JP6697978B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image, and an image forming system including such an image forming apparatus.

  In image forming apparatuses, image forming conditions are often adjusted. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that prints a predetermined reference pattern image, reads the printed reference pattern image by a document reading unit, and corrects image position deviation and density unevenness based on the reading result. It is disclosed.

JP, 6-152909, A

  By the way, it is generally desired that the electronic device has high convenience for the user, and the image forming apparatus is also expected to have improved convenience.

  It is desirable to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can improve user convenience.

Images forming apparatus that put to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit, a communication unit and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image using a plurality of members. The communication unit transmits the first manufacturing identifier associated with the first member of the plurality of members and the first operating state information about the operating state of the first member, and the first manufacturing identifier and The first setting information according to the first operation state information and the second setting information according to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information are received. The control unit sets the image forming condition in the image forming unit to the first condition based on the first setting information, and sets the image forming condition to the second condition based on the second setting information. Is. The first setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the first condition, and the second setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the second condition. The first condition includes setting a set value in a certain setting item in the image forming unit to a first value, and the second condition sets a setting value in a setting item in the image forming unit to a second value. Including doing.

An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and a processing device. The image forming apparatus has an image forming unit, a first communication unit, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image using a plurality of members. The first communication unit transmits, to the processing device, a first manufacturing identifier associated with the first member of the plurality of members and first operation state information about an operation state of the first member. In addition, the first setting information corresponding to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information and the second setting information corresponding to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information transmitted from the processing device . The setting information is received. The control unit sets the image forming condition in the image forming unit to the first condition based on the first setting information, and sets the image forming condition to the second condition based on the second setting information. Is. The processing device has a second communication unit and a processing unit. The second communication unit receives the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information transmitted from the image forming apparatus, and also transmits the first setting information and the second setting information to the image forming apparatus. To do. The processing unit stores a plurality of manufacturing identifiers including the first manufacturing identifier , information about the operating state of the first member, and a plurality of setting information including the first setting information in association with each other. A database is provided , and the first setting information and the second setting information are obtained based on the database , the first manufacturing identifier , and the first operation state information . The first setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is the first condition, and the second setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is the second condition. The first condition includes setting a set value in a certain setting item in the image forming unit to a first value, and the second condition sets a setting value in a setting item in the image forming unit to a second value. Including doing.

According to images forming apparatus and an image forming system that put to an embodiment of the present invention, transmits a first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information, the first manufacturing identifier and the first operating state receiving a first setting information corresponding to the information, and a second setting information according to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information, and sets an image forming condition based on the first setting information Since the image forming condition is set based on the second setting information, the convenience of the user can be improved.

It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 structure of the multi-function peripheral device which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a developing unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control mechanism of the multi-function peripheral device shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a test pattern. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system including the multi-function peripheral device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device shown in FIG. 5. 7 is a table showing an example of defective lot information shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the image forming system shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing another operation example of the image forming system shown in FIG. 5.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Example of configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a multi-function peripheral (MFP) including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function peripheral device 1 has functions such as copying, facsimile, and scanner.

  The multi-function peripheral device 1 includes a display unit 51, an operation unit 52, an image reading unit 10, and an image forming unit 20. The display unit 51 displays the operating state of the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the like, and is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 52 receives a user's operation, and is configured using a touch panel, various buttons, and the like. The image reading unit 10 reads the information printed on the reading medium R. The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the recording medium P by an electrophotographic method.

  The image forming unit 20 includes a hopping roller 22, a medium supply roller 24, a registration roller 25, four developing units 30 (developing units 30K, 30Y, 30M, 30C), and four toner containing portions 38 (toner containing portions). 38K, 38Y, 38M, 38C), four exposure heads 39 (exposure heads 39K, 39Y, 39M, 39C), a transfer unit 40, a fixing unit 26, and a discharge roller 29. These members are arranged along the transport path 9 that transports the recording medium P.

  The hopping roller 22 is a member that takes out the recording media P set on the tray 21 one by one from the uppermost part and sends the taken-out recording media P to the transport path 9. The medium supply roller 24 is a member that takes out the recording media P set in the manual feed tray 23 one by one from the uppermost part and sends the taken-out recording media P to the transport path 9.

  The registration roller 25 is a member composed of a pair of rollers that sandwich the conveyance path 9 and corrects the skew of the recording medium P supplied from the hopping roller 22 or the medium supply roller 24, and also along the conveyance path 9. The recording medium P to the developing unit 30.

  The developing unit 30 forms a toner image. Specifically, the developing unit 30K forms a black (K) toner image, the developing unit 30Y forms a yellow (Y) toner image, and the developing unit 30M forms a magenta color image. The developing unit 30C forms the toner image of (M), and the developing unit 30C forms the toner image of cyan (C). In this example, the developing units 30 are arranged in the order of the developing units 30K, 30Y, 30M, and 30C in the transport direction F of the recording medium P. Each developing unit 30 is configured to be removable. Further, each developing unit 30 has a storage unit (not shown) in which the manufacturing number is stored. The manufacturing number is a so-called serial number for identifying the individual developing unit 30, and the manufacturing number indicates, for example, the factory where the developing unit 30 was manufactured, the time when the developing unit 30 was manufactured, and the like. It is possible to identify.

  The toner storage unit 38 stores toner. Specifically, the toner storage portion 38K stores black (K) toner, is configured to be detachable from the developing unit 30K, and the toner storage portion 38Y stores yellow (Y) toner. The developing unit 30Y is configured to be detachable, and the toner storage unit 38M stores magenta (M) toner. The developing unit 30M is configured to be detachable, and the toner storage unit 38C is a cyan storage unit. The color (C) toner is stored in the developing unit 30C and is detachably attached to the developing unit 30C. Further, each toner storage unit 38 has a storage unit (not shown) in which a manufacturing number for identifying an individual is stored.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the developing unit 30. Note that in this figure, in addition to the developing unit 30, the toner storage portion 38 is also drawn. The developing unit 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging roller 32, a cleaning blade 33, a developing roller 34, a regulating blade 35, and a supply roller 36.

  The photosensitive drum 31 is a member that carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface (surface layer portion). The photosensitive drum 31 may be, for example, one in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer are formed in this order on the surface of a raw tube having an outer diameter of 30 mm made of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 31 rotates clockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). The photosensitive drum 31 is charged by the charging roller 32. The photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30K forms an electrostatic latent image by being exposed by the exposure head 39K, and the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30Y is exposed by the exposure head 39Y to form an electrostatic latent image. Is formed, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30M by being exposed by the exposure head 39M, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30C by being exposed by the exposure head 39C. A latent image is formed. Then, the toner is supplied to each of the photosensitive drums 31 by the developing roller 34. As a result, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on each photosensitive drum 31.

  The charging roller 32 is a member that charges the surface (surface layer portion) of the photosensitive drum 31. As the charging roller 32, for example, a conductive shaft made of stainless steel or the like covered with a conductive elastic body such as epichlorohydrin can be used. The charging roller 32 is arranged so as to be in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 31, and is arranged so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 31 with a predetermined pressing amount. The charging roller 32 rotates counterclockwise in this example according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31. A charging voltage VCH is applied to the charging roller 32 by a voltage controller 67 (described later).

  The cleaning blade 33 is a member that cleans the photosensitive drum 31 by scraping off the toner remaining on the surface (surface layer portion) of the photosensitive drum 31. The cleaning blade 33 can be made of rubber, for example. The cleaning blade 33 is arranged so as to come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 by a counter (projecting in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 31) and contact the photosensitive drum 31 with a predetermined pressing amount. It is arranged to be pressed.

  The developing roller 34 is a member that carries toner on its surface. The developing roller 34 may be, for example, a conductive shaft made of stainless steel or the like on which an elastic layer and a surface layer are formed in this order. The elastic layer can be made of urethane rubber or silicone rubber, for example. The surface layer may be formed, for example, by treating the surface of the elastic layer with a urethane solution, or by coating the surface of the elastic layer with an acrylic resin or an acrylic-fluorine copolymer resin. Good. Carbon black may be added to the acrylic resin or the acrylic-fluorine copolymer resin in order to impart conductivity. The developing roller 34 is arranged so as to be in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 31, and is arranged so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 31 with a predetermined pressing amount. The developing roller 34 rotates counterclockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). On each photosensitive drum 31, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed (developed) by the toner supplied from the developing roller 34. A developing voltage VDB is applied to the developing roller 34 by a voltage controller 67 (described later).

  By contacting the surface of the developing roller 34, the regulating blade 35 forms a layer (toner layer) made of toner on the surface of the developing roller 34 and regulates (controls and adjusts) the thickness of the toner layer. It is a member. The regulation blade 35 is, for example, a plate-shaped elastic member made of stainless steel or the like that is bent into an L shape. The regulation blade 35 is arranged such that the bent portion thereof contacts the surface of the developing roller 34, and is arranged so as to be pressed against the developing roller 34 by a predetermined pressing amount. A supply voltage VSB is applied to the regulation blade 35 by a voltage controller 67 (described later).

  The supply roller 36 is a member that supplies the toner stored in the toner container 38 to the developing roller 34. As the supply roller 36, for example, a conductive shaft covered with an elastic body can be used. The elastic body can be formed using, for example, a conductive silicone rubber foam or a conductive urethane rubber foam. Acetylene black, carbon black, or the like may be added to the elastic body in order to impart semiconductivity. The supply roller 36 is arranged so as to be in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the developing roller 34, and is arranged so as to be pressed against the developing roller 34 by a predetermined pressing amount. The supply roller 36 rotates counterclockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). As a result, in each developing unit 30, friction occurs between the surface of the supply roller 36 and the surface of the developing roller 34. As a result, in each developing unit 30, the toner is charged by so-called frictional charging. A supply voltage VSB is applied to the supply roller 36 by a voltage controller 67 (described later).

  The exposure head 39 (FIG. 1) is a member that irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 with light. The exposure head 39 can be configured using, for example, a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, a drive circuit that drives the plurality of LED elements, and a lens array. The exposure head 39K irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30K with light, the exposure head 39Y irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30Y with light, and the exposure head 39M exposes the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30M. The drum 31 is irradiated with light, and the exposure head 39MC irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30C with light. As a result, these photosensitive drums 31 are exposed by the exposure heads 39K, 39Y, 39M, 39C, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drums 31.

  The transfer unit 40 is a member that transfers the toner image formed by the four developing units 30K, 30Y, 30M, and 30C onto the transfer surface of the recording medium P. The transfer unit 40 includes four transfer rollers 41 (transfer rollers 41K, 41Y, 41M, 41C), a transfer belt 42, a drive roller 43, an idle roller 44, and a belt cleaning device 45.

  The transfer roller 41 is a member that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 to the recording medium P. The transfer roller 41 can be configured using, for example, a conductive foam elastic body. The transfer roller 41K is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30K via the conveyance path 9, the transfer roller 41Y is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30Y via the conveyance path 9, and the transfer roller 41M is arranged. The transfer roller 41C is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30M via the transport path 9, and the transfer roller 41C is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30C via the transport path 9. A transfer voltage VTR is applied to each of the transfer rollers 41K, 41Y, 41M, and 41C by a voltage controller 67 (described later).

  The transfer belt 42 conveys the recording medium P along the conveyance path 9. The transfer belt 42 is stretched (stretched) by a drive roller 43 and an idle roller 44. The transfer belt 42 is configured to circulate and rotate in the transport direction F according to the rotation of the drive roller 43. At that time, the transfer belt 42 includes the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30K and the transfer roller 41K, the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30Y and the transfer roller 41Y, and the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 41M of the developing unit 30M. Between the photosensitive drum 31 of the developing unit 30C and the transfer roller 41C.

  The drive roller 43 rotates the transfer belt 42 in a circulating manner. In this example, the drive roller 43 is arranged on the downstream side of the four developing units 30 in the transport direction F, and is rotated counterclockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a belt motor (not shown). As a result, the drive roller 43 circulates and rotates the transfer belt 42 in the transport direction F.

  The idle roller 44 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in this example in accordance with the circulation rotation of the transfer belt 42. In this example, the idle roller 44 is arranged on the upstream side of the four developing units 30 in the transport direction F.

  The belt cleaning device 45 is a member that cleans the transfer belt 42 by scraping off the toner remaining on the transfer surface of the transfer belt 42.

  With this configuration, the transfer unit 40 records the toner image formed by the four developing units 30K, 30Y, 30M, and 30C while conveying the recording medium P supplied from the registration rollers 25 along the conveyance path 9. The images are sequentially transferred onto the transfer surface of the medium P. The transfer unit 40 is configured to be removable. The transfer unit 40 also has a storage unit (not shown) in which a manufacturing number for identifying an individual is stored.

  The fixing unit 26 is a member that fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium P to the recording medium P by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium P. The fixing unit 26 has a heat roller 27 and a pressure roller 28.

  The heat roller 27 is a member that applies heat to the toner on the recording medium P, and is configured to include a heater inside. As the heater, for example, a halogen heater can be used. As the heat roller 27, for example, an element in which an elastic layer and a toner peeling layer are formed in this order on the surface of a raw tube made of iron can be used. The elastic layer can be made of, for example, silicone rubber. Further, the toner release layer can be formed by using, for example, a fluororesin tube. The heat roller 27 is adapted to rotate by the power transmitted from a heater motor (not shown).

  The pressure roller 28 is a member that applies pressure to the toner on the recording medium P, and is arranged so as to form a pressure contact portion with the heat roller 27. The pressure roller 28 may be, for example, a base tube made of iron and having a toner peeling layer formed on the surface thereof. The toner release layer can be formed using, for example, a fluororesin tube. The pressure roller 28 is adapted to rotate by the power transmitted from a heater motor (not shown).

  With this configuration, in the fixing unit 26, the toner on the recording medium P is heated, melted, and pressed. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium P. The fixing unit 26 is configured to be removable. Further, the fixing unit 26 has a storage unit (not shown) in which a manufacturing number for identifying an individual is stored.

  The discharge rollers 29 are a pair of rollers arranged across the transport path 9, and are members that transport the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed along the transport path 9 and discharge it.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a control mechanism in the multi-function peripheral device 1. The multi-function peripheral device 1 further includes a network communication unit 53, a FAX communication unit 54, and a control unit 55 in addition to the display unit 51 and the operation unit 52. The network communication unit 53 is connected to a router (not shown) using, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and is connected to the Internet NET via this router. As a result, the network communication unit 53 can communicate with other network devices connected to the Internet NET. The FAX communication unit 54 transmits/receives data to/from a communication partner via a telephone line. The control unit 55 controls the operations of the display unit 51, the operation unit 52, the network communication unit 53, the FAX communication unit 54, the image reading unit 10, and the image forming unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 20 includes a serial number reading unit 61, an environment detecting unit 62, a storage unit 63, a drive control unit 64, a fixing control unit 65, an exposure control unit 66, and It has a voltage controller 67 and an image formation controller 68.

  The production number reading unit 61 reads the production number from each developing unit 30, each toner storage unit 38, the transfer unit 40, and the fixing unit 26. Then, the manufacturing number reading unit 61 supplies the read information about the manufacturing number to the image forming control unit 68.

  In this example, the environment detection unit 62 detects the temperature and the humidity and obtains the environment value based on the detected temperature and the humidity. In this example, the environment value can be an integer value of 1 or more and 8 or less. For example, when the temperature is 28 degrees and the humidity is 80%, the environmental value is set to "1". Further, for example, when the temperature is 10 degrees and the humidity is 20%, the environmental value is set to "8". Although the environment value is an integer value in this example, the environment value is not limited to this and may be, for example, a decimal value of 1.00 or more and 8.00 or less. Information about the obtained environmental value is supplied to the image forming control unit 68.

  The storage unit 63 stores various information such as various settings of the image forming unit 20, and is configured by using, for example, a non-volatile memory. In this example, the storage unit 63 stores the test pattern information IT, the device information IA, and the user information IU.

  The test pattern information IT is image information for generating a test pattern TP to be printed when diagnosing an image.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the test pattern TP. In this example, the test pattern TP is printed on the recording medium P of A4 size. For example, when the maximum size of the recording medium P that can be handled by the image forming unit 20 is A4 size, the recording medium P is transported in the X direction. That is, in this example, the X direction corresponds to the sub scanning direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the main scanning direction. In this case, the image length L of the test pattern TP is "I" shown in FIG. 4, and the image width W of the test pattern TP is "J" shown in FIG. Further, for example, when the maximum size of the recording medium P that the image forming unit 20 can handle is A3 size, the recording medium P is transported in the Y direction. That is, in this example, the Y direction corresponds to the sub scanning direction and the X direction corresponds to the main scanning direction. In this case, the image length L of the test pattern TP is "J" shown in FIG. 4, and the image width W of the test pattern TP is "J" shown in FIG. In this example, the test pattern TP is printed on the recording medium P of A4 size, but it is not limited to this. For example, in a country where the letter size is frequently used (for example, the United States), printing may be performed on the letter size recording medium P.

  The test pattern TP is divided into eight regions R1 to R8. These regions R1 to R8 are set to be arranged in a striped pattern in the diagonal direction connecting the upper right and lower left in FIG. The patterns in the regions R1 and R5 are, for example, black patterns formed by the developing unit 30K, the patterns in the regions R2 and R6 are, for example, yellow patterns formed by the developing unit 30Y, and the patterns in regions R3 and R7. Is a magenta color pattern formed by, for example, the developing unit 30M, and the patterns in the regions R4 and R8 are cyan color patterns formed by, for example, the developing unit 30C. The patterns in these regions R1 to R8 can be, for example, so-called halftone patterns. In other words, the print duty ratio in these areas R1 to R8 can be set to about 25% to 40%, for example. Here, the print duty ratio is "0%" when not printing and "100%" when the entire surface is solid printed.

  For example, the image width W of the pattern in the regions R1 and R5 formed by the developing unit 30K is set to the same width as the maximum width that the developing unit 30K can form an image in the main scanning direction. Further, the image length L of the pattern in the regions R1 and R5 is set to be twice or more the outer peripheral length of the photosensitive drum 31 having the largest outer diameter in the developing unit 30K. As a result, in the developing unit 30K, the photosensitive drum 31, the charging roller 32, the developing roller 34, and the supply roller 36 are each rotated twice or more when forming the patterns in the regions R1 and R5. The same applies to the patterns in the regions R2 and R6 formed by the developing unit 30Y, the patterns in the regions R3 and R7 formed by the developing unit 30M, and the patterns in the regions R4 and R8 formed by the developing unit 30C. ..

  The test pattern TP is not limited to the pattern shown in FIG. 4 and may be any pattern as long as it can be used for image diagnosis. For example, the size, pattern shape, and print duty ratio of the recording medium P on which the test pattern TP is printed can be changed as appropriate. Further, for example, since yellow is a color that is difficult to visually recognize, a mixed color of yellow and cyan may be used instead of the single color of yellow.

  The device information IA (FIG. 3) includes information indicating the state of the image forming unit 20. Specifically, the device information IA is, in this example, the manufacturing numbers of the developing units 30, the toner storage units 38, the transfer units 40, and the fixing units 26, the environmental values, and the usage amounts of the developing units 30 ( Development unit usage amount), the amount of toner remaining in each toner storage unit 38, the maximum value of the number of printed sheets of each development unit 30 per day, and the average print duty ratio of each development unit 30. .. Here, the developing unit usage amount is such that the developing unit 30 is "0%" when the developing unit 30 is new, and "100%" when the developing unit 30 has reached the end of its life. Each piece of information included in the apparatus information IA corresponds to a part of information included in defective lot information IL described later. The device information IA is generated by the device information generation unit 69 (described later).

  Note that the device information IA is not limited to this example, and some of these parameters may be omitted or other parameters may be added.

  The user information IU includes information about a user who uses the multifunction peripheral device 1. Specifically, the user information IU includes, for example, information about a user name and a password used when the multi-function peripheral device 1 accesses the server device 2 described later.

  The drive control unit 64 controls the operation of various motors such as a drum motor, a belt motor, and a heater motor provided in the image forming unit 20, based on an instruction from the image forming control unit 68. The fixing control unit 65 controls the operation of the fixing unit 26 based on an instruction from the image forming control unit 68. The exposure control unit 66 controls the operation of each exposure head 39 based on an instruction from the image formation control unit 68. The voltage control unit 67 generates various voltages such as the charging voltage VCH, the developing voltage VDB, the supply voltage VSB, and the transfer voltage VTR based on the instruction from the image forming control unit 68.

  The image forming controller 68 controls the operation of the image forming unit 20. Specifically, for example, when the network communication unit 53 receives print data, the image formation control unit 68, based on the print data, the drive control unit 64, the fixing control unit 65, the exposure control unit 66, An image is formed on the recording medium P by giving an instruction to the voltage controller 67. The image formation control unit 68 can be configured using, for example, a processor capable of executing a program.

  The image formation control unit 68 has a device information generation unit 69. The device information generation unit 69 generates the device information IA. Specifically, the device information generation unit 69 first uses the usage amount of each development unit 30, the remaining amount of toner in each toner storage unit 38, the maximum value of the number of printed sheets of each development unit 30 per day, and each development unit. An average print duty ratio of 30 is calculated. For example, when obtaining the maximum value of the number of printed sheets of each developing unit 30 per day, the apparatus information generation unit 69 uses the history information of the number of printed sheets for each day that the image formation control unit 68 has. Specifically, the device information generation unit 69 acquires the number of printed sheets on the most printed day based on the history information, and sets the number of printed sheets to the number when printed on the recording medium P of A4 size. By converting, the maximum value of the number of printed sheets per day is obtained. Then, the device information generation unit 69 is configured to generate the device information IA based on these pieces of information, the manufacturing number read by the manufacturing number reading unit 61, and the environment value obtained by the environment detection unit 62. ing. The device information generation unit 69 may generate the device information IA periodically, for example, or when consumable items such as the developing units 30, the toner storage units 38, the transfer units 40, and the fixing units 26 are replaced. The device information IA may be generated.

  Next, an image forming system 100 configured by using this multifunction peripheral device 1 will be described. For example, when manufacturing consumable items such as the developing units 30, the toner storage units 38, the transfer unit 40, and the fixing unit 26, manufacturing defects may occur in a specific lot. Generally, a manufacturer performs a test when shipping such a consumable item so that a defective product is not put on the market. However, for example, there may be a case where a product that causes a failure only under a certain specific environmental condition cannot be sufficiently removed by a test before shipment. In the image forming system 100, when the manufacturer understands that the image quality may be defective due to the manufacturing defect of the consumable product after shipping the consumable product, information about the consumable product in which the manufacturing defect occurs. Is registered as defective lot information IL. As a result, the multi-function peripheral device 1 can appropriately deal with the image quality defect based on the defective lot information IL.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration example of the image forming system 100. The image forming system 100 includes a multi-function peripheral device 1, a server device 2, and a terminal device 3. The server device 2 and the terminal device 3 are managed by, for example, the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the manufacturer of consumables. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and may be managed by, for example, a business operator in charge of maintenance of the multi-function peripheral device 1. The multi-function peripheral device 1, the server device 2, and the terminal device 3 are connected to the Internet NET and are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet NET.

  The server device 2 confirms, based on the device information IA, whether or not each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. The server device 2 can be configured using, for example, a processor capable of executing a program.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration example of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a network communication unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a control unit 73.

  The network communication unit 71 is connected to a router (not shown) using a wired LAN, for example, and is connected to the Internet NET via this router. Thereby, the network communication unit 71 can communicate with the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the terminal device 3.

  The storage unit 72 stores various information used in the image forming system 100, various programs executed by the control unit 73, and is configured using, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). . The storage unit 72 stores defective lot information IL in this example.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of defective lot information IL. The defective lot information IL includes defect information, information on defect occurrence conditions, information on test pattern printing conditions, and information on provisional countermeasures.

  In this example, the "fault information" includes information about the "fault type" and the "consumable item name". The “type of defect” is a symptom of a defect in image quality, and for example, “dirt”, “dirt (gray background)”, “spots” and the like are set. “Dirt” indicates a phenomenon in which the toner adheres to the non-printing area of the recording medium P due to excessive charging of the toner in the developing unit 30. “Smudge (fogging)” refers to a phenomenon in which the toner adheres to the non-printing area of the recording medium P when the developing unit 30 does not sufficiently charge the toner or the toner is charged to the opposite polarity. “Spots” indicate a phenomenon in which toner adheres to the recording medium P due to toner leaking from the developing unit 30. The “consumable item name” is the name of a consumable item that may cause a malfunction, and in this example, any of the developing units 30, the toner accommodating sections 38, the transfer section 40, and the fixing section 26 is set. In FIG. 7, the "developing unit (black)" corresponds to the developing unit 30K, and the "developing unit (magenta color)" corresponds to the developing unit 30M.

  The "defect occurrence condition" includes "serial number", "environmental value", "developing unit usage", "toner remaining amount", "maximum number of prints per day", and "average print duty ratio". I'm out. These pieces of information correspond to each piece of information in the device information IA in this example. In the example of FIG. 7, for example, the developing unit 30K having the serial number within the range of “15A00001 to 15A00500” operates at the temperature and humidity corresponding to the environmental value of “4 or more and 8 or less”, and the developing unit 30K. Is 50% or more, the remaining amount of black toner is 50% or less, the number of printed sheets of the developing unit 30K per day is 1000 or more, and the average print duty is It shows that "dirt" may occur when the ratio is "5% or less".

  The “test pattern printing condition” is a printing condition that can easily reproduce a defect in image quality when printing the test pattern TP in image diagnosis, and includes setting items and correction values. In this example, the setting item for "developing unit (black)" is "supply voltage", and the correction value is "-30V". That is, in this example, the developing unit 30K having the serial number within the range of "15A00001 to 15A00500" sets the supply voltage VSB, which is a negative voltage, to "30V" lower than the current setting (the absolute value of the supply voltage VSB is It is shown that "dirt" can be easily reproduced by setting 30V higher).

  The “provisional coping method” is a printing condition that should be used provisionally until a consumable item that may cause a defect is replaced, and is a printing condition that can make a defect in image quality less noticeable. This provisional coping method includes setting items and correction values. In this example, the setting item for "developing unit (black)" is "print setting" and the correction value is "+2". Here, "print setting" is the setting of the supply voltage VSB in this example, and "+2" means increasing the setting by two steps. That is, in the example of FIG. 7, the developing unit 30K having the serial number within the range of “15A00001 to 15A00500” sets the supply voltage VSB, which is a negative voltage, two steps higher than the current setting (absolute value of the supply voltage VSB. It is shown that "dirt" can be reduced by setting the value 2 lower.

  In this example, the setting item in the provisional coping method is "print setting" instead of the specific supply voltage VSB. This “print setting” can be set by the user operating the operation unit 52, for example. Thereby, for example, the user can set the printing conditions based on the provisional coping method. That is, when the user directly sets the supply voltage VSB, the user's operation becomes complicated and the convenience of the user may be impaired. Therefore, in this example, the user indirectly sets the supply voltage VSB by using “print setting”. Further, for example, when the multi-function peripheral device 1 rather than the user sets the printing condition based on the information about the provisional coping method, the setting item in the provisional coping method may be, for example, the supply voltage VSB. .

  The defective lot information IL is not limited to the example of FIG. 7, and some of these parameters may be omitted or other parameters may be added.

  The control unit 73 controls the operation of the server device 2 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 72. The control unit 73 has a defect determination unit 74. The defect determination unit 74 confirms whether or not each consumable item of the multifunction peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL, based on the device information IA supplied from the multifunction peripheral device 1, to thereby determine the defect. The decision is made.

  With this configuration, the server device 2 confirms, based on the device information IA supplied from the multifunction peripheral device 1, whether or not each consumable item of the multifunction peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Then, when the consumables of the multi-functional peripheral device 1 are registered in the defective lot information IL, the server device 2 provides the multi-functional information about the test pattern printing conditions and the provisional coping method, for example. It is designed to be supplied to the peripheral device 1.

  The terminal device 3 is used, for example, by a person in charge of the maker when inputting the defective lot information IL. The terminal device 3 can be configured using, for example, a personal computer.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the terminal device 3. The terminal device 3 includes a network communication unit 81, a display unit 82, an operation unit 83, a storage unit 84, and a control unit 85. The network communication unit 81 is connected to a router (not shown) using a wired LAN, for example, and is connected to the Internet NET via this router. As a result, the network communication unit 81 can communicate with the server device 2. The display unit 82 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the operation unit 83 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The storage unit 84 stores various programs executed by the control unit 85, and is configured using, for example, an HDD or SSD (Solid State Drive). The control unit 85 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 84.

  With this configuration, in the image forming system 100, first, for example, a person in charge of a maker uses the terminal device 3 to set the information on the consumable item in which the manufacturing defect has occurred in the storage unit 72 of the server device 2 as defective lot information IL. register. Then, the server device 2 confirms, based on the device information IA supplied from the multifunction peripheral device 1, whether or not each consumable item of the multifunction peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Then, when the consumables of the multi-functional peripheral device 1 are registered in the defective lot information IL, the server device 2 multi-functions the information about the test pattern printing conditions and the provisional coping method, for example. It is designed to be supplied to the peripheral device 1.

Here, the developing units 30K, 30Y, 30M and 30C, the toner containing sections 38K, 38Y, 38M and 38C, the transfer section 40 and the fixing section 26 correspond to a specific example of "a plurality of members" in the invention. The network communication unit 53 corresponds to a specific but not limitative example of “communication unit” in the present invention. The image forming control unit 68 corresponds to a specific example of "control unit" in the invention. The information about the test pattern printing conditions corresponds to a specific example of “first setting information”. The information on the provisional coping method corresponds to a specific example of “second setting information”. The environment value in the device information IA corresponds to a specific example of "operating environment" in the invention. In the device information IA, the usage amount of each development unit 30 (developing unit usage amount), the remaining amount of toner in each toner storage portion 38, the maximum value of the number of printed sheets of each development unit 30 per day, and each development unit 30 The information on the average print duty ratio corresponds to a specific example of “operating state ” in the present invention. The test pattern TP corresponds to a specific but not limitative example of “first image” in the present invention. The server device 2 corresponds to a specific but not limitative example of "processing device" in the present invention.

[Operation and action]
Subsequently, the operation and action of the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Overview of overall operation)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, an outline of the overall operation of the multi-function peripheral device 1 will be described. For example, when the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 receives the print data, the image forming control unit 68, based on the print data, the drive control unit 64, the fixing control unit 65, the exposure control unit 66. , And the voltage control unit 67 to instruct the printing operation. Further, for example, when the user operates the operation unit 52 to instruct to print the test pattern TP, the image formation control unit 68, based on the test pattern information IT stored in the storage unit 63. , The drive control unit 64, the fixing control unit 65, the exposure control unit 66, and the voltage control unit 67 to instruct the printing operation.

  Specifically, the fixing control section 65 controls the temperature of the fixing section 26 to reach a predetermined temperature based on an instruction from the image forming control section 68. The exposure controller 66 controls the light emitting operation of each exposure head 39 based on an instruction from the image formation controller 68. The voltage control unit 67 generates various voltages such as the charging voltage VCH, the developing voltage VDB, the supply voltage VSB, and the transfer voltage VTR based on the instruction from the image forming control unit 68. The drive control unit 64 controls the operation of various motors such as a drum motor, a belt motor, and a heater motor provided in the image forming unit 20, based on an instruction from the image forming control unit 68.

  In each developing unit 30, the supply roller 36 and the regulation blade 35 form a uniform toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 34. The charging roller 32 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31, and the exposure head 39 irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 with light. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. Then, the developing roller 34 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 31, so that a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31.

  The transfer unit 40 sequentially transfers the toner images thus formed by the developing units 30 to the recording medium P. Then, the fixing unit 26 fixes the toner image on the recording medium P to the recording medium P. Then, the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed is ejected.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, an outline of the overall operation of the image forming system 100 will be described. First, for example, the person in charge of the manufacturer uses the terminal device 3 to register the information of the consumable item in which the manufacturing defect has occurred in the storage unit 72 of the server device 2 as defective lot information IL. Further, the device information generation unit 69 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 generates the device information IA, and the storage unit 63 stores the device information IA.

  For example, the multi-function peripheral device 1 periodically transmits the device information IA to the server device 2. The frequency of transmitting the device information IA may be, for example, once a day or once a week. The server device 2 confirms, based on the device information IA, whether or not each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Then, when the consumables of the multi-functional peripheral device 1 are registered in the defective lot information IL, the server device 2 provides the multi-functional information about the test pattern printing conditions and the provisional coping method, for example. Supply to the peripheral device 1. Then, the multi-function peripheral device 1 prints the test pattern TP using the test pattern printing condition, and when the defect is reproduced, temporarily sets the printing condition by using the provisional coping method.

  Further, the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the type of defect and the device information IA to the server device 2 when, for example, a defect occurs in the image quality during use. The server device 2 confirms whether or not each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL based on the type of defect and the device information IA. Then, when the consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL, the server device 2 supplies the multi-function peripheral device 1 with information on the provisional coping method, for example. Then, the multi-function peripheral device 1 provisionally sets the printing conditions by using this provisional coping method.

(Detailed operation)
Next, the detailed operation of the image forming system 100 will be described. Hereinafter, two operation examples E1 and E2 will be described. The operation example E1 is an example in which the multi-function peripheral device 1 periodically transmits the device information IA to the server device 2. The operation example E2 is an example in which the device information IA is transmitted to the server device 2 when a problem occurs in the image quality.

(Operation example E1)
FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the image forming system 100 in the operation example E1. In this example, the multi-function peripheral device 1 periodically transmits the device information IA to the server device 2. Then, in this example, the server device 2 determines that the consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL, and the information about the test pattern printing condition and the information about the provisional coping method are given as follows. Send to the multifunction peripheral 1. The operation will be described in detail below.

  First, for example, the person in charge of the manufacturer inputs the defective lot information IL using the terminal device 3 (step S101).

  Next, the network communication unit 81 of the terminal device 3 transmits the defective lot information IL input in step S101 to the server device 2 via the Internet NET, and the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 causes the defective lot information IL to be transmitted. The information IL is received (step S102). Then, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 stores the defective lot information IL in the storage unit 72 (step S103). As a result, the defective lot information IL is centrally managed by the server device 2.

  After that, the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the device information IA stored in the storage unit 63 to the server device 2 via the Internet NET, and the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 receives this device information IA. The information IA is received (step S111). Then, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 stores the device information IA in the storage unit 72 (step S112).

  Next, the defect determination unit 74 of the server device 2 registers each consumable item of the multifunction peripheral device 1 in the defective lot information IL based on the defective lot information IL and the device information IA stored in the storage unit 72. By checking whether or not there is any defect, a defect determination is made (step S113). Specifically, the defect determination unit 74 includes, for example, the serial number of each consumable item, the environmental value, the usage amount of each developing unit 30 (developing unit usage amount), and the toner storage unit 38 included in the device information IA. By comparing the remaining toner amount, the maximum number of printed sheets of each developing unit 30 per day, and the average print duty ratio of each developing unit 30 with the defective lot information IL, each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is compared. Is confirmed in the defective lot information IL. In this example, one of the consumables of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Therefore, the server device 2 determines that a malfunction may occur in the multifunction peripheral device 1. When each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is not registered in the defective lot information IL, the sequence ends here.

  Next, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 extracts, from the defective lot information IL, information on the test pattern printing conditions and the provisional coping method corresponding to the corresponding consumable item (step S114).

  Next, the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 transmits the information about the test pattern printing conditions and the provisional coping method extracted in step S114 to the multifunction peripheral device 1, and the network communication of the multifunction peripheral device 1 is performed. The unit 53 receives this information (step S115).

  Next, the display unit 51 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays a screen that prompts the user for image diagnosis based on the instruction from the image formation control unit 68 (step S116). On this screen, the user can use the operation unit 52 to select whether or not to perform image diagnosis. In this example, the user selects to execute the image diagnosis. If the user selects not to execute the image diagnosis, the sequence ends here.

  Next, the multi-function peripheral device 1 prints the test pattern TP based on the test pattern information IT stored in the storage unit 63 using the information about the test pattern printing conditions received in step S115 (step S117). ).

  Next, the display unit 51 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays a screen prompting the user to confirm the defect in the image quality based on the instruction from the image formation control unit 68 (step S118). That is, since the test pattern printing condition received in step S115 is a printing condition that can easily reproduce the defect, the multi-function peripheral device 1 causes the user to confirm whether the defect is reproduced. On this screen, the user can use the operation unit 52 to select whether or not the defect is reproduced. In this example, the user selects that the defect has been reproduced. If the user selects that the defect has not been reproduced, the sequence ends here.

  Next, the multi-function peripheral device 1 performs an ordering process for the consumable products registered in the defective lot information IL among the consumable products of the multi-function peripheral device 1 (step S119). Specifically, the display unit 51 displays that the consumable item needs to be replaced, based on the instruction from the image forming control unit 68, and the image forming control unit 68 indicates that the consumable item needs to be replaced. Consumable order information IO including information is generated.

  Further, the image forming control unit 68 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 sets the printing conditions based on the information about the provisional coping method received in step S115 (step S127). As a result, in the multi-function peripheral device 1, it is possible to continue to use the consumable item until the consumable item is replaced, while the deterioration of the image quality due to a defect is less noticeable. In this example, the image formation control unit 68 sets the printing condition based on the information on the provisional coping method, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the information on the provisional coping method is displayed on the display unit 51. May be displayed on the screen, and the user may be allowed to set the printing conditions.

  Next, the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the consumable item ordering information IO and the user information IU stored in the storage unit 63 to the server device 2, and the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 consumes the consumed information. The product order information IO and the user information IU are received (step S120). Then, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 stores the consumable item ordering information IO in the storage unit 72 (step S121). As a result, the consumable item ordering information IO is centrally managed by the server device 2.

  Next, the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 transmits the consumable item ordering information IO and the user information IU to the terminal device 3, and the network communication unit 81 of the terminal device 3 causes the consumable item ordering information IO and the user information IU. Is received (step S122).

  Next, the control unit 85 of the terminal device 3 performs an order receiving process (step S123). Specifically, the control unit 85 performs an authentication process based on the user name and password included in the user information IU, confirms the inventory of the consumable item based on the consumable item ordering information IO, and confirms the consumable item. Confirm the delivery date. Through this order receiving process, the control unit 85 generates a consumable item delivery date information ID including information about the delivery date of the consumable item. Further, for example, the person in charge of the manufacturer starts preparation for shipping consumable items based on the consumable item ordering information IO.

  Next, the network communication unit 81 of the terminal device 3 transmits the consumables delivery date information ID to the server device 2, and the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 receives the consumables delivery date information ID (step S124). Then, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 stores the consumable item delivery date information ID in the storage unit 72 (step S125). As a result, the consumable item delivery date information ID is centrally managed by the server device 2.

  Next, the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 transmits this expendable item delivery date information ID to the multifunction peripheral device 1, and the network communication unit 53 of the multifunction peripheral device 1 receives this expendable item delivery date information ID ( Step S126).

  Then, the display unit 51 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays the delivery date of the ordered consumable item included in the consumable item delivery date information ID based on the instruction from the image forming control unit 68 (step S128).

  This is the end of the sequence.

(Operation example E2)
FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the image forming system 100 in the operation example E2. In this example, when a malfunction occurs, the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the malfunction type and the device information IA to the server device 2. Then, the server device 2 determines that the consumable item and the type of the malfunction of the multifunction peripheral device 1 are registered in the defective lot information IL, and transmits the information on the provisional coping method to the multifunction peripheral device 1. The operation will be described in detail below.

  Until the defective lot information IL is registered in the server device 2 (steps S101 to S103), it is the same as the operation example E1.

  Next, in this example, in the multi-function peripheral device 1, a problem occurs in the image quality (step S131). The multi-function peripheral device 1 performs image diagnosis based on an instruction from the user (step S132). At this time, the multifunction peripheral device 1 may print the test pattern TP, for example. Then, the display unit 51 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays a screen prompting the user to input the type of defect based on the instruction from the image formation control unit 68 (step S133). On this screen, the user can select "dirt" or "spot" using the operation unit 52. The user selects "dirt" or "speckle" according to the trouble that has occurred.

  Next, the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the information about the type of defect input in step S133 and the device information IA stored in the storage unit 63 to the server device 2, and the server device 2 The network communication unit 71 receives the information about the type of defect and the device information IA (step S134). Then, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 causes the storage unit 72 to store the information about the type of defect and the device information IA (step S135).

  Next, the defect determination unit 74 of the server device 2 uses the defective lot information IL stored in the storage unit 72, the information about the type of defect, and the device information IA as a consumable item and a defect of the multifunction peripheral device 1. The defect determination is performed by checking whether or not the type is registered in the defective lot information IL (step S136). Specifically, the defect determination unit 74 compares the serial number of each consumable item and the type of defect with the defective lot information IL, so that each consumable item of the multifunction peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Check whether or not For example, when the type of defect is “dirt”, the defect determination unit 74 determines that the defect type is “dirt” in the defective lot information IL as shown in FIG. Is "dirt (fogging)", and it is confirmed whether or not each consumable item of the multi-functional peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL with respect to these data. In this example, one of the defect type input in step S133 and the consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. Therefore, the server device 2 determines that the malfunction that has occurred in the multifunction peripheral device 1 is registered in the defective lot information IL. When each consumable item of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is not registered in the defective lot information IL, the sequence ends here.

  Next, the control unit 73 of the server device 2 extracts information about the provisional coping method corresponding to the corresponding consumable item from the defective lot information IL (step S137).

  Next, the network communication unit 71 of the server device 2 transmits the information about the provisional coping method extracted in step S137 to the multi-function peripheral device 1, and the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 uses the provisional coping process. Information on a coping method is received (step S138).

  After that, as in the case of the operation example E1, the image forming control unit 68 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 performs the ordering process of the consumables (step S119), and the information about the provisional coping method received in step S138. The print condition is set on the basis of (step S127). Then, the network communication unit 53 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 transmits the consumable item ordering information IO and the user information IU to the terminal device 3 via the server device 2 (steps S120 to S122), and the control unit of the terminal device 3. 85 performs order receiving processing (step S123), the network communication unit 81 of the terminal device 3 transmits the consumable item delivery date information ID to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the server device 2 (steps S124 to S126), The display unit 51 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 displays the delivery date of the ordered consumable item (step S128).

  This is the end of the sequence.

  As described above, in the image forming system 100, the multi-function peripheral device 1 supplies the device information IA to the server device 2, and the server device 2 uses the provisional coping method based on the device information IA and the defective lot information IL. Since it is supplied to the functional peripheral device 1, the convenience of the user can be enhanced. That is, for example, when a defect occurs in the image quality, when a predetermined reference pattern image is printed and the image position deviation and the density unevenness are corrected based on the printed reference pattern image, the burden on the user is great. There is a risk of becoming. In particular, the user does not know whether or not the defect in the image quality is due to a manufacturing defect, and thus the user is obliged to make an adjustment each time according to the situation of the defect, which is troublesome. Further, if the problem cannot be resolved, it takes time and trouble to contact the manufacturer's call center, for example. On the other hand, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to easily confirm, based on the defective lot information IL, whether or not the defect is due to a manufacturing defect. Then, in the image forming system 100, when the defect is caused by a manufacturing defect, the information on the provisional coping method is presented and the ordering process is performed, so that the burden on the user can be reduced. . As a result, in the image forming system 100, the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Further, in the image forming system 100, since the multi-function peripheral device 1 is configured to regularly transmit the device information IA to the server device 2, even if the malfunction has not occurred yet, the malfunction of the multi-function peripheral device 1 occurs. It is possible to confirm whether there is a possibility of occurrence. In addition, when the server device 2 determines that a malfunction may occur in the multi-function peripheral device 1, the multi-function peripheral device 1 is supplied with information about the test pattern printing conditions. This allows the user to recognize with higher accuracy that the multifunction peripheral device 1 may be defective by reproducing the defect in the image quality. As described above, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the image quality defect, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

[effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the server device supplies the provisional coping method to the multi-function peripheral device based on the device information and the defective lot information, so that the convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, since the device information is periodically transmitted to the server device, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a defect in the image quality, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, each consumable item is configured to store the production number for identifying the individual, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of this, for example, in which factory the product was produced, An identifier indicating which manufacturing line was used, when the manufacturing was performed, and the like may be stored. Even in this case, it is possible to confirm whether or not each consumable item corresponds to the lot in which the manufacturing defect has occurred.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, the image forming system 100 is provided with one terminal device 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of terminal devices 3 may be provided. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 3 can be provided for each business area of the manufacturer. Even in this case, the defective lot information IL of the server device 2 is updated based on the information input using the plurality of terminal devices 3. Then, for example, when the server device 2 receives the consumable goods ordering information IO and the user information IU from the multi-function peripheral device 1, the multi-function peripheral device 1 is operating based on the user information IU. The business area corresponding to the place can be specified, and the consumable item ordering information IO and the user information IU can be transmitted to the terminal device 3 in the business area.

  Although the present technology has been described above with reference to the embodiments and modifications, the present technology is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the image is formed on the recording medium P by the electrophotographic method, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image may be formed by any method. Further, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the color image is formed on the recording medium P, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a monochrome image may be formed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the present technology is applied to the multi-function peripheral device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a single-function printer instead.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Multifunctional peripheral device, 2... Server device, 3... Terminal device, 9... Conveyance path, 10... Image reading unit, 20... Image forming unit, 21... Tray, 22... Hopping roller, 23... Manual feed tray, 24... Medium supply roller, 25... Registration roller, 26... Fixing section, 27... Heat roller, 28... Pressure roller, 29... Discharge roller, 30, 30K, 30Y, 30M, 30C... Developing unit, 31... Photosensitive drum, 32... Charging roller, 33... Cleaning blade, 34... Developing roller, 35... Regulating blade, 36... Supply roller, 38, 38K, 38Y, 38M, 38C... Toner accommodating section, 39, 39K, 39Y, 39M, 39C... Exposure head, 40... Transfer unit, 41, 41K, 41Y, 41M, 41C... Transfer roller, 42... Transfer belt, 43... Drive roller, 44... Idle roller, 45... Belt cleaning device, 51... Display unit, 52... Operation unit, 53 ... network communication unit, 54... FAX communication unit, 55... control unit, 61... serial number reading unit, 62... environment detection unit, 63... storage unit, 64... drive control unit, 65... fixing control unit, 66... exposure control Unit, 67... voltage control unit, 68... image formation control unit, 69... device information generation unit, 71... network communication unit, 72... storage unit, 73... control unit, 74... defect determination unit, 81... network communication unit, 82... Display unit, 83... Operation unit, 84... Storage unit, 85... Control unit, IA... Device information, ID... Consumable item delivery date information, IL... Defective lot information, IO... Consumable item ordering information, IT... Test pattern information , IU... User information, NET... Internet, P... Recording medium, R... Reading medium.

Claims (17)

An image forming unit that forms an image using a plurality of members,
While transmitting a first manufacturing identifier associated with a first member of the plurality of members and first operating state information about an operating state of the first member , the first manufacturing identifier and the a first setting information corresponding to the first operating state information, a communication unit that receives the second setting information according to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information,
Control for setting the image forming condition in the image forming unit to the first condition based on the first setting information, and setting the image forming condition to the second condition based on the second setting information and a part,
The first setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the first condition,
The second setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the second condition,
The first condition includes setting a setting value for a certain setting item in the image forming unit to a first value,
The second condition includes setting a setting value of the setting item in the image forming unit to a second value.
Image forming apparatus. After pre-Symbol controller has set the image forming condition on the first condition, the image forming unit forms a first image, then the control unit before Symbol image forming condition the second condition The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is set to . Further comprising an operation unit for receiving a user operation,
Wherein, after said image forming unit to form the first image, based on an instruction from the operation unit, the claim 1 or claim image forming condition is set to the second condition 2 The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The communication unit transmits the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information at a predetermined frequency.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . The image quality of the second image formed by the image forming unit when the image forming condition is set to the second condition is determined by the image forming unit when the image forming condition is set to the first condition. Better than the quality of the third image to be formed
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The first image is an image having a predetermined pattern.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In addition to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operating state information , the communication unit also transmits environmental information about an operating environment of the image forming unit ,
Wherein each of the first setting information and the second setting information, the first production identifier, said first operation state information, and the claims 1, which is information corresponding to the environment information according to claim 6 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims. The communication unit includes, in addition to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information , a second manufacturing identifier associated with a second member of the plurality of members and an operation of the second member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , which also transmits the second operation state information regarding the state . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the image forming condition to the second condition and performs an ordering process for the first member. Further equipped with a display unit,
The communication unit further receives delivery date information according to the order processing,
The display unit displays the delivery date of the first member based on the delivery date information.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. The first value and the second value are different from normal setting values for the setting items.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The communication unit receives the first setting information and the second setting information when the first member associated with the first manufacturing identifier is a member that may cause a malfunction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The first condition is a condition that makes it easy to reproduce the defect,
The second condition is a condition capable of making the deterioration of the image quality due to the defect less noticeable.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an identifier acquisition unit that acquires the first manufacturing identifier from the first member. The communication unit transmits the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information to a processing device, and receives the first setting information and the second setting information from the processing device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . Further comprising an operation unit for receiving a user operation,
Wherein the control unit, encourages the image forming condition so as to set the second condition to the user, based on an instruction from the operation unit sets the image forming condition in the second condition The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 . An image forming apparatus,
With a processing device,
The image forming apparatus,
An image forming unit that forms an image using a plurality of members,
A first manufacturing identifier associated with a first member of the plurality of members and first operation state information about an operation state of the first member are transmitted to the processing device, and First setting information corresponding to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information transmitted from the processing device, and second setting information corresponding to the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information. A first communication unit for receiving setting information of
Control for setting the image forming condition in the image forming unit to the first condition based on the first setting information, and setting the image forming condition to the second condition based on the second setting information Has a section and
The processing device is
The first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information transmitted from the image forming apparatus are received, and the first setting information and the second setting information are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. A second communication unit,
A plurality of manufacturing identifiers including the first manufacturing identifier , information about the operating state of the first member, the first setting information and the second setting information are stored in association with each other. has a database, the database, pre-SL based on the first manufacturing identifier and the first operation state information, possess a processing unit to obtain the first configuration information and the second setting information,
The first setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the first condition,
The second setting information is information indicating that the image forming condition is set to the second condition,
The first condition includes setting a setting value for a certain setting item in the image forming unit to a first value,
The second condition is an image forming system including setting a setting value of the setting item in the image forming unit to a second value .

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