transfer completion to the server device via the communication unit,
The network system according to claim 4, wherein the server communication control unit transmits to the terminal device that the transfer has been completed via the server communication unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether the first information needs to be transferred to the other storage unit,
The communication control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the first information needs to be transferred to the other storage unit, the second information is transmitted to the server device via the communication unit;
When the determination unit determines that the first information does not need to be transferred to the other storage unit, the second information is transmitted to the terminal device via the communication unit. 8. The network system according to any one of 7. The network system includes a plurality of terminal devices,
The server device
A server storage unit that stores the position of the image forming apparatus and the position of each of the plurality of terminal devices;
An extraction unit that extracts one terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices based on the position of the image forming device and the position of each of the plurality of terminal devices;
The network system according to claim 3, wherein the server communication control unit transmits the second information to the one terminal device via the server communication unit. The server storage unit stores a defect attribute in association with each of the plurality of terminal devices,
The network system according to claim 9, wherein the extraction unit extracts the one terminal device from the plurality of terminal devices based on the defect attribute of each of the plurality of terminal devices.

Images