INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

An information processing system includes a processor configured to: acquire a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium, which is output by an image forming section, the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section; and generate a screen including information regarding the image forming section in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the acquired read image, and including information regarding the image reading section in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-028569 filed Feb. 27, 2023.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing system, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, and an information processing method.

(ii) Related Art

For example, JP2020-120246A discloses a configuration as follows. An image forming section forms a test pattern on a first recording medium and a second recording medium having a size smaller than the first recording medium while long sides of the first recording medium and the second recording medium coincide with a transport direction. An image reading section acquires first diagnosis target data obtained by reading the first recording medium and second diagnosis target data obtained by rotating the second recording medium to have the long side that is in a different direction from the long side of the first recording medium and then reading the second recording medium. An abnormal portion is detected and an abnormality factor is diagnosed, by using the test pattern, the first diagnosis target data, the second diagnosis target data, and third diagnosis target data obtained by rotating the second diagnosis target data so that the long side of the second recording medium is in the same direction as the long side of the first recording medium.

SUMMARY

Here, in a case where an image that is formed on paper by the image forming section and read by a reading device is diagnosed, in an attempt to distinguish whether a defective image due to the diagnosis is caused by the image forming section or the reading section, for example, a plurality of read images with different reading directions are required, and thus it takes time and effort for a user to prepare the read images.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing system, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, and an information processing method that reduce the time and effort for a user to prepare a read image, as compared with a case where a diagnosis as to whether a defective image is caused by an image forming section or a reading section is performed by using a plurality of read images.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system including a processor configured to acquire a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium, which is output by an image forming section, the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section, and generate a screen including information regarding the image forming section in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the acquired read image, and including information regarding the image reading section in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnosis system.

The diagnosis system1according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a plurality of image forming apparatuses100and a server apparatus200that is connected to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses100via a communication line900. In the present exemplary embodiment, in the server apparatus200as an example of an information processing system and an example of an information processing apparatus, diagnosis of each image forming apparatus100is performed.

Further, the diagnosis system1in the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a user terminal300that is connected to the server apparatus200and receives an operation from a user.

InFIG.1, two image forming apparatuses100among a plurality of image forming apparatuses100are displayed.

The user terminal300is provided with a display device310. The user terminal300is realized by a computer. Examples of the form of the user terminal300include a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a tablet terminal.

The image forming apparatus100is provided with an image forming unit100A as an example of an image forming section that forms an image on paper which is an example of a recording medium.

For example, the formation of an image on paper by the image forming unit100A is performed by an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. In addition, the formation of an image on paper by the image forming unit100A is not limited to the inkjet method or the electrophotographic method, but may be performed by other methods.

The image forming apparatus100is further provided with an information processing unit100B. The information processing unit100B executes various processes executed in the image forming apparatus100.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing unit100B provided in the server apparatus200and the image forming apparatus100. The information processing unit100B provided in the server apparatus200and the image forming apparatus100is realized by a computer.

Each of the server apparatus200and the information processing unit100B includes an arithmetic processing unit11that executes a digital arithmetic process according to a program, and a secondary storage unit12that stores information.

The secondary storage unit12is realized, for example, by a known information storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

The arithmetic processing unit11is provided with a CPU11aas an example of a processor.

In addition, the arithmetic processing unit11is provided with a RAM11bused as a working memory or the like of the CPU11aand a ROM11cin which programs or the like executed by the CPU11aare stored.

In addition, the arithmetic processing unit11is provided with a non-volatile memory11dthat is configured to be rewritable and can hold data even in a case in which power supply is interrupted and an interface unit11ethat controls each unit, such as a communication unit, connected to the arithmetic processing unit11.

The non-volatile memory11dis configured by, for example, an SRAM or a flash memory that is backed up by a battery. The secondary storage unit12stores the programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit11in addition to files and the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit11reads the program stored in the ROM11cor the secondary storage unit12to perform each process.

The program executed by the CPU11acan be provided to the server apparatus200and the information processing unit100B in a state in which the program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (for example, a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (for example, an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the program executed by the CPU11amay be provided to the server apparatus200and the information processing unit100B by a communication unit such as the Internet.

The process executed by the image forming apparatus100among the processes described below is executed by the CPU11aas an example of the processor provided in the image forming apparatus100.

The process executed by the server apparatus200among the processes described below is executed by the CPU11aas an example of the processor provided in the server apparatus200.

Further, the process for diagnosing the image forming apparatus100among the processes described below is executed by the server apparatus200as an example of the information processing system. The information processing system that executes the process for diagnosing the image forming apparatus100may be realized by one apparatus such as one server apparatus200, or may be realized by a plurality of apparatuses.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus100.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus100is provided with the image forming unit100A that forms an image on paper P which is an example of a recording medium.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the paper P passes through the image forming unit100A, the paper P passes through the image forming unit100A in a state where one side of the paper P faces the image forming unit100A.

Further, the image forming apparatus100is provided with an image reading device as an example of an image reading section that reads an image formed on a recording medium such as paper P.

Such an image reading device130is a so-called scanner having a function of transporting the paper P. The image reading device130includes a light source that emits light to paper P and a light receiving unit such as a CCD, that receives reflected light from the paper P. In the present exemplary embodiment, read image data described later is generated based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit.

A reading position of an image is set in advance in the image reading device130, and the image reading device130reads an image at a portion of paper P that is sequentially transported, which is located at the reading position.

The image forming apparatus100has an information transmission function of transmitting information to the server apparatus200(seeFIG.1).

In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the image reading device130is provided above the image forming apparatus100. The image reading device130sequentially reads paper (not illustrated) set by the user. The paper is not limited to paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus100, and may be paper on which an image is formed by another image forming apparatus.

An installation form of the image reading device130is not limited to the form illustrated inFIG.3. The image reading device130may be provided inside the image forming apparatus100and on a transport path of paper P.

In this case, the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit100A sequentially passes through the image reading device130, and at the time of passing through the paper P, each image of the paper P is read in order.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the image reading device130is provided with a paper reversing mechanism so that the paper can be supplied after the front and back sides have been reversed with respect to the reading position of the image.

Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, the paper on which an image formed on one side is read can be reversed and supplied to the reading position again. As a result, images on the front and back sides of the paper can be read.

In addition, in reading an image on paper, the paper is placed on a platen (not illustrated) configured by plate-shaped glass or the like so that the paper placed on the platen may be read.

Further, each image forming apparatus100is provided with an operation reception unit132that receives an operation from the user. The operation reception unit132is configured by a so-called touch panel. The operation reception unit132displays information for the user and receives an operation performed by the user.

The display of information for the user and the reception of the operation by the user are not limited to being performed by one operation reception unit132as in the present exemplary embodiment. The operation reception unit and the information display unit may be provided separately.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case in which the image forming apparatus100(seeFIG.1) is diagnosed, first, the image forming unit100A is operated to form a chart image on paper P. Thus, as indicated by the reference sign1A inFIG.1, chart paper CP which is the paper on which a chart image that is an example of a diagnosis image has been formed is generated.

A chart image61is an image used to diagnose the image forming apparatus100. In the present exemplary embodiment, the chart paper CP which is the paper P on which the chart image61used for the diagnosis has been formed is generated.

In a case where the chart paper CP is generated, the chart paper CP is installed on the image reading device130as indicated by the reference sign1B inFIG.1. The image reading device130is used to read the chart paper CP on which the chart image61is formed.

As a result, read image data obtained by reading the chart paper CP is generated.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the read image data is transmitted to the server apparatus200and then is stored in the server apparatus200. The server apparatus200diagnoses the image forming apparatus100based on the read image data.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a user who uses the diagnosis system1in the present exemplary embodiment, such as a maintainer who maintains the image forming apparatus100, accesses the server apparatus200and refers to the result of the diagnosis by the server apparatus200.

In each image forming apparatus100, as described above, the chart paper CP is generated and the chart paper CP is read, and thus the read image data is generated.

Such read image data is transmitted to the server apparatus200. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the server apparatus200diagnoses the image forming apparatus100.

A diagnosis process executed by the server apparatus200will be described.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU11a(seeFIG.2) as an example of the processor provided in the server apparatus200diagnoses the image forming apparatus100based on the above-described read image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus100, and then acquires the diagnosis result which is the result of the diagnosis.

More specifically, the CPU11aacquires a diagnosis result for each of a plurality of diagnostic items, which is a diagnosis result for the chart image61that is the image formed on the chart paper CP.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of diagnostic items are predetermined. The CPU11ain the server apparatus200analyzes the chart image61included in the read image data, and acquires a diagnosis result for each of the plurality of diagnostic items.

More specifically, for example, the CPU11ain the server apparatus200acquires the diagnosis result for each of the diagnostic items based on a difference between the reference value predetermined for each of the plurality of diagnostic items and the value obtained by analyzing the chart image61.

The CPU11ain the server apparatus200acquires a diagnosis result having a worse evaluation as the difference increases.

Then, the CPU11arearranges a plurality of acquired diagnosis results so that the plurality of acquired diagnosis results are arranged in a predetermined order.

More specifically, in rearranging the plurality of diagnosis results, the CPU11arearranges a plurality of the diagnosis results so that, for example, a plurality of the diagnosis results are arranged in an order of a bad evaluation or a good evaluation.

Then, the CPU11agenerates a screen in which the plurality of diagnosis results are arranged in a predetermined order.

Next, a configuration for, in a case where a defect is determined in the diagnosis result, distinguishing whether the defect is caused by the image forming unit100A (seeFIG.3) that forms an image on paper or caused by the image reading device130(seeFIG.3) that reads an image on the paper will be described. Such a configuration is realized by the image reading device130and the CPU11ain the image forming apparatus100.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the CPU11aprovided in the server apparatus200, and also illustrates the image forming apparatus100and the user terminal300for easy description.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the CPU11ain the server apparatus200includes a read image acquisition unit13and a screen generation unit14.

The read image acquisition unit13acquires read image30, which is an image read by the image reading device130(seeFIG.3), by transmission from the image forming apparatus100. Further, in a case of acquiring the read image30, the read image acquisition unit13acquires additional information33which is information indicating whether or not the read image30includes an out-of-paper image32(seeFIG.6) described later.

More specifically, the additional information33includes any one or a combination of model information of the image forming apparatus100, model information of the image reading device130, and information regarding the read image30. As the information regarding the read image30, for example, information indicating that the read image30includes or does not include the out-of-paper image32can be provided. In a case where information indicating that the read image30does not include the out-of-paper image32(seeFIG.6) is derived from the model information, the additional information33may include the model information of the image reading device130instead of the information regarding the read image30. In other words, the additional information33may include at least one of the model information of the image reading device130or the information regarding the read image30. Such additional information is an example of second range-included information.

In a case where the additional information includes the model information, it is possible to specify the related constituent component based on detected defective images41to43(seeFIG.6), in a case where the defective image is a printer streak.

The screen generation unit14generates a screen for notifying the user of the result of the diagnosis performed based on the acquired read image30. The user is notified of a generation screen50, which is the generated screen, in a manner that the generation screen50is transmitted from the server apparatus200to the user terminal300, and then is displayed on the display device310of the user terminal300.

First Exemplary Embodiment Next, the configuration of the image reading device130according to a first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.5.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a reading region20provided in the image reading device130.

The reading region20illustrated inFIG.5includes an in-paper region21which is a region for reading paper such as chart paper CP, and an out-of-paper region23which is a region outside the in-paper region21. The chart paper CP is an example of a recording medium, and the chart image61is an example of a diagnosis image.

The in-paper region21is an outer shape corresponding to the size of the chart paper CP, and is a region having a size required for reading the chart image61of the chart paper CP.

The out-of-paper region23refers to a region located in a reading direction in the reading region20with respect to the in-paper region21. The out-of-paper region23includes two portions, a portion located on the front side and a portion located on the rear side in the reading direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any one of the portions may be used.

In the reading region20inFIG.5, the long side of the four sides of a rectangle is referred to as a long side20L, and the short side is referred to as a short side20S. The long side20L and the short side20S of the reading region20can be referred to as the long side and the short side of the in-paper region21, and can be referred to as the long side and the short side of the out-of-paper region23. Further, the long side20L and the short side20S can be referred to as the long side and the short side of the chart paper CP in a case where the chart paper CP is located in the in-paper region21.

Next, the read image30which is an example of an image obtained by reading the chart paper CP (seeFIG.5) in the reading region20of the image reading device130will be described with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating the read image30. (a) ofFIG.6is an enlarged view of the entire image, and (b) ofFIG.6is an enlarged view of a portion of the entire image.

The read image30illustrated in (a) ofFIG.6includes an in-paper image31formed corresponding to reading in the in-paper region21(seeFIG.5) and an out-of-paper image32formed corresponding to reading in the out-of-paper region23(seeFIG.5). The in-paper image31is an example of a first range, and the out-of-paper image32is an example of a second range.

The read image30illustrated in (a) ofFIG.6includes the out-of-paper image32. However, depending on the image forming apparatus100, a case where a process of excluding the out-of-paper image32is performed on the read image30, and only the in-paper image31is transmitted to the server apparatus200as the read image is also assumed. Further, a case where the out-of-paper image32is excluded from the read image30and only the in-paper image31is used as a transmission image to be transmitted to the server apparatus200is also assumed.

As illustrated in (b) ofFIG.6, defective images41,42, and43formed long in the reading direction appear in the read image30. The defective images41,42, and43referred to here refer to images formed by some defects in image formation or image reading, and are, for example, streaky images.

In the present exemplary embodiment, since the read image30includes the in-paper image31and the out-of-paper image32, it is possible to specify the cause of forming the defective images41,42, and43without using a plurality of read images including only the in-paper image31. This will be described below.

Although the defective image41appears in the in-paper image31, the defective image41does not appear in the out-of-paper image32. Since the defective image41does not appear in the out-of-paper image32, it is possible to determine that the defective image41is an image in which the so-called printer streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image formation by the image forming unit100A.

The defective image42appears in both the in-paper image31and the out-of-paper image32. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the defective image42is an image in which the so-called scanner streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image reading by the image reading device130.

Although the defective image43does not appear in the in-paper image31, the defective image41appears in the out-of-paper image32. In this point, the defective image43is different from the defective image41that appears in the in-paper image31but does not appear in the out-of-paper image32.

Since the defective image43does not appear in the in-paper image31, the defective image43is not generated in the case of image formation by the image forming unit100A. It is possible to determine that the defective image43is an image in which the scanner streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image reading by the image reading device130.

As described above, in the read image30, the printer streaks are generated in the defective image41that does not appear in the out-of-paper image32, and the scanner streaks are generated in the defective images42and43that appear in the out-of-paper image32.

Here, in addition to a case where either one of the defective image41which is the printer streaks and the defective image43which is the scanner streaks appears in the read image30, both the defective image41and the defective image43may appear in the read image30.

More specifically, in a case where both the defective image41and the defective image43appear in the read image30, there are a case where the defective image41and the defective image43appear at different positions in a direction intersecting the reading direction and a case where the defective image41and the defective image43appear at the same position.

As described above, in a case where the defective image41and the defective image43appear at the same position, the defective image41and the defective image43appear as one straight line. Thus, it is difficult to distinguish between the defective image41and the defective image43, and the defective image42of the scanner streaks described above.

In addition, although the positions where the defective image41and the defective image43appear are different, in a case where there is a difference such that the defective image41and the defective image43appear as one straight line at first glance, it is difficult to make a highly accurate determination with the read image30.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the CPU11aof the server apparatus200.

In the example of the processing procedure illustrated inFIG.7, in a case where the read image acquisition unit13(seeFIG.4) acquires the read image30from the image forming apparatus100(Step S101), the screen generation unit14(seeFIG.4) checks whether or not the acquired read image30includes the out-of-paper image32(Step S102). Such a check can be performed by the additional information33(seeFIG.4) acquired by the read image acquisition unit13.

In a case where the read image30includes the out-of-paper image32(Yes in Step S102), the screen generation unit14next checks whether or not the out-of-paper image32has a defective image (Step S103). In a case where the out-of-paper image32includes a defective image (Yes in Step S103),1is set in a variable i indicating the presence or absence of the defective image in the out-of-paper image (Step S104). On the other hand, in a case where there is no defective image in the out-of-paper image32(No in Step S103), the variable i is set to 0 (Step S105).

Then, the screen generation unit14checks whether or not the in-paper image31has a defective image (Step S106). In a case where the in-paper image31has a defective image (Yes in Step S106), 1 is set in a variable j indicating the presence or absence of the defective image in the in-paper image (Step S107). On the other hand, in a case where there is no defective image in the in-paper image31(No in Step S106), the variable j is set to 0 (Step S108).

Then, in a case where 1 is set in both the variable i and the variable j (Yes in Step S103and Yes in Step S106), that is, in a case where both the out-of-paper image32and the in-paper image31have a defective image, the screen generation unit14obtains a difference d between the position of the defective image in the out-of-paper image32and the position of the defective image in the in-paper image31with respect to the direction intersecting the reading direction. Then, the screen generation unit14checks (d<S?) whether or not the difference d is less than a threshold value S determined in advance (Step S109).

In a case where the difference d is less than the threshold value S (d<S) (Yes in Step S109), the screen generation unit14determines that it is difficult to perform the determination with high accuracy on the read image30, and generates a screen including, for example, text that “please clean scanner and try again” (Step S110). That is, a screen having a message indicating that the image reading device130(seeFIG.3) is cleaned, and then image reading is performed again is generated. As described above, the screen in Step S110includes information for prompting the image reading device130to perform reading.

The case where the difference d is less than the threshold value S (d<S) is a condition for defining the positional relationship between the defective images, and is an example of a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In a case where the difference d is equal to or more than the threshold value S (d≥S) (No in Step S109), the screen generation unit14checks whether or not the variable i is 1 (i=1?) (Step S111).

In a case where the variable i is 1 (Yes in Step S111), the screen generation unit14checks whether or not the variable j is 1 (j=1?) (Step S112). In a case where the variable i is not 1 (No in Step S111), the screen generation unit14checks whether or not the variable j is 1 (j=1?) (Step S113).

In a case where the variable i and the variable j are 1 (Yes in Step S111and Yes in Step S112), the screen generation unit14generates a screen including, for example, text that “streaks derived from the printer are generated. Please clean scanner” (Step S114).

In a case where the variable i is 1 and the variable j is 0 (Yes in Step S111and No in Step S112), the screen generation unit14generates a screen including, for example, text that “streaks derived from the printer are generated” (Step S115).

In a case where the variable i is 0 and the variable j is 1 (No in Step S111, Yes in Step S113), the screen generation unit14generates a screen including, for example, text that “Please clean the scanner” (Step S116).

In a case where the variable i and the variable j are 0 (No in Step S111and No in Step S113), the screen generation unit14generates a screen including, for example, text that “the printer and the scanner are good” (Step S117).

In a case where the read image30does not include the out-of-paper image32(No in Step S102), the screen generation unit14generates a screen including, for example, text that “please change the direction of the chart paper and then read” (Step S118).

In a case where the screens in Steps S110and S114to S118are generated, the generated image is transmitted to the user terminal300and displayed on the display device310(for example, seeFIG.4) of the user terminal300.

The screen according to Step S115is an example of a screen including information regarding the image reading section, and the screen according to Step S116is an example of a screen including information regarding the image forming section.

Here, it is conceivable to perform a control of omitting the display of the screen having a message indicating that the defective images41to43are derived from the scanner, among the screens in Steps S114to117. That is, the control in which the screen is generated only in the case of the streaks derived from the printer, and the screen in Step S116is not displayed is performed. On the other hand, since the screen in Step S114may have a streak derived from the printer, a control for displaying the screen may be adopted.

As described above, in a case where there is no probability of the streak derived from the printer and there is a probability of the streak derived from the scanner, the operation guidance for the scanner will be omitted. The case where there is no probability of the streak derived from the printer is an example of a predetermined case. The case where there is a probability of the streak derived from the scanner is an example of a case where there is a defective image in the out-of-paper region23.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating an example of a generation screen50displayed on the display device310of the user terminal300.

The generation screen50of the display device310illustrated inFIG.8includes the read image30, and a frame portion51indicating a portion including the defective images41to43in the read image30and text52“streak detection region” are displayed on the generation screen50.

Further, the generation screen50includes an arrow53suggesting that the image located on the right side of the read image30is an enlarged image of the frame portion51, and an enlarged display portion54displaying the frame portion51in an enlarged manner. It can be visually recognized that the defective images41to43are displayed on the enlarged display portion54.

As described above, as illustrated inFIG.8, the generation screen50includes a partial image in order to clearly present the grounds for the existence of the defective images41to43in addition to the read image30.

Only the generation screen50in which the frame portion51and the text52are added to the read image30is assumed, and the enlarged display portion54may be omitted. The visibility of the user is improved by including the enlarged display portion54.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating another example of the generation screen50displayed on the display device310of the user terminal300.

In the generation screen50illustrated inFIG.8, in addition to the display illustrated inFIG.8, the enlarged display portion54includes the description of the defective images41to43. That is, on the generation screen50, for the defective images41and42, a display55indicating “a streak having a probability of a printer abnormality” is shown together with the arrows55aand55b. Further, for the defective images42and43, a display56indicating “a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality” is shown together with the arrows56aand56b. The displays55and56for the defective images41to43indicate the type of the defective images and indicate the causes of generating the defective images.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating still another example of the generation screen50displayed on the display device310of the user terminal300.

In addition to the display illustrated inFIG.8, the generation screen50illustrated inFIG.8includes a description different from the case ofFIG.9. That is, on the generation screen50, for the defective image41, a display57indicating “a streak having a probability of a printer abnormality” is displayed together with a line57aindicating that the display57is for the defective image41and a hollow circleFIG.57billustrated with being superimposed on the defective image41.

Further, for the defective image42, a display59indicating “a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality” is displayed together with a line59aindicating that the display59is for the defective image42and a hollow circleFIG.59billustrated with being superimposed on the defective image42.

Further, for the defective image43, a display58indicating “a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality” is displayed together with a line58aindicating that the display58is for the defective image43and a hollow circleFIG.58billustrated with being superimposed on the defective image43.

As described above, in the example illustrated inFIG.10, differing from the case ofFIG.9, each of the defective images41to43has been described individually, and the correspondence relationship can be easily grasped by using the circleFIGS.57b,58b, and59b.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described. Regarding the second exemplary embodiment, the description of portions common to the portions in the first exemplary embodiment may be omitted.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus100according to the second exemplary embodiment.

The image forming apparatus100illustrated inFIG.11is an apparatus that forms an image on paper P. The image forming apparatus100is provided with an image forming unit100A and a paper transport unit190. The above-described image reading device130is disposed at a paper discharge position of the image forming apparatus100.

The image forming unit100A is provided with an image forming unit11, an intermediate transfer belt150, a secondary transfer unit160, and a fixing device170, and a post-processing unit180.

In the present exemplary embodiment, four image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K corresponding to four colors of toners including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) respectively are provided as the image forming unit140.

The image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K are arranged in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt150and form a toner image through an electrophotographic method.

Each of the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K has a photoconductor drum141, a charging unit142, an exposure unit143, a developing unit144, and a primary transfer unit145.

Each of the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K forms a toner image of any color of YMCK and transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt150.

Accordingly, a toner image in which the toner images of respective colors including YMCK overlap each other is formed on the intermediate transfer belt150.

The photoconductor drum141rotates in an arrow A direction at a speed determined in advance. In addition, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141.

The charging unit142charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141at a potential determined in advance.

The exposure unit143irradiates the charged peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141with light and forms an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141.

The developing unit144forms a toner image by attaching a toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141.

The primary transfer unit145transfers the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141onto the intermediate transfer belt150.

A voltage having a polarity opposite to a charging polarity of a toner is applied to the primary transfer unit145. Accordingly, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum141is sequentially electrostatically sucked onto the intermediate transfer belt150, and one overlapping color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt150.

The intermediate transfer belt150is supported by a plurality of roller-shaped members. The intermediate transfer belt150is formed in an endless shape and circulates and moves in an arrow B direction. In addition, the intermediate transfer belt150includes an outer peripheral surface154and an inner peripheral surface155.

The intermediate transfer belt150is used in transporting a toner image. In the present exemplary embodiment, a toner image is formed on the outer peripheral surface154of the intermediate transfer belt150, and the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer unit160with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt150.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a drive roller151that is driven by a motor (not illustrated) and drives the intermediate transfer belt150is provided as the roller-shaped member disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt150. In addition, an idle roller153and a backup roller164that support the intermediate transfer belt150are provided as the roller-shaped members.

The roller-shaped members are rotatably provided and are pressed against the inner peripheral surface155of the intermediate transfer belt150.

In the paper transport unit190, a transport path191for taking out paper P from a paper storage unit (not illustrated) and transporting the paper P to the secondary transfer unit160, a reversal path192that is branched between the fixing device170and the post-processing unit180and is for reversing the paper fixed by the fixing device170upside down, and a transport path193for guiding the paper P reversed on the reversal path192to the transport path191are provided.

In the case of two-sided printing, paper is transported through the reversal path192and the transport path193.

The transport path191is formed such that the paper P fixed by the fixing device170is transported to the post-processing unit180and then discharged from the image forming apparatus100. The paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus100passes through the image reading device130.

The post-processing unit180referred to here is a device that executes, for example, a process of binding a bundle of paper, a process of folding the paper, a process of cutting the paper, a process of bookbinding, and the like. In the case of the chart paper CP, the chart paper CP is discharged without being post-processed, and the chart image61(for example, seeFIG.1) is read by the image reading device130.

The image reading device130includes a reading unit131located on the upper side of a region through which the paper passes, and a reading unit133located on the lower side. In the case of single-sided printing, an image is read by the upper reading unit131, and in the case of two-sided printing, images on both sides are read at once by the upper reading unit131and the lower reading unit133.

The secondary transfer unit160includes a secondary transfer transport belt161disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface154of the intermediate transfer belt150. The secondary transfer transport belt161is a semi-conductive endless annular belt stretched by a drive roller (transfer roller)162consisting of metal, for example, SUS, and a driven roller163consisting of, for example, a rubber roller. The secondary transfer transport belt161is transported at a predetermined speed by the drive roller162, and a tension predetermined by the drive roller162and the driven roller163is applied to the secondary transfer transport belt161.

Further, the secondary transfer unit160is provided with the backup roller164that is disposed on the inner peripheral surface155side of the intermediate transfer belt150and forms a counter electrode of the secondary transfer transport belt161, and a metal power feeding roller165that applies a secondary transfer bias to the backup roller164.

The secondary transfer unit160configured in this manner transfers a toner image transported to the secondary transfer unit160by the intermediate transfer belt150onto the transported paper P.

The fixing device170is disposed on a downstream side of the secondary transfer unit160in a transport direction of the paper P. The fixing device170is provided with a fixing roller having a heating source and a pressurizing roller provided to face the fixing roller. The fixing device170melts an unfixed toner image on the paper P and fixes the toner image on the paper P. Accordingly, an image consisting of the toner image is formed on the paper P.

Next, in the case of the image forming apparatus100according to the second exemplary embodiment, determination as to whether the defective image appearing in the read image30is a scanner streak or a printer streak will be described with reference toFIG.12. As described above, the image reading device130passes through both sides of the paper at a time, while the image forming unit100A forms an image on each side in order. The sides of the chart paper CP are referred to as one side and the other side. In the case of single-sided printing, printing is performed on one side, and in the case of two-sided printing, printing is performed on one side and the other side.

FIG.12is a table showing determination results of defective images44and45, and illustrates a defective image generation form in which the defective images44and45are respectively generated in the case of single-sided printing and the case of two-sided printing. In the horizontal column, an item indicating whether or not the two-sided printing is performed and an item for one side and the other side are provided for each item. In the vertical column, forms 1 to 5 are arranged in this order from the top as a defective image generation form.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the read image30as a diagnosis target includes, for example, a region divided by four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) in order from the top. The defective images44and45extend in a direction crossing this region. Both the defective images44and45illustrated inFIG.12are streak-shaped images along the reading direction (up-down direction inFIG.12) of the image reading device130. The defective image has mixed colors including four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The defective image45has the single color of any one of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), or K (black).

In the case of two-sided printing, it is diagnosed whether or not there is a defect on each of the one side and the other side. Therefore, for example, the defective image44having the mixed colors may appear on either one side or the other side.

Form 1 as the defective image generation form illustrated inFIG.12is a case where the defective image44having the mixed colors appears on only one side, and the defective image44does not appear on the other side.

Form 2 is a case where the defective image44having the mixed colors appears only on the other side, and the defective image44does not appear on the one side.

In Forms 1 and 2, the defective image44as a scanner streak is generated. More specifically, in the case of Form 1, the defective image is formed due to the upper reading unit131(seeFIG.11) in the image reading device130, and “scanner streak (reading unit131)” is described in the item of the determination result. In the case of Form 2, the defective image is formed due to the lower reading unit133, and “scanner streak (reading unit133)” is described in the item of the determination result.

Form 3 is a case where the defective image45having a single color appears on each of one side and the other side, and the defective image45on one side and the defective image45on the other side have the same color. Since the defective image has a single color, the defective image45is generated before the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt150of the secondary transfer unit160. That is, the defective image45is included in an image primarily transferred by the primary transfer unit145in the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K.

In the case of Form 3, a printer streak is caused by any of the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K corresponding to the color of the defective image45. For example, in a case where the defective image45is yellow, a printer streak caused by the image forming unit140Y is obtained, and “printer streak (Y color)” is described in the item of the determination result.

Here, comparing the read image30on one side of Form 1 and Form 3, since the defective image44appearing in Form 1 has mixed colors and the defective image45appearing in Form 3 has a single color, it is possible to determine whether the defect is the scanner streak or the printer streak, by using one read image.

More specifically, as described in the first exemplary embodiment, in a case where the read image30includes the out-of-paper image32in addition to the in-paper image31, it is possible to determine whether the defect is a scanner streak or a printer streak. Further, by using a determination element of whether the defective image has a single color or mixed colors, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

Next, Forms 4 and 5 will be described.

Forms 4 and 5 are cases where the defective image44having the mixed colors appears on both one side and the other side in the case of two-sided printing. However, since it is difficult to determine the causes of Forms 4 and 5 only by using the read image30of two-sided printing, the read image30of single-sided printing is also used.

In Form 4, the defective image44of the mixed colors appears on both one side and the other side of the two-sided printing, and the defective image44of the mixed colors appears in the read image30of the single-sided printing. In Form 5, the defective image44of the mixed colors appears on both one side and the other side of the two-sided printing, and the defective image44does not appear in the read image30of the single-sided printing. In Forms 4 and 5, the defective image45of a single color does not appear in the read image30of the single-sided printing.

The defective image44of the mixed colors obtained by single-sided printing in Form 4 is different from the defective image45of the single color obtained by two-sided printing in Form 3, and is generated after the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt150of the secondary transfer unit160(seeFIG.11). Therefore, the defective image44of the single-sided printing in Form 4 is generated on the intermediate transfer belt150side in the secondary transfer unit160.

On the other hand, since the defective image44does not appear in the single-sided printing in Form 5, the defective image44in the case of the two-sided printing is generated on the secondary transfer transport belt161(seeFIG.11) side in the secondary transfer unit160.

In the cases of Forms 4 and 5, the determination result is obtained from the read image30indicated by the broken line frame inFIG.12.

As described above, in Form 4, the “printer streak (intermediate transfer belt150)” is described in the item of the determination result, and in Form 5, the “printer streak (secondary transfer transport belt161)” is described in the item of the determination result.

In the second exemplary embodiment, a screen showing the determination result in the cases of Forms 1 to 5 is displayed on the display device310of the user terminal300.

Here, in the second exemplary embodiment, the constituent components of the image forming unit100A related to the defective image detected in the case of two-sided printing are presented. That is, in the case of the single-color defective image45in Form 3, it is assumed that the cause is any of the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K, and the determination result is “printer streak (Y color)”. Thus, the screen can include information regarding the image forming unit that forms an image of each color.

Further, in the case of the defective image44of the mixed colors in Forms 4 and 5, it is assumed that the cause is the secondary transfer unit160(seeFIG.11) that transfers the chart image61to the paper, and the determination results of Forms 4 and 5 can be included on the screen.

Further, in the case of single-sided printing, in a case where the defective image44is present on one side, the screen may include “printer streak (intermediate transfer belt150)” as the determination result of Form 4. The determination result is an example of information indicating a portion of the secondary transfer unit160on the side where the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K are located.

Further, in the case of single-sided printing, in a case where there is no defective image44on one side, the screen can include “printer streaks (secondary transfer transport belt161)” as the determination result of Form 5. The determination result is an example of information indicating a portion of the secondary transfer unit160on an opposite side of the side on which the image forming units140Y,140M,140C, and140K are located.

InFIG.12, the read image30shown in the item on one side is an example of a one-side image which is a diagnosis image formed on one side of the recording medium, and the read image30shown in the item on the other side is an example of an other-side image which is a diagnosis image formed on the other side of the recording medium.

Supplementary Note

An information processing system comprising:a processor configured to:acquire a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium, which is output by an image forming section, the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section; andgenerate a screen including information regarding the image forming section in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the acquired read image, and including information regarding the image reading section in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image.
(((2)))

The information processing system according to (((1))),wherein the screen is generated in a case where second range-included information that is information indicating that the read image includes the second range is acquired, in acquiring the read image.
(((3)))

The information processing system according to (((2))),wherein the second range-included information includes at least one of the information regarding the image reading section or information regarding the read image.
(((4)))

The information processing system according to (((1))),wherein the screen includes a partial image that is an image of a portion including the defective image in the read image.
(((5)))

The information processing system according to (((4))),wherein the partial image is an enlarged image of the portion including the defective image.
(((6)))

The information processing system according to (((4))) or (((5))),wherein the partial image includes a description of the defective image.
(((7)))

The information processing system according to (((6))),wherein the description of the defective image indicates a type of the defective image.
(((8)))

The information processing system according to (((6))),wherein the description of the defective image indicates a cause of generating the defective image.
(((9)))

The information processing system according to (((4))) or (((5))),wherein the partial image includes a figure for pointing a position of the defective image.
(((10)))

The information processing system according to (((4))) or (((5)))wherein the screen is added to the partial image.
(((11)))

The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))),wherein the screen includes information for prompting the image reading section to perform reading, in a case where the defective image is in the first range and the second range and a position of the defective image in the first range and a position of the defective image in the second range satisfy a predetermined condition.
(((12)))

The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((11))),wherein, in a predetermined case and in a case where the defective image is in the second range, the screen is generated not to include the information regarding the image reading section.
(((13)))

The information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((12))),wherein, in a case where the processor acquires a one-side image that is a diagnosis image formed on one surface of the recording medium and an other-side image that is a diagnosis image formed on the other surface of the recording medium, and in a case where the acquired one-side image and other-side image include the defective image,the screenincludes information regarding an image forming unit that forms an image of each color forming the diagnosis image in a case where the defective image in the one-side image and the other-side image has a single color, andincludes information regarding a transfer unit that transfers the diagnosis image to the recording medium in a case where the defective image in the one-side image and the other-side image has mixed colors.
(((14)))

The information processing system according to (((13))),wherein, in a case where the defective image in the one-side image and the other-side image has mixed colors,the information regarding the transfer unitincludes information indicating a portion of the transfer unit on a side on which the image forming unit is located in a case where the defective image is in the first range, andincludes information indicating a portion of the transfer unit on a side opposite to the side on which the image forming unit is located in a case where there is no defective image in the first range.
(((15)))

A program causing an information processing apparatus to realize:an acquisition function of acquiring a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium, which is output by an image forming section, the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section; anda generation function of generating a screen including information regarding the image forming section in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the read image acquired by the acquisition function, and including information regarding the image reading section in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image.