JP6340618B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Some conventional image forming apparatuses such as a printer and a composite apparatus have apparatus settings prepared in advance so that the apparatus can be operated optimally in accordance with a user's usage and usage environment. As specific device settings, for example, a device setting for suppressing toner consumption (hereinafter referred to as “toner save mode”), a paper is set in the manual feed tray, and a timeout is set for starting printing after a predetermined time has elapsed. Device setting (hereinafter referred to as “manual feed time-out mode”), in a high humidity environment, in order to solve the so-called heavy running problem in which a plurality of sheets are fed at a time during high-speed printing operation, a device for low-speed printing Device settings for changing operation (hereinafter referred to as “low-speed paper feeding mode”) and the like can be mentioned.

  In addition to providing an apparatus in which apparatus settings are prepared in advance so as to achieve optimal apparatus operation according to the user's usage and usage environment, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses further convenience for the user. For the purpose of improvement, services and devices to be supported are proposed that automatically connect to a service center when necessary, and provide instructions on how to use and means for solving a failure that has occurred.

JP 2004-364205 A

  However, in the prior art, it is the user who is aware of the uncertainties regarding the method of using the device and the occurrence of a failure, and the user tends to pay attention to the resolution of the event that occurs independently at that time. In many cases, it was not possible to obtain an in-depth solution.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the problem of the present invention is that it is possible for the user to operate the apparatus optimally according to the method of use and the environment of use of the apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing means for solving a problem.

In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a usage status monitoring unit that collects, for each output, an attribute group when an output is obtained by forming an image on a recording medium, and the usage status monitoring unit. There comprises a recommended function analyzer that typify analyzing the attribute group collected, and a recommendation function determination unit for the recommended functional analysis unit directs a recommended feature from typify the type of information, the attribute group received Error occurrence information including the set value of the print data, the index value indicating the degree of consumption of the consumables required for image formation, the number of errors that occurred during device operation, and the time until the error occurs and is cleared The recommended function analysis unit is based on a correlation between the set value and the index value, a correlation between the set value and the error occurrence information, or a correlation between the error occurrence information and the index value. Doing It is characterized.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of providing an apparatus operation that is optimal in accordance with a user's usage and usage environment, and capable of providing instructions on the usage method and means for solving a trouble that has occurred. be able to.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a connection form of a PC to the image forming apparatus. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structural example of the operation panel. It is a figure explaining the setting value of each operation mode, and apparatus behavior corresponding to this. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a usage status monitoring operation by a usage status monitoring unit among operations when electronic print data is transmitted from a PC to a printer. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the electronic print data transmitted from PC. It is a figure explaining the example of the electronic print data expand | deployed by the printing part. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner usage amount index value extracted by a usage status monitoring unit based on electronic print data developed by a printing unit. FIG. It is an example of an error screen displayed by the operation panel when an error occurs during printing. It is a flowchart explaining the analysis operation | movement by a recommended function analysis part, and the determination operation | movement by a recommended function determination part. It is the figure which showed the example of the usage condition monitoring information preserve | saved at a memory part. It is a figure explaining the example of classification of the use condition monitoring information by a recommendation function analysis part. It is a figure explaining the example of the information which a recommended function analysis part derives. It is a flowchart explaining the recommended function judgment by a recommended function judgment part. It is an example of the electronic printing data (usage condition monitoring report) which the control part produced | generated. It is an example of the inquiry screen with respect to a user. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer as an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment and a connection form of a PC to the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the activation operation | movement of the setting value of an operation mode. It is an example of the display screen which displays that it changes to the questionnaire screen which asks a user about the possibility of option use. It is an example of a questionnaire screen. It is an example of the answer of a questionnaire, the printing electronic data (usage condition monitoring report) which the control part produced | generated, a setting item, and a setting value list. It is an example of the email which has the content of the answer of a questionnaire, the printing electronic data (usage condition monitoring report) which the control part produced | generated, a setting item, and a setting value list. This is an example of e-mail that activates a set value and changes a recommended function determination flow. It is an example of the determination program described in the script format for changing the recommended function determination flow. It is an example of the email which has the content of the answer of a questionnaire, the printing electronic data (usage condition monitoring report) which the control part produced | generated, a setting item, and a setting value list. It is a general-view figure of the printer which connected the option jig. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement which concerns on charge stop and restart. It is an example of the email produced in the support center. It is an example of the notification screen with respect to a user. It is an example of the email which has the content of the answer of a questionnaire, the printing electronic data (usage condition monitoring report) which the control part produced | generated, a setting item, and a setting value list. It is an example of the email produced in the support center. It is an example of the notification screen with respect to a user.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer 201 as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a connection form of a PC (Personal Computer) 102 to the image forming apparatus 201.

  The printer 201 includes an operation panel 202, a control unit 203, a usage status monitoring unit 204, a recommended function analysis unit 205, a recommended function determination unit 206, a memory unit 207, a setting unit 208, a printing unit 209, A network communication unit 210 is connected to the PC 102 via a LAN cable (Local Area Network) 101. The printer 201 is a printing apparatus that can receive electronic print data transmitted from the PC 102 via the LAN cable 101 and reproduce it on a sheet as a recording medium.

  The operation panel 202 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 211, a key 212 that receives input from the user, and a program module that controls these. The operation panel 202 detects pressing of the key 212 and notifies the control unit 203 of this. The device status of the printer 201 can be displayed via the LCD 211. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation panel 202 according to the present embodiment. The LCD 211 is a liquid crystal display provided on the operation panel 202, and displays characters, images, etc. on the liquid crystal display in accordance with display instructions of the program module. A key 212 is a hard button provided on the operation panel 202, and includes a Back button, an upper button, a lower button, an OK button, and a cancel button.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the control unit 203 is a program module that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the printer 201. In addition, the control unit 203 uses electronic print data (usage status monitoring report) to present materials to be presented together with the analysis results arranged in graphs and tables from the contents analyzed and determined by the recommended function analysis unit 205 and the recommended function determination unit 206. ).

  The usage status monitoring unit 204 is a program module that monitors the usage status of the printer 201. The usage status monitoring unit 204 sets a setting value of electronic print data transmitted from the PC 102 as an attribute group, a toner usage amount index value, an error occurrence count, and an error occurrence until the error is canceled. The error occurrence information including the time taken for monitoring is monitored.

  The recommended function analysis unit 205 is a program module that collects, analyzes, and classifies information monitored by the usage status monitoring unit 204 (hereinafter referred to as usage status monitoring information).

  The recommended function determination unit 206 is a program module that selects a countermeasure (recommended function) for the information from the information analyzed and classified by the recommended function analysis unit 205 and proposes it to the user.

  The memory unit 207 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or a flash memory, and stores usage state monitoring information monitored by the usage state monitoring unit 204.

  The setting unit 208 holds setting values of the operation mode of the printer 201 such as “toner save mode”, “manual feed timeout mode”, or “low speed paper feed mode”.

  The printing unit 209 can reproduce an image based on electronic printing data generated by a printer driver (not shown) of the PC 102 or electronic printing data (usage status monitoring report) generated by the control unit 203 on a sheet. This is an electrophotographic printing unit. The printing unit 209 changes the operation mode according to the set value of the operation mode such as “toner save mode”, “manual feed time-out mode”, or “low-speed paper feed mode” stored in the setting unit 208. Can do.

  The network communication unit 210 includes a network controller and a program module that controls the network controller, and controls data transmission / reception with the PC 102 via the LAN cable 101.

  For example, a document creation application (not shown) and a printer driver are installed in the PC 102 connected to the printer 201 having such a configuration via the LAN 101 cable. It can be converted into electronic print data by a printer driver and transmitted to the printer 201. A plurality of PCs 102 can be installed.

  Here, the “toner save mode” shown in FIG. 3 is taken as an example of setting values and device behaviors of the “toner save mode”, “manual feed timeout mode”, and “low speed paper feed mode” in this embodiment. explain. As shown in FIG. 3, in the “toner save mode” in the present embodiment, a setting value of “save toner” or “do not save toner” can be selected. When the “Save toner” setting value is selected, the toner is saved and printed as described in the description column, but the print quality and vividness are higher than when the toner is not saved. Will give a slightly worse printing result. On the other hand, when the setting value of “do not save toner” is selected, printing is performed without saving toner, and a high-quality printing result is obtained. Similarly, in “Manual Feed Timeout Mode”, either “automatic printing” or “print after confirming” can be selected. In “low speed paper feeding mode”, “low speed feeding” is selected. Any of the setting values of “Paper”, “Feed at standard speed”, or “Feed at high speed” can be selected, and the behavior described in the description column is based on the selected setting value. The device is operated at.

  In addition, the relationship between the “toner save mode” and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” associated with electronic print data, which will be described later, will be supplementarily described. If “toner save mode” is set to “do not save toner” and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is OFF, the specific amount of toner used for printing is 4 per pixel. This is the amount of toner necessary to maintain a high-quality printing result in this embodiment. When the “toner save mode” is set to “save toner” or “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is set to ON, the amount of toner used is decreased by 1, and the amount of toner consumed can be suppressed. When the amount of toner consumption is suppressed, the print quality and vividness are slightly deteriorated, but the visibility and readability are less affected.

  Next, the operation according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the usage status monitoring operation by the usage status monitoring unit 204 among the operations when the electronic print data is transmitted from the PC 102 to the printer 201. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic print data transmitted from the PC 102, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic print data developed by the printing unit 209. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the toner usage amount index value extracted by the usage status monitoring unit 204 based on the electronic print data developed by the printing unit 209. FIG. 8 is an example of an error screen displayed by the operation panel 202 when an error occurs during printing.

  The printer 201 waits until electronic print data is transmitted from the PC 102 via the LAN cable 101 (step S101). As the electronic print data transmitted from the PC 102, for example, data described in PJL (Printer Job Language) disclosed by Hewlett-Packard Company shown in FIG. 5 can be used (http: // lprng. sourceforge.net/DISTRIB/RESOURCE/DOCS/pjltkref.pdf). However, in the example shown in FIG. 5, a keyword having “SP” as an acronym represents a keyword added for the present invention.

  When the network communication unit 210 detects the arrival of the electronic print data transmitted from the PC 102, it receives this (step S102). Then, the network communication unit 210 outputs the received electronic print data to the control unit 203.

  Upon receiving the input of the electronic print data, the control unit 203 outputs the input electronic print data to the printing unit 209 and also outputs the electronic print data to the usage status monitoring unit 204. The usage status monitoring unit 204 extracts the document name, computer name, user name, “MANUALFEED” (manual feed printing), and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” set values from the input electronic print data (step S103). In the example of the electronic print data shown in FIG. 5, the usage status monitoring unit 204 obtains a setting value by extracting a character string following each keyword of Document Name, Computer Name, UserName, MANUALFEED, and SPTONERSAVEMODE. To do.

  Next, in step S <b> 104, the usage status monitoring unit 204 stores the acquired setting value content in the memory unit 207 as usage status monitoring information.

  Receiving the input of the electronic print data from the control unit 203, the printing unit 209 performs a development process to reproduce an image based on the electronic print data on a sheet (step S105). The expansion of the electronic print data is to expand the data following the keyword “@PJL ENTER LANGUAGE = PCL <CR> <LF> <ESC> E” in the example of the electronic print data shown in FIG. Done in The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example described in PCL (Print Control Language) published by Hewlett-Packard Company shown in FIG. 5 (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs /support/SupportManual/bpl13205/bpl13205.pdf).

  Then, the printing unit 209 outputs the electronic print data (hereinafter referred to as expanded data) subjected to the expansion process to the usage status monitoring unit 204. The usage status monitoring unit 204 analyzes the development data and extracts the toner usage amount index value shown in FIG. 7 (step S106). The usage status monitoring unit 204 extracts and extracts the toner usage amount index value by calculating the total value of the component information of the color (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) of the development data. The contents are stored in the memory unit 207 as usage status monitoring information (step S107).

  In step S108, the printing unit 209 prints an image based on the development data on a sheet. By the way, errors such as heavy running problems and paper jams may occur during printing. When the printing unit 209 detects the occurrence of an error (Yes in step S109), it notifies the control unit 203 that an error has occurred. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 203 instructs the operation panel 202 to display an error screen. Receiving the instruction, the operation panel 202 displays the error screen shown in FIG. 8 via the LCD 211 (step S110). The error screen shown in FIG. 7 is an example of an error screen displayed on the LCD 211 when a heavy run problem (left figure in FIG. 8) or a paper jam (right figure) occurs during printing of an image based on electronic print data of txt.

  The control unit 203 that has received a notification that an error has occurred from the printing unit 209 instructs the usage monitoring unit 204 to measure the time until the error that has occurred is canceled. Receiving the instruction, the usage status monitoring unit 204 starts a timer (not shown) and measures the time from when an error occurs until it is canceled (step S111). The usage status monitoring unit 204 indicates that the user has removed the paper causing the heavy running problem or paper jam from the printing unit 209, or the user presses the OK key as displayed on the error screen shown in FIG. Is detected (Yes in step S112), the type of error that has occurred and the time taken to clear the error are stored in the memory unit 207 as usage status monitoring information (step S113).

  In step S114, the printing unit 209 resumes printing. When the printing unit 209 does not detect the occurrence of an error (No in step S109) and all the printing of the image based on the development data is completed (Yes in step S115), the series of operations ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the analysis operation by the recommended function analysis unit 205 and the determination operation by the recommended function determination unit 206. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of usage status monitoring information stored in the memory unit 207. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of categorization of usage monitoring information by the recommended function analysis unit 205.

  The usage status monitoring unit 204 performs the usage status monitoring operation described with reference to FIG. 4 each time electronic print data is transmitted from the PC 102 (step S201).

  When the printing completion by the printing unit 209 has reached 100 times (Yes in step S202), the recommended function analysis unit 205 acquires the usage status monitoring information stored in the memory unit 207 (step S203). On the other hand, when the printing completion by the printing unit 209 has not reached 100 times (No in step S202), the usage status monitoring unit 204 continues the usage status monitoring operation.

  Whether or not the printing unit 209 has completed printing 100 times is determined based on whether or not the “Job number” of the usage status monitoring information stored in the memory unit 207 by the usage status monitoring unit 204 has reached 100. Judge. The usage status monitoring information according to the present embodiment includes “No”, “Job number”, “Information type”, “Information” uniquely provided for identifying each usage status monitoring information from the left side of FIG. Details ”. For example, the value “1” of “Job number” includes four usage status monitoring information of “No 1”, “No 2”, “No 3”, and “No. 4”, and “No. 1” is printed. Usage status monitoring information regarding data setting values, “No. 2” is usage status monitoring information regarding toner usage index values, “No. 3” is usage status monitoring information regarding error occurrence information, and “No. 4” is toner usage. This is usage status monitoring information related to the quantity index value. The usage status monitoring unit 204 checks the “Job number” of the usage status monitoring information, and when the value of the “Job number” reaches 100, the usage status monitoring unit 204 determines that the printing by the printing unit 209 has reached 100 times. This is notified to the recommended function analysis unit 205.

  In step S <b> 204, the recommended function analysis unit 205 types the acquired usage status monitoring information. In the present embodiment, the recommended function analysis unit 205 uses three types of classification as shown in FIG. The first type is a typification of the relationship between “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” and the toner usage amount index value. As a result, the recommended function analysis unit 205 infers whether “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” continues to be used when the print quality and vividness are not required. The second is typification of the relationship between manual feed and error occurrence status. As a result, the recommended function analysis unit 205 determines whether the user has become accustomed to using the manual feed tray, and whether the thickness of paper to be printed using the manual feed tray has been forcibly placed in the standard tray. I guess. The third is the typification of the relationship between the error occurrence status and the toner usage amount index value. In general, in printing by a printer, it is known that there is a correlation between moisture, wear of parts that feed paper, and the occurrence frequency of errors. As a result, the recommended function analysis unit 205 determines whether the printer 201 is operated in an environment that is not suitable for printing, whether the user has become accustomed to the error canceling method, and vice versa. Inferring whether or not the printer 201 is in operation and there is a high possibility that an error will not occur even if the printer 201 is fully utilized.

  Then, the recommended function determination unit 206 determines the recommended function from the information derived by the recommended function analysis unit 205 (step S205). An example of information derived by the recommended function analysis unit 205 is shown in FIG. 12, and a flowchart (recommendation judgment flow) for explaining the recommended function judgment by the recommended function judgment unit 206 is shown in FIG.

  For example, in the categorization of the relationship between “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” and the toner usage amount index value in FIG. 12, the toner usage amount index value (any one of the colors) shown in FIG. 7 is 100000 or more, and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON. If the number of times of use is less than 49 times, the recommended function analysis unit 205 estimates that the toner has been used excessively. On the other hand, if “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON and the number of uses is 50 or more, the recommended function analysis unit 205 estimates that toner is being saved. Also, based on the case where “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is used in the OFF state, the toner usage amount index value when “SPTONER SAVEMODE” is used in the ON state is less than 25%, and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is used in the ON state. If the number of times is less than 49, the recommended function analysis unit 205 infers that the toner save mode may be turned off because the data when using “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” with ON does not use much toner. . On the other hand, if “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON and the number of times of use is 50 times or more, the recommended function analysis unit 205 uses the toner save mode because the data when “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is used is OFF. I guess it is better to turn it on. Further, the recommended function analysis unit 205 uses a value of 25% or more and less than 400% when “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is used with “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” as a reference. Since there is no correlation in the toner use amount index value between “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” used when OFF and “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” used when ON, the toner save mode may be turned ON. I guess. The recommended function analysis unit 205 determines that the toner usage index value when the “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON is 400% or more when the “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is used with the “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” being OFF. It is inferred that the data used when “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON is data using toner, and the settings can be appropriately operated depending on the situation. In this way, the recommended function analysis unit 205 infers whether or not “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” continues to be used when the print quality and vividness are not required. The recommended function analysis unit 205 similarly classifies the relationship between the manual feed and the error occurrence status, and classifies the relationship between the error occurrence status and the toner usage amount index value.

  Then, the recommended function determination unit 206 determines the recommended function from the information derived by the recommended function analysis unit 205. For example, in the determination process of selecting one of “save toner”, “do not save toner”, and “do nothing” as the setting value of “toner save mode” in FIG. The information derived by the recommended function analysis unit 205 is used. Specifically, based on the information shown in FIG. 12, “There is a possibility that too much toner has been used” (step S500 Yes), “There is no correlation between“ SPTONERS SAVEMODE ”ON and OFF”. (Yes in step S501) If “I want to maintain high-quality printing” is No (“Yes” in step S502), the recommended function determination unit 206 sets the setting value of “toner save mode” to “toner” To save. " Similarly, the recommended function determination unit 206 sets a setting value of either “automatic printing” or “print after confirming” in the “manual feed time-out mode”, and “ A recommended function is determined by selecting a set value of “feed at low speed”, “feed at standard speed”, or “feed at high speed”.

  Subsequently, the control unit 203 generates electronic print data (usage status monitoring report) from the contents analyzed and determined in step S204 and step S205 (step S206). FIG. 14 is an example of electronic print data (usage status monitoring report) generated by the control unit 203.

  The electronic print data (usage status monitoring report) generated by the control unit 203 is output to the printing unit 209. The printing unit 209 prints the received electronic print data (usage status monitoring report) on a sheet (step S207).

  Next, the control unit 203 instructs the operation panel 202 to display a mode change inquiry screen. Receiving the instruction, the operation panel 202 displays a mode change inquiry screen as shown in FIG. 15 via the LCD 211 (step S208).

  The upper part of FIG. 15 shows that there is no correlation between the toner usage amount index value when the “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” is ON and when the “SPTONER SAVEMODE” is OFF, and the print quality and vividness are not required. It is inferred by the recommended function analysis unit 205 that “SPTONERS SAVEMODE” continues to be used, and the recommended function determination unit 206 determines to change the setting value of “toner save mode” to “save toner”. As a result, it is an example of an inquiry screen for proposing this.

  In the middle part of FIG. 15, since the number of occurrences of heavy running problems and paper jams is large, it is presumed that the recommended function analysis unit 205 does not use the system at a standard speed. It is an example of an inquiry screen for proposing this as a result of determining to change the setting value to “feed at low speed”.

  When the user presses the OK key on the operation panel 202 (Yes in step S209), the operation panel 202 notifies the control unit 203 accordingly. Receiving the notification, the control unit 203 changes the setting stored in the setting unit 208 (step S211), and ends the process. The lower part of FIG. 15 is an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the operation panel 202 at this time. Since the setting held in the setting unit 208 has been changed, the printing unit 209 operates after changing the operation mode.

  On the other hand, if the user does not press the OK key of the operation panel 202 (No in step S209) and the Cancel key is pressed (Yes in step S210), the operation panel 202 notifies the control unit 203 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 203 ends the process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to operate the apparatus optimally according to the user's usage and usage environment, and even when the support service is not available through dialogue, It is possible to provide means for solving the failure that has occurred.

[Second Embodiment]
The setting values of each operation mode in the printer 201 as the image forming apparatus described in the first embodiment are only those that are disclosed as standard, and no special setting values that cannot be known by a standard user are proposed. . When a standard user uses it without considering the preconditions for using a special set value, for example, the life of the apparatus may be shortened, or the apparatus may be at an abnormally high temperature. In addition, in order to use the special setting value, support service support may be required, such as attaching an optional jig.

  In the second embodiment, both the user and the support service understand the precautions and restrictions when applying the special setting value to the special setting value that cannot be known by a standard user. An image forming apparatus capable of operating the apparatus after agreeing will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same configurations and operations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printer 201 ′ as an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment and a connection form of the PC 102, the management terminal 301, and the mail server 302 to the image forming apparatus 201 ′.

  The printer 201 ′ includes a mail transmission / reception unit 303 in addition to the configuration of the printer 201 according to the first embodiment. The mail transmission / reception unit 303 is a program module for communicating with the management terminal 301 via email. The mail transmission / reception unit 303 creates an email based on the information output from the control unit 203 and transmits the email to the management terminal 301 via the network communication unit 210 and the mail server 302. Further, the mail transmission / reception unit 303 interprets the content of the email transmitted from the management terminal 301 via the mail server 302 and the network communication unit 210, and instructs the control unit 203 to activate a special setting value to be described later. To instruct.

  The management terminal 301 is a support service terminal installed in the support center, and includes a mail client application for communicating with the printer 201 ′ by e-mail. A person in charge of the support center can communicate with a user who uses the printer 201 ′ by operating the management terminal 301.

  The mail server 302 is a server that supports, for example, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and POP (Post Office Protocol), and relays communication by e-mail between the management terminal 301 and the printer 201 ′.

  Next, the operation according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for activating the set value of the operation mode.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the printer 201 ′ and the management terminal 301 are configured to be able to communicate by sending and receiving e-mails. When communication is performed by sending and receiving e-mail, e-mail data is relayed through the mail server 302, but a description thereof is omitted here.

  First, in step S301, the printer 201 ′ performs the usage monitoring operation described in the first embodiment, and the operation related to the setting change of the operation mode based on the analysis and determination of the recommended function (steps S201 to S211 in FIG. 9). It is carried out.

  After the setting value of the operation mode is changed, in the first embodiment, the confirmation screen shown in the lower part of FIG. 15 is displayed via the LCD 211 of the operation panel 202. In this embodiment, instead, the confirmation screen is displayed instead. In response to pressing of the OK key, a screen is displayed in which a transition to a questionnaire screen that asks the user about whether or not options can be used for the printer 201 ′ is displayed. FIG. 18 is an example of a display screen that is displayed instead of the confirmation screen shown in the lower part of FIG. 15 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 is an example of a questionnaire screen.

  The user answers the questionnaire via the operation panel 202 and presses the OK key when the answer is completed. The operation panel 202 that has detected the depression of the OK key outputs a questionnaire response result to the control unit 203. Upon receiving the questionnaire response result, the control unit 203 transmits / receives the questionnaire response, the print electronic data (usage monitoring report) generated by the control unit 203, the setting items, and the set value list as shown in FIG. The data is output to the unit 303, and an email transmission to the management terminal 301 is instructed (step S302). Upon receiving the instruction, the mail transmission / reception unit 303 creates the email shown in the example of FIG. 21 and transmits it to the management terminal 301 (step S303).

  The management terminal 301 receives the email transmitted from the printer 201 ′ (step S304). The support center then operates the management terminal 301 to create an e-mail that activates the setting value and changes the recommended function determination flow shown in FIG. 13 by the recommended function determination unit 206 (step S305). FIG. 22 shows an example of an email that activates the set value and changes the recommended function determination flow. In the example shown in FIG. 22, a special setting value “feeding at ultra-high speed” in the “low-speed paper feeding mode” is activated, “no error has occurred”, and “toner is not used much. The recommended function judgment flow is changed to change the setting value of "Low speed paper feeding mode" to "Super high speed paper feeding" when "and want to do work efficiently" .

  In step S306, the management terminal 301 transmits the e-mail created in step S305 to the printer 201 ′.

  When the mail transmission / reception unit 303 of the printer 201 ′ receives the email transmitted from the management terminal 301, it interprets the content of the received email and instructs the control unit 203 to activate the setting value (step S307).

  The control unit 203 activates the setting value of the printer 201 ′ held in the setting unit 208 (step S308). Activation of the set value is performed by updating a flag attached to each set value of the printer 201 ′ held in the setting unit 208.

  Next, the control unit 203 changes the recommended function determination flow held by the recommended function determination unit 206 (step S309). The control unit 203 changes the recommended function determination flow from the state before the change shown in FIG. 23A to the state after the change shown in FIG. 23B by executing the determination program described in the script format. .

  Then, the printer 201 ′ continues the operation related to the change of the operation mode based on the use state monitoring operation and the recommended function analysis and determination described in the first embodiment (step S310).

  As a result of continuing the operation, it is recommended to change to the activated setting value, and when the user agrees, the setting value is changed to the activated setting value (step S311).

  After the setting value of the operation mode is changed, in the same manner as the procedure described in step S302 and step S303, the control unit 203 responds to the questionnaire as shown in FIG. 24 and the printed electronic data generated by the control unit 203. (Usage status monitoring report), setting items, and a list of setting values are output to the mail transmission / reception unit 303 to instruct the e-mail transmission to the management terminal 301. Upon receiving the instruction, the mail transmitting / receiving unit 303 creates an email and transmits it to the management terminal 301 (step S312).

  The management terminal 301 receives the email transmitted from the printer 201 ′ (step S313). Then, the support center receives the change of the setting value of the “low speed paper feeding mode” to the setting value of “feeding at ultra high speed”, and sends an optional jig for enabling the setting change (step). S314). The optional jig is a cooling device that controls the printer 201 ′ so that it does not become hot as the setting value is changed to “feed at ultra-high speed”. An overview of the printer 201 ′ to which the optional jig 304 is connected is shown in FIG.

  In step S315, the user attaches the optional jig 304 to the printer 201 ′. When the control unit 203 detects that the optional jig 304 is attached to the printer 201 ′ (step S316), the control unit 203 starts operation of the apparatus based on the changed setting value (step S317). The attachment of the option jig 304 to the printer 201 ′ can be detected by connecting the option jig 304 to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port connectable to the printer 201 ′.

  By the way, when the recommended function determining unit 206 of the printer 201 ′ is changed to the set value proposed and the apparatus operation is started, the user may not be satisfied with this setting change. The operation of the printer 201 ′ under such a situation will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation related to charging stop and restart. As a precondition of the example described in this flowchart, the printer 201 ′ is rented to the user, charged according to the number of printed sheets, and calculated as the total number of printed sheets for one month, and charged the usage fee. It shall be.

  The printer 201 ′ performs the apparatus operation described in steps S301 to S317 in FIG. Then, the support center can operate the management terminal 301 at an arbitrary timing to transmit an e-mail to the printer 201 ′ (step S410). This e-mail is for using the optional jig 304, so that 100 printing can be treated as a trial period, charging can be stopped, and the operation panel 202 can display that the trial period is in effect. . FIG. 27 is an example of an e-mail created at the support center for the above purpose.

  When the e-mail is transmitted from the support center, the mail transmitting / receiving unit 303 of the printer 201 ′ receives this (step S411) and outputs it to the control unit 203. The control unit 203 gives an instruction to the operation panel 202 to stop charging and display that it is a trial period.

  Receiving the instruction, the operation panel 202 displays a notification screen such as the example shown in FIG.

  After the setting value of the operation mode is changed, when the 100th printing, which is a trial period, is completed, the printer 201 ′ performs a questionnaire. Upon receiving the questionnaire response result, the control unit 203 sends / receives the questionnaire response, the printed electronic data (usage monitoring report) generated by the control unit 203, the setting items, and the set value list as shown in FIG. Output to the unit 303 to instruct the e-mail transmission to the management terminal 301. Upon receiving the instruction, the mail transmitting / receiving unit 303 creates an e-mail and transmits it to the management terminal 301 (step S412).

  In step S413, the management terminal 301 receives the email transmitted from the printer 201 ′. The support center operates the management terminal 301 so that billing can be resumed, and creates and transmits an e-mail for displaying on the operation panel 202 of the printer 201 ′ that the trial period has ended (step S414). FIG. 30 shows an example of an e-mail created at the support center for the above purpose.

  When the e-mail is transmitted from the support center, the mail transmitting / receiving unit 303 of the printer 201 ′ receives this (step S415) and outputs it to the control unit 203. The control unit 203 gives an instruction to the operation panel 202 to restart charging and display that it is a trial period.

  Receiving the instruction, the operation panel 202 displays a notification screen such as the example shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a special setting value that cannot be known by a standard user, both the user and the support service apply the special setting value. It is possible to operate the equipment after understanding and agreeing to the matters and restrictions. According to the second embodiment, since the user communicates with the support service by sending an e-mail created by the apparatus, the apparatus operation mode expected by the user and the actual apparatus The gap with the operation form can be conveyed to the support service in a more easily understandable manner, and the support service can more specifically support the user. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to instruct stop / restart of billing using E-mail, and to display that on the display screen of the operation panel.

  In the prior art, it is the user who is aware of the uncertainties regarding the use of the device and the occurrence of trouble, and the user tends to pay attention to the solution of the event that occurs independently at that time, and essentially goes into the process. It was often not possible to get a solution. In addition, since the input information from the user is not enough on the support service side, and there is often a lack of understanding of the functions that the device has in advance on the user side, there is an agreement between the user and the support service. However, according to the second embodiment, it is the image forming apparatus that notices unclear points regarding the method of using the apparatus and the occurrence of failures, and the apparatus itself is essential. It is possible to identify the cause of the failure that has been stepped on. An accurate instruction is obtained from the support service based on the cause of the failure specified by the image forming apparatus, and it is easy for both the user and the support service to take a solution upon agreement.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the electronic print data has been described using examples described in PJL and PCL. However, there are other known methods for describing electronic print data. The present invention can be applied to data other than the described data.

  In the description of this embodiment, as an example of usage status monitoring information collected by the usage status monitoring unit, information accompanying print electronic data transmitted from a PC via a LAN cable, information obtained by analyzing development data, Although information on errors that occurred during printing has been described, other information may be used. In addition, the printer according to the first embodiment is configured to print the usage status monitoring report on a sheet. However, as a means for transmitting the contents included in the usage status monitoring report to the user, for example, it is displayed on the operation panel. It is also possible to use means such as e-mail transmission to the PC.

  In the description of the second embodiment, the mode in which the communication between the printer and the management terminal is performed using e-mail has been described. However, there are other means for communication between terminals including a printer or the like other than e-mail. It is also possible to apply communication means other than e-mail. In the description of the second embodiment, the cooling device has been described as an example of the optional jig, but a tongle or the like may be used when cooling is not necessary.

101 LAN cable 102 PC
201, 201 ′ Printer 202 Operation panel 203 Control unit 204 Usage status monitoring unit 205 Recommended function analysis unit 206 Recommended function determination unit 207 Memory unit 208 Setting unit 209 Printing unit 210 Network communication unit 211 LCD
212 Key 301 Management terminal 302 Mail server 303 Mail transmission / reception unit 304 Optional jig

Claims (10)

A usage status monitoring unit that collects, for each output, a group of attributes when an output is obtained by forming an image on a recording medium;
A recommended function analysis unit that analyzes and classifies the attribute group collected by the usage monitoring unit;
A recommended function determination unit for deriving a recommended function from the type information classified by the recommended function analysis unit;
The attribute group includes a set value of received print data, an index value indicating a degree of consumption of consumables required for image formation, the number of errors that occurred during operation of the apparatus, and the time until the error is generated and canceled. Including error occurrence information,
The recommended function analysis unit is categorized based on a correlation between the set value and the index value, a correlation between the set value and the error occurrence information, or a correlation between the error occurrence information and the index value . An image forming apparatus. It further includes an input unit that uses the user input data received from the user as the attribute group.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The attribute group is retained data retained in the device
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A usage status monitoring unit that collects, for each output, a group of attributes when an output is obtained by forming an image on a recording medium;
A recommended function analysis unit that analyzes and classifies the attribute group collected by the usage monitoring unit;
A recommended function determination unit for deriving a recommended function from the typed information categorized by the recommended function analysis unit;
An output unit that presents to the user the typed information categorized by the recommended function analysis unit and the recommended function derived by the recommended function determination unit;
Including an attribute group change instruction for presenting a change of the attribute group separately created based on the user's response to the recommended function from the outside of the device, and an information transmission / reception unit that outputs information on the attribute change instruction,
The attribute group includes a set value of received print data, an index value indicating a degree of consumption of consumables required for image formation, the number of errors that occurred during operation of the apparatus, and the time until the error is generated and canceled. Including error occurrence information,
The recommended function analysis unit is categorized based on a correlation between the set value and the index value, a correlation between the set value and the error occurrence information, or a correlation between the error occurrence information and the index value. To do
An image forming apparatus. It further includes an input unit that uses the user input data received from the user as the attribute group.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. Before Symbol attribute group, it is held data held in the apparatus
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The attribute group change instruction is contents related to change of retained data held in the apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The attribute group change instruction is a change content that cannot be changed during standard operation of the device.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The attribute group change instruction is reflected by attaching a jig to the apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The attribute group change instruction is content related to change of usage fee data related to the usage fee of the device.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.