Patent Publication Number: US-11042111-B2

Title: Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and image forming apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/567,941, filed on Sep. 11, 2019, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-241684, filed on Dec. 25, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     An embodiment described here generally relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an image forming apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) has a plurality of components and a plurality of consumable items. The physical property of each component changes depending on a use status each component. The same applies to the physical property of a consumable item. 
     A transfer apparatus is an example of a component of an MFP. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer roller pair. Recently, a conductive sponge rubber roller pair is mainly used as a transfer roller pair. Even if the transfer roller pair operates in a normal situation, the electric resistance of the transfer roller pair increases as the use time period increases. Finally, the transfer bias reaches the transformer permissible voltage maximum value, and the transfer roller pair cannot apply a current necessary to transfer and reaches the end of the lifetime. As described above, even if the transfer roller pair operates in a normal situation, the transfer roller pair reaches the end of the lifetime as the electric resistance increases. 
     Meanwhile, even before the transfer roller pair reaches the end of the lifetime in a normal operational situation, the electric resistance of the transfer roller pair may increase if a failure occurs in a component of the transfer apparatus. If the transfer roller pair itself is broken or a power source is broken, the transfer roller pair cannot transfer paper normally. Further, if a bearing of the transfer roller pair is broken, the transfer roller pair cannot come to close contact with a transfer belt. 
     When the transfer roller pair reaches the end of the lifetime in a normal operational situation, it is necessary to replace the transfer roller pair. The MFP cannot execute printing until a service person replaces the transfer roller pair. So, if it is possible to predict the lifetime of the transfer roller pair, the MFP may execute an action for reducing downtime in advance such as output of an alert or execute a life-prolonging action, with which it is possible to use the MFP for a while after the transfer roller pair reaches the end of the lifetime. 
     Meanwhile, if any failure occurs in the transfer apparatus, a component of the transfer apparatus may be about to be broken critically. In view of that, if it is possible to determine whether or not there is a failure in a component of the transfer apparatus, a user may stop the operation of the MFP and call a service person. 
     However, even if a transfer roller pair operates in a normal situation, the electric resistance of transfer roller pair largely varies depending on a lifespan (aging or aging degree) of the transfer roller pair or a use status such as a use environment. Further, the electric resistance of the transfer roller pair largely varies also when the transfer roller pair itself is broken or a component relating to the transfer roller pair is broken. Because of that, an MFP cannot predict a lifetime of a transfer roller pair or cannot determine whether or not there is a failure in a transfer apparatus including the transfer roller pair only on a basis of the electric resistance of the transfer roller pair. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram schematically showing an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view showing an example of an MFP according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the MFP according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an example of a server according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of a storage device that stores information collected by a server according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a resistance estimated value and a resistance detected value of a secondary transfer roller pair according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  and a first residual according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a sequential diagram showing an example of processing of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a sequential diagram showing another example of processing of the information processing system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus is configured to manage information of a plurality of apparatuses, the plurality of apparatuses being configured to be connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. The information processing apparatus includes a communication device, a storage device, and a processor. The communication device is configured to communicate with the plurality of apparatuses via the network. The storage device is configured to store a first detected value about physical property of a component or a consumable item that each of the plurality of apparatuses has, which changes depending on a use status, and a second detected value about use of the component or the consumable item. The processor is configured to collect the first detected value and the second detected value about each of the plurality of apparatuses via the communication device. The processor is configured to cause the storage device to store the collected first detected value and the collected second detected value for each of the plurality of apparatuses. The processor is further configured to derive a formula on a basis of the stored first detected value and the stored second detected value, the formula defining a relationship between a value about use of the component or the consumable item and a value about physical property of the component or the consumable item. 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference symbols indicate the same or similar units.  FIG. 1  is a diagram schematically showing an example of the information processing system  100 . 
     The information processing system  100  includes the plurality of MFP  1 - 1 , MFP  1 - 2 , . . . and, MFP  1 - n  (n is 2 or more), and the server  2 . Each of the plurality of MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n  and the server  2  are connected to each other such that they are capable of communicating with each other via a network. For example, the network is the Internet, but is not limited to this. 
     A structure of the MFP  1 - 1  will be described. The MFP  1 - 1  is an example of an image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic technology. Note that a structure of each of the MFPs  1 - 2  to  1 - n  is similar to the structure of the MFP  1 - 1 , and thus description thereof will be omitted. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view showing an example of the MFP  1 - 1 . The MFP  1 - 1  includes the image forming units  11 -Y,  11 -M,  11 -C, and  11 -K, the transfer belt  12 , the paper feeder device  13 , the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , and the fuser roller pair  15 . 
     The image forming unit  11 -Y is a unit that forms a yellow (Y) toner image, and transfers the yellow (Y) toner image to the transfer belt  12 . The image forming unit  11 -M is a unit that forms a magenta (M) toner image, and transfers the magenta (M) toner image to the transfer belt  12 . The image forming unit  11 -C is a unit that forms a cyan (C) toner image, and transfers the cyan (C) toner image to the transfer belt  12 . The image forming unit  11 -K is a unit that forms a black (K) toner image, and transfers the black (K) toner image to the transfer belt  12 . As a result, the MFP  1 - 1  forms a full-color image on the transfer belt  12 . 
     The image forming unit  11 -Y includes the photosensitive drum  111 -Y, the charger  112 -Y, the developer  113 -Y, the primary transfer roller  114 -Y, the exposure device  115 -Y, and the cleaner  116 -Y. The aforementioned respective devices  112 -Y,  114 -Y,  115 -Y, and  116 -Y are arranged around the photosensitive drum  111 -Y. Each of the image forming units  11 -M,  11 -C, and  11 -K has a structure similar to the structure of the image forming unit  11 -Y except that each image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a developer, and an exposure device for forming a toner image of a dedicated color. 
     Note that, in  FIG. 2 , the image forming unit  11 -Y for forming a yellow (Y) toner image is denoted by the reference symbol “-Y”. The image forming unit  11 -M for forming a magenta (M) toner image is denoted by the reference symbol “-M”. The image forming unit  11 -C for forming a cyan (C) toner image is denoted by the reference symbol “-C”. The image forming unit  11 -K for forming a black (K) toner image is denoted by the reference symbol “-K”. 
     The chargers  112 -Y,  112 -M,  112 -C, and  112 -K uniformly charge the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K, respectively. The exposure devices  115 -Y,  115 -M,  115 -C, and  115 -K includes light-emitting devices, respectively. The exposure devices  115 -Y,  115 -M,  115 -C, and  115 -K expose the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K to light on a basis of image data (described below). The exposure devices  115 -Y,  115 -M,  115 -C, and  115 -K form electrostatic latent images having dedicated image-forming colors on the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K, respectively, by exposing the photosensitive drums to light as described above. The developer  113 -Y attaches yellow toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum  111 -Y and develops the electrostatic latent image to thereby form a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum  111 -Y. The developer  113 -M attaches magenta toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum  111 -M and develops the electrostatic latent image to thereby form a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum  111 -M. The developer  113 -C attaches cyan toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum  111 -C and develops the electrostatic latent image to thereby form a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum  111 -C. The developer  113 -K attaches black toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum  111 -K and develops the electrostatic latent image to thereby form a black toner image on the photosensitive drum  111 -K. 
     The primary transfer rollers  114 -Y,  114 -M,  114 -C, and  114 -K transfer the toner images developed and formed on the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K as described above to the transfer belt  12 . The cleaners  116 -Y,  116 -M,  116 -C, and  116 -K remove remaining untransferred toner from the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K to thereby clean the photosensitive drums. Then the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K stand by for the next image forming. 
     Note that the image forming unit  11 -Y may have a structure different from the aforementioned structure. For example, the image forming unit  11 -Y may include a discharger for discharging the photosensitive drums  111 -Y,  111 -M,  111 -C, and  111 -K after the aforementioned cleaning. The same applies to the image forming unit  11 -M, the image forming unit  11 -C, and the image forming unit  11 -K. 
     The paper feeder device  13  includes the paper cassettes  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , and the paper feeder rollers  13   a  and  13   b . The paper cassette  13 - 1  accommodates the paper P 1  having a first size (small size). The paper cassette  13 - 2  accommodates the paper P 2  having a second size (large size) different from the aforementioned first size. The paper feeder rollers  13   a  and  13   b  take the paper P 1  and P 2  out from the paper cassettes  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , respectively, and supply the paper to a transfer position, at which the transfer belt  12  faces the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The secondary transfer roller pair is arranged at the transfer position such that the transfer roller pair  14  faces the transfer belt  12 . The secondary transfer roller pair  14  causes the paper P 1  or P 2 , which is supplied from the paper feeder device  13 , to come to close contact with the transfer belt  12 , on which a toner image is transferred. As a result, the toner image is transferred onto the paper P 1  or P 2 . 
     The fuser roller pair  15  heats and presses the paper P 1  or P 2 , on which the toner image is transferred. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper P 1  or P 2 . 
     According to the aforementioned structure, the MFP  1 - 1  is capable of forming a full-color image on the paper P 1  or P 2  on a basis of image data (described below). 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the MFP  1 - 1 . The MFP  1 - 1  includes the CPU (Central Processing Unit)  101 , the ROM (Read Only Memory)  102 , the RAM (Random Access Memory)  103 , the storage device  104 , the input/output device  105 , the image scanner  106 , the printer controller  107 , the communication device  110 , the driver device  1071 , the high-voltage power source device  1072 , the concentration sensor  1073 , and the toner attached amount sensor  1074 . Further, the MFP  1 - 1  includes a first sensor configured to detect a value about physical property of a component or a consumable item that the MFP  1 - 1  has, which changes depending on a use status, and output a first detected value (described below). For example, the MFP  1 - 1  includes a sensor circuit in the high-voltage power source device  1072  as the first sensor. Further, the MFP  1 - 1  includes a second sensor configured to detect a value about use of the component or the consumable item that the MFP  1 - 1  has, and output a second detected value (described below). For example, the MFP  1 - 1  includes the counter  108  and the sensor unit  109  as the second sensors. 
     The CPU  101  executes programs stored in the ROM  102  or the storage device  104  to thereby control operations of the MFP  1 - 1  and execute various processing. The CPU  101  is an example of a processor. The CPU  101  is an example of a processing unit that executes various processing. 
     The ROM  102  stores various programs and data. The RAM  103  temporarily stores various programs. Further, the RAM  103  stores data necessary to execute the programs and execution results. 
     The storage device  104  stores various programs and data. For example, the storage device  104  includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). 
     The input/output device  105  receives operations input by a user, and displays various information. For example, the input/output device  105  is a touch panel including a liquid crystal display and a touchpad layered on the liquid crystal display, but is not limited to a touch panel. The input/output device  105  is a part of a display unit. 
     The image scanner  106  reads a document, and captures image data on a basis of the document. The image scanner  106  stores the captured image data in the storage device  104 . For example, the image scanner  106  includes an image sensor and the like. The image sensor is an image pickup device including linearly-arrayed pixels that convert light to electric signals (image signals). For example, the image sensor includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or another image pickup device. 
     The printer controller  107  controls devices relating to image forming. For example, the printer controller  107  controls the driver device  1071 , the high-voltage power source device  1072 , the concentration sensor  1073 , and the toner attached amount sensor  1074 . Note that the printer controller  107  controls devices relating to image forming other than the devices mentioned above as examples, such as a fusing heater used for fusing the aforementioned toner image. 
     The driver device  1071  drives devices relating to image forming. For example, the driver device  1071  includes a motor. For example, the driver device  1071  drive the image forming units  11 -Y,  11 -M,  11 -C, and  11 -K, the transfer belt  12 , the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , and the fuser roller pair  15 . 
     The high-voltage power source device  1072  includes a plurality of transformer circuits that applies bias voltages to devices relating to image forming. For example, the high-voltage power source device  1072  applies a bias voltage to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . For example, the high-voltage power source device  1072  applies bias voltages to the primary transfer rollers  114 -Y,  114 -M,  114 -C, and  114 -K. For example, the high-voltage power source device  1072  applies bias voltages to the chargers  112 -Y,  112 -M,  112 -C, and  112 -K. For example, the high-voltage power source device  1072  applies bias voltages to the developers  113 -Y,  113 -M,  113 -C, and  113 -K. 
     The concentration sensor  1073  is a sensor that detects a toner concentration of a developing agent included in each of the developers  113 -Y,  113 -M,  113 -C, and  113 -K. For example, the concentration sensor  1073  is a magnetic sensor, but may be an optical sensor. 
     The toner attached amount sensor  1074  detects a toner attached amount of the transfer belt  12  on a basis of a toner image transferred to the transfer belt  12 . For example, the toner attached amount sensor  1074  is an optical sensor. For example, the toner attached amount sensor  1074  optically detects a toner attached amount on a basis of a pattern of the toner image. 
     The counter  108  counts values relating to operations of the MFP  1 - 1 . For example, the counter  108  includes a circuit. The values that the counter  108  counts may also be referred to as counter values. For example, the counter values include the number of printed sheets, driving rotation numbers of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  and the like, or driving time periods of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  and the like. However, the counter values are not limited to them. The storage device  104  stores the counter values. 
     The sensor unit  109  a plurality of sensors that detects values relating to the external environment around the MFP  1 - 1 . For example, the sensor unit  109  includes the temperature sensor  1091  and the humidity sensor  1092 . The temperature sensor  1091  detects a temperature (atmosphere temperature) (degrees centigrade). The humidity sensor  1092  detects a relative humidity (% RH). Note that the sensor unit  109  may include various sensors that detect value about an external environment such as a pressure (hPa) other than a temperature (atmosphere temperature) (degrees centigrade) and a relative humidity (% RH). The storage device  104  stores the aforementioned temperature detected value and the aforementioned humidity detected value. 
     The communication device  110  is an interface, with which the MFP  1 - 1  communicates with the server  2  via a network. The communication device  110  may include a wired communication interface or may include a wireless communication interface. The communication device  110  is an example of a sending unit that sends information to the server  2 . The communication device  110  is an example of a receiving unit that receives information from the server  2 . 
     A configuration of the server  2  will be described. The server  2  derives a formula used to determine whether or not there is a failure relating to the component or the consumable item that each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n  has, or used to determine a lifetime of the component or the consumable item. The formula will be described below. The server  2  is an example of the information processing apparatus. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an example of the server  2 . The server  2  includes the CPU  201 , the ROM  202 , the RAM  203 , the storage device  204 , and the communication device  205 . 
     The CPU  201  executes programs stored in the ROM  202  or the storage device  204  to thereby control operations of the server  2  and execute various processing. The CPU  201  is an example of a processor. The CPU  201  is an example of a calculating unit that derives a formula (described below). The CPU  201  an example of a processing unit that executes various processing. 
     The ROM  202  stores various programs and data. The RAM  203  temporarily stores various programs. Further, the RAM  203  stores data necessary to execute the programs and execution results. 
     The storage device  204  stores various programs and data. For example, the storage device  204  includes an HDD or an SSD. The storage device  204  stores information received by the server  2  from the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n.    
     The communication device  205  is an interface, with which the server  2  communicates with the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n  via a network. The communication device  205  may include a wired communication interface or may include a wireless communication interface. The communication device  205  is an example of a sending unit that sends information to the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n . The communication device  205  is an example of a receiving unit that receives information from the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n.    
     Next, the information that the MFP  1 - 1  sends to the server  2  will be described. Note that the information that the MFPs  1 - 2  to  1 - n  send to the server  2  is similar to the information that the MFP  1 - 1  sends to the server  2 . So the description thereof will be omitted. 
     The MFP  1 - 1  sends information to the server  2  in response to an information request signal from the server  2 . The information request signal includes a request to send information indicating a detected value about a certain component or consumable item. The component or consumable item is required to be replaced depending on the use status. For example, the component is the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , but is not limited to that. The component may be the photosensitive drum  111 -Y, the primary transfer roller  114 -Y, or the like. Instead of those components, the component may be each of various components that the MFP  1 - 1  has. For example, the consumable item is toner, but is not limited to that. The consumable item may be each of various consumable items that the MFP  1 - 1  has. For example, the information request signal includes a request to send a detected value about the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     In response to the information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  obtains a first detected value about a component or a consumable item specified in the information request signal. An example thereof will be described below. The CPU  101  is an example of a first obtaining unit that obtains a first detected value. 
     The first detected value is a value detected by the MFP  1 - 1 , and is a value about physical property of a component or a consumable item that the MFP  1 - 1  itself has. The physical property is a property that changes depending on a use status of the component or the consumable item. For example, the physical property is an electric property, a magnetic property, or an optical property, but is not limited to that. For example, the electric property may be physical property of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . For example, the magnetic property may be physical property of developer. For example, a toner concentration of developer is physical property magnetically detected by the concentration sensor  1073 . For example, the optical property may be physical property of toner. A toner attached amount is optically detected by the toner attached amount sensor  1074 , and indirectly indicates a charging amount property of toner. The charging amount property of toner is an example of physical property of toner. 
     The CPU  101  obtains a first detected value by using the respective units of the MFP  1 - 1 , and a method of obtaining the first detected value is not limited. Note that the first detected value may include detected values about a plurality of different physical properties about a component or a consumable item that the MFP  1 - 1  itself has. 
     For example, as described in an example below, the CPU  101  obtains a common logarithm value (Log Ω) of an electric resistance of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  detected by the MFP  1 - 1 . A common logarithm value of an electric resistance is physical property. Hereinafter, a common logarithm value of an electric resistance will be simply referred to as an electric resistance value. The electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  detected by the MFP  1 - 1  will be also referred to as a resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . In response to an information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  controls the high-voltage power source device  1072  to supply a constant current to a secondary transferring unit including the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The CPU  101  detects a voltage value of a secondary transferring unit by using a sensor circuit included in the high-voltage power source device  1072 . Accordingly the CPU  101  is capable of calculating the electric resistance value of the secondary transferring unit as the resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The calculated resistance detected value is the storage device  104 . 
     As described in an example below, in response to an information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  obtains a second detected value about a component or a consumable item specified in an information request signal. The CPU  101  is an example of a second obtaining unit that obtains a second detected value. 
     The second detected value is a value detected by the MFP  1 - 1 , and is a value about use of a component or a consumable item that the MFP  1 - 1  itself has. The value about use is a value indicating how a component or a consumable item is used (use mode). 
     The second detected value includes a detected value about a use history. A detected value about a use history is a value detected by the MFP  1 - 1 , and a value indicating a use amount of a component or a consumable item. For example, a detected value about a use history is a counter value of the counter  108 . A counter value is an example of the detected value. 
     In response to an information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  obtains a detected value about a use history about a component or a consumable item specified in the information request signal from the storage device  104 . For example, in response to the information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  is capable of obtaining a counter value of a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  from the storage device  104 . 
     The second detected value may include a detected value about a use environment. A detected value about a use environment is a value detected by the MFP  1 - 1 , and is a value indicating an external environment of a component or a consumable item used. For example, a detected value about a use environment includes at least one detected value of a temperature (atmosphere temperature) (degrees centigrade), a relative humidity (% RH), a pressure (hPa), and the like. However, a detected value about a use environment is not limited to that. A relative humidity will also simply be referred to as a humidity. 
     In response to the information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  obtains a detected value about a use environment. For example, in response to the information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  is capable of obtaining a detected value of a temperature by using the temperature sensor  1091 . In response to the information request signal from the server  2 , the CPU  101  is capable of obtaining a detected value of a humidity by using the humidity sensor  1092 . 
     Note that a detected value of physical property varies depending on not only a use history of a component or a consumable item but also a use environment. Accordingly a detected value about use preferably includes a detected value about a use environment, in addition to a detected value about a use history. 
     The communication device  110  sends information indicating a first detected value and information indicating a second detected value to the server  2  being an external apparatus. The information indicating a first detected value will be also referred to as first detected value information. The information indicating a second detected value will be also referred to as second detected value information. 
     Next, how the server  2  collects information from the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - n  will be described. Hereinafter, the server  2  collects first detected value information and second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair from each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 , the number of MFPs being 100. In an example described hereinafter, the secondary transfer roller pair is an example of a component or a consumable item. Accordingly the “secondary transfer roller pair” in the following description is exchangeable for “a component or a consumable item” as necessary. 
     The communication device  205  sends an information request signal to each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . The information request signal includes a request for a first detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The first detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  includes a resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The information request signal includes a request for a second detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The second detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  includes a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , a temperature, and a humidity. 
     As a response for the information request signal, the communication device  205  receives first detected value information and second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair that each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  has from each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . The first detected value information includes information indicating a resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair. The second detected value information includes information indicating a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair, information indicating a temperature, and information indicating a humidity. 
     The CPU  201  stores the first detected value information and the second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair received from each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  in the storage device  204 . As described above, the server  2  is capable of collecting the first detected value information and the second detected value information of the same kind of certain component or consumable item from each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an example of the storage device  204  that stores information collected by the server  2 . In  FIG. 5 , the “machine  1 ” to the “machine  100 ” correspond to the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 , respectively. X 1  indicates a detected value of a temperature included in the second detected value. X 2  indicates a detected value of a humidity included in the second detected value. X 3  indicates a counter value of a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair included in the second detected value. Y indicates a resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair included in the first detected value. In short, the CPU  201  stores the first detected value information (Y) and the second detected value information (X, X 2 , and X 3 ) in the storage device  204  for each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  (machines  1  to  100 ). 
     Note that the server  2  is capable of arbitrarily selecting target MFPs from which information is collected. For example, the server  2  may select MFPs distributed in various areas. In this example, by selecting MFPs used in various conditions, the server  2  is capable of obtaining use tendencies of statistically appropriate MFPs. The server  2  may select MFPs provided in a predetermined region such as an office, for example. In this example, by selecting MFPs used in a certain common condition, the server  2  is capable of obtaining use tendencies of MFPs used in the certain condition. Note that the server  2  may be capable of arbitrarily changing the number of target MFPs from which information is collected. 
     Next, how the server  2  derives a formula defining a relationship between a value about use of the secondary transfer roller pair and a value about physical property of the secondary transfer roller pair will be described. As described in an example below, the CPU  201  derives a formula on a basis of first detected value information and second detected value information about each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . 
     For example, the CPU  201  derives the following Formula (1) defining a relationship between a temperature, a humidity, and a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair, and an electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair by using information stored in the storage device  204  of  FIG. 5 . Formula (1) indicates an average behavior of a large majority of secondary transfer roller pairs. 
     Formula (1) is a multiple linear regression formula. The multiple linear regression formula is an example of a formula. The formula is not limited to the multiple linear regression formula. Note that the CPU  201  may derive the aforementioned formula by using information about a plurality of MFPs arbitrarily selected from information about all the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  (machines  1  to  100 ) stored in the storage device  204 . For example, the CPU  201  may select MFPs used in a predetermined condition (temperature X 1  or humidity X 2 ) range, for example, to derive the aforementioned formula.
 
 Y′= 8.658−0.03744 X   1 −0.005442 X   2 +4.805×10 −8   X   3   Formula (1)
 
     Y′ indicates an electric resistance value (Log Ω) of the secondary transfer roller pair. Y′ is an example of a value about physical property of the secondary transfer roller pair. 
     X 1  indicates a temperature (degrees centigrade). 
     X 2  indicates a humidity (% RH). 
     X 3  indicates a driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     Each of X 1 , X 2 , and X 3  is an example of a value about use of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     The CPU  201  is capable of applying the temperature detected value, the humidity detected value, and the counter value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair, which are included in the second detected value (see  FIG. 5 ) stored in the storage device  204 , to X 1 , X 2 , and X 3  of Formula (1). As a result, the CPU  201  is capable of calculating Y′. Y′ is an electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  estimated on a basis of the second detected value. The electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  estimated on a basis of the second detected value will be also referred to as a resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a resistance estimated value and a resistance detected value.  FIG. 6  is a plot data graph showing a relationship between a resistance estimated value and a resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  of each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . The horizontal axis shows resistance estimated values, and the vertical axis shows resistance detected values. The dotted straight line shows a linear function in which a resistance estimated value is the same as a resistance detected value. 
     There are a large number of plot data items indicated by square dots. The plot data items indicated by square dots are close to the dotted straight line. It is understood that a resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , which actually operates in a normal situation, is approximately the same as a resistance detected value thereof. It is understood that an electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  of an MFP relating to a plot data item close to the dotted straight line is shifted normally in a normal operational situation while the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is affected by an environment or a lifespan. Accordingly it is effective to use Formula (1) to estimate an electric resistance value of an actual secondary transfer roller pair operating in a normal situation. Note that, in Formula (1), the coefficient of determination (also referred to as R 2 ) value is 0.79. 
     Meanwhile, there is a small number of a plot data item indicated by a triangle dot. The plot data item indicated by a triangle dot is largely distant from the dotted straight line. It is understood that there is a high possibility of occurrence of a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair of an MFP relating to a plot data item indicated by the triangle dot. 
     Next, an example of how the server  2  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair will be described. The server  2  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair for each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . Here, an example of how the server  2  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair of an arbitrary MFP included in the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  will be described. An arbitrary MFP will be also referred to as a target MFP. Here, the target MFP is the MFP  1 - 1 . 
     Firstly, as described in an example below, the CPU  201  compares the resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair that the MFP  1 - 1  has with the resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has. Here, the CPU  201  obtains the second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has from the storage device  204 . The CPU  201  applies the temperature detected value, the humidity detected value, and the counter value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , which are included in the second detected value (see  FIG. 5 ), to X 1 , X 2 , and X 3  of Formula (1). Accordingly the CPU  201  is capable of calculating Y′, i.e., the resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     The CPU  201  obtains the first detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has from the storage device  204 . The CPU  201  refers to information indicating the resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  included in the first detected value information. The CPU  201  compares the resistance detected value with the resistance estimated value. The CPU  201  subtracts the resistance estimated value from the resistance detected value to thereby calculate a first residual. The first residual is an example of a comparison result between the resistance detected value and the resistance estimated value.  FIG. 7  is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between the aforementioned first residual and a resistance estimated value.  FIG. 7  is a plot data graph showing, for example, a relationship between a first residual and a resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  of each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100 . The horizontal axis shows a resistance estimated value, and the vertical axis shows a first residual. 
     Next, as described in an example below, the CPU  201  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has on a basis of the comparison result between the resistance detected value and the resistance estimated value. Here, the CPU  201  compares the first residual with a predetermined first criterion value. The first criterion value may be determined arbitrarily. For example, a first criterion value shown by the dotted line of  FIG. 7  is determined. 
     If the absolute value of the first residual is equal to or smaller than the first criterion value (see plot data items indicated by diamond dots of  FIG. 7 ), it is understood that the resistance detected value is the same as or approximately the same as the resistance estimated value. The CPU  201  determines that the electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is shifted normally. Accordingly the CPU  201  determines that there is no failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  on a basis of the comparison result indicating that the first residual is equal to or smaller than the first criterion value. The determination result indicating that there is no failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  will be also referred to as a first determination result. The first determination result is an example of a determination result indicating whether or not there is a failure. 
     Meanwhile, if the absolute value of the first residual exceeds the first criterion value (see plot data item indicated by a triangle dot of  FIG. 7 ), it is understood that the resistance detected value is largely distant from the resistance estimated value. The CPU  201  determines that the electric resistance value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is not shifted normally. Accordingly the CPU  201  determines that there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  on a basis of the comparison result indicating that the first residual exceeds the first criterion value. The determination result indicating that there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  will be also referred to as a second determination result. The second determination result is an example of a determination result indicating whether or not there is a failure. 
     Note that a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  includes not only a failure of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  itself but also a failure of a component relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The reason is as follows. The absolute value of the first residual exceeds the first criterion value not only when the secondary transfer roller pair  14  itself has a failure but also when a component relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  has a failure. Examples of the component relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  include a bearing of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  and a power source of the secondary transfer roller pair. However, the component is not limited to those examples. 
     According to the present embodiment, the server  2  is capable of providing a formula, with which it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a failure relating to a component or a consumable item. The server  2  appropriately determines whether or not there is a failure relating to a component or a consumable item by using the aforementioned formula, and is thereby capable of appropriately acquiring a status of a component or a consumable item. 
     The server  2  may assist as described in the following example depending on the determination whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     For example, the communication device  205  of the server  2  sends information indicating the first determination result or information indicating the second determination result to the MFP  1 - 1 . The information indicating the first determination result will be also referred to as first determination result information. The information indicating the second determination result will be also referred to as second determination result information. The communication device  110  of the MFP  1 - 1  receives the first determination result information or the second determination result information from the server  2 . Controlled by the CPU  101 , the input/output device  105  displays information about a failure in response to the first determination result information or the second determination result information. For example, the input/output device  105  displays, depending on the second determination result information, an alert message indicating occurrence of a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . A user is thereby capable of confirming the alert message and handling the failure promptly and appropriately. 
     For example, the communication device  205  of the server  2  sends an operation stop request signal to the MFP  1 - 1  in response to the second determination result. The operation stop request signal includes a request to stop the operation of the MFP  1 - 1 . The communication device  110  of the MFP  1 - 1  receives the operation stop request signal from the server  2 . In response to the operation stop request signal, the CPU  101  stops the operation of at least the component relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the MFP  1 - 1  from being used in an abnormal state. 
     For example, in response to the second determination result, the communication device  205  of the server  2  sends the second determination result information to a service center. As a result, a service person is capable of promptly and appropriately handling the failure of the MFP  1 - 1 . 
     As described above, the server  2  appropriately determines whether or not there is a failure relating to a component or a consumable item, and is thereby capable of appropriately assisting in preventing the MFP from being used in the abnormal state after that. As a result, the MFP&#39;s downtime loss will be reduced. 
     Next, an example of how the server  2  determines a lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair will be described. Here, an example of how the server  2  determines a lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair of an arbitrary MFP included in the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  will be described. In a typical example, the server  2  determines a lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair depending on a determination result indicating that there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair. The arbitrary MFP will be also referred to as a target MFP. Here, the target MFP is the MFP  1 - 1 . 
     As described in an example below, the CPU  201  determines a lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  on a basis of the maximum value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has calculated by using Formula (1). Here, the CPU  201  obtains a threshold value about an electric resistance value associated with the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has from the storage device  204 . The lifetime means a useful time period from a use start time point to a replacement required time point of a component or a consumable item in a normal operational situation. The threshold value about an electric resistance value is a value about physical property, and is a maximum value in the normal operational situation. 
     The CPU  201  applies the temperature detected value, the humidity detected value included in the second detected value, and the threshold value of the electric resistance value to X 1 , X 2 , and Y′ of Formula (1). As a result, the CPU  201  is capable of calculating X 3 , i.e., the maximum value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . The maximum value of the driving rotation number is an example of a value about use. The maximum value of the driving rotation number is a value indicating an approximate driving number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that reaches the upper limit of the resistance value. The CPU  201  determines the maximum value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  as a lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has. 
     Note that, as apparent from Formula (1), the higher the temperature and the humidity, the lower Y′. Therefore it is expected that the maximum value of the driving rotation number until the secondary transfer roller pair  14  reaches the end of the lifetime in a high temperature and high humidity environment is larger than the maximum value of the driving rotation number until the secondary transfer roller pair  14  reaches the end of the lifetime in a low temperature and low humidity environment. In this manner, it is sometimes difficult for the server  2  to determine whether an electric resistance value is high because of the lifetime or affected by a use environment only on a basis of a resistance detected value. Since the server  2  derives Formula (1) also based on a temperature and a humidity, the server  2  is capable of appropriately predicting a lifetime depending on a use environment of an MFP. 
     As described in an example below, the CPU  201  may determine a lifetime approaching level of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 , which is approaching the end of the lifetime. Here, the CPU  201  obtains the counter value of the driving rotation number of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has from the storage device  204  (see  FIG. 5 ). The CPU  201  subtracts the driving rotation number counter value from the driving rotation number maximum value to thereby calculate a second residual. The second residual is an example of a comparison result of comparison between the driving rotation number maximum value and the driving rotation number counter value. The CPU  201  compares the second residual with a predetermined second criterion value. The second criterion value may be set arbitrarily. 
     If the second residual is equal to or smaller than the second criterion value, then it means that the driving rotation number counter value is the same as or approximately the same as the driving rotation number maximum value. So the CPU  201  determines that the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is approaching the end of the lifetime on a basis of the comparison result, which indicates that the second residual is equal to or smaller than the second criterion value. The determination result, which indicates that the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is approaching the end of the lifetime, will be also referred to as a third determination result. The third determination result is an example of a determination result indicating a lifetime. 
     Meanwhile, if the second residual exceeds the second criterion value, then it means that the driving rotation number counter value is largely distant from the driving rotation number maximum value. So the CPU  201  determines that the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is not approaching the end of the lifetime on a basis of the comparison result, which indicates that the second residual exceeds the second criterion value. The determination result, which indicates that the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is not approaching the end of the lifetime, will be also referred to as a fourth determination result. The fourth determination result is an example of a determination result indicating a lifetime. 
     According to the present embodiment, the server  2  is capable of providing a formula, with which it is possible to appropriately determine a lifetime of a component or a consumable item. The server  2  appropriately determines a lifetime of a component or a consumable item by using the aforementioned formula, and is thereby capable of appropriately acquiring the status of the component or the consumable item. 
     The server  2  may assist as described in the following example depending on the determination of the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     For example, the communication device  205  of the server  2  sends information indicating the third determination result or information indicating the fourth determination result to the MFP  1 - 1 . The information indicating the third determination result will be also referred to as third determination result information. The information indicating the fourth determination result will be also referred to as fourth determination result information. The communication device  110  of the MFP  1 - 1  receives the third determination result information or the fourth determination result information from the server  2 . Controlled by the CPU  101 , the input/output device  105  displays information about a lifetime in response to the third determination result information or the fourth determination result information. For example, the input/output device  105  displays, depending on the third determination result information, an alert message indicating the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is approaching the end of the lifetime. A user is thereby capable of confirming the alert message and handling the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  promptly and appropriately. 
     In response to the third determination result information received, the CPU  101  is capable of executing life-prolonging actions for the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . Examples of the life-prolonging action include an action of reducing a process speed, an action of reducing a transfer bias, an action of temporarily increasing a resistance maximum permissible value, and the like. However, the life-prolonging action is not limited to those examples. As a result, it is possible for the MFP  1 - 1  to prevent the secondary transfer roller pair  14  from immediately approaching the end of the lifetime when the secondary transfer roller pair  14  is approaching the end of the lifetime. 
     For example, the communication device  205  of the server  2  may automatically order the secondary transfer roller pair in response to the third determination result. As a result, a user may replace or maintain the secondary transfer roller pair  14  smoothly at appropriate timing. 
     As described above, the server  2  appropriately determines a lifetime of a component or a consumable item, and is thereby capable of appropriately assisting in preventing the component or the consumable item from approaching the end of the lifetime. As a result, the MFP&#39;s downtime loss will be reduced. 
     Next, an example of a processing flow of the information processing system  100  will be described.  FIG. 8  is a sequential diagram showing an example of processing of the information processing system. 
     In Act  101  of  FIG. 8 , the CPU  201  of the server  2  sends information request signals to the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  via the communication device  205 . 
     In Act  102 , the CPU  101  of the MFP  1 - 1  receives the information request signal from the server  2  via the communication device  110 . In Act  103 , the CPU  101  sends the first detected value information and the second detected value information to the server  2  via the communication device  110 . 
     Next, in Act  104 , the CPU  201  of the server  2  receives the first detected value information and the second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has via the communication device  205 . Further, in Act  104 , the CPU  201  receives the first detected value information and the second detected value information of the secondary transfer roller pair that each of the MFPs  1 - 2  to  1 - 100  has via the communication device  205 . 
     In Act  105 , the CPU  201  of the server  2  derives the aforementioned formula (1). In Act  106 , as described above, the CPU  201  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair that each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  has. Alternatively, the CPU  201  determines the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair that each of the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  has. 
     Next, another example of a processing flow of the information processing system  100  will be described.  FIG. 9  is a sequential diagram showing another example of processing of the information processing system. 
     The example of  FIG. 9  is different from the example of  FIG. 8  in that the MFP  1 - 1  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  or determines the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . Note that the processing of Act  201  to Act  205  are similar to the processing of Act  101  to Act  105 , and description thereof will be omitted. 
     In Act  206  of  FIG. 9 , the CPU  201  of the server  2  sends information indicating Formula (1) to the MFPs  1 - 1  to  1 - 100  via the communication device  205 . The information indicating Formula (1) will be also referred to as formula information. 
     Next, in Act  207 , the CPU  101  of the MFP  1 - 1  receives the formula information via the communication device  110 . In Act  208 , by executing processing similar to the aforementioned processing of the CPU  201  of the server  2 , the CPU  101  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  or determines the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     In order to determine whether or not there is a failure, for example, the CPU  101  compares the resistance detected value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has with the resistance estimated value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has. The CPU  101  determines whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has on a basis of the comparison result between the resistance detected value and the resistance estimated value. Similar to the aforementioned server  2 , the CPU  101  may assist depending on determination whether or not there is a failure relating to the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     In order to determine the lifetime, the CPU  101  determines the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  on a basis of the driving rotation number maximum value of the secondary transfer roller pair  14  that the MFP  1 - 1  has calculated by using Formula (1). Note that, in this case, the aforementioned threshold value applied to Formula (1) is prestored in the storage device  104 , for example. Similar to the aforementioned server  2 , the CPU  101  may assist depending on determination of the lifetime of the secondary transfer roller pair  14 . 
     In the aforementioned embodiment, a component or a consumable item that an image forming apparatus such as an MFP has, for example, has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to that example. The aforementioned embodiment is applicable to a component or a consumable item that an arbitrary apparatus different from an image forming apparatus has. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.