JP7410689B2 - Image forming system and maintenance support equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system and a maintenance support device.

A sheet cassette of an image forming apparatus is provided with a movable regulating plate that regulates the rear end of the sheet. According to Patent Document 1, it is described that the state of the regulation plate is estimated by comparing the transport time of the sheet fed by the sheet cassette with a threshold value, and the state is notified.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-212789

The types of sheets are increasing year by year, and types of sheets that were not envisioned when image forming apparatuses were designed are now being used. If such an unexpected type of sheet is used, an erroneous maintenance notification may be output to the user. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately correct the rules for outputting notifications. In particular, analyzing the operation history obtained before and after a user performs maintenance (for example, correcting the position of a regulation plate) will be useful for appropriately correcting the rules. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of analyzing the operation history of an image forming apparatus.

The present invention includes, for example,
a collection means for collecting operation history of the image forming apparatus;
analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus collected by the collection means;
notification means for notifying the analysis results obtained by the analysis means;
Acquisition means for acquiring countermeasure details regarding countermeasures to be implemented after the analysis result is notified;
correction means for correcting the analysis means based on the operation history related to the action content;
has
The content of the countermeasure includes information indicating the timing at which the countermeasure was executed,
The correction means is configured to correct the above based on the operation history recorded before the timing at which the countermeasure was executed or the timing at which the notification was output, and the operation history recorded after the timing at which the countermeasure was executed. An image forming system is provided, characterized in that an analysis means is corrected .

According to the present invention, the accuracy of analyzing the operation history of an image forming apparatus is improved.

Cross-sectional view of image forming device Diagram explaining the transition of feeding time Diagram explaining the hardware Diagram explaining the function Flowchart explaining the operation history recording process Flowchart explaining the analysis process Flowchart explaining correction processing Diagram explaining the system configuration Diagram explaining the function Flowchart explaining the operation history recording process Flowchart explaining notification processing Flowchart explaining correction processing

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[Image forming device]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. The electrophotographic method is only one example, and other image forming methods such as an inkjet method may be employed. The image forming section 10 forms a color image by superimposing developers (toners) of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In FIG. 1, the letters YMCK indicating the toner color are added to the end of the reference numbers, but the letters YMCK are omitted when matters common to the four colors are explained.

The feeding cassette 2 is a storage that stores the sheets P. A movable regulating plate 3 for regulating the rear end of the sheet P is provided on the rear end side of the sheet P in the transport direction (feeding direction) in the feeding cassette 2 . The feeding roller 4 is driven by a solenoid SL1 to rotate, and feeds the sheet P from the feeding cassette 2 to the conveyance path. The conveying roller 5 is driven by a motor M1 to rotate, and conveys the sheet P fed from the feeding cassette 2 further downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The separation roller 6 is a roller that separates the uppermost sheet P of the plurality of sheets P fed from the feeding cassette 2 from other sheets P. As a result, only the one sheet P located at the top is conveyed to the downstream side. The registration roller pair 7 is a conveyance roller that is driven and rotated by the motor M1 and aligns the timing at which the sheet P arrives at the secondary transfer roller 19 with the timing at which the toner image arrives at the secondary transfer roller 19. The sheet sensor 8 is provided near the registration roller pair 7 and detects the arrival timing of the sheet P. The image forming apparatus 1 uses the sheet sensor 8 to measure the conveyance time (feeding time T) required for the sheet P to be conveyed from the feeding start position Ps0 to the predetermined position Ps1. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 detects a conveyance abnormality by comparing the conveyance time with a threshold value Th1. The image forming apparatus 1 may notify the user of the transport abnormality or may notify the user of a message urging the user to resolve the transport abnormality.

In the image forming section 10, the photosensitive drum 11 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image or a toner image. The charging roller 12 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 so that the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 becomes uniform. The exposure device 13 forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with light. The developing device 15 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner to form a toner image. The primary transfer device 16 transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer body 17 . The secondary transfer roller 19 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer body 17 to the sheet P. The fixing device 20 fixes the toner image on the sheet P using heat and pressure. The discharge roller 21 discharges the sheet P to a tray provided outside the image forming apparatus 1 .

[Variation in feeding time]
FIG. 2(A) shows the transition of the feeding time measured while repeating the feeding operation. As the number of sheets P fed by the feeding roller 4 increases, the feeding time T increases. This is because the frictional force acting between the feeding roller 4 and the sheet P decreases as the feeding roller 4 wears.

By the way, the feeding time T may suddenly increase. As shown by the dotted line frame in FIG. 2(A), when the regulating plate 3 is displaced in the opposite direction to the conveyance direction, the leading edge position of the sheet P is upstream (rearward) of the feed start position Ps0 in the conveyance direction. side). As a result, the feeding time T increases. The image forming apparatus 1 may detect that the regulating plate 3 is deviated from the proper position based on the feeding time T, and may prompt the user to correct the position of the regulating plate 3.

[Hardware]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming system 100 may include an image forming apparatus 1, a host computer 40, and a server 50. The host computer 40 has a control section 41 and an operation section 42 that instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to print via the network. The operation unit 42 includes a display device (eg, liquid crystal display) that displays images or text to the user, and an input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, touch panel) that accepts instructions from the user.

Image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer engine 60, a video controller 63, and an operation section 62. The operation unit 62 includes a display device (eg, liquid crystal display) that displays images or text to the user, and an input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, touch panel) that accepts instructions from the user. The video controller 63 transfers print data and print instructions sent from the host computer 40 to the printer engine 60. The printer engine 60 has a control section 61, a system bus 64, and an IO port 65. The control unit 61 includes a CPU 80, a ROM 81, and a RAM 82. The CPU 80 loads programs and various data into the ROM 81 and executes the programs by using the RAM 82 as a work area. The control unit 61 accesses the IO port 65 via the system bus 64. The IO port 65 is connected to the sheet sensor 8, the feeding motor M1, and the solenoid SL1. The CPU 80 acquires the detection result of the sheet sensor 8 via the IO port 65, and drives the feeding motor M1 and the solenoid SL1 via the IO port 65.

The server 50 has a control unit 51, and the control unit 51 has a calculation device 52 and a storage device 53. The control unit 51 is connected to the host computer 40 and the image forming apparatus 1 via a network. The arithmetic unit 52 is a processor circuit that executes programs stored in the storage device 53 and reads and writes various data to and from the storage device 53. The arithmetic device 52 may include a CPU or a GPU (graphics processing unit). The storage device 53 includes a RAM, an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), and the like. Note that the arithmetic device 52 and the storage device 53 may be realized by a virtual environment such as a virtual machine. The control unit 51 transmits and receives information to and from the control unit 61 via the video controller 63.

<Example 1>
[Various functions]
As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 80 executes a program stored in the ROM 81, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 61 that controls the image forming apparatus 1. The function of the control unit 51 that controls the server 50 is realized by the arithmetic unit 52 executing the program stored in the storage device 53. The function of the control unit 41 that controls the host computer 40 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 41 executing the control program stored in the storage device. However, all or part of these functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASIC and FPGA. ASIC is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for field programmable gate array.

The control unit 61 has a function related to feeding control, a function related to measuring the feeding time T, and a function related to detection of conveyance abnormality. The control unit 51 has a function of analyzing whether the regulation plate 3 is appropriately set, and a function of outputting a notification urging maintenance (countermeasures such as human operations) based on the analysis results. Here, the human operations include, for example, correcting the position of the regulating plate 3 and cleaning or replacing the feeding roller 4. The control unit 41 has a function of displaying a notification prompting a human operation and a function of notifying that the human operation has been completed.

When the printer engine 60 receives a print instruction, the feeding control unit 421 instructs the drive circuit 422 to perform a feeding operation. The drive circuit 422 drives the feed motor M1 according to instructions from the feed controller 421. This causes the conveyance roller 5 and separation roller 6 to rotate. At the timing of starting feeding, the drive circuit 422 drives the solenoid SL1. As a result, the feeding roller 4 rotates once and the sheet P is fed. The conveyance roller 5 and the separation roller 6 convey the sheet P to the sheet sensor 8 .

The detection unit 424 detects that the leading edge of the sheet P has arrived at the predetermined position Ps1 based on the detection signal output from the sheet sensor 8. The detection unit 424 may be realized by an analog-to-digital converter and a comparison circuit. The detection unit 424 outputs the detection result to the measurement unit 423. The measuring unit 423 measures the feeding time T, which is the time from the timing when the feeding control unit 421 instructs the feeding operation until the leading edge of the sheet P reaches the sheet sensor 8. The measurement unit 423 may be realized by a timer circuit or a counter circuit. The measurement unit 423 acquires the date and time when the measurement result was acquired (feeding date and time) from the real-time clock of the CPU 80, etc., and adds the feeding date and time to the measurement result. The measurement unit 423 stores the measurement result with the feeding date and time added thereto in the RAM 82 every time one sheet P is fed.

The abnormality determining unit 425 determines that a conveyance abnormality has occurred if the feeding time T acquired by the measuring unit 423 is greater than or equal to the abnormality threshold Th1, and determines that a conveyance abnormality has occurred unless the feeding time T is greater than or equal to the abnormality threshold Th1. It is determined that the The abnormality determination unit 425 may be realized by a comparison circuit. The abnormality threshold Th1 is a value determined in advance by adding a margin to the designed ideal time for the feeding time T. The abnormality threshold Th1 may be determined through experiment or simulation. The abnormality threshold Th1 is, for example, 1800 milliseconds. The abnormality determination unit 425 may store the determination result (information indicating whether a conveyance abnormality has occurred) in the RAM 82 in association with the feeding date and time.

The history collection unit 426 transmits the feeding date and time, the feeding time, and the abnormality determination result stored in the RAM 82 to the control unit 51 of the server 50. The feeding date and time, the feeding time, and the abnormality determination result may be called an operation history. The control unit 51 stores the operation history received from the image forming apparatus 1 in the storage device 53.

The analysis unit 411 analyzes the operation history received from the history collection unit 426 to determine whether the position of the regulation plate 3 is appropriate or whether maintenance is required. For example, if the feeding time T is equal to or greater than the analysis threshold Th2, the analysis unit 411 determines that the regulation plate 3 is deviated from the appropriate position. The analysis unit 411 determines that the position of the regulation plate 3 is appropriate unless the feeding time T is equal to or greater than the analysis threshold Th2.

As indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 2(B), the analysis threshold Th2 may be a value that changes in correlation with the number of sheets fed. Here, the dotted line may be approximated to a linear function. In this case, the analysis threshold Th2 may be calculated from equation (1).

Th2 = αx + β + γ (1)
Here, x is the number of sheets P fed. α is the slope of the linear function. β is the intercept. γ is a correction value. The slope α, the intercept β, and the correction value γ can be determined in advance from experimental data. For example, α=70/300000 and β=1410. Although γ is modified by a method described later, γ is initialized to 0 when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. For example, when the number of fed sheets x is 100,000 sheets, Th2 is 1433. The analysis unit 411 associates the analysis result regarding the regulation plate 3 with the feeding date and time and stores the result in the storage device 53.

When the analysis unit 411 determines that the regulation plate 3 is misaligned, the notification unit 412 notifies the control unit 41 of the maintenance content (countermeasure content). Here, the notification unit 412 may set a notification history flag in order to manage whether the maintenance content has already been notified. The notification history flag suppresses sending duplicate notifications. The notification unit 412 may transmit a notification when the analysis unit 411 determines that the regulation plate 3 is misaligned and the determination notification history flag is cleared. The notification unit 412 may store the date and time when the maintenance content was notified (notification date and time) in the storage device 53. The maintenance content may include, for example, message information indicating that the restriction plate 3 needs to be corrected to an appropriate position. When the user or the maintenance person completes the maintenance, the notification unit 412 clears the notification history flag. Note that the notification history flag is cleared when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped.

When the display unit 401 receives the message information transmitted from the notification unit 412, it displays the message information on the operation unit 42. By checking the message information displayed on the operation unit 42, the user understands the maintenance required to improve the feeding accuracy of the sheet P, and executes the maintenance.

When the maintenance is completed, the user operates the operation unit 42 to input the fact that the maintenance has been completed and the date and time when the maintenance was completed (completion date and time). The completion communication unit 402 may obtain the completion date and time from a real-time clock. In this case, the user can save the effort of inputting the completion date and time. Upon receiving this input, the completion notification unit 402 transmits a completion notification to the control unit 51 of the server 50. Upon receiving the completion notification, the control unit 51 (notification unit 412) clears the notification history flag.

The analysis unit 411 analyzes the position of the regulation plate 3 by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the operation history. As explained using FIG. 2(B), it may be necessary to correct the analysis rules. When the correction unit 413 receives the completion date and time from the completion communication unit 402, it determines the correction value γ of the analysis threshold Th2 based on the operation history acquired before the completion date and time and the operation history acquired after the completion date and time. Good too. The correction unit 413 may determine the correction value γ based on the two evaluation values. Although the regulation plate 3 is actually in an appropriate position, the analysis unit 411 may incorrectly analyze that the regulation plate 3 is not in an appropriate position. An evaluation value indicating this possibility is a false positive evaluation value. On the other hand, the analysis unit 411 may incorrectly analyze that the regulation plate 3 is in an appropriate position, even though the regulation plate 3 is actually not in an appropriate position. An evaluation value indicating this possibility is a false negative evaluation value. The correction unit 413 may obtain at least one of the two evaluation values and determine the correction value γ based on the obtained evaluation value. For convenience of explanation, the units of the feeding time, abnormality threshold Th1, and analysis threshold Th2 in Example 1 are milliseconds. The delivery date and time, the notification date and time, and the countermeasure completion date and time include the date and time.

[flowchart]
●Recording of operation history FIG. 5 shows the operation history recording process executed by the image forming apparatus 1. When the CPU 80 receives a print instruction (print job), it starts recording processing.

In S501, the CPU 80 (feeding control unit 421) starts feeding the sheet P. For example, the feeding control unit 421 instructs the drive circuit 422 to feed. The drive circuit 422 starts driving the motor M1 and also drives the solenoid SL1. As a result, feeding of the sheet P is executed. The CPU 80 (measuring unit 423) starts measuring the feeding time T.

In S502, the CPU 80 (measuring unit 423) measures the feeding time T of the sheet P. The measuring unit 423 stops measuring the feeding time T when the detecting unit 424 detects the leading edge of the sheet P. In S503, the CPU 80 (measuring unit 423) stores the measurement results including the feeding time T and the feeding date and time in the RAM 82.

In S504, the CPU 80 (abnormality determination unit 425) determines whether a conveyance abnormality has occurred based on the feeding time T and the abnormality threshold Th1. For example, if the feeding time T is greater than or equal to the abnormality threshold Th1, the abnormality determination unit 425 determines that a conveyance abnormality has occurred.If the feeding time T is not greater than or equal to the abnormality threshold Th1, the abnormality determination unit 425 determines that a conveyance abnormality has occurred. It is determined that this has not occurred. In S505, the CPU 80 (abnormality determination unit 425) stores the abnormality determination result in the RAM 82.

In S506, the CPU 80 (history collection unit 426) creates an operation history including the feeding date and time, feeding time T, and abnormality determination result stored in the RAM 82, and transmits it to the server 50. In S507, the CPU 80 determines whether the print job is completed. If printing of all sheets P specified by the print job has not been completed, the CPU 80 returns to S501. If the print job is completed, the CPU 80 ends the recording process.

●Analysis Processing FIG. 6 shows an analysis process executed by the arithmetic unit 52 of the server 50. When the calculation device 52 receives the operation history from the image forming device 1, it starts analysis processing.

In S601, the calculation device 52 (analysis unit 411) obtains the feeding time T included in the operation history. In S602, the calculation device 52 (analysis unit 411) determines whether the position of the regulating plate 3 is inappropriate based on the feeding time T. For example, the analysis unit 411 determines whether the feeding time T is equal to or greater than the analysis threshold Th2. If the feeding time T is equal to or greater than the analysis threshold Th2, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S603. If the feeding time T is not equal to or greater than the analysis threshold Th2, the arithmetic device 52 ends the analysis process.

In S603, the arithmetic device 52 (notification unit 412) determines whether the notification history flag is cleared. If the notification history flag is cleared, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S604. If the notification history flag is set, the arithmetic device 52 ends the analysis process without transmitting the maintenance notification.

In S604, the arithmetic device 52 (notification unit 412) transmits a maintenance notification to the host computer 40. When the control unit 41 (display unit 401) of the host computer 40 receives the maintenance notification, it displays the maintenance notification on the display device of the operation unit 42.

In S605, the arithmetic device 52 (notification unit 412) sets a notification history flag. In S606, the arithmetic device 52 (notification unit 412) stores the notification date and time in the storage device 53.

●Analysis rule correction processing FIG. 7 shows the correction processing executed by the arithmetic unit 52 of the server 50. In S701, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) determines whether maintenance by the user or the like has been completed. For example, when the correction unit 413 receives a completion notification from the completion communication unit 402 of the host computer 40, it determines that the maintenance has been completed. The completion notification includes information indicating the date and time when maintenance was completed. The correction unit 413 waits until maintenance is completed. When the maintenance is completed, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S702.

In S702, the arithmetic device 52 (correction unit 413 or notification unit 412) clears the notification history flag. Thereafter, the arithmetic device 52 executes a correction process regarding false positives in S710, and executes a correction process regarding false negatives in S720. S710 includes S711-S716. S720 includes S721-S725.

■Correction processing regarding false positives (S711-S716)
In S711, the arithmetic unit 52 (correction unit 413) acquires n operation histories acquired immediately after the completion date and time. For example, n is 10. For example, the correction unit 413 acquires ten operation histories acquired after the completion date and time from among the operation histories stored in the storage device 53. The 10 operation histories are operation histories for 10 sheets P. That is, the ten operation histories are operation histories recorded for the ten sheets P fed from the feeding cassette 2 after the position of the regulation plate 3 was corrected by the user.

In S712, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413 or analysis unit 411) determines whether the position of the regulation plate 3 is inappropriate based on the n operation histories. Even though the position of the regulating plate 3 has been corrected, the position of the regulating plate 3 may be analyzed as inappropriate (false positive). In this case, the analysis threshold Th2, which is the analysis rule, needs to be increased. If the position of the regulation plate 3 is inappropriate, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S713. If the position of the regulating plate 3 is not inappropriate, there is no need to modify the correction value γ, and the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S721. In S713, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) counts up the number of false detections C1 (1 is added to C1).

In S714, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) determines whether correction of the analysis rule is necessary based on the number of false positives C1. For example, if the number of false detections C1 exceeds the false detection threshold Th3, the correction unit 413 determines that the analysis rule needs to be corrected, and proceeds to S715. If the number of false detections C1 does not exceed the false detection threshold Th3, the correction unit 413 determines that the analysis rule does not need to be corrected, and proceeds to S721.

In S715, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) corrects the analysis rule. For example, the correction unit 413 corrects the correction value γ for determining the analysis threshold Th2. For example, the correction unit 413 adds the correction value MO1 to the correction value γ. As a result, the analysis threshold Th2 increases by the correction value MO1. This reduces the possibility of erroneously analyzing that the position of the restriction plate 3 has shifted even though the user has corrected the position of the restriction plate 3. In S716, the arithmetic unit 52 (correction unit 413) initializes the number of false detections C1 to zero. The number of false detections C1 is initialized to 0 when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. For example, the false detection threshold Th3 may be five, and the correction value MO1 may be ten.

■Correction processing regarding false negatives (S721-S725)
In S721, the arithmetic unit 52 (correction unit 413 or analysis unit 411) calculates the number of abnormalities C2 immediately before the notification date and time based on m operation histories acquired immediately before the notification date and time. For example, m is 50. In other words, the number of sheets P in which transport abnormalities have occurred among the 50 sheets P is determined.

In S722, the arithmetic unit 52 (correction unit 413 or analysis unit 411) calculates the number of abnormalities C3 immediately after the completion date and time based on the k operation histories acquired immediately after the completion date and time. For example, k is 50. In other words, the number of sheets P in which transport abnormalities have occurred among the 50 sheets P is determined.

In S723, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) determines whether correction of the analysis rule is necessary based on the number of abnormalities C2 and C3. For example, if the number of abnormalities C2 is greater than or equal to the threshold Th4 and the number of abnormalities C3 is less than or equal to the threshold Th5, the correction unit 413 determines that the analysis rule needs to be corrected, and proceeds to S724. On the other hand, if the number of abnormalities C2 is not greater than or equal to the threshold Th4, or if the number of abnormalities C3 is not less than or equal to the threshold Th5, the correction unit 413 ends the correction process.

In S724, the calculation device 52 (correction unit 413) corrects the analysis rule. For example, the correction unit 413 subtracts the correction value MO2 from the correction value γ. As a result, the analysis threshold Th2 becomes smaller by the correction value MO2, which reduces the possibility of erroneously determining that the regulation plate 3 is in an appropriate position even though the regulation plate 3 is not in an appropriate position. For example, the threshold values Th4 and Th5 are each 5, and the correction value MO2 is 10.

Although only one feeding mechanism is shown in FIG. 1, the invention is also applicable to multiple feeding mechanisms. In this case, each of the above-described processes is executed for each feeding mechanism. According to the first embodiment, based on the notification date and time and the completion date and time, it is possible to specify the operation history recorded before and after the timing at which maintenance was performed. The behavior history identified in this way is useful for evaluating whether the analysis rules are appropriate. Furthermore, since the analysis rules are appropriately corrected, errors in analysis are reduced. As a result, it will be possible to present accurate countermeasures to maintenance personnel such as users.

In the first embodiment, a method for determining whether the position of the regulating plate 3 is appropriate is illustrated. However, the technical idea of Embodiment 1 is to, for example, determine whether the sheet P is in an environment where curling is likely to occur based on the detection results of a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, and prompt the user to switch to a mode that suppresses curling. It is also applicable to notifications.

In the first embodiment, the completion communication unit 402 notifies the server 50 of the completion date and time. However, for example, the completion communication unit 402 may transmit information meaning "maintenance has been performed" or "maintenance has not been performed" to the server 50. In that case, the correction unit 413 may specify the date and time when information indicating that "maintenance has been performed" was received, adopt the reception date and time as the completion date and time, and execute the first embodiment. Alternatively, the completion communication unit 402 may transmit information indicating whether the notified maintenance was “useful” or “not useful” to the server 50. When receiving a notification meaning "not useful", the correction unit 413 may correct the analysis rule so that the frequency of maintenance notifications decreases or becomes zero.

In the first embodiment, the notification unit 412 notifies the host computer 40 of the maintenance details, but may also notify the image forming apparatus 1 of the maintenance details. The image forming apparatus 1 displays maintenance details on the operation unit 62. In this case, the completion communication unit 402 is implemented in the CPU 80. The CPU 80 (completion communication unit 402) receives the completion date and time via the operation unit 62, and transmits the completion date and time to the server 50. The host computer 40 may be a user's PC, or may be a PC (computer) or a server managed by a dealer of the image forming apparatus 1.

<Example 2>
Embodiment 2 relates to analyzing whether the life of the feed roller 4 has reached the end based on a predetermined analysis rule. In the second embodiment as well, by modifying the analysis rules based on the operation history, the analysis becomes accurate and the accuracy of the maintenance notification timing is also improved. In the second embodiment, descriptions common or similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[Image forming system]
As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of host computers 40a to 40x, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1a to 1x, and a server 50. A plurality of host computers 40a to 40x and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1a to 1x communicate with a server 50 via a network. The host computer 40 and the image forming apparatus 1 can also communicate with each other.

[Functional block]
FIG. 9 shows the functions of the control units 41, 51, and 61 in the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an analysis section 411a that analyzes the life of the feeding roller 4 based on the feeding time T. The server 50 estimates the completion date and time of the maintenance (countermeasure) notified to the user based on the feeding time T included in the operation history. The correction unit 413a may correct the analysis rule based on the operation history acquired before the completion date and time. For example, the correction unit 413a may correct the analysis rule based on the operation history acquired from the notification date and time to the completion date and time. This reduces the possibility that the feed roller 4 is erroneously analyzed as being at the end of its life even though the feed roller 4 has been replaced. The correction unit 413a may correct the analysis rule based on the operation history acquired before the notification date and time and the operation history acquired after the completion date and time. This reduces the possibility that the feed roller 4 is erroneously analyzed as not approaching the end of its life even though it is approaching the end of its life.

When the feeding roller 4 is worn out, the feeding time T becomes longer. The analysis unit 411a determines whether the average value of the feeding times T for the most recently acquired h sheets stored in the RAM 82 (average feeding time Tm) is equal to or greater than the life threshold Th7. If the average feeding time Tm is equal to or greater than the lifespan threshold Th7, the analysis unit 411a determines that the feeding roller 4 has reached the end of its lifespan, and stores the lifespan analysis result in the RAM 82. The lifespan threshold Th7 may be expressed by equation (2).

Th7 = Tdef + Δ...(2)
Tdef is an initial value. Δ is a correction value. Tdef and Δ are determined in advance from experimental data or simulation data. For convenience of explanation, Tdef is assumed to be 1440. The correction unit 413a determines a correction value MOsend of the correction value Δ based on a plurality of operation histories, and transmits and sets it to the analysis unit 411a. Upon receiving the correction value MOsend, the analysis unit 411a adds the correction value MOsend to the correction value Δ to correct the correction value Δ. Furthermore, the analysis unit 411a determines the life threshold Th7 using the corrected correction value Δ. The correction value Δ is 0 when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped.

The history collection unit 426 transmits the operation history including the feeding date and time, the feeding time, the abnormality determination result, the life analysis result, and the printer ID to the server 50. The printer ID is identification information for identifying the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1. The life analysis result may be transmitted at a timing different from the feeding date and time, the feeding time, and the abnormality determination result. The control unit 51 of the server 50 stores the operation history in the storage device 53. In the storage device 53, operation histories from a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 are accumulated.

If the lifespan analysis result received from the history collection unit 426 indicates that the lifespan is at the end, the notification unit 412a notifies the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the printer ID of the maintenance details and sets a notification history flag. The maintenance content may include, for example, message information indicating that the feeding roller 4 needs to be replaced. The notification unit 412a stores the date and time of notifying the maintenance content (notification date and time) in the storage device 53 in association with the printer ID.

The estimating unit 901 estimates that the feeding roller 4 has been replaced and the date and time of replacement (completion date and time) based on the plurality of feeding times T received from the history collecting unit 426. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the feeding roller 4 that has reached the end of its life is replaced with a new feeding roller 4, the feeding time T changes significantly (becomes shorter). Therefore, when the estimation unit 901 receives the operation history from the history collection unit 426, it acquires the printer ID included in the operation history. The estimating unit 901 acquires the latest operation histories associated with the printer ID from the storage device 53. Here, it is assumed that the most recently acquired 500 sheets are acquired from feeding time T-1 to feeding time T-500. The estimating unit 901 calculates the average value (most recent feeding time Tn) of the feeding times T-1 to T-5 for the most recent five sheets. The estimation unit 901 calculates the average value (new product feeding time To) from feeding time T-6 to feeding time T-500 for the remaining 495 sheets. If the latest feeding time Tn is less than or equal to the new item threshold Th8, the estimation unit 901 determines that the feeding roller 4 has been replaced with a new one, and stores the determination date and time in the storage device 53 in association with the printer ID as the completion date and time. The determination date and time is the date and time obtained from the real-time clock when it is determined that the feeding roller 4 has been replaced with a new one. The new item threshold Th8 is obtained by subtracting the offset value Toff from the new item feeding time To. For example, Toff is 100.

When the estimation unit 901 estimates that the feeding roller 4 has been replaced with a new one, the correction unit 413 corrects the correction value Δ based on the operation history acquired before the completion date and time and the operation history acquired after the completion date and time. Determine whether it is necessary. If the correction value Δ needs to be corrected, the correction unit 413 obtains a correction value MOsend, and transmits the correction value MOsend to the image forming apparatus 1 associated with the printer ID.

By the way, the correction unit 413 also performs false positive evaluation and false negative evaluation regarding lifespan analysis. A false positive is when the feeding roller 4 is erroneously analyzed as having reached the end of its life even though it has not yet reached the end of its life. A false negative occurs when the feeding roller 4 is erroneously determined to have not reached the end of its life even though it has reached the end of its life. The correction unit 413 determines whether it is necessary to correct the correction value Δ based on the evaluation result. In the second embodiment, the units of the feeding time T, the most recent feeding time Tn, the new feeding time To, the life threshold Th7, and the new product threshold Th8 are milliseconds. The delivery date and time, notification date and time, and completion date and time include the date and time.

[flowchart]
●Operation History Recording and Analysis Process FIG. 10 shows the operation history recording process and analysis process executed by the CPU 80 of the image forming apparatus 1. When the printer engine 60 receives a print instruction, the CPU 80 executes the following process. Since the processes from S501 to S507 have already been explained, S1001 and S1002 will be mainly explained.

In S1001, the CPU 80 (analysis unit 411a) analyzes the necessity of maintenance for the feeding roller 4 based on the feeding time T, which is one of the operation histories. For example, the analysis unit 411a calculates the average feeding time Tm from the plurality of feeding times T. The analysis unit 411a determines whether the average feeding time Tm is greater than or equal to the life threshold Th7. In S1002, the analysis unit 411a stores the life analysis results in the RAM 82. In S506, the CPU 80 (history collection unit 426) transmits the operation history including the printer ID, feeding date and time, feeding time T, abnormality determination result, and analysis result to the server 50.

●Notification Processing FIG. 11 shows notification processing executed by the computing device 52 of the server 50. When the computing device 52 receives the operation history from any of the image forming devices 1, it executes the following notification process.

In S1101, the calculation device 52 (notification unit 412a) obtains an analysis result from the operation history. In S1102, the calculation device 52 (notification unit 412a) determines whether the analysis result indicates that maintenance is required. Maintenance is, for example, replacing the feeding roller 4. If maintenance is not required, the arithmetic device 52 ends the notification process. If maintenance is necessary, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S1103.

In S1103, the computing device 52 (notification unit 412a) determines whether the notification history flag associated with the printer ID obtained from the received operation history is cleared. If the notification history flag is cleared, the arithmetic device 52 advances to S1104. If the notification history flag has already been set, the arithmetic unit 52 ends the notification process.

In S1104, the computing device 52 (notifying unit 412a) transmits the maintenance details to the host computer 40. Here, the host computer 40 is a PC that is associated with the image forming apparatus 1 or the printer ID in advance. When the host computer 40 receives the maintenance details, it displays the maintenance details (eg, a message to replace the feeding roller 4) on the display unit 401.

In S1105, the computing device 52 (notification unit 412a) obtains the notification date and time of the maintenance content from the real-time clock, and stores the notification date and time in the storage device 53 in association with the printer ID. In S1106, the arithmetic device 52 (notification unit 412a) sets a notification history flag.

●Analysis rule correction processing FIG. 12 shows an analysis rule correction process executed by the server 50. When the arithmetic device 52 sends the maintenance notification, the correction process is started. S1210 indicates a false positive evaluation, and S1220 indicates a false negative evaluation.

In S1201, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) determines whether maintenance of the feeding roller 4 (eg, replacement with a new one) has been completed based on a plurality of operation histories. For example, the estimation unit 901 determines that the feeding roller 4 has been replaced with a new one if the latest feeding time Tn is less than or equal to the new product threshold Th8. When the maintenance is completed, the arithmetic device 52 proceeds to S1202.

In step S1202, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) clears the notification history flag corresponding to the image forming apparatus 1 for which maintenance has been completed based on the printer ID included in the operation history. In step S1202, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) acquires the completion date and time from the real-time clock, associates the completion date and time with the printer ID, and stores it in the storage device 53.

■Correction processing based on false positive evaluation In S1211, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) extracts the operation history acquired from the notification date and time to the completion date and time, and calculates the number of abnormalities C4 for the extracted operation history. The number of abnormalities C4 is the number of feeding times T that exceed the abnormality threshold Th1. Here, the number of abnormalities C4 may be determined for the ten most recently performed maintenances. The ten most recently performed maintenances may include not only maintenance performed on a single image forming apparatus 1 but also maintenance performed on a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1.

In S1212, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) determines whether correction of the analysis rule is necessary based on the number of abnormalities C4. For example, it is determined whether the number of abnormalities C4 is equal to or less than a threshold Th9. The threshold Th9 is determined in advance by experiment or simulation. If the number of abnormalities C4 is equal to or less than the threshold Th9, the estimation unit 901 determines that the analysis rule needs to be corrected, and proceeds to S1213. If the number of abnormalities C4 is not equal to or less than the threshold Th9, the estimation unit 901 determines that the analysis rule does not need to be corrected, and proceeds to S1221.

In S1213, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) corrects the analysis rule. The estimation unit 901 sets the correction value MO3 to the correction value MOsend, and transmits it to the analysis unit 411a. The correction value MO3 is a value determined by experiment or simulation, and is, for example, 10. Upon receiving the correction value MOsend, the analysis unit 411a adds the correction value MOsend to the correction value Δ. This corrects equation (2) for analyzing life. As a result, the number of cases in which it is erroneously determined that the feed roller 4 has reached the end of its life even though the feed roller 4 has not yet reached the end of its life will be reduced.

■Correction processing based on false negative evaluation S1220 includes S721, S722, S723, and S1221. S721, S722, and S723 are as described in the first embodiment. In S1221, the calculation device 52 (estimation unit 901) corrects the analysis rule. The estimation unit 901 substitutes the correction value MO4 into the correction value MOsend and transmits it to the analysis unit 411a. The correction value MO4 is a value determined by experiment or simulation, and is, for example, -10. When the analysis unit 411a receives the correction value MOsend, the analysis unit 411a adds the correction value MOsend to the correction value Δ. Equation (2) for analyzing the lifespan is thereby corrected. As a result, the number of cases in which it is erroneously determined that the feed roller 4 has not reached the end of its life even though the feed roller 4 has reached the end of its life will be reduced.

According to the second embodiment, the server 50 can estimate the maintenance completion date and time while retaining the maintenance notification date and time. The server 50 extracts the operation history based on the notification date and time and the completion date and time and evaluates the appropriateness of the analysis rule. The server 50 can appropriately maintain the analysis rules by correcting the analysis rules. As a result, the server 50 can instruct the user or dealer to carry out appropriate maintenance at an appropriate timing.

A plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 may be connected to one host computer 40. The server 50 notifies the host computer 40 of the maintenance details along with the printer ID. The host computer 40 may output a notification indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the printer ID requires maintenance. A relay server that relays communications between the server 50, the image forming apparatus 1, and the host computer 40 may be provided.

<Summary>
The following technical ideas can be derived from the plurality of embodiments described above. Further, this technical idea may include modifications obtained by modifying the above embodiments.

[Viewpoint 1]
The history collection unit 426 functions as a collection unit that collects the operation history of the image forming apparatus. The analysis unit 411 functions as an analysis unit that analyzes the operation history of the image forming apparatus collected by the collection unit. The notification unit 412 functions as a notification unit that notifies the analysis results obtained by the analysis unit. The completion communication unit 402 and the estimation unit 901 function as an acquisition unit that acquires the contents of the measures to be taken after the analysis results are notified. The correction unit 413 functions as a correction unit that corrects the analysis unit based on the operation history related to the content of the countermeasure. This will improve the accuracy of analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus.

[Viewpoint 2]
The countermeasure content may include, for example, date and time information indicating the date and time when the countermeasure was executed. The correction unit 413 corrects the analysis means based on the operation history recorded before the date and time when the countermeasure was executed or the date and time when the notification was output, and the operation history recorded after the date and time when the countermeasure was executed. Good too.

[Viewpoint 3]
Countermeasures may include replacing parts (eg, feeding rollers) attached to the image forming apparatus. Countermeasures may include adjusting the position of a component (regulating plate 3) provided in the image forming apparatus. The measures may include changing control parameters related to image formation that are set in the image forming apparatus. The control parameters may include, for example, adjusting the writing start position (leading edge position) of the toner image on the sheet, adjusting the fixing temperature of the fixing device, adjusting the optical density of the toner image, and the like.

[Viewpoint 4]
The correction unit 413 may include a reception unit that receives the details of the correction applied to the analysis unit. For example, the operating units 42 and 62 may receive instructions for fine-tuning the analysis algorithm of the analysis unit 411 according to the analysis results.

[Viewpoint 5]
The countermeasure content may include information indicating whether or not the countermeasure has been executed. The content of the action may include information indicating whether or not the analysis result was useful. The information indicating whether the analysis result was useful may be, for example, information indicating whether the instruction to adjust the position of the regulating plate 4 was effective in reducing jams. Such information may be input by a user or a maintenance person (dealer) of the image forming apparatus.

[Viewpoint 6]
The arithmetic device 52 may function as an estimating means for estimating the content of the countermeasure based on the operation history. For example, the computing device 52 may estimate that the feeding roller has been replaced based on a change in the frequency of jams that tend to occur when the feeding roller reaches the end of its life. The calculation device 52 may estimate that the position of the regulation plate 3 has been adjusted if the frequency of occurrence of jams has decreased after notifying the analysis result that urges adjustment of the position of the regulation plate 3.

[Viewpoint 7]
The correction unit 413 may correct the analysis means by correcting the analysis rules used by the analysis means. Note that the analysis means may determine the lifespan (eg, service life and number of sheets on which images can be formed) of the feeding roller based on the operation history. This allows the designer to improve the feed roller based on the difference between the life set at the time of designing the feed roller and the actual life.

[Viewpoint 8]
The server 50 is an example of a server device connected to an image forming apparatus. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the server device may include analysis means, notification means, and correction means. The image forming apparatus or a computer (eg, host computer 40) connected to the image forming apparatus may have an acquisition means. The acquisition means (eg, completion communication unit 402) may notify the server device of the details of the countermeasure.

[Viewpoint 9]
As shown in FIG. 9, the server device may have a correction means, and the image forming apparatus may have an analysis means. The analysis means of the image forming apparatus may be corrected according to instructions received from the correction means of the server apparatus.
[Viewpoint 10]
As shown in FIG. 8, the correction means may correct the analysis means based on operation history collected from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

[Viewpoint 11]
The history collection unit 426 and the server 50 function as a recording unit that records the operation history of the image forming apparatus 1. The analysis unit 411 functions as an analysis unit that analyzes whether maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus 1 by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the operation history. The notification unit 412 functions as a notification unit that outputs a notification prompting maintenance when the analysis result of the analysis unit indicates that maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus 1 . The correction unit 413 is a correction unit that corrects the analysis rule based on the operation history recorded before the completion date and time or the notification date and time, and the operation history recorded after the completion date and time, so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary. functions as The completion date and time may also be referred to as the date and time when maintenance was performed. The notification date and time may also be referred to as the date and time when the notification was output. In this way, by accumulating the operation history of the image forming apparatus 1 and analyzing the accumulated operation history, the accuracy of maintenance notification is improved. In particular, analysis accuracy is improved because analysis rules are corrected based on the operation history extracted based on the maintenance completion date and time or notification date and time. Therefore, it is thought that the appropriateness of the notification content and the appropriateness of the notification timing will be improved.

[Viewpoint 12]
The measuring unit 423 is an example of a measuring unit that measures the operating time of the image forming apparatus 1. The history collection unit 426 may record, as the operation history, the measurement result of the operation time and the measurement date and time indicating the date and time when the measurement result was acquired. The analysis unit 411 analyzes whether maintenance regarding the image forming apparatus 1 is necessary by applying analysis rules to the measurement results included in the operation history. The correction unit 413 may correct the analysis rule based on the measurement results recorded before the completion date and time or the notification date and time, and the measurement results recorded after the completion date and time.

[Viewpoint 13]
As described in connection with S710, the correction unit 413 calculates the first evaluation value () regarding the number of measurement results analyzed as requiring maintenance even though they were obtained after maintenance was performed. Example: It may include a first evaluation means for calculating C1). The correction unit 413 may correct the analysis rule based on the first evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary. This will reduce the possibility of erroneous analysis that maintenance is required even though maintenance is not required.

[Viewpoint 14]
As described in connection with S720, the correction unit 413 calculates a second evaluation value regarding the number of measurement results that are erroneously analyzed as not requiring maintenance even though they should be analyzed as requiring maintenance. (Example: C2, C3) may be provided. The correction unit 413 may correct the analysis rule based on the second evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary.

[Viewpoint 15]
The correction unit 413 calculates the number of measurement results that satisfy the first judgment condition (e.g. C2) among the plurality of measurement results recorded before the notification date and time, and the second number of measurement results among the plurality of measurement results recorded after the completion date and time. The number of measurement results satisfying the determination condition (eg, C3) may be calculated as the second evaluation value. The correction unit 413 corrects the analysis rule when the number of measurement results that satisfy the first judgment condition is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the number of measurement results that satisfy the second judgment condition is less than or equal to the second threshold. Good too.

[Viewpoint 16]
The operation unit 42 and the completion communication unit 402 may function as a reception unit that receives an input indicating that maintenance has been completed. In this case, the completion date and time may be the date and time when the reception means receives an input indicating that the maintenance has been completed. Alternatively, the operation unit 42 and the completion communication unit 402 may accept input of the completion date and time.

[Viewpoint 17]
The feeding cassette 2 functions as a storage unit that stores sheets P whose rear ends in the transport direction of the sheets P are restricted by a movable restriction plate 3 . The feeding roller 4 functions as a feeding device that feeds the sheet P stored in the storage device to the conveyance path. The measuring unit 423 may measure the feeding time T, which is the time required for the sheet P to reach the predetermined position Ps1 on the conveyance path, as the operation time. In this case, the maintenance may be to move the position of the regulating plate 3 in the transport direction of the sheet P.

[Viewpoint 18]
As described in the second embodiment, the estimating unit 901 may function as an estimating unit that estimates the completion date and time when maintenance is completed based on the operation history. The correction unit 413a may extract the measurement result based on the completion date and time estimated by the estimation unit 901. As shown in FIG. 2C, the feeding time T before the maintenance is performed and the feeding time T after the maintenance is performed are significantly different. Therefore, the estimation unit 901 can accurately estimate the completion date and time. This will allow the user to omit inputting the completion date and time.

[Viewpoint 19]
The correction unit 413a may include a first evaluation unit that calculates a first evaluation value (eg, C4) based on the operation time measured from the notification date and time to the completion date and time. The correction unit 413a may correct the analysis rule based on the first evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary.

[Viewpoint 20]
The correction unit 413a calculates the number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained before the notification date and time and the number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained after the completion date and time into a second You may have a second evaluation means to obtain an evaluation value. The number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained before the notification date and time is equal to or higher than the third threshold, and the number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained after the completion date and time is the third It may be below the four thresholds. In this case, the correction unit 413a may correct the analysis rule so that erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary is reduced.

[Viewpoint 21]
As described in Example 2, maintenance may include replacing the feeding means (eg, feeding roller 4).

[Viewpoint 22]
The server 50 functions as a server device connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network. As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis section 411, the notification section 412, and the correction section 413 may be provided in the server device. The analysis section 411, the notification section 412, and the correction section 413 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

[Viewpoint 23]
As shown in FIG. 9, the notification unit 412 and the correction unit 413 may be provided in the server device. The notification section 412 and the correction section 413 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

[Viewpoint 24]
As described in connection with S1210, the correction unit 413 may further take into consideration the operation history of other image forming apparatuses and correct the analysis rule so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary.

[Viewpoint 25]
The server 50 may function as a maintenance support device that supports maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The arithmetic device 52 indicates the measurement result of the operating time, the measurement date and time indicating the date and time when the measurement result was acquired, and whether or not maintenance regarding the image forming apparatus is required by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the measurement result. It may also function as an acquisition means for acquiring analysis results. The notification unit 412 may function as a notification unit that outputs a notification prompting maintenance when the analysis result indicates that maintenance is required. The correction unit 413 corrects the analysis rule based on the measurement results recorded before the completion date and time or the notification date and time, and the measurement results recorded after the completion date and time, so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary. Good too.

[Viewpoint 26]
The abnormality determining unit 425 determines whether the feeding time measured by the measuring means is normal. The history collection unit 426 records an operation history including the feeding time, a determination result indicating whether the feeding time is normal, and measurement date/time information indicating the date and time when the feeding time was measured. The analysis unit 411 analyzes whether maintenance is required for the storage means or the feeding means by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the operation history. When the analysis means analyzes that maintenance is necessary, the notification unit 412 outputs a notification prompting maintenance. The correction unit 413 may correct the analysis rule based on the judgment results recorded before the notification date and time and the judgment results recorded after the completion date and time, among the plurality of judgment results included in the operation history.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims are appended hereto to disclose the scope of the invention.

1: Image forming device, 40: Host computer, 50: Server

Claims (25)

a collection means for collecting operation history of the image forming apparatus;
analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus collected by the collection means;
notification means for notifying the analysis results obtained by the analysis means;
Acquisition means for acquiring countermeasure details regarding countermeasures to be implemented after the analysis result is notified;
correction means for correcting the analysis means based on the operation history related to the action content;
has
The content of the countermeasure includes information indicating the timing at which the countermeasure was executed,
The correction means is configured to correct the above based on the operation history recorded before the timing at which the countermeasure was executed or the timing at which the notification was output, and the operation history recorded after the timing at which the countermeasure was executed. An image forming system characterized by correcting analysis means . The above measures are:
・Replacement of parts attached to the image forming apparatus;
・Adjusting the position of parts provided in the image forming apparatus, or
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: changing control parameters related to image formation set in the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the correction means includes a reception means for receiving the details of the correction applied to the analysis means. a collection means for collecting operation history of the image forming apparatus;
analysis means for analyzing the operation history of the image forming apparatus collected by the collection means;
notification means for notifying the analysis results obtained by the analysis means;
Acquisition means for acquiring countermeasure details regarding countermeasures to be implemented after the analysis result is notified;
correction means for correcting the analysis means based on the operation history related to the action content;
has
The above measures are as follows:
・Information indicating whether or not the above-mentioned countermeasure has been executed, or
- An image forming system characterized by including information indicating whether or not the analysis result was useful. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition means includes an estimating means for estimating the content of the countermeasure based on the operation history. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the correction means is configured to correct the analysis means by correcting an analysis rule used by the analysis means. Formation system. further comprising a server device connected to the image forming device,
The server device includes the analysis means and the notification means,
The image forming apparatus or a computer provided in the image forming apparatus has the acquisition means,
7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit notifies the server device of the content of the countermeasure. further comprising a server device connected to the image forming device,
The server device includes the correction means,
The image forming apparatus includes the analysis means,
7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis means of the image forming apparatus performs correction according to an instruction received from the correction means of the server apparatus. 9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the correction means corrects the analysis means based on operation history collected from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. a recording means for recording an operation history of the image forming apparatus;
analysis means for analyzing whether maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the operation history;
a notification means for outputting a notification prompting maintenance when the image forming apparatus requires maintenance;
The analysis rule is corrected based on the operation history recorded before the timing when the maintenance was executed or the timing when the notification was output, and the operation history recorded after the timing when the maintenance was executed. a correction means;
An image forming system comprising: further comprising a measuring means for measuring an operating time of the image forming apparatus;
The recording means is configured to record, as the operation history, a measurement result of the operation time and a measurement timing indicating the timing at which the measurement result was acquired,
The analysis means is configured to analyze whether maintenance is required regarding the image forming apparatus by applying the analysis rule to the measurement results included in the operation history,
The correction means includes the measurement results recorded before the timing when the maintenance was performed or the timing when the notification was output, and the measurement results recorded after the timing when the maintenance was performed, which are included in the operation history . 11. The image forming system according to claim 10 , wherein the image forming system is configured to correct the analysis rule based on the measurement result to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary. further comprising a first evaluation means for obtaining a first evaluation value regarding the number of measurement results analyzed as requiring the maintenance even though the measurement results were obtained after the maintenance was performed;
12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the correction means is configured to correct the analysis rule based on the first evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary. system. The method further comprises a second evaluation means for calculating a second evaluation value regarding the number of measurement results that are erroneously analyzed as not requiring maintenance, although they should be analyzed as requiring maintenance. ,
13. The correction means is configured to correct the analysis rule based on the second evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary. Image forming system. The second evaluation means determines the number of measurement results that satisfy the first judgment condition among the plurality of measurement results recorded before the timing when the notification was output, and the number of measurement results recorded after the timing when the maintenance was executed. is configured to calculate the number of measurement results that satisfy the second judgment condition among the measurement results of as the second evaluation value,
The correction means performs the maintenance when the number of measurement results satisfying the first judgment condition is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the number of measurement results satisfying the second judgment condition is less than or equal to a second threshold. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the image forming system is configured to correct the analysis rule so as to reduce erroneous analysis of necessity. further comprising reception means for receiving an input indicating that the maintenance has been completed,
The image forming system according to any one of claims 11 to 14 , wherein the timing at which the maintenance is performed is the timing at which the reception unit receives an input indicating that the maintenance has been completed. . The image forming apparatus includes:
a storage means for storing a sheet whose rear end in the conveying direction of the sheet is restricted by a movable restriction plate;
a feeding device that feeds the sheets stored in the storage device to a conveyance path;
has
The measuring means is configured to measure a feeding time, which is the time required for the sheet to reach a predetermined position on the conveyance path, as the operation time,
16. The image forming system according to claim 11 , wherein the maintenance is to move the position of the regulating plate in the conveying direction of the sheet. further comprising estimating means for estimating the timing at which the maintenance is completed based on the operation history,
15. The image forming system according to claim 11 , wherein the correction means extracts the measurement result based on the timing estimated by the estimation means. further comprising a first evaluation means for calculating a first evaluation value based on the operating time measured between the timing when the notification that the maintenance is required and the timing when the maintenance is completed;
18. The correction means is configured to correct the analysis rule based on the first evaluation value so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary. Image forming system. The number of abnormal measurement results among the multiple measurement results obtained before the timing when the notification that the maintenance was required, and the number of abnormal measurement results among the multiple measurement results obtained after the timing when the maintenance was completed. further comprising a second evaluation means for obtaining the number of measurement results as a second evaluation value,
The correction means determines the timing at which the number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained before the timing when the notification that the maintenance is necessary is equal to or greater than a third threshold, and the maintenance is completed. The analysis rule is configured to correct the analysis rule so as to reduce the erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary when the number of abnormal measurement results among the plurality of measurement results obtained thereafter is less than or equal to a fourth threshold. The image forming system according to any one of claims 11 , 17 and 18 , characterized in that: The image forming apparatus includes:
a storage means for storing the sheet;
a feeding device that feeds the sheets stored in the storage device to a conveyance path;
has
The measuring means is configured to measure a feeding time, which is the time required for the sheet to reach a predetermined position on the conveyance path, as the operation time,
The image forming system according to any one of claims 11 to 14 and 17 to 19 , wherein the maintenance is to replace the feeding means. further comprising a server device connected to the image forming device via a network,
17. The image forming system according to claim 11 , wherein the analysis means, the notification means, and the correction means are provided in the server device. further comprising a server device connected to the image forming device via a network,
21. The image forming system according to claim 11 , wherein the notification means and the correction means are provided in the server device. 5. The correction means is configured to correct the analysis rule so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not the maintenance is necessary, further taking into account the operation history of other image forming apparatuses. 23. The image forming system according to any one of 10 to 22 . A maintenance support device that supports maintenance of an image forming device,
A measurement result of the operation time of the image forming apparatus, a measurement timing indicating the timing at which the measurement result was obtained, and whether maintenance regarding the image forming apparatus is necessary by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the measurement result. an acquisition means for acquiring an analysis result indicating whether the
Notifying means for outputting a notification prompting the maintenance when the analysis result indicates that the maintenance is necessary;
Whether or not the maintenance is necessary is determined based on the measurement results recorded before the timing when the maintenance was executed or the timing when the notification was output, and the measurement results recorded after the timing when the maintenance was executed. a correction means for correcting the analysis rule so as to reduce erroneous analysis;
A maintenance support device characterized by having: a storage means for storing the sheet;
a feeding device that feeds the sheets stored in the storage device to a conveyance path;
a measuring means for measuring a feeding time that is the time required for the sheet to reach a predetermined position on the conveying path;
determining means for determining whether the feeding time measured by the measuring means is normal;
a recording means for recording an operation history including the feeding time, a determination result indicating whether the feeding time is normal, and measurement timing information indicating the timing at which the feeding time was measured;
analysis means for analyzing whether maintenance is required for the accommodation means or the feeding means by applying a predetermined analysis rule to the operation history;
Notifying means for outputting a notification prompting the maintenance when the analyzing means analyzes that the maintenance is necessary;
Among the plurality of determination results included in the operation history, based on the determination results recorded before the timing when the notification was output and the determination results recorded after the timing when the maintenance was performed, a correction means for correcting the analysis rule so as to reduce erroneous analysis of whether or not maintenance is necessary;
An image forming system comprising:

Images