Patent Description:
For example, <CIT> 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.

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.

The present invention is provided in the appended claims. The following disclosure serves a better understanding of the present invention. An object of the present invention is to 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 a first 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.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the first aspect, in which the screen may be 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.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the second aspect, in which the second range-included information may include at least one of the information regarding the image reading section or information regarding the read image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the first aspect, in which the screen may include a partial image that is an image of a portion including the defective image in the read image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the fourth aspect, in which the partial image may be an enlarged image of the portion including the defective image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the partial image may include a description of the defective image.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the sixth aspect, in which the description of the defective image may indicate a type of the defective image.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the sixth aspect, in which the description of the defective image may indicate a cause of generating the defective image.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the partial image may include a figure for pointing a position of the defective image.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the screen may be added to the partial image.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the screen may include 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.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, in which, in a predetermined case and in a case where the defective image is in the second range, the screen may be generated not to include the information regarding the image reading section.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in which, 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 screen may include 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, and include 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.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system according to the thirteenth aspect, in which, 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 unit may include 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, and include 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.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided 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, and a 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.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to 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 the second aspect of the present disclosure, in a case where second range-included information that is information indicating that a read image includes the second range is acquired in acquiring the read image, it is possible to prevent complicating of control as compared with a case where a control of generating a screen is not adopted.

According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent complicating of control as compared with a case where the configuration in which the second range-included information includes at least one of information regarding the image reading section or information regarding the read image is not adopted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a user can easily grasp a diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the configuration in which the screen includes a partial image that is an image of a portion including a defective image in the read image is not adopted.

According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the partial image is not an enlarged image of the portion including the defective image.

According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the configuration in which the partial image includes a description of the defective image is not adopted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the description of the defective image does not indicate a type of the defective image.

According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the description of the defective image does not indicate a cause of generating the defective image.

According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the partial image does not include a figure indicating the position of the defective image.

According to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with the case where a configuration in which the screen is added to the partial image is not adopted.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire a diagnosis result with higher accuracy than in a case where a configuration of including information is not adopted.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to generate a screen according to a usage form of the user as compared with a case where a configuration in which, in a predetermined case and in a case where the defective image is in the second range, the screen is generated not to include information regarding the image reading section.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the user can grasp whether the image forming unit or the transfer unit causes the defective image.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the user can grasp which of portions forming the transfer unit causes the defective image.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to 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.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnosis system.

The diagnosis system <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> and a server apparatus <NUM> that is connected to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> via a communication line <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, in the server apparatus <NUM> as an example of an information processing system and an example of an information processing apparatus, diagnosis of each image forming apparatus <NUM> is performed.

Further, the diagnosis system <NUM> in the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a user terminal <NUM> that is connected to the server apparatus <NUM> and receives an operation from a user.

In <FIG>, two image forming apparatuses <NUM> among a plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> are displayed.

The user terminal <NUM> is provided with a display device <NUM>. The user terminal <NUM> is realized by a computer. Examples of the form of the user terminal <NUM> include a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, and a tablet terminal.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> is provided with an image forming unit 100A 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 unit 100A is performed by an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. In addition, the formation of an image on paper by the image forming unit 100A is not limited to the inkjet method or the electrophotographic method, but may be performed by other methods.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> is further provided with an information processing unit 100B. The information processing unit 100B executes various processes executed in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing unit 100B provided in the server apparatus <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The information processing unit 100B provided in the server apparatus <NUM> and the image forming apparatus <NUM> is realized by a computer.

Each of the server apparatus <NUM> and the information processing unit 100B includes an arithmetic processing unit <NUM> that executes a digital arithmetic process according to a program, and a secondary storage unit <NUM> that stores information.

The secondary storage unit <NUM> is 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 unit <NUM> is provided with a CPU 11a as an example of a processor.

In addition, the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> is provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 11a and a ROM 11c in which programs or the like executed by the CPU 11a are stored.

In addition, the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> is provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is configured to be rewritable and can hold data even in a case in which power supply is interrupted and an interface unit 11e that controls each unit, such as a communication unit, connected to the arithmetic processing unit <NUM>.

The non-volatile memory 11d is configured by, for example, an SRAM or a flash memory that is backed up by a battery. The secondary storage unit <NUM> stores the programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> in addition to files and the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit <NUM> reads the program stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit <NUM> to perform each process.

The program executed by the CPU 11a can be provided to the server apparatus <NUM> and the information processing unit 100B 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 magnetooptical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the server apparatus <NUM> and the information processing unit 100B by a communication unit such as the Internet.

The process executed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> among the processes described below is executed by the CPU 11a as an example of the processor provided in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The process executed by the server apparatus <NUM> among the processes described below is executed by the CPU 11a as an example of the processor provided in the server apparatus <NUM>.

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

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the image forming apparatus <NUM> is provided with the image forming unit 100A 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 unit 100A, the paper P passes through the image forming unit 100A in a state where one side of the paper P faces the image forming unit 100A.

Further, the image forming apparatus <NUM> is 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 device <NUM> is a so-called scanner having a function of transporting the paper P. The image reading device <NUM> includes 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 device <NUM>, and the image reading device <NUM> reads an image at a portion of paper P that is sequentially transported, which is located at the reading position.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> has an information transmission function of transmitting information to the server apparatus <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the image reading device <NUM> is provided above the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The image reading device <NUM> sequentially 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 apparatus <NUM>, and may be paper on which an image is formed by another image forming apparatus.

An installation form of the image reading device <NUM> is not limited to the form illustrated in <FIG>. The image reading device <NUM> may be provided inside the image forming apparatus <NUM> and on a transport path of paper P.

In this case, the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 100A sequentially passes through the image reading device <NUM>, 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 device <NUM> is 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 apparatus <NUM> is provided with an operation reception unit <NUM> that receives an operation from the user. The operation reception unit <NUM> is configured by a so-called touch panel. The operation reception unit <NUM> displays 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 unit <NUM> as 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 apparatus <NUM> (see <FIG>) is diagnosed, first, the image forming unit 100A is operated to form a chart image on paper P. Thus, as indicated by the reference sign 1A in <FIG>, 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 image <NUM> is an image used to diagnose the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the chart paper CP which is the paper P on which the chart image <NUM> used 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 device <NUM> as indicated by the reference sign 1B in <FIG>. The image reading device <NUM> is used to read the chart paper CP on which the chart image <NUM> is 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 apparatus <NUM> and then is stored in the server apparatus <NUM>. The server apparatus <NUM> diagnoses the image forming apparatus <NUM> based on the read image data.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a user who uses the diagnosis system <NUM> in the present exemplary embodiment, such as a maintainer who maintains the image forming apparatus <NUM>, accesses the server apparatus <NUM> and refers to the result of the diagnosis by the server apparatus <NUM>.

In each image forming apparatus <NUM>, 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 apparatus <NUM>. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the server apparatus <NUM> diagnoses the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

A diagnosis process executed by the server apparatus <NUM> will be described.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 11a (see <FIG>) as an example of the processor provided in the server apparatus <NUM> diagnoses the image forming apparatus <NUM> based on the above-described read image data transmitted from the image forming apparatus <NUM>, and then acquires the diagnosis result which is the result of the diagnosis.

More specifically, the CPU 11a acquires a diagnosis result for each of a plurality of diagnostic items, which is a diagnosis result for the chart image <NUM> that is the image formed on the chart paper CP.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of diagnostic items are predetermined. The CPU 11a in the server apparatus <NUM> analyzes the chart image <NUM> included in the read image data, and acquires a diagnosis result for each of the plurality of diagnostic items.

More specifically, for example, the CPU 11a in the server apparatus <NUM> acquires 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 image <NUM>.

The CPU 11a in the server apparatus <NUM> acquires a diagnosis result having a worse evaluation as the difference increases.

Then, the CPU 11a rearranges 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 CPU 11a rearranges 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 CPU 11a generates 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 unit 100A (see <FIG>) that forms an image on paper or caused by the image reading device <NUM> (see <FIG>) that reads an image on the paper will be described. Such a configuration is realized by the image reading device <NUM> and the CPU 11a in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the CPU 11a provided in the server apparatus <NUM>, and also illustrates the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the user terminal <NUM> for easy description.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the CPU 11a in the server apparatus <NUM> includes a read image acquisition unit <NUM> and a screen generation unit <NUM>.

The read image acquisition unit <NUM> acquires read image <NUM>, which is an image read by the image reading device <NUM> (see <FIG>), by transmission from the image forming apparatus <NUM>. Further, in a case of acquiring the read image <NUM>, the read image acquisition unit <NUM> acquires additional information <NUM> which is information indicating whether or not the read image <NUM> includes an out-of-paper image <NUM> (see <FIG>) described later.

More specifically, the additional information <NUM> includes any one or a combination of model information of the image forming apparatus <NUM>, model information of the image reading device <NUM>, and information regarding the read image <NUM>. As the information regarding the read image <NUM>, for example, information indicating that the read image <NUM> includes or does not include the out-of-paper image <NUM> can be provided. In a case where information indicating that the read image <NUM> does not include the out-of-paper image <NUM> (see <FIG>) is derived from the model information, the additional information <NUM> may include the model information of the image reading device <NUM> instead of the information regarding the read image <NUM>. In other words, the additional information <NUM> may include at least one of the model information of the image reading device <NUM> or the information regarding the read image <NUM>. 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 images <NUM> to <NUM> (see <FIG>), in a case where the defective image is a printer streak.

The screen generation unit <NUM> generates a screen for notifying the user of the result of the diagnosis performed based on the acquired read image <NUM>. The user is notified of a generation screen <NUM>, which is the generated screen, in a manner that the generation screen <NUM> is transmitted from the server apparatus <NUM> to the user terminal <NUM>, and then is displayed on the display device <NUM> of the user terminal <NUM>.

Next, the configuration of the image reading device <NUM> according to a first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a reading region <NUM> provided in the image reading device <NUM>.

The reading region <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes an in-paper region <NUM> which is a region for reading paper such as chart paper CP, and an out-of-paper region <NUM> which is a region outside the in-paper region <NUM>. The chart paper CP is an example of a recording medium, and the chart image <NUM> is an example of a diagnosis image.

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

The out-of-paper region <NUM> refers to a region located in a reading direction in the reading region <NUM> with respect to the in-paper region <NUM>. The out-of-paper region <NUM> includes 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 region <NUM> in <FIG>, the long side of the four sides of a rectangle is referred to as a long side <NUM>, and the short side is referred to as a short side <NUM>. The long side <NUM> and the short side <NUM> of the reading region <NUM> can be referred to as the long side and the short side of the in-paper region <NUM>, and can be referred to as the long side and the short side of the out-of-paper region <NUM>. Further, the long side <NUM> and the short side <NUM> 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 region <NUM>.

Next, the read image <NUM> which is an example of an image obtained by reading the chart paper CP (see <FIG>) in the reading region <NUM> of the image reading device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the read image <NUM>. (a) of <FIG> is an enlarged view of the entire image, and (b) of <FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of the entire image.

The read image <NUM> illustrated in (a) of <FIG> includes an in-paper image <NUM> formed corresponding to reading in the in-paper region <NUM> (see <FIG>) and an out-of-paper image <NUM> formed corresponding to reading in the out-of-paper region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The in-paper image <NUM> is an example of a first range, and the out-of-paper image <NUM> is an example of a second range.

The read image <NUM> illustrated in (a) of <FIG> includes the out-of-paper image <NUM>. However, depending on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, a case where a process of excluding the out-of-paper image <NUM> is performed on the read image <NUM>, and only the in-paper image <NUM> is transmitted to the server apparatus <NUM> as the read image is also assumed. Further, a case where the out-of-paper image <NUM> is excluded from the read image <NUM> and only the in-paper image <NUM> is used as a transmission image to be transmitted to the server apparatus <NUM> is also assumed.

As illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, defective images <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed long in the reading direction appear in the read image <NUM>. The defective images <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> referred 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 image <NUM> includes the in-paper image <NUM> and the out-of-paper image <NUM>, it is possible to specify the cause of forming the defective images <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> without using a plurality of read images including only the in-paper image <NUM>. This will be described below.

Although the defective image <NUM> appears in the in-paper image <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the out-of-paper image <NUM>. Since the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the out-of-paper image <NUM>, it is possible to determine that the defective image <NUM> is an image in which the so-called printer streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image formation by the image forming unit 100A.

The defective image <NUM> appears in both the in-paper image <NUM> and the out-of-paper image <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the defective image <NUM> is an image in which the so-called scanner streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image reading by the image reading device <NUM>.

Although the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the in-paper image <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> appears in the out-of-paper image <NUM>. In this point, the defective image <NUM> is different from the defective image <NUM> that appears in the in-paper image <NUM> but does not appear in the out-of-paper image <NUM>.

Since the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the in-paper image <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> is not generated in the case of image formation by the image forming unit 100A. It is possible to determine that the defective image <NUM> is an image in which the scanner streaks are generated, and is generated in the case of image reading by the image reading device <NUM>.

As described above, in the read image <NUM>, the printer streaks are generated in the defective image <NUM> that does not appear in the out-of-paper image <NUM>, and the scanner streaks are generated in the defective images <NUM> and <NUM> that appear in the out-of-paper image <NUM>.

Here, in addition to a case where either one of the defective image <NUM> which is the printer streaks and the defective image <NUM> which is the scanner streaks appears in the read image <NUM>, both the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> may appear in the read image <NUM>.

More specifically, in a case where both the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear in the read image <NUM>, there are a case where the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear at different positions in a direction intersecting the reading direction and a case where the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear at the same position.

As described above, in a case where the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear at the same position, the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear as one straight line. Thus, it is difficult to distinguish between the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM>, and the defective image <NUM> of the scanner streaks described above.

In addition, although the positions where the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear are different, in a case where there is a difference such that the defective image <NUM> and the defective image <NUM> appear as one straight line at first glance, it is difficult to make a highly accurate determination with the read image <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the CPU 11a of the server apparatus <NUM>.

In the example of the processing procedure illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the read image acquisition unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) acquires the read image <NUM> from the image forming apparatus <NUM> (Step S101), the screen generation unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) checks whether or not the acquired read image <NUM> includes the out-of-paper image <NUM> (Step S102). Such a check can be performed by the additional information <NUM> (see <FIG>) acquired by the read image acquisition unit <NUM>.

In a case where the read image <NUM> includes the out-of-paper image <NUM> (Yes in Step S102), the screen generation unit <NUM> next checks whether or not the out-of-paper image <NUM> has a defective image (Step S103). In a case where the out-of-paper image <NUM> includes a defective image (Yes in Step S103), <NUM> is 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 image <NUM> (No in Step S103), the variable i is set to <NUM> (Step S105).

Then, the screen generation unit <NUM> checks whether or not the in-paper image <NUM> has a defective image (Step S106). In a case where the in-paper image <NUM> has a defective image (Yes in Step S106), <NUM> 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 image <NUM> (No in Step S106), the variable j is set to <NUM> (Step S108).

Then, in a case where <NUM> is set in both the variable i and the variable j (Yes in Step S103 and Yes in Step S106), that is, in a case where both the out-of-paper image <NUM> and the in-paper image <NUM> have a defective image, the screen generation unit <NUM> obtains a difference d between the position of the defective image in the out-of-paper image <NUM> and the position of the defective image in the in-paper image <NUM> with respect to the direction intersecting the reading direction. Then, the screen generation unit <NUM> checks (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 unit <NUM> determines that it is difficult to perform the determination with high accuracy on the read image <NUM>, 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 device <NUM> (see <FIG>) is cleaned, and then image reading is performed again is generated. As described above, the screen in Step S110 includes information for prompting the image reading device <NUM> to 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 unit <NUM> checks whether or not the variable i is <NUM> (i = <NUM>?) (Step S111).

In a case where the variable i is <NUM> (Yes in Step S111), the screen generation unit <NUM> checks whether or not the variable j is <NUM> (j = <NUM>?) (Step S112). In a case where the variable i is not <NUM> (No in Step S111), the screen generation unit <NUM> checks whether or not the variable j is <NUM> (j = <NUM>?) (Step S113).

In a case where the variable i and the variable j are <NUM> (Yes in Step S111 and Yes in Step S112), the screen generation unit <NUM> generates 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 <NUM> and the variable j is <NUM> (Yes in Step S111 and No in Step S112), the screen generation unit <NUM> generates a screen including, for example, text that "streaks derived from the printer are generated" (Step S115).

In a case where the variable i is <NUM> and the variable j is <NUM> (No in Step S111, Yes in Step S113), the screen generation unit <NUM> generates 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 <NUM> (No in Step S111 and No in Step S113), the screen generation unit <NUM> generates a screen including, for example, text that "the printer and the scanner are good" (Step S117).

In a case where the read image <NUM> does not include the out-of-paper image <NUM> (No in Step S102), the screen generation unit <NUM> generates 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 S110 and S114 to S118 are generated, the generated image is transmitted to the user terminal <NUM> and displayed on the display device <NUM> (for example, see <FIG>) of the user terminal <NUM>.

The screen according to Step S115 is an example of a screen including information regarding the image reading section, and the screen according to Step S116 is 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 images <NUM> to <NUM> are derived from the scanner, among the screens in Steps S114 to <NUM>. 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 S116 is not displayed is performed. On the other hand, since the screen in Step S114 may 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 region <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a generation screen <NUM> displayed on the display device <NUM> of the user terminal <NUM>.

The generation screen <NUM> of the display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes the read image <NUM>, and a frame portion <NUM> indicating a portion including the defective images <NUM> to <NUM> in the read image <NUM> and text <NUM> "streak detection region" are displayed on the generation screen <NUM>.

Further, the generation screen <NUM> includes an arrow <NUM> suggesting that the image located on the right side of the read image <NUM> is an enlarged image of the frame portion <NUM>, and an enlarged display portion <NUM> displaying the frame portion <NUM> in an enlarged manner. It can be visually recognized that the defective images <NUM> to <NUM> are displayed on the enlarged display portion <NUM>.

As described above, as illustrated in <FIG>, the generation screen <NUM> includes a partial image in order to clearly present the grounds for the existence of the defective images <NUM> to <NUM> in addition to the read image <NUM>.

Only the generation screen <NUM> in which the frame portion <NUM> and the text <NUM> are added to the read image <NUM> is assumed, and the enlarged display portion <NUM> may be omitted. The visibility of the user is improved by including the enlarged display portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another example of the generation screen <NUM> displayed on the display device <NUM> of the user terminal <NUM>.

In the generation screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, in addition to the display illustrated in <FIG>, the enlarged display portion <NUM> includes the description of the defective images <NUM> to <NUM>. That is, on the generation screen <NUM>, for the defective images <NUM> and <NUM>, a display <NUM> indicating "a streak having a probability of a printer abnormality" is shown together with the arrows 55a and 55b. Further, for the defective images <NUM> and <NUM>, a display <NUM> indicating "a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality" is shown together with the arrows 56a and 56b. The displays <NUM> and <NUM> for the defective images <NUM> to <NUM> indicate the type of the defective images and indicate the causes of generating the defective images.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating still another example of the generation screen <NUM> displayed on the display device <NUM> of the user terminal <NUM>.

In addition to the display illustrated in <FIG>, the generation screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a description different from the case of <FIG>. That is, on the generation screen <NUM>, for the defective image <NUM>, a display <NUM> indicating "a streak having a probability of a printer abnormality" is displayed together with a line 57a indicating that the display <NUM> is for the defective image <NUM> and a hollow circle figure 57b illustrated with being superimposed on the defective image <NUM>.

Further, for the defective image <NUM>, a display <NUM> indicating "a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality" is displayed together with a line 59a indicating that the display <NUM> is for the defective image <NUM> and a hollow circle figure 59b illustrated with being superimposed on the defective image <NUM>.

Further, for the defective image <NUM>, a display <NUM> indicating "a streak having a probability of a scanner abnormality" is displayed together with a line 58a indicating that the display <NUM> is for the defective image <NUM> and a hollow circle figure 58b illustrated with being superimposed on the defective image <NUM>.

As described above, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, differing from the case of <FIG>, each of the defective images <NUM> to <NUM> has been described individually, and the correspondence relationship can be easily grasped by using the circle figures 57b, 58b, and 59b.

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> is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an apparatus that forms an image on paper P. The image forming apparatus <NUM> is provided with an image forming unit 100A and a paper transport unit <NUM>. The above-described image reading device <NUM> is disposed at a paper discharge position of the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The image forming unit 100A is provided with an image forming unit <NUM>, an intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, a secondary transfer unit <NUM>, and a fixing device <NUM>, and a post-processing unit <NUM>.

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

The image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> are arranged in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> and form a toner image through an electrophotographic method.

Each of the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> has a photoconductor drum <NUM>, a charging unit <NUM>, an exposure unit <NUM>, a developing unit <NUM>, and a primary transfer unit <NUM>.

Each of the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> forms a toner image of any color of YMCK and transfers the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. Accordingly, a toner image in which the toner images of respective colors including YMCK overlap each other is formed on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The photoconductor drum <NUM> rotates 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 drum <NUM>.

The charging unit <NUM> charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> at a potential determined in advance.

The exposure unit <NUM> irradiates the charged peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> with light and forms an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The developing unit <NUM> forms a toner image by attaching a toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The primary transfer unit <NUM> transfers the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> onto the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

A voltage having a polarity opposite to a charging polarity of a toner is applied to the primary transfer unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> is sequentially electrostatically sucked onto the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, and one overlapping color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is supported by a plurality of roller-shaped members. The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is formed in an endless shape and circulates and moves in an arrow B direction. In addition, the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> includes an outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>.

The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is used in transporting a toner image. In the present exemplary embodiment, a toner image is formed on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, and the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer unit <NUM> with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a drive roller <NUM> that is driven by a motor (not illustrated) and drives the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is provided as the roller-shaped member disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. In addition, an idle roller <NUM> and a backup roller <NUM> that support the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> are provided as the roller-shaped members.

The roller-shaped members are rotatably provided and are pressed against the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

In the paper transport unit <NUM>, a transport path <NUM> for taking out paper P from a paper storage unit (not illustrated) and transporting the paper P to the secondary transfer unit <NUM>, a reversal path <NUM> that is branched between the fixing device <NUM> and the post-processing unit <NUM> and is for reversing the paper fixed by the fixing device <NUM> upside down, and a transport path <NUM> for guiding the paper P reversed on the reversal path <NUM> to the transport path <NUM> are provided.

In the case of two-sided printing, paper is transported through the reversal path <NUM> and the transport path <NUM>.

The transport path <NUM> is formed such that the paper P fixed by the fixing device <NUM> is transported to the post-processing unit <NUM> and then discharged from the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus <NUM> passes through the image reading device <NUM>.

The post-processing unit <NUM> referred 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 image <NUM> (for example, see <FIG>) is read by the image reading device <NUM>.

The image reading device <NUM> includes a reading unit <NUM> located on the upper side of a region through which the paper passes, and a reading unit <NUM> located on the lower side. In the case of single-sided printing, an image is read by the upper reading unit <NUM>, and in the case of two-sided printing, images on both sides are read at once by the upper reading unit <NUM> and the lower reading unit <NUM>.

The secondary transfer unit <NUM> includes a secondary transfer transport belt <NUM> disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>. The secondary transfer transport belt <NUM> is a semi-conductive endless annular belt stretched by a drive roller (transfer roller) <NUM> consisting of metal, for example, SUS, and a driven roller <NUM> consisting of, for example, a rubber roller. The secondary transfer transport belt <NUM> is transported at a predetermined speed by the drive roller <NUM>, and a tension predetermined by the drive roller <NUM> and the driven roller <NUM> is applied to the secondary transfer transport belt <NUM>.

Further, the secondary transfer unit <NUM> is provided with the backup roller <NUM> that is disposed on the inner peripheral surface <NUM> side of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> and forms a counter electrode of the secondary transfer transport belt <NUM>, and a metal power feeding roller <NUM> that applies a secondary transfer bias to the backup roller <NUM>.

The secondary transfer unit <NUM> configured in this manner transfers a toner image transported to the secondary transfer unit <NUM> by the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> onto the transported paper P.

The fixing device <NUM> is disposed on a downstream side of the secondary transfer unit <NUM> in a transport direction of the paper P. The fixing device <NUM> is provided with a fixing roller having a heating source and a pressurizing roller provided to face the fixing roller. The fixing device <NUM> melts 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 apparatus <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment, determination as to whether the defective image appearing in the read image <NUM> is a scanner streak or a printer streak will be described with reference to <FIG>. As described above, the image reading device <NUM> passes through both sides of the paper at a time, while the image forming unit 100A 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> is a table showing determination results of defective images <NUM> and <NUM>, and illustrates a defective image generation form in which the defective images <NUM> and <NUM> are 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 <NUM> to <NUM> are arranged in this order from the top as a defective image generation form.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the read image <NUM> as 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 images <NUM> and <NUM> extend in a direction crossing this region. Both the defective images <NUM> and <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are streak-shaped images along the reading direction (up-down direction in <FIG>) of the image reading device <NUM>. The defective image has mixed colors including four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The defective image <NUM> has 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 image <NUM> having the mixed colors may appear on either one side or the other side.

Form <NUM> as the defective image generation form illustrated in <FIG> is a case where the defective image <NUM> having the mixed colors appears on only one side, and the defective image <NUM> does not appear on the other side.

Form <NUM> is a case where the defective image <NUM> having the mixed colors appears only on the other side, and the defective image <NUM> does not appear on the one side.

In Forms <NUM> and <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> as a scanner streak is generated. More specifically, in the case of Form <NUM>, the defective image is formed due to the upper reading unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the image reading device <NUM>, and "scanner streak (reading unit <NUM>)" is described in the item of the determination result. In the case of Form <NUM>, the defective image is formed due to the lower reading unit <NUM>, and "scanner streak (reading unit <NUM>)" is described in the item of the determination result.

Form <NUM> is a case where the defective image <NUM> having a single color appears on each of one side and the other side, and the defective image <NUM> on one side and the defective image <NUM> on the other side have the same color. Since the defective image has a single color, the defective image <NUM> is generated before the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> of the secondary transfer unit <NUM>. That is, the defective image <NUM> is included in an image primarily transferred by the primary transfer unit <NUM> in the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM>.

In the case of Form <NUM>, a printer streak is caused by any of the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> corresponding to the color of the defective image <NUM>. For example, in a case where the defective image <NUM> is yellow, a printer streak caused by the image forming unit 140Y is obtained, and "printer streak (Y color)" is described in the item of the determination result.

Here, comparing the read image <NUM> on one side of Form <NUM> and Form <NUM>, since the defective image <NUM> appearing in Form <NUM> has mixed colors and the defective image <NUM> appearing in Form <NUM> 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 image <NUM> includes the out-of-paper image <NUM> in addition to the in-paper image <NUM>, 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 <NUM> and <NUM> will be described.

Forms <NUM> and <NUM> are cases where the defective image <NUM> having 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 <NUM> and <NUM> only by using the read image <NUM> of two-sided printing, the read image <NUM> of single-sided printing is also used.

In Form <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> of the mixed colors appears on both one side and the other side of the two-sided printing, and the defective image <NUM> of the mixed colors appears in the read image <NUM> of the single-sided printing. In Form <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> of the mixed colors appears on both one side and the other side of the two-sided printing, and the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the read image <NUM> of the single-sided printing. In Forms <NUM> and <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> of a single color does not appear in the read image <NUM> of the single-sided printing.

The defective image <NUM> of the mixed colors obtained by single-sided printing in Form <NUM> is different from the defective image <NUM> of the single color obtained by two-sided printing in Form <NUM>, and is generated after the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> of the secondary transfer unit <NUM> (see <FIG>). Therefore, the defective image <NUM> of the single-sided printing in Form <NUM> is generated on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> side in the secondary transfer unit <NUM>.

On the other hand, since the defective image <NUM> does not appear in the single-sided printing in Form <NUM>, the defective image <NUM> in the case of the two-sided printing is generated on the secondary transfer transport belt <NUM> (see <FIG>) side in the secondary transfer unit <NUM>.

In the cases of Forms <NUM> and <NUM>, the determination result is obtained from the read image <NUM> indicated by the broken line frame in <FIG>.

As described above, in Form <NUM>, the "printer streak (intermediate transfer belt <NUM>)" is described in the item of the determination result, and in Form <NUM>, the "printer streak (secondary transfer transport belt <NUM>)" 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 <NUM> to <NUM> is displayed on the display device <NUM> of the user terminal <NUM>.

Here, in the second exemplary embodiment, the constituent components of the image forming unit 100A 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 image <NUM> in Form <NUM>, it is assumed that the cause is any of the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM>, 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 image <NUM> of the mixed colors in Forms <NUM> and <NUM>, it is assumed that the cause is the secondary transfer unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) that transfers the chart image <NUM> to the paper, and the determination results of Forms <NUM> and <NUM> can be included on the screen.

Further, in the case of single-sided printing, in a case where the defective image <NUM> is present on one side, the screen may include "printer streak (intermediate transfer belt <NUM>)" as the determination result of Form <NUM>. The determination result is an example of information indicating a portion of the secondary transfer unit <NUM> on the side where the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> are located.

Further, in the case of single-sided printing, in a case where there is no defective image <NUM> on one side, the screen can include "printer streaks (secondary transfer transport belt <NUM>)" as the determination result of Form <NUM>. The determination result is an example of information indicating a portion of the secondary transfer unit <NUM> on an opposite side of the side on which the image forming units 140Y, <NUM>, 140C, and <NUM> are located.

In <FIG>, the read image <NUM> shown 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 image <NUM> shown 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.

According to appended claim <NUM>, it is possible to 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 appended claim <NUM>, in a case where second range-included information that is information indicating that a read image includes the second range is acquired in acquiring the read image, it is possible to prevent complicating of control as compared with a case where a control of generating a screen is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, it is possible to prevent complicating of control as compared with a case where the configuration in which the second range-included information includes at least one of information regarding the image reading section or information regarding the read image is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, a user can easily grasp a diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the configuration in which the screen includes a partial image that is an image of a portion including a defective image in the read image is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the partial image is not an enlarged image of the portion including the defective image.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the configuration in which the partial image includes a description of the defective image is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the description of the defective image does not indicate a type of the defective image.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the description of the defective image does not indicate a cause of generating the defective image.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with a case where the partial image does not include a figure indicating the position of the defective image.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result, as compared with the case where a configuration in which the screen is added to the partial image is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, it is possible to acquire a diagnosis result with higher accuracy than in a case where a configuration of including information is not adopted.

According to appended claim <NUM>, it is possible to generate a screen according to a usage form of the user as compared with a case where a configuration in which, in a predetermined case and in a case where the defective image is in the second range, the screen is generated not to include information regarding the image reading section.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can grasp whether the image forming unit or the transfer unit causes the defective image.

According to appended claim <NUM>, the user can grasp which of portions forming the transfer unit causes the defective image.

Claim 1:
An information processing system (<NUM>) comprising:
a processor (11a) configured to:
acquire a read image that is an image obtained in a manner that an image reading section (<NUM>) reads a diagnosis image of a recording medium (P), which is output by an image forming section (100A), the read image including a first range that is a range of the recording medium (P) and a second range that is a range extending from the first range in a reading direction of the image reading section, wherein the reading direction is a direction in which the diagnosis image of the recording medium (P) is sequentially read as the recording medium (P) is transported; and
generate a screen including information regarding the image forming section (100A) in a case where a defective image is in the first range as a result of diagnosing the acquired read image, and generate another screen including information regarding the image reading section (<NUM>) in a case where the defective image is in the second range as the result of diagnosing the acquired read image,
the information processing system (<NUM>) being characterized in that the another screen includes a notification to clean the image reading section (<NUM>) in a case where the defective image is included in both the second range and the first range and a distance between a position between the defective image in the first range and a position between the defective image in the second range is less than a threshold.