JP2024139446A - Image diagnosis apparatus, control method thereof, program, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention provides a mechanism for performing image diagnosis using a printed matter output in a print job, and for performing a stable image diagnosis function independent of the contents of the printed matter. [Solution] This image diagnosis device uses a reading unit to read paper on which an image is formed and which is conveyed from an image forming unit, and diagnoses an abnormality in the device by detecting an abnormality in the read image. This image diagnosis device also executes a first image diagnosis using paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit in an image forming job. Furthermore, when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, this image diagnosis device also executes a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed by the image forming unit, in accordance with the detected abnormality. [Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging diagnostic device, a control method thereof, a program, and an image forming device.

In recent years, inspection systems have been developed that can detect defects in printed matter, such as stains, blank spaces, and skew, by comparing the image data obtained by reading a printed matter produced by an image forming device with a sensor, carrying out image processing on the image data, and then comparing it with the original print data. Such defects in printed matter can occur when parts inside the device deteriorate due to long periods of stressful use of the image forming device. In addition to the inspection function described above, there is also an image diagnosis function that prints a special chart to identify deteriorated parts inside the device, and reads it with a sensor to identify the cause of the defect in the printed matter.

Patent Document 1 proposes an image diagnosis function that uses a dedicated chart. For example, a device outputs a chart that can diagnose each image diagnosis item to be examined, and performs image diagnosis based on the results of reading the chart. On the other hand, a method of implementing the image diagnosis function is also envisioned in which image diagnosis is performed from the results of reading the output of a normal print job, without using a dedicated chart.

JP 2019-133020 A

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. While performing image diagnosis using a dedicated test chart makes it possible to perform image diagnosis of all items that need to be diagnosed with certainty, it requires the user to stop the print job, which reduces productivity. Furthermore, printing the urine test chart consumes consumable materials such as paper and toner outside of the print job.

On the other hand, when performing image diagnosis using a print job submitted by a user, the image diagnosis items that can be performed depend on the print contents of the print job. For example, if the print job is in monochrome, it is not possible to detect stains or missing colors other than Bk.

The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for performing image diagnosis using printed matter output in a print job, and for performing stable image diagnosis functions without depending on the content of the printed matter.

The present invention is, for example, an image diagnostic device, characterized by comprising an image diagnostic means for reading paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from an image forming means by a reading means and diagnosing an abnormality in the device by detecting an abnormality in the read image, and a control means for causing the image diagnostic means to execute a first image diagnosis using paper on which an image is formed by the image forming means in an image forming job, and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, causing the image forming means to form a test chart for image diagnosis on paper in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnostic means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed.

According to the present invention, for example, image diagnosis can be performed using the printed matter output in a print job, and stable image diagnosis functions can be performed without depending on the content of the printed matter.

FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment; 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for image diagnosis during a job according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen of image diagnosis during a job according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a UI of an image diagnosis result screen during another job according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for image diagnosis using a test chart according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen of image diagnosis using a test chart according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a UI of an image diagnosis setting screen using another test chart according to an embodiment; A flowchart showing a processing procedure for executing an image diagnosis system according to an embodiment. A flowchart showing a processing procedure of image diagnosis processing during a job according to an embodiment. A flowchart showing a processing procedure of image diagnosis processing using a test chart according to an embodiment.

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

First Embodiment
<Overall system configuration>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The external controller in this embodiment may also be called an image processing controller, a digital front end, a DFE, a print server, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction device, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP. In the following, image formation for forming an image on paper (sheet) may also be called printing.

First, referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a configuration of an image processing system in this embodiment. This image processing system includes an image forming device 101 and an external controller 102. The image forming device 101 and the external controller 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The external controller 102 is communicatively connected to a PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is sent from the PC 103 to the external controller 102.

A printer driver that converts print data into a print description language that can be processed by the external controller 102 is installed in the PC 103. A user who wishes to instruct printing can issue print instructions from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the external controller 102 based on the print instructions from the user. When the external controller 102 receives a print instruction from the PC 103, it performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming device 101 to issue a print instruction. The external controller 102 inputs the print data to the image forming device 101 via the internal LAN 105, and inputs the rasterized image data via the video cable 106.

Next, the image forming device 101 will be described. The image forming device 101 is connected to a number of devices with different functions, and is configured to be capable of complex printing processes such as bookbinding. The image forming device 101 includes a printing device 107, an inserter 108, an image diagnostic device 109, a large-capacity stacker 110, and a finisher 111.

The printing device 107 uses toner to form an image on paper fed into the machine from a paper feed section located at the bottom of the printing device 107. Note that although paper is used as an example here, other print media may be used. Here, the configuration and operating principle of the printing device 107 will be described.

A beam of light such as a laser beam modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror or other such mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet of paper attached to the transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is carried out sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, forming a full-color image on the paper. The paper on which the full-color image has been formed on the transfer drum is transported to a fixing unit. The fixing unit includes rollers, belts, etc., and has a heat source such as a halogen heater built into the rollers, and uses heat and pressure to melt the toner on the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, fixing it to the paper.

The inserter 108 is a device for inserting an insertion sheet. The inserter 108 can insert a sheet at any position into the stack of sheets printed and transported by the printing device 107.

The image diagnostic device 109 is capable of performing image diagnosis. Image diagnosis involves reading an image of the transported paper and comparing the generated image data with a reference image registered in advance to determine whether there is an image abnormality on the printed paper. A detailed description will be given later. If an image abnormality is determined to exist, the abnormality is analyzed and the abnormality in the image forming device that caused the abnormality and the method of resolving the abnormality are identified. Note that in this embodiment, the printing device 107 and other devices including the image diagnostic device 109 are described as separate devices, but this is not intended to limit the present invention and they may be integrated into one device (e.g., an image forming device).

The large-capacity stacker 110 is a device capable of stacking a large volume of paper. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processes (post-processing) on the transported paper. Depending on the settings, finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching can be performed, and paper that passes through the finisher 111 is discharged to a paper output tray.

The printing system described in FIG. 1 has an external controller 102 connected to the image forming device 101, but the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the external controller 102 is connected. In other words, the image forming device 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming device 101 may be sent from the PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming device 101, and printing processing is executed.

<System control configuration>
Next, the system control configuration of the image forming apparatus 101, the external controller 102, and the PC 103 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the configuration of the printing apparatus 107 will be described.

The printing device 107 includes a communication I/F 217, a LAN I/F 218, a video I/F 220, a HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, an operation unit 224, and a display 225. The printing device 107 further includes an original exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. Each of the components is connected via a system bus 231.

The communication I/F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, image diagnostic device 109, large capacity stacker 110, and finisher 111 via a communication cable 255, and communicates to control each device. The LAN I/F 218 is connected to the external controller 102 via the internal LAN 105, and transmits and receives print data, etc. The video I/F 220 is connected to the external controller 102 via the video cable 106, and transmits and receives rasterized image data, etc.

The HDD 221 is a storage device in which programs and data are saved. The CPU 222 loads the programs saved in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executes the programs to comprehensively control image processing and printing. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required when the CPU 222 performs various processes, and operates as a work area.

The operation unit 224 accepts various setting inputs and operation instructions from the user. The display 225 displays setting information for the image forming apparatus 101, the processing status of a print job (image forming job), and the like. The original exposure unit 226 performs processing to read an original when using the copy function or scan function. Original data is read by shining light from an exposure lamp onto paper placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera.

The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image. In the laser exposure unit 227, primary charging is first performed to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, the laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area and forms an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 228 is a device for transferring toner to paper, and includes a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to the paper.

In the developing unit, negatively charged toner from a developing cylinder is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to create a visible image. In the transfer unit, primary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the transfer belt, and secondary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the secondary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device for melting and fixing the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is equipped with a heater, a fixing belt, a pressure belt, etc. The paper feed unit 230 is a device for feeding paper, and controls the paper feeding and transport operations using rollers and various sensors.

Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 will be described. The inserter 108 includes a communication I/F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I/F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and performs communication necessary for control.

The CPU 233 performs various controls necessary for paper feeding according to a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper feed control unit 235 controls the rollers and sensors based on instructions from the CPU 233, and controls the feeding and transport of paper transported from the paper feed unit of the inserter and the printing device 107.

Next, the configuration of the image diagnostic device 109 will be described. The image diagnostic device 109 includes a communication I/F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, an imaging unit 240, a display 241, an operation unit 242, and a HDD 256, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I/F 237 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication necessary for control is performed. In addition, the reference image used for the inspection is also received from the printing device 107 via this communication cable 255 and the communication I/F 237, and is stored in the HDD 256.

The CPU 238 is an example of a control means or display control means, and performs various controls necessary for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The reception and storage of the reference image is not limited to this, and for example, the imaging diagnostic device 109 may have a LAN I/F and communicate with the external controller 102 via an internal LAN. In this case, the imaging diagnostic device 109 can perform the same operation by receiving the reference image from the external controller 102 via the LAN I/F and saving it in the HDD 256.

The photographing unit 240 photographs the transported paper based on instructions from the CPU 238. The CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with the reference image stored in the HDD 256 to determine whether there is an image abnormality in the print paper. The display 241 displays image diagnosis results and setting screens. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and accepts instructions such as changing the settings of the image diagnosis device 109 and registering a reference image. The HDD 256 stores the reference image. Note that if the HDD 256 is not provided, the reference image may be stored in the HDD 221 of the printing device 107, and the reference image may be read from the HDD 221 to the memory 239 and used when determining whether there is an image abnormality in the print paper.

Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 comprises a communication I/F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each component is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I/F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication necessary for control is performed.

The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper discharge according to a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of the transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 will be described. The finisher 111 includes a communication I/F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253. Each component is connected via a system bus 254. The communication I/F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 255, and communication necessary for control is performed.

The CPU 250 performs various controls required for finishing and paper discharge according to a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls the transport and discharge of paper based on instructions from the CPU 250. The finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

Next, the configuration of the external controller 102 will be described. The external controller 102 includes a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LAN I/F 213, a LAN I/F 214, and a video I/F 215, and each component is connected via a system bus 216.

The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the PC 103, RIP processing, and sending print jobs to the image forming apparatus 101 based on the programs and data stored in the HDD 210. The memory 209 stores programs and data required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as print processing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the external controller 102. The display 212 displays information such as the applications being executed by the external controller 102 using video signals of still images and videos.

The LAN I/F 213 is connected to the PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as print instructions. The LAN I/F 214 is connected to the image forming device 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as print jobs as print instructions. The video I/F 215 is connected to the image forming device 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as rasterized image data.

Next, the configuration of the PC 103 will be described. The PC 103 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a HDD 203, a keyboard 204, a display 205, and a LAN I/F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and issues print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203.

The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required when the CPU 201 performs various processes, and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as the applications being executed by the PC 103 using video signals for still images and videos. The LAN I/F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as printing instructions.

In the above description, the external controller 102 and the image forming device 101 are connected by the internal LAN 105 and the video cable 106, but any other configuration is acceptable as long as it allows transmission and reception of data necessary for printing, and for example, the connection may be configured with only a video cable. Also, the memories 202, 209, 223, 234, 239, 246, and 251 may each be a storage device for holding data and programs. For example, they may be replaced by volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, etc.

<Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. First, the printing apparatus 107 will be described. Paper feed decks 301 and 302 of the printing apparatus 107 are capable of storing various types of paper. Information on the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set from the operation unit 224 of the printing apparatus 107. Each paper feed deck can separate only the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and feed that sheet to a paper transport path 303.

The developing stations 304 to 307 form toner images using the color toners Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form a color image. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 308. Furthermore, the intermediate transfer belt 308 rotates clockwise in the figure, and the toner images primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 308 are transferred to the paper transported from the paper transport path 303 at the secondary transfer position 309.

The display 225 displays the printing status and information for setting the image forming apparatus 101. The fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image to the paper. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the paper passes between the rollers to melt and press the toner, thereby fixing the toner image to the paper. The paper that has passed through the fixing unit 311 is transported to the paper transport path 315 through the paper transport path 312. If further melting and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of paper, the paper passes through the fixing unit 311 and is transported to the second fixing unit 313 using the upper paper transport path. After additional melting and pressing are performed in the second fixing unit 313, the paper is transported to the paper transport path 315 through the paper transport path 314. When the image forming mode is double-sided, the paper is transported to the paper inversion path 316, inverted by the paper inversion path 316, and then transported to the double-sided transport path 317, where the image on the second side is transferred to the secondary transfer position 309.

Next, we will explain the inserter 108 for inserting paper. The inserter 108 has an inserter tray 321, and merges paper fed to the inserter tray 321 with the transport path via a paper transport path 322. This makes it possible to insert paper at any position in a series of paper sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transport them to a subsequent device. Paper sheets that have passed through the inserter 108 are transported to the imaging diagnostic device 109.

Next, the image diagnostic device 109 will be described. Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other in the image diagnostic device 109. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the upper surface of the paper, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the lower surface of the paper. When the paper sequentially transported from the printing device 107 reaches a predetermined position on the paper transport path 333, the image diagnostic device 109 reads the image of the paper using cameras 331 and 332. As image diagnostic processing, it is determined whether there is an image abnormality, and if there is an abnormality, it is determined whether there is an apparatus abnormality, and the cause of the occurrence and the method of dealing with it. The display 241 displays the image diagnosis results performed by the image diagnostic device 109. Note that the cameras 331 and 332 may be provided in a device other than the image diagnostic device 109. In that case, the image diagnostic device 109 obtains the read image from the device in which the cameras 331 and 332 are provided, and performs the inspection function and image diagnostic function.

Next, the large-capacity stacker 110 will be described. The large-capacity stacker 110 is capable of loading a large volume of paper. The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for loading paper that has been determined to have no quality abnormalities by image diagnosis by the image diagnostic device 109. Paper that has passed through the image diagnostic device 109 is input to the large-capacity stacker 110 via a paper transport path 344 and accumulated. The paper travels from the paper transport path 344 through a paper transport path 345 and is loaded onto the stack tray 341.

The stacker 340 further has an escape tray 346 as a paper discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a tray for discharging paper that is determined to have a quality abnormality by image diagnosis by the image diagnosis device 109. When outputting to the escape tray 346, the paper is transported from the paper transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via the paper transport path 347. When transporting the paper to a post-processing device downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the paper is transported via the paper transport path 348. The inversion unit 349 inverts the paper. This inversion unit 349 is used when loading the paper onto the stack tray 341. When loading the paper onto the stack tray 341, the inversion unit 349 inverts the paper once so that the input paper orientation and the output paper orientation are the same. When transporting to the escape tray 346 or a downstream post-processing device, the paper is discharged as is without flipping when loaded, so the inversion unit 349 does not perform an inversion operation.

Next, the finisher 111 will be described. The finisher 111 is a device that performs finishing processing on the transported paper according to the function specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (one-place or two-place binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle stitch binding. The finisher 111 has a paper output tray 351 and a paper output tray 352. Paper is output to the paper output tray 351 via a paper transport path 353. However, finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed on the paper transport path 353. When performing finishing processing such as stapling, the paper is output to the paper output tray 352 via the paper transport path 354, and the finishing function specified by the user is executed in the processing unit 355, and the paper is output to the paper output tray 352.

Each of the output trays 351 and 352 can be raised and lowered, and it is also possible to lower the output tray 351 and load the paper that has been finished by the processing unit 355 onto the output tray 351. When saddle stitch binding is specified, the saddle stitch processing unit 356 staples the paper in the center, folds the paper in half, and outputs it to the saddle stitch binding tray 358 via the paper transport path 357. The saddle stitch binding tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched bundle loaded onto the saddle stitch binding tray 358 is transported to the left.

<First image diagnosis setting screen>
Next, an example of a setting screen for setting the execution of image diagnosis (first image diagnosis) during a print job according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. A setting screen 400 related to image diagnosis is displayed on the display (display unit) 241 of the image diagnosis device 109 in this embodiment, but may also be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102.

The setting screen 400 includes image diagnosis settings 401 during a print job (image forming job), diagnosis level settings 402, a cancel button 403, and an OK button 404. In the image diagnosis settings 401 during a print job, the user can set whether or not to perform image diagnosis in a print job to be executed in the future. In other words, image diagnosis during a print job corresponds to a first image diagnosis, and is a mode in which, when printing is performed in a print job, the printed image is used to diagnose abnormalities in the image forming device 101. Note that the image forming device 101 according to this embodiment can also execute a mode in which a second image diagnosis is performed in which a new test chart is printed and image diagnosis is performed without using the printed image of the print job for image diagnosis.

In the diagnostic level setting 402, the user can set the diagnostic level of the image diagnosis; the higher the diagnostic level, the smaller the image abnormality will be determined to be an apparatus abnormality. When the OK button 404 is operated, the settings made up to that point are stored in the HDD 256 of the image diagnostic device 109. When the cancel button 403 is operated, the settings made up to that point are discarded and the screen returns to the previous screen.

<First image diagnosis result screen>
Next, a result screen of image diagnosis during a print job (first image diagnosis) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the result screen of image diagnosis during a job is displayed on the display 241 of the image diagnosis device 109, but it may also be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. This result screen is displayed when all printing of the print job is completed in the flowchart described later.

500 shows an example of a result screen of image diagnosis during a print job in this embodiment. The result screen of image diagnosis 500 includes diagnosed print job information 501, a diagnosis result list 502, a detail confirmation button 503, and a close button 504. Here, the print job information 501 displays the name of the job and the number of pages. The information to be displayed is not limited to this, and other information such as paper information and execution time information may be displayed. The diagnosis result list 502 displays the image diagnosis result for each printed page, and if an abnormality is detected as the diagnosis result, it includes information on the abnormal item (for example, the type of abnormality) and a detail confirmation button 503 for opening the detailed information screen 510. Here, the results summarized in units of print jobs are displayed as one list, but the display screen in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a screen may be a screen that omits pages that were not subjected to image diagnosis or pages where no abnormality was detected and displays only pages where an abnormality was detected in the list. In addition, instead of displaying the screen, if the abnormality is not affected, the screen may be printed.

510 shows an example of a detailed information screen for image diagnosis results in this embodiment. The detailed information screen 510 includes displayed page information 511, a thumbnail image 512, a diagnosis result list 513, a chart diagnosis execution button 514, and a close button 515. Here, the page information 511 displays the name of the job and the number of pages in question. The information displayed is not limited to this, and other information such as paper information may be displayed.

The thumbnail image 512 is a display area for notifying the user of the area where an abnormality is detected, and displays a thumbnail of the scanned image of the target page. It is also desirable to highlight the area where an abnormality is detected, as shown in 516. Here, as an example, the area where an abnormality is detected is surrounded and highlighted. This allows the user to visually determine in which area of the page the abnormality is detected. The diagnosis result list 513 displays a list of the results of image diagnosis performed on this page. Here, all items for which diagnosis has been performed, their contents, and diagnosis results are displayed. Items for which image diagnosis has been performed include, for example, "position deviation," "dirt (streaks)," and "dirt (dots)." In addition, the contents of these items include whether the position deviation is vertical or horizontal, whether the stain (streaks) are vertical or horizontal streaks, and whether the stain (dot) is a white dot, a color dot, a black spot, or a color spot. The detailed information screen 510 is not limited to this, and may display only items for which an abnormality has been detected, for example. The chart diagnosis execution button 514 transitions to a chart image diagnosis screen that instructs image diagnosis (second image diagnosis) using the chart of the item in which an abnormality was detected. Details of chart image diagnosis will be described later.

In this manner, in this embodiment, a diagnosis result list 502 is displayed on the result screen 500, and a details confirmation button 503 is selectable for a page on which an abnormality is detected, and when the button is selected, a detailed information screen 510 for the corresponding abnormality is displayed. However, there is no intention to limit the result screen in this invention, and other display methods may be used. Below, a modified example of the result screen in this embodiment is described.

<Modification of the result screen of the first image diagnosis>
Next, a modified example of the result screen of the image diagnosis during a print job (first image diagnosis) will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the result screen 600 of the image diagnosis during the job is displayed on the display 241 of the image diagnosis apparatus 109, but it may also be displayed on the display 225 of the printing apparatus 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. This result screen 600 is displayed when all printing of the print job is completed in the flow chart described later.

The image diagnosis result screen 600 in this modified example includes page information 601 where an abnormality was detected, a thumbnail image 602, a diagnosis result list 603, information 604, 605, button 606, and button 607. Here, the page information 601 displays the name of the job and the number of pages in question. The information displayed is not limited to this, and other information such as paper information may be displayed. The thumbnail image 602 is the same information as 512 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. The button 606 corresponds to the first object, and is a button for interrupting the job and transitioning to the chart diagnosis execution screen. The button 607 corresponds to the second object, and is used to reserve the transition to the chart diagnosis execution screen after the job is completed.

The diagnosis result list 603 displays information about abnormalities detected as a result of image diagnosis of the target page. Here, the diagnosis items, contents, and results are displayed, but other information about the diagnosis results may also be displayed. Information 604 and 605 are displayed to inform the user of the abnormal state obtained according to the processing procedure of the flowchart described below. Here, the abnormal state is displayed in an identifiable manner as either an abnormal state where this item is detected for the first time (604), or an abnormal state where an item has already been detected but the contents have changed (605).

In the example of FIG. 6, 603 indicates that a stain (point) of a color point has been detected, and the status is marked as 605, which indicates that the stain is known abnormal but has changed. In addition, the degree of change is displayed as a change in size from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. In the thumbnail image 602, as shown in 609, the area where the color point has occurred is highlighted. In addition, the user can select whether to immediately interrupt the job and perform chart image diagnosis (606), to reserve the chart image diagnosis to be performed after the job is completed (607), or to close the screen by pressing the close button 608. When 606 is operated, the print job being executed is interrupted and a second image diagnosis is performed. On the other hand, when 607 is operated, the print job being executed is continued to completion, and a reservation is made to perform the second image diagnosis after the print job is completed. Note that when the close button 608 is operated, the screen returns to the previous screen without performing chart image diagnosis.

<Second image diagnosis setting screen>
Next, an example of a setting screen for image diagnosis using a test chart (second image diagnosis) in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, an image diagnosis setting screen 700 is displayed on the display 241 of the image diagnostic device 109, but may also be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102.

The setting screen 700 includes diagnostic items 701 to 703 for performing image diagnosis, a paper setting button 704, a diagnosis execution button 705, and a back button 706. The setting screen 700 is displayed based on instructions from the user on the operation screen at any timing, such as before executing a print job.

Diagnosis items 701 to 703 are displays for specifying the target factors for which image diagnosis is to be performed. Diagnosis item 701 is for position misalignment factors, diagnosis item 702 is for stain (streak) factors, and diagnosis item 703 is for stain (spot) factors. It is possible to set whether or not to diagnose each item individually, and here, operating the item button sets it to be set to diagnose, and operating it again sets it to a deselected state. When each diagnosis item is set to be diagnosed, it is also possible to set the color of the target to be diagnosed. As a detailed setting, it is possible to individually set the colors used in image formation, and here each toner color of Y, M, C, and K can be individually set. Each toner color is selected when operated once, and deselected when operated again.

When the Paper Settings button 704 is operated, a paper settings screen (not shown) is displayed, which accepts and sets the selection of the paper to be used in image diagnosis. Here, an example is shown in which tray and size information is displayed next to the Paper Settings button 704 as the set paper information. The information displayed is not limited to this, and the name and type of paper may also be displayed. The Diagnosis Execution button 705 instructs that the image diagnosis items set in the diagnosis items 701 to 703 be executed using the paper set in 704. The processing flow of image diagnosis using a test chart will be described later.

<Second image diagnosis result screen>
Next, an example of a result screen of the image diagnosis (second image diagnosis) using the test chart according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, a result screen 800 of the chart image diagnosis is displayed on the display 241 of the image diagnosis device 109, but may be displayed on the display 225 of the printing device 107 or the display 212 of the external controller 102. This result screen 800 is displayed when all printing of the print job is completed in the flowchart described later.

The chart image diagnosis result screen 800 includes diagnosis date and time information 801, a diagnosis result list 802, detailed diagnosis result information 803, and an OK button 804. The diagnosis date and time information 801 displays information on the date and time when the chart image diagnosis was performed and the results were confirmed. The diagnosis result list 802 displays the results of each performed image diagnosis item in a list. Here, all items for which diagnosis was performed, their contents, and the diagnosis results are displayed. For example, in the result screen 800, an abnormality is detected in the color point of the stain (dot). The display contents are not limited to this, and for example, only the items for which an abnormality was detected may be displayed. The detailed information 803 displays information on the diagnosis result, its cause, and the contents of the countermeasure. Here, a message is displayed in concrete wording so that the user can easily understand.

In this embodiment, the diagnosis result list 802 indicates that color spot stains have been detected, and detailed information 803 indicates the cause and a solution to be taken, which is to replace the drum unit (C). By checking this screen, the user can learn how to remedy the detected abnormality.

<Modification of the Setting Screen for the Second Image Diagnosis>
Next, a modified example of the setting screen for image diagnosis using a test chart (second image diagnosis) in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Among the components of the setting screen 900 for image diagnosis, the same components as those of the setting screen 700 described in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. The difference from Fig. 7 is that the target item to be executed is selected in the diagnosis item 901 at the timing when this screen is called up and when the screen is opened.

The setting screen 900 is displayed when the button 606 is operated on the result screen 600 of the image diagnosis during the job to interrupt the job and instruct the execution of the chart diagnosis. Alternatively, the setting screen 900 is displayed when all printing of the print job is completed in a state where the button 607 is operated on the result screen 600 to reserve the execution of the chart diagnosis at the end of the job.

When the setting screen 900 is displayed, only the items for diagnosing the abnormalities detected on the result screen 600 are selected. The user can add diagnostic items at will in addition to the preselected diagnostic items. It is also possible to set up specifications that prevent the user from deselecting preselected diagnostic items, or to display a warning message to inform the user when a selection has been deselected.

In the example of Figure 9, C for stains (points) is selected to diagnose stains on color points detected during image diagnosis of the print job. By performing detailed image diagnosis using a chart specifically for diagnosis of abnormalities detected during the job, it is possible to identify the nature of the abnormality with greater accuracy and learn how to deal with it.

<Processing Procedure>
The procedure of the image diagnosis processing executed by the image diagnosis apparatus 109 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the image diagnosis processing executed by the image diagnosis apparatus 109 in this embodiment. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis apparatus 109 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flowchart is started in response to a print instruction being issued from the PC 103, the print job being processed into printable data in the external controller 102, and the print processing of the corresponding print job being started in the printing apparatus 107.

In S1001, the CPU 238 receives from the printing device 107 page information of the paper (sheet) that is printed and transported from the printing device 107 based on the print job. Next, in S1002, the CPU 238 determines whether the target page is set to perform image diagnosis during the job. If the image diagnosis setting 401 during the print job is set to "Diagnose" on the image diagnosis during job setting screen 400 described in FIG. 4, the CPU 238 determines YES and proceeds to S1003. If the setting is "Do not diagnose," the CPU 238 determines NO and proceeds to S1008. In S1003, the CPU 238 executes image diagnosis processing during the job. Details will be described later using FIG. 11.

Next, in S1004, the CPU 238 determines whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality based on the results of the image diagnosis performed in S1003. If it is determined that there is an apparatus abnormality, the process proceeds to S1005. If it is determined that there is no apparatus abnormality, the process proceeds to S1008. In S1005, the CPU 238 compares the item of the apparatus abnormality detected in the current target page recorded in the memory 239 with the previous diagnosis result also recorded in the memory 239. If the comparison shows that an item in which no abnormality was detected in the previous diagnosis was newly detected in this page, the process determines that this is a new abnormality and proceeds to S1007. If the comparison shows that an abnormality in the same item was detected in the previous diagnosis, the process determines that this is a known abnormality and proceeds to S1006.

In S1006, the CPU 238 compares the feature amount of the device abnormality item detected on the current target page recorded in the memory 239 with the feature amount of the item detected during the previous diagnosis, also recorded in the memory 239. The feature amount compared here is, for example, the size of the detected stain if it is a spot stain, or the amount of deviation if it is a positional shift. If a predetermined amount of change is detected, it is determined that there is a change and the process proceeds to S1007. If the change is within the predetermined amount of change, it is determined that there is no change and the process proceeds to S1008.

Note that, in S1005 and S1006, a method for comparing with the previous diagnostic result has been described, but the comparison is not limited to the previous result. For example, a comparison may be made with the diagnostic result of a previously detected diagnostic item when it was diagnosed, or the degree of fluctuation in the amount of change may be determined by looking at the continuity of multiple past diagnostic results.

In S1007, the CPU 238 displays the result screen 600 of the target page on the display 241 of the image diagnostic device 109. If a transition has been made due to a determination that a new abnormality has occurred in S1005, 604 is checked. On the other hand, if a transition has been made due to a determination that a change has occurred in S1006, 605 is checked and the amount of change is displayed on the screen.

When the cause of the occurrence and the countermeasure method are identified in the image diagnosis process S1107 in the job described above, if the cause of the occurrence is identified, the buttons 606 and 607 for prompting the execution of image diagnosis using a chart may not be displayed on the result screen 600. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which information on the identified cause is displayed instead. Furthermore, when the button 606 is operated, the CPU 238 immediately displays one of the setting screens 700 and 900 on the display 241. On the other hand, when the button 607 is operated, the CPU 238 displays one of the setting screens 700 and 900 on the display 241 after S1009 described later. Furthermore, when the diagnosis execution button 705 is operated on the setting screens 700 and 900, the CPU 238 executes a second image diagnosis using a test chart. The processing procedure of the second image diagnosis will be described later with reference to FIG. 12.

In S1008, the CPU 238 completes the processing of the target page and determines whether there are any subsequent pages to be printed. If there are subsequent pages, the process returns to S1001, where the printing process of the next page is executed and this flow is executed again. If there are no subsequent pages, the process considers the print job to be finished, completes the series of image diagnosis processes executed during the job printing, and proceeds to S1009. In S1009, the CPU 238 displays the result screen 500 of all pages that have been or have not been executed during the print job on the display 241 of the image diagnosis device 109. The process of this flow chart then ends.

Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining the detailed procedure of the image diagnosis process of S1003 above. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 238 of the image diagnosis device 109 expanding the control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it.

In S1101, the CPU 238 acquires a reference image. Here, the reference image refers to image data that is the correct answer to be compared to determine whether there is an apparatus abnormality. For example, the CPU 238 receives and acquires RIP image data processed by the external controller 102 identified from the page information received in S1001, and records the RIP image data in the HDD 256. Therefore, the CPU 238 reads out the corresponding reference image data from the HDD 256.

Next, in S1102, the CPU 238 instructs the image capture unit 240 to read the image in accordance with the transport timing of the conveyed paper. Here, the CPU 238 records the read scan image data in the HDD 256, and proceeds to S1103. In S1103, the CPU 238 compares the reference image acquired in S1101 with the scan image acquired in S1102. If there is a difference between the two images, it determines whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality based on the diagnostic level set in the diagnostic level setting 402.

In S1104, the CPU 238 determines whether an apparatus abnormality was detected in S1103. If an apparatus abnormality was detected, the process proceeds to S1105. If an apparatus abnormality was not detected, the process proceeds to S1107.

In S1105, the CPU 238 identifies the type of device abnormality that has occurred. As described above, the types of device abnormality to be identified include image positional deviation, stains (streaks), and stains (dots). As a method of identification, for example, the type of device abnormality may be identified by comparing information such as the shape and size of the difference image acquired in S1103, the area where the abnormality has occurred, and color with each type of characteristic information previously recorded in the HDD 256.

In S1106, the CPU 238 extracts a feature quantity determined for each type of device abnormality identified. In this case, the feature quantity is, for example, the position of the streak, the width of the streak, the number of streaks, etc., if the type of device abnormality is vertical streaks. In S1107, the CPU 238 records the identified type of device abnormality and its feature quantity in the memory 239 as the diagnosis result, and ends the processing of this flowchart. Note that, although this embodiment has been described as a flowchart for recording the extracted feature quantities, it is also possible to identify the cause of the occurrence and the countermeasures from the extracted feature quantities using the method described below, and record the contents.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of image diagnosis using a test chart executed by the image diagnostic device 109 in this embodiment. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 238 of the image diagnostic device 109 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 256 into the memory 239 and executing it. This flowchart starts processing when the diagnosis execution button 705 is operated on the setting screens 700, 900 for chart image diagnosis, which are displayed when the buttons 606, 607 on the result screen 600 are operated in S1007 above.

In S1201, the CPU 238 instructs the image capture unit 240 to read the image in accordance with the timing of transport of the paper on which the test chart image is formed. The CPU 238 records the read scan image data in the HDD 256 and proceeds to S1202. In S1202, the CPU 238 determines whether there is an apparatus abnormality in the scan image data obtained in S1201. The CPU 238 searches for an apparatus abnormality, and if it determines that there is an apparatus abnormality, it proceeds to S1203, and if it determines that there is no apparatus abnormality, it proceeds to S1208.

In S1203, the CPU 238 identifies the type of device abnormality that has occurred. The type of device abnormality may be identified by checking whether the characteristics of each device abnormality have occurred in the scanned image data. Alternatively, the type of device abnormality may be identified by comparing the image data of the test chart document stored in the HDD 256 of the image diagnostic device 109 with the scanned image data obtained in S1201. The CPU 238 records the presence or absence of the identified device abnormality for each type of abnormality in the memory 239, and then proceeds to S1204.

In S1204, the CPU 238 extracts a feature quantity determined for each type of device abnormality identified. For example, if the type of device abnormality is vertical streaks, the feature quantities include the position of the streaks, the width of the streaks, the number of streaks, and the period of the streaks. The CPU 238 stores the extracted feature quantities in the memory 239 and proceeds to S1205.

In S1205, the CPU 238 analyzes the period of the apparatus abnormality from the type of apparatus abnormality identified in S1203 and the feature amount extracted in S1204. For example, if the type of apparatus abnormality is vertical streaks, the occurrence period of the streaks is analyzed by comparing the positions and number of the streaks with periodic width information of the developing stations 304 to 307 or each roller of the fixing unit 311 recorded in advance in the HDD 256. Alternatively, if image diagnosis has been performed during the job, the period may be analyzed using the information on the diagnosis results recorded in S1107. The CPU 238 stores the analyzed period in the memory 239 and proceeds to S1206.

In S1206, the CPU 238 identifies the cause of the device abnormality from the type of device abnormality identified in S1203, the feature extracted in S1204, and the cycle analyzed in S1205. The cause of the device abnormality is identified, for example, by retaining a table of device abnormality feature values and corresponding causes and applying the feature value extracted in S1204. When the cause of the device abnormality is identified, the CPU 238 stores it in the memory 239 and proceeds to S1207.

In S1207, the CPU 238 determines a countermeasure for the cause of the problem identified and stored in S1206. This countermeasure is determined, for example, by retaining a table that stores the cause of the problem and the corresponding countermeasure, and applying the cause of the problem identified in S1206 to the table. Examples of countermeasures include part replacement and part cleaning. The countermeasure determined here is displayed, for example, in the detailed diagnosis result information 803 on the chart image diagnosis result screen 800. When the CPU 238 determines the countermeasure, the process proceeds to S1208.

In S1208, the CPU 238 displays the chart image diagnosis result screen 800 on the display 241 of the image diagnostic device 109. The processing of this flowchart then ends. Through the processing procedures in the flowcharts of Figures 10 to 12 described above, the image diagnostic device 109 can determine whether or not there is an apparatus abnormality from the paper printed by the printing device 107, and if there is an apparatus abnormality, the type, cause, and how to deal with it.

As described above, the image diagnostic device according to this embodiment reads the paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from the image forming unit by the reading unit, and diagnoses an abnormality in the device by detecting an abnormality in the read image. In addition, this image diagnostic device executes a first image diagnosis using a paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit in an image forming job. Furthermore, when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, this image diagnostic device executes a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed by the image forming unit, forming a test chart for image diagnosis on the paper according to the detected abnormality. Thus, according to this embodiment, when an apparatus abnormality is detected during the execution of an image diagnosis using a print job, it is possible to specify the diagnosis item of the detected abnormality and execute an image diagnosis using a test chart for the target diagnosis item. In addition, depending on the state of the detected abnormality, the diagnosis result and a button to execute an image diagnosis using a related test chart are immediately displayed. This makes it possible to execute the necessary image diagnosis and detect an apparatus abnormality at the necessary timing without causing a decrease in productivity or wasteful consumption of consumables.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. In the above embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the first image diagnosis, the control is described in which the result screen 600 is immediately displayed in S1007 to notify the user of the detection of the abnormality, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to such control. For example, the timing of notifying the result may be changed depending on the level of the abnormality detected in the first image diagnosis. In this case, if the level of the detected abnormality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification may be made immediately, and if the level is lower than the predetermined threshold, the notification may be made at the timing when the print job is completed. The above-mentioned predetermined threshold is a value based on the degree of dirt or positional deviation in which the abnormality is detected, and may be set by the user. The above-mentioned predetermined threshold may also be a value based on a predetermined number of times the abnormality is detected. For example, if the same type of abnormality is detected three or more times in a row, the abnormality may be immediately notified. Alternatively, the predetermined threshold may be a value based on a combination of the degree of the abnormality and the number of occurrences.

In the above embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the first image diagnosis performed in the print job, the result screen 600 is displayed in S1007, but the print job itself continues to be executed. However, the print job may be controlled to be paused until either button 606 or 607 on the result screen 600 is operated. In this case, when button 606 is operated, either setting screen 700 or 900 may be displayed on the display, and the second image diagnosis (FIG. 12) may be executed to stop the print job until the abnormality is resolved, and when the abnormality is resolved, the stopped print job may be resumed. On the other hand, when button 607 is operated, the paused print job is resumed, and when the print job is completed, either setting screen 700 or 900 may be displayed on the display 241.

It is also possible to switch whether or not to pause the print job depending on the level of the abnormality detected in the first image diagnosis described above. In this case, it is desirable to pause the print job and display the result screen 600 on the display 241 when the level of the detected abnormality exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to accept instructions from the user. On the other hand, when the level of the detected abnormality is below the predetermined threshold, the print job may be continued while displaying the result screen 600. Note that even in this case, when the button 606 is operated, the print job is interrupted and the second image diagnosis is performed.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a first image diagnosis is performed using the printed matter of a print job, and if an abnormality is detected, a second image diagnosis is performed to identify the cause of the abnormality in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and if the above cause can be identified from the diagnosis results of the first image diagnosis, a target method according to the cause of the abnormality may be notified without performing the second image diagnosis.

The disclosure of this specification includes the following imaging diagnostic apparatus, its control method, program, and image forming apparatus.
(Item 1)
1. A diagnostic imaging device, comprising:
an image diagnosis means for reading a sheet of paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from the image forming means by a reading means and detecting an abnormality in the read image to thereby diagnose an abnormality in the apparatus;
and a control means for causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image formation job, and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, causing the image forming means to form a test chart for image diagnosis on paper in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart has been formed.
(Item 2)
The imaging diagnostic device described in item 1, further comprising a display control means for causing a result screen showing the results of the first imaging diagnosis, including an object indicating the second imaging diagnosis, to be displayed on a display unit when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first imaging diagnosis.
(Item 3)
The imaging diagnostic device described in item 2, characterized in that the objects include a first object that immediately instructs the execution of the second imaging diagnosis, and a second object that instructs the execution of the second imaging diagnosis at the timing when the image formation job is completed.
(Item 4)
The display control means
When the first object is operated, a setting screen for the second image diagnosis is displayed on the display unit;
4. The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the second object is operated, the setting screen is displayed on the display unit at a timing when the image forming job is completed.
(Item 5)
The display control means
5. The imaging diagnostic apparatus according to item 4, characterized in that when displaying the setting screen for the second imaging diagnosis, the setting screen is displayed in a state in which the setting contents on the setting screen are set in accordance with an abnormality detected by the first imaging diagnosis.
(Item 6)
The display control means
The image diagnostic device described in any one of items 2 to 5, characterized in that when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, if the level of the detected abnormality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the result screen is displayed on the display unit immediately, and if the level of the detected abnormality is less than the predetermined threshold, the result screen is displayed on the display unit after the image formation job is completed.
(Item 7)
7. The image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the control means temporarily suspends the image forming job when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis.
(Item 8)
The control means
7. The image diagnostic device according to item 6, characterized in that when an abnormality is detected in the read image by the first image diagnosis, if the level of the detected abnormality is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the image formation job is temporarily suspended, and if the level of the detected abnormality is less than the predetermined threshold, the image formation job is allowed to continue.
(Item 9)
The image diagnostic device according to any one of items 2 to 8, characterized in that when an abnormality is detected in the read image in the first image diagnosis, the display control means controls the display control means to display the fact that the abnormality has been detected on the result screen if the change exceeds a predetermined amount compared with a past diagnosis result, and to not display the fact that the abnormality has been detected on the result screen if the change does not exceed the predetermined amount.
(Item 10)
The imaging diagnostic means identifies a cause of the abnormality detected in the second imaging diagnosis,
10. The image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 9, wherein the display control means notifies a user of a countermeasure according to a cause of the identified abnormality.
(Item 11)
The image diagnostic apparatus according to item 10, characterized in that, when a cause of the abnormality can be identified by the first image diagnosis, the control means notifies the display control means of a target method corresponding to the cause of the abnormality without executing the second image diagnosis.
(Item 12)
An image forming apparatus,
an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A reading means for reading a sheet on which an image is formed;
12. An image forming apparatus comprising: an imaging diagnostic apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11.
(Item 13)
1. A method for controlling an image diagnostic apparatus including an image diagnostic means for diagnosing an abnormality in the apparatus by reading a paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from an image forming means, the method comprising:
a step of causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image forming job;
and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, forming a test chart for image diagnosis on paper by the image forming means in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed.
(Item 14)
A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image diagnostic apparatus including an image diagnostic means for reading a paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from an image forming means, and diagnosing an abnormality in the apparatus by detecting an abnormality in the read image, the control method comprising:
a step of causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image forming job;
and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, causing the image forming means to form a test chart for image diagnosis on paper in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

101: Image forming device, 102: External controller, 103: PC, 104: External LAN, 105: Internal LAN, 106: Video cable, 107: Printing device, 108: Inserter, 109: Diagnostic imaging device, 110: Large capacity stacker, 111: Finisher, 238: CPU, 241: Display unit, 242: Operation unit

Claims (14)

1. A diagnostic imaging device, comprising:
an image diagnosis means for reading a sheet of paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from the image forming means by a reading means and detecting an abnormality in the read image to thereby diagnose an abnormality in the apparatus;
and a control means for causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image formation job, and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, causing the image forming means to form a test chart for image diagnosis on paper in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart has been formed. The image diagnostic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for displaying on a display unit a result screen showing the results of the first image diagnosis, including an object instructing the second image diagnosis, when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis. The image diagnostic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the objects include a first object that instructs the execution of the second image diagnosis immediately, and a second object that instructs the execution of the second image diagnosis when the image formation job is completed. The display control means
When the first object is operated, a setting screen for the second image diagnosis is displayed on the display unit;
4. The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the second object is operated, the setting screen is displayed on the display unit at a timing when the image forming job is completed. The display control means
5. The imaging diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the setting screen for the second imaging diagnosis is displayed, the setting screen is displayed in a state in which the setting contents on the setting screen are set in accordance with an abnormality detected by the first imaging diagnosis. The display control means
5. The image diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein when an abnormality is detected in the read image by the first image diagnosis, if the level of the detected abnormality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the result screen is displayed on the display unit immediately, and if the level of the detected abnormality is less than the predetermined threshold, the result screen is displayed on the display unit after the image formation job is completed. The image diagnostic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means suspends the image forming job when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis. The control means
The image diagnostic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, when an abnormality is detected in the read image by the first image diagnosis, if the level of the detected abnormality is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the image formation job is temporarily suspended, and if the level of the detected abnormality is less than the predetermined threshold, the image formation job is allowed to continue. The image diagnostic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when an abnormality is detected in the read image in the first image diagnosis, the display control means controls the display to display the detection of the abnormality on the result screen if the change exceeds a predetermined amount when compared with a past diagnosis result, and not to display the detection of the abnormality on the result screen if the change does not exceed the predetermined amount. The imaging diagnostic means identifies a cause of the abnormality detected in the second imaging diagnosis,
5. The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control means notifies a user of a countermeasure corresponding to a cause of the identified abnormality. The image diagnostic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the cause of the abnormality can be identified by the first image diagnosis, the control means causes the display control means to notify the user of a target method according to the cause of the abnormality without executing the second image diagnosis. An image forming apparatus,
an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet;
A reading means for reading a sheet on which an image is formed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: the image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 . 1. A method for controlling an image diagnostic apparatus including an image diagnostic means for diagnosing an abnormality in the apparatus by reading a paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from an image forming means by a reading means and detecting an abnormality in the read image, comprising:
a step of causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image forming job;
and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, forming a test chart for image diagnosis on paper by the image forming means in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of a control method for an image diagnostic apparatus including an image diagnostic means for reading a paper on which an image is formed and conveyed from an image forming means, and diagnosing an abnormality in the apparatus by detecting an abnormality in the read image, the control method comprising:
a step of causing the image diagnosis means to execute a first image diagnosis using a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming means in an image forming job;
and when an abnormality in the read image is detected by the first image diagnosis, a step of forming a test chart for image diagnosis on paper by the image forming means in accordance with the detected abnormality, and causing the image diagnosis means to execute a second image diagnosis using the paper on which the test chart is formed.

Images