JP2022002371A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and portable communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow even an image forming apparatus not establishing a connection with an external network to use remote maintenance.SOLUTION: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a portable communication device, and a server. The image forming apparatus transmits, to the portable communication device, maintenance request information including a value indicating a trouble that has occurred by using short-range radio communication. The portable communication device transfers the received maintenance request information to the server. The server transmits, to the portable communication device, maintenance answer information including a value indicating adjustment processing for dealing with the trouble. The portable communication device transfers the received maintenance answer information to the image forming apparatus by using the short-range radio communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a portable communication device communicate with each other. Further, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a portable communication device included in this image forming system.

The image forming apparatus may be provided with a wireless communication function. When there is a wireless communication function, it is possible to input data to the image forming apparatus and read data from the image forming apparatus by using the wireless communication. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a communication device that communicates with an image forming device as an output device by using wireless communication.

Specifically, Patent Document 1 has a built-in non-volatile memory in which data can be written, the backup data in the management data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and the power supply is stopped when power is not supplied. , A communication device that outputs backup data stored in a non-volatile memory to an output device via a proximity wireless communication unit is described. Even when the power supply is stopped (battery dead), the information stored in the mobile communication terminal is to be output to an external device. The output device is a printing device that prints the output backup data (Patent Document 1: Claim 1, [0006]).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-187570

To maintain performance, the image forming apparatus needs to be inspected regularly. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to perform work for eliminating the abnormality. Expertise is required for maintenance of image forming equipment such as inspection, adjustment, and repair. Therefore, a maintenance contract for the image forming apparatus may be concluded between the customer and the maintenance company. For example, a worker (serviceman) periodically inspects the image forming apparatus. In addition, when an abnormality occurs, a serviceman is dispatched from the maintenance company. A service person with a high degree of specialized knowledge will perform maintenance on the image forming apparatus.

In recent years, maintenance services (remote services) that use networks have been provided. When using a remote service, it is necessary to connect the image forming device to an external network. For example, the image forming apparatus is connected to an open network such as the Internet that is used by many people. Data for maintenance processing is sent from the server of the remote service to the image forming apparatus. Based on the data for maintenance processing, the image forming apparatus performs processing for maintaining performance and eliminating abnormalities. For example, the image forming apparatus applies the setting value notified from the server. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus performs the processing instructed by the server. For example, if there is a problem with print density, the server of the remote service sends the setting value for density adjustment. The image forming apparatus applies the received set value to improve the print density.

Remote services allow maintenance of image forming equipment without the need for specialized knowledge. In some cases, it is not necessary to dispatch a serviceman. Benefits such as reduced maintenance costs and shorter waiting times for troubleshooting may be obtained.

However, the image forming apparatus may handle confidential information. Some users intentionally do not connect the image forming device to an external network. Remote services cannot be used with image forming devices that are not connected to an external network. Further, although the image forming apparatus is connected to an external network, an abnormality may occur in the network (line). In this case as well, the remote service cannot be used. I have to wait for recovery. An image forming apparatus that cannot use an external network has a problem that a maintenance service via the network cannot be used.

The technique described in Patent Document 1 relates to communication between a mobile communication terminal and an image forming apparatus. However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 relates to reading data from a mobile communication terminal. It has nothing to do with the maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention makes it possible to use remote maintenance even in an image forming apparatus that cannot be connected to an external network.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus, a portable communication device, and a server. When the image forming apparatus recognizes the occurrence of a trouble, the image forming apparatus uses short-range wireless communication to transmit maintenance request information including a value indicating the trouble that has occurred to the portable communication device. The portable communication device transfers the received maintenance request information to the server. The server recognizes the trouble that has occurred based on the received maintenance request information, and generates maintenance reply information including a value indicating an adjustment process for dealing with the recognized trouble. The server transmits the generated maintenance response information to the portable communication device. The portable communication device uses short-range wireless communication to transfer the received maintenance response information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus performs the adjustment process indicated by the maintenance response information received from the portable communication device.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printer unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, and a control unit. The printer unit prints. The short-range wireless communication unit performs short-range wireless communication. When recognizing the occurrence of a trouble, the control unit causes the mobile communication device to transmit maintenance request information including a value indicating the trouble that has occurred to the short-range wireless communication unit using short-range wireless communication. .. When the short-range wireless communication unit receives the maintenance response information corresponding to the maintenance request information, the control unit performs the adjustment process indicated by the received maintenance response information.

Further, the portable communication device according to the present invention includes a short-range wireless communication unit, a wireless communication circuit, and a processing unit. The short-range wireless communication unit performs short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus. The wireless communication circuit communicates with the server. When the short-range wireless communication unit receives maintenance request information that is data transmitted from the image forming apparatus and includes a value indicating a trouble that has occurred in the image forming apparatus, the processing unit sends the processing unit to the server. The maintenance request information received is transferred to the wireless communication circuit. When the wireless communication circuit receives the maintenance response information corresponding to the maintenance request information transmitted and transferred from the server, the processing unit directs the received maintenance response information to the image forming apparatus. Send to the short-range wireless communication unit.

According to the present invention, a (remote) maintenance service by communication can be used even in an image forming apparatus that cannot be connected to an external network.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the portable communication device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the server which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the remote maintenance in the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the remote maintenance in the image formation system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the remote maintenance in the image formation system which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, the image forming system 100, the image forming apparatus 1, and the portable communication device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Each element such as the configuration and the arrangement described in the description of the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an explanatory example.

(Image formation system 100)
First, an example of the image forming system 100 including the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment.

The image forming system 100 includes an image forming device 1, a portable communication device 2, and a server 3. Hereinafter, an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 can read and print a document. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform short-range wireless communication (NFC).

The portable communication device 2 can perform short-range wireless communication (NFC) with the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the mobile communication device 2 is a smartphone. The smartphone owned by each user can be used as the mobile communication device 2. The mobile communication device 2 may be a tablet computer.

The image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to an external network. An external network is an open network that is used by many people, such as the Internet. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 3 cannot directly communicate with each other. The image forming apparatus 1 may be connected to a local network such as an in-house LAN. However, even in this case, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot communicate with the network outside the local network. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot be accessed from a computer on an external network. Although communication with an external network is not possible, the image forming apparatus 1 can communicate with the portable communication device 2 by short-range wireless communication (NFC) (details will be described later).

The server 3 is a computer for performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1. The server 3 can communicate with the mobile communication device 2. The mobile communication device 2 and the server 3 may communicate with each other using the Internet. For example, the portable communication device 2 may connect to the Internet using the base station of the communication carrier as an access point (using the data line of the communication carrier). The image forming apparatus 1 cannot directly communicate with the server 3, but can exchange data (information) if the mobile communication device 2 mediates.

The server 3 sends and receives data for maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1. The maintenance service of the image forming apparatus 1 provided by the server 3 by communication is hereinafter referred to as remote maintenance.

(Image forming apparatus 1)
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the image forming unit 15c according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an operation panel 14, a printer unit 15, and a first short-range wireless communication unit 16.

The control unit 11 controls the operation of each unit in a job such as printing or transmission. The control unit 11 includes a control circuit 11a (CPU), an image data generation circuit 11b, and an image processing circuit 11c. The control circuit 11a performs processing and calculation related to the job. The image data generation circuit 11b generates the original image data by processing the analog image signal output by the original reading unit 13 reading the original. For example, the image data generation circuit 11b includes an A / D conversion circuit. The image processing circuit 11c is an integrated circuit for image processing (for example, ASIC). The image processing circuit 11c performs image processing of the original image data.

As the storage unit 12, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a RAM, a ROM, and a storage. For example, the storage is an HDD or SSD. The control unit 11 controls each unit based on the program and data of the storage unit 12. The document reading unit 13 includes a light source and an image sensor. The document reading unit 13 reads the document.

The operation panel 14 accepts user settings. The operation panel 14 includes a display panel 14a, a touch panel 14b, and a hard key 14c. The control unit 11 displays a message and a setting screen on the display panel 14a. The control unit 11 displays the operation image on the display panel 14a. For example, operating images are buttons, keys, and tabs. Based on the output of the touch panel 14b, the control unit 11 recognizes the operated operation image. The hard key 14c includes a start key and a numeric keypad. The touch panel 14b and the hard key 14c accept the user's setting operation (operation related to the job). Based on the output of the operation panel 14, the control unit 11 recognizes the setting contents.

The printer unit 15 includes a paper feed unit 15a, a paper transport unit 15b, an image forming unit 15c, and a fixing unit 15d. The control unit 11 controls the operations of the paper feed unit 15a, the paper transport unit 15b, the image forming unit 15c, and the fixing unit 15d. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the printer unit 15 based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 12.

The paper feed unit 15a includes a cassette for accommodating paper, a paper feed roller for feeding paper from the cassette, and a paper feed motor for rotating the paper feed roller. At the time of printing, the control unit 11 causes the paper feed unit 15a to supply paper. The paper transport unit 15b includes a motor and a pair of transport rollers. The control unit 11 conveys the paper fed from the paper feed unit 15a to the paper transfer unit 15b. The paper transport unit 15b transports paper in the machine.

The image forming unit 15c forms an image (toner image). The image forming unit 15c includes an image forming unit 18 for four colors, an exposure apparatus 15e, and an intermediate transfer unit 19. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 18Bk that forms a black image, an image forming unit 18Y that forms a yellow image, an image forming unit 18C that forms a cyan image, and an image forming unit that forms a magenta image. Includes 18M. Although the colors of the toner images to be formed are different, the configurations of the image forming units 18Bk to 18M are basically the same. In the following description, the reference numerals of Bk, Y, C, and M of each image forming unit 18 will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

Each image forming unit 18 includes a photoconductor drum 18a, a charging device 18b, a developing device 18c, and a cleaning device 18d. A photosensitive layer is formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 18a. The photosensitive layer is, for example, amorphous silicon. At the time of printing, the control unit 11 rotates a drum motor (not shown) to rotate the photoconductor drum 18a. The control unit 11 charges the photoconductor drum 18a into the charging device 18b. Based on the image data, the control unit 11 exposes the photoconductor drum 18a to the exposure apparatus 15e. The developing device 18c contains a developing agent containing toner. The control unit 11 causes the developing device 18c to develop the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor drum 18a with toner.

The cleaning device 18d collects the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 18a after the transfer of the toner image. The cleaning device 18d includes a cleaning roller 18e in contact with the photoconductor drum 18a and a cleaning motor (not shown) for rotating the cleaning roller 18e. The drum motor may rotate the cleaning motor. At the time of printing, the control unit 11 rotates the cleaning roller 18e. The cleaning roller 18e rotates in the same direction as the photoconductor drum 18a. The cleaning roller 18e scrapes off the toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 18a and cleans it.

The intermediate transfer unit 19 includes an intermediate transfer belt 19a, a secondary transfer roller 19b, an intermediate drive roller 19c, a primary transfer roller 19Bk, 19Y, 19C, 19M, and an intermediate driven roller 19d, 19e. The axial directions of each roller are parallel. The intermediate transfer belt 19a is endless. The intermediate transfer belt 19a is hung around each roller. The intermediate transfer belt 19a receives the primary transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor drum 18a. Further, the secondary transfer roller 19b secondarily transfers the toner image to the paper. The nip (secondary transfer nip 19n) of the secondary transfer roller 19b and the intermediate transfer belt 19a is a position where the toner image is placed on the paper.

The fixing portion 15d includes a heater and a fixing roller. The control unit 11 heats and pressurizes the paper on which the toner image is transferred on the fixing roller. The paper transport unit 15b discharges the fixed paper to the outside of the machine (discharge tray).

The first short-range wireless communication unit 16 includes a circuit for performing short-range wireless communication (Near Field Communication) with the portable communication device 2. For example, the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 includes a communication control circuit (controller), a communication memory, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, and an antenna. When transmitting data, the communication control circuit prepares the data to be transmitted, modulates the prepared data in the modulation circuit, and transmits the prepared data from the antenna. When receiving data, the communication control circuit demodulates the radio wave received by the antenna in the demodulation circuit, and generates the received data based on the output of the demodulation circuit.

(Mobile communication device 2)
Next, an example of the mobile communication device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the mobile communication device 2 according to the embodiment.

In the following description, an example in which the mobile communication device 2 is a smartphone will be described. The portable communication device 2 includes a processing unit 21, an information storage unit 22, a display 23, a touch panel 24, a voice processing unit 25, a microphone 26, a reproduction processing unit 27, a speaker 28, a wireless communication circuit 29, and a second short-range wireless communication unit 210. including.

The processing unit 21 is a circuit that controls the operation of the portable communication device 2. The processing unit 21 includes a control circuit 21a and an image processing circuit 21b. The processing unit 21 controls the operation of the portable communication device 2 based on the OS, the program, the application, and the data. The image processing circuit 21b performs image processing of image data.

The portable communication device 2 includes a ROM 22a, a RAM 22b, and a semiconductor memory 22c as an information storage unit 22. For example, the semiconductor memory 22c is a flash memory. The information storage unit 22 stores the OS, programs, applications, and data of the mobile communication device 2. The processing unit 21 controls each unit of the portable communication device 2 according to the stored contents of the information storage unit 22. For example, the processing unit 21 executes the application in response to the application activation request through the touch panel 24.

The information storage unit 22 (semiconductor memory 22c) stores the maintenance application 211. The maintenance application 211 is an application for mediating communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 3. The user can operate the touch panel 24 to install and start the maintenance application 211.

The display 23 displays various information according to the request from the processing unit 21. The display 23 is a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display 23 displays an operation image. Operational images are, for example, icons, buttons, keys, and tabs. Based on the output of the touch panel 24, the processing unit 21 recognizes the touch position and recognizes the operated (touched) operation image. By pressing an icon, a button, or a key, the mobile communication device 2 can be set and an application can be operated.

The voice processing unit 25 performs signal processing for converting the voice input from the microphone 26 into data that can be transmitted from the wireless communication circuit 29. The reproduction processing unit 27 causes the speaker 28 to reproduce the sound (voice) data from the other party received by the wireless communication circuit 29.

The wireless communication circuit 29 includes an antenna, a circuit, and a memory for wireless communication (wireless communication via an access point of a communication carrier) using a data communication line. The memory stores software for performing wireless communication.

The second short-range wireless communication unit 210 includes a circuit for performing short-range wireless communication (NFC) with the image forming apparatus 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16). For example, the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 includes a communication control circuit (controller), a communication memory, a modulation circuit, a demodulation circuit, and an antenna. When transmitting data, the communication control circuit of the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 prepares the data to be transmitted, modulates the prepared data in the modulation circuit, and transmits the prepared data from the antenna. When receiving data, the communication control circuit of the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 demodulates the radio wave received by the antenna in the demodulation circuit, and generates the received data based on the output of the demodulation circuit.

(Server 3)
Next, an example of the server 3 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the server 3 according to the embodiment.

The server 3 includes a server processing unit 31, a server storage unit 32, a server display 33, a server input device 34, and a server communication unit 35. The server processing unit 31 is a board (server board) including a control circuit (CPU) and an image processing circuit. The server processing unit 31 performs calculation and processing. The server processing unit 31 controls the operation of the server 3. The server storage unit 32 includes a RAM 32a, a ROM 32b, and a storage 32c (HDD). The server storage unit 32 can store data and software in a non-volatile manner. Details of the data and software stored in the server storage unit 32 will be described later.

For example, the server display 33 includes a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The server processing unit 31 displays the screen and information on the server display 33. For example, the server input device 34 is a keyboard and a mouse. The server input device 34 accepts the user's operation. Based on the output of the server input device 34, the server processing unit 31 recognizes the operation content. The server communication unit 35 communicates with the mobile communication device 2. The server processing unit 31 stores the data received from the mobile communication device 2 by the server communication unit 35 in the server storage unit 32. The server storage unit 32 stores data for maintenance (adjustment) of the image forming apparatus 1. The server processing unit 31 directs the data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 to the portable communication device 2, and causes the server communication unit 35 to transmit the data.

(Overview of remote maintenance via mobile communication device 2)
Next, an example of remote maintenance in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of remote maintenance in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment.

In the image forming system 100, remote maintenance is made available to the image forming apparatus 1 which is not connected to the Internet. In the image forming system 100, the portable communication device 2 mediates the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 3. As a result, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 using the server 3 can be performed. Maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 can be performed without a serviceman.

FIG. 7 will be used to describe an outline of processing when remote maintenance is used in the image forming system 100.

First, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes the trouble that has occurred (details will be described later). It is necessary to perform processing (adjustment processing) to deal with the trouble. At this time, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 generates the maintenance request information 4. The maintenance request information 4 includes a value indicating the content of the trouble. Specifically, the control unit 11 includes the call service number 5 in the maintenance request information 4 as a value indicating a trouble.

In order to transmit the maintenance request information 4, the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2 start short-range wireless communication (step # 1 in FIG. 7). The second short-range wireless communication unit 210 (portable communication device 2) is brought close to the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 (image forming device 1) until the short-range wireless communication is possible. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2 are brought into contact with each other.

The image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) causes the portable communication device 2 (second short-range wireless communication unit 210) to transmit the maintenance request information 4 to the first short-range wireless communication (step # 2). Upon receiving the maintenance request information 4, the portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) causes the server 3 to transmit the received maintenance request information 4 to the wireless communication unit (step # 3).

The server 3 (server processing unit 31) recognizes the type (content) of the trouble that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the received maintenance request information 4. Specifically, the server processing unit 31 recognizes the type of trouble that has occurred, based on the call service number 5 included in the maintenance request information 4. The server processing unit 31 generates maintenance response information 6 based on the recognized trouble type and content. The server processing unit 31 includes a value indicating a process (adjustment process) to be executed in order to deal with the trouble in the maintenance response information 6. The value indicating the adjustment process may be a value indicating the type of process to be executed. Further, the value indicating the adjustment process may be a set value for adjustment.

The server 3 (server processing unit 31) causes the mobile communication device 2 (wireless communication circuit 29) to transmit the generated maintenance response information 6 to the server communication unit 35 (step # 4). The portable communication device 2 (wireless communication circuit 29) receives the maintenance response information 6. The portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) may display on the display 23 that the maintenance response information 6 has been received.

In order to transmit the maintenance response information 6 to the image forming apparatus 1, the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 (image forming apparatus 1) and the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 (portable) are used up to a distance where short-range wireless communication is possible. Bring the communication device 2) closer (step # 5). For example, the user brings the image forming apparatus 1 into contact with the portable communication device 2. The portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) causes the image forming apparatus 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16) to transmit the maintenance response information 6 to the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 (step # 6). ..

The image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) performs an adjustment process for dealing with the trouble that has occurred based on the received maintenance response information 6 (step # 7). Step # 7 completes the remote maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1.

(Details of remote maintenance)
Next, the details of the remote maintenance according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing details of remote maintenance in the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment.

The start of FIG. 5 is when the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) recognizes the trouble. The control unit 11 may automatically detect (recognize) the occurrence of a trouble. For example, the control unit 11 periodically causes the printer unit 15 to print an image for checking the image quality (inspection chart). For example, when the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the control unit 11 may have the printer unit 15 print the inspection chart. Further, when the power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is canceled, the control unit 11 may have the printer unit 15 print the inspection chart. Further, the control unit 11 may have the printer unit 15 print the inspection chart every time a predetermined number of sheets are printed. Further, when the print job is completed, the control unit 11 may have the printer unit 15 print the inspection chart. Further, when the operation panel 14 receives an instruction to print the inspection chart, the control unit 11 may have the printer unit 15 print the inspection chart.

The storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 non-volatilely stores the inspection image data D1 for printing the inspection chart (see FIG. 2). The inspection chart contains a plurality of inspection images. For example, the inspection image is a rectangular solid image (patch image) formed of one color toner. The size of the inspection image is predetermined (eg, a few centimeters square meter). In addition, the printing position of the inspection image is also determined in advance. For example, an inspection chart is a printed matter in which patch images are printed at regular intervals for each color.

Based on the inspection image data D1, the control unit 11 causes the printer unit 15 to print inspection images of each color. Specifically, when generating the inspection image, the control unit 11 operates the paper feeding unit 15a, the paper transport unit 15b, and the fixing unit 15d. Further, the control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 15c to generate an inspection image of each color. Each inspection image is printed on paper and output as an inspection chart.

When the inspection chart is printed, the control unit 11 causes the display panel 14a to display a message informing that the document reading unit 13 should read the inspection chart. The user sets the printed inspection chart in the document reading unit 13. After setting, the user operates the start button. When the start button is operated, the control unit 11 causes the document reading unit 13 to read. Based on the analog image signal output by the document reading unit 13, the control unit 11 generates the scanned image data of the inspection chart.

The control unit 11 recognizes the trouble that has occurred based on the read image data of the inspection chart. For example, even if the control unit 11 recognizes that a problem of density decrease has occurred when the average value of the pixel values of the portion of the inspection image in the scanned image data is thinner than the predetermined density reference value. good. On the other hand, when the average value is darker than a predetermined concentration reference value, the control unit 11 may recognize that the trouble of concentration decrease has not occurred. The control unit 11 confirms whether or not a problem of density decrease has occurred for each color.

Further, when the print position of the inspection image in the scanned image data is deviated by a predetermined reference distance or more, the control unit 11 may recognize that the trouble of the misalignment has occurred. In this case, the control unit 11 recognizes the deviation direction and the deviation amount of the print start position based on the scanned image data.

Further, when the number of high-density pixels in the blank portion (blank area) outside the inspection image is larger than the predetermined reference pixel number in the scanned image data, the control unit 11 is a portion on which toner should not be placed. It may be recognized that a trouble of printing on (white part) has occurred. That is, it recognizes a trouble that toner is originally attached to a portion that is not printed.

Further, the control unit 11 may determine that the trouble of missing the printed image has occurred when a part of the rectangular inspection image is missing.

The type of trouble recognized by the control unit 11 based on the inspection chart is not limited to the above. You may be aware of the occurrence of other types of trouble. Further, the inspection chart and the inspection image to be printed are not limited to the above examples. The control unit 11 may print a plurality of types of inspection charts or inspection images to increase the types of troubles to be recognized.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a reading unit 17 for reading an inspection image on the intermediate transfer belt 19a and the intermediate transfer belt 19a (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The reading unit 17 includes a lamp, a lens, and an image sensor. The lamp irradiates light toward the intermediate transfer belt 19a. The lens guides the light reflected by the intermediate transfer belt 19a or the inspection image to the image sensor. The image sensor is, for example, a line sensor.

In this case, the control unit 11 instead of the document reading unit 13 causes the reading unit 17 to read the intermediate transfer belt 19a and the inspection image. The control unit 11 includes an analog / digital conversion circuit. The analog image signal output by the image sensor of the reading unit 17 is input to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 converts the analog image signal into digital data and generates the scanned image data. Based on the scanned image data, the control unit 11 recognizes the trouble that has occurred.

Further, the control unit 11 may automatically recognize troubles other than the image quality of the printed matter. For example, you may recognize the trouble caused by the communication between the control unit 11 and each unit (storage unit 12, document reading unit 13, operation panel 14, printer unit 15, first short-range wireless communication unit 16).

When the occurrence of the trouble is recognized, the control unit 11 generates the maintenance request information 4 (step # 11). FIG. 7 shows an example of the maintenance request information 4. The maintenance request information 4 is data described by using tags. The control unit 11 includes an item name (element name) between the start tag and the end tag.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 includes the serial number N1 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the maintenance request information 4 (tag of machine_serial). The storage unit 12 non-volatilely stores the serial number N1 of the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2). The serial number N1 is a number assigned to the image forming apparatus 1 by the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1. The serial number N1 is different from the image forming apparatus 1. The serial number N1 can be used as a number for identifying an individual.

Further, the control unit 11 includes the call service number 5 corresponding to the recognized trouble in the maintenance request information 4 (tag of call_service_number). The storage unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 1 non-volatilely stores the number definition data D2D2 that defines the call service number 5 corresponding to the trouble. The control unit 11 refers to the number definition data D2 and determines the call service number 5 corresponding to the recognized trouble. The control unit 11 may include the color of the toner in which the trouble has occurred in the maintenance request information 4 (target tag).

Then, the control unit 11 enables the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 to communicate (step # 12). For example, the control unit 11 starts energizing the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 and activates the first short-range wireless communication unit 16. In this case, the control unit 11 includes a switch for turning on / off the energization of the first short-range wireless communication unit 16.

Then, the control unit 11 displays the first message for transmitting the maintenance request information 4 on the display panel 14a (step # 13). For example, the control unit 11 may display a message on the display panel 14a notifying that the image forming apparatus 1 has enabled short-range wireless communication. Further, the control unit 11 may display on the display panel 14a that the portable communication device 2 that mediates communication with the server 3 should be brought closer to the image forming device 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16).

When the portable communication device 2 is brought close to the image forming apparatus 1, the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 and the portable communication device 2 (second short-range wireless communication unit 210) can communicate with each other. At this time, the user activates the maintenance application 211 on the mobile communication device 2. Based on the maintenance application 211, the portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) mediates the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 3. When communication with the portable communication device 2 (second short-range wireless communication unit 210) becomes possible, the control unit 11 sends maintenance request information 4 to the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 to the first short-range wireless communication unit 16. (Step # 14).

Here, if a trouble occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of people may duplicately try to transmit the maintenance request information 4 to the server 3. When a plurality of maintenance request information 4s having the same contents are transmitted, there is a possibility that a plurality of information for solving the trouble of one image forming apparatus 1 may be transmitted from the server 3.

Therefore, when communication with the first portable communication device 2 is started after recognizing the occurrence of a trouble, the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) waits until the adjustment processing for the recognized trouble is completed. Even if communication with another mobile communication device becomes possible, the maintenance request information 4 may not be transmitted to the first short-range wireless communication unit 16. In this case, the control unit 11 may notify the second and subsequent mobile communication devices 2 that the maintenance request information 4 has been transmitted. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) forcibly interrupts the transmission of the maintenance request information 4 using the second and subsequent portable communication devices 2 for the same trouble. This makes it possible to prevent the same adjustment process from being repeated.

Further, regarding a certain trouble, when the maintenance response information 6 is received after the maintenance request information 4 is transmitted and a new trouble is recognized before the adjustment processing is completed, the control unit 11 adjusts the previous trouble. The maintenance request information 4 may not be generated until the processing is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the adjustment processing from being executed in parallel.

The portable communication device 2 (second short-range wireless communication unit 210) receives the maintenance request information 4 (step # 15). Then, the portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) causes the server 3 to transmit the maintenance request information 4 to the wireless communication circuit 29 (step # 16). The mobile communication device 2 transmits the maintenance request information 4 by using the data communication line provided by the communication carrier.

In addition, based on the maintenance application 211, the portable communication device 2 mediates the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the server 3. In the maintenance application 211, the address of the server 3 is set in advance. The processing unit 21 of the portable communication device 2 causes the maintenance request information 4 to be transmitted to the wireless communication circuit 29 toward the preset address.

The server 3 (server communication unit 35) receives the maintenance request information 4 transferred by the mobile communication device 2 (step # 17). The server 3 non-volatilely stores the received maintenance request information 4 as a history. The server processing unit 31 recognizes the image forming apparatus 1 in which the trouble has occurred based on the serial number N1 included in the received (notified) maintenance request information 4 (step # 18).

Based on the call service number 5 included in the received maintenance request information 4, the server processing unit 31 recognizes the type of trouble that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 (step # 19). Specifically, the server storage unit 32 non-volatilely stores the number definition data D2 that defines the call service number 5 corresponding to the trouble. This point is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1. The server processing unit 31 recognizes the type of trouble that has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 based on the number definition data D2. When the maintenance request information 4 includes the target tag, the control unit 11 recognizes the color of the toner in which the trouble has occurred.

The server processing unit 31 determines the adjustment process to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the type of trouble recognized (step # 20).

For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 has a problem of density decrease, the server processing unit 31 may define the drum refresh process as the adjustment process. In this case, the server processing unit 31 determines the color to be executed the drum refresh process based on the target tag of the maintenance request information 4.

The drum refresh process is a process of polishing the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 18a. During the drum refresh process, the control unit 11 rotates the photoconductor drum 18a and the cleaning roller 18e. As a result, the cleaning roller 18e polishes the surface of the photoconductor drum 18a. Adhesions and adhered substances on the surface of the photoconductor drum 18a are scraped off. For example, the substance generated by the electric discharge for charging and adhering to the photoconductor drum 18a is peeled off from the photoconductor drum 18a. At the time of the drum refresh process, the control unit 11 may supply the developing device 18c with a predetermined amount of toner. Further, an abrasive for polishing the surface of the photoconductor drum 18a may be added to the developer. Drum refresh restores the density of the printed matter (returns to the darker direction).

Further, when the trouble of the positional deviation occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, the server processing unit 31 may determine the adjustment at the time of the exposure start by the exposure apparatus as the adjustment process. In this case, the server processing unit 31 determines the color to be adjusted at the start of exposure based on the target tag of the maintenance request information 4.

Further, when a trouble of printing on a white portion occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, the server processing unit 31 may determine that the development refresh processing should be performed. In the developing apparatus 18c, the toner is agitated due to charging. Stirring puts stress on the toner. During use, the amount of toner that has deteriorated in the developing apparatus 18c may gradually increase. Some of the deteriorated toners have disturbed charging characteristics. As a result, the deteriorated toner may adhere to the portion where the toner is not desired to be placed. Therefore, when a trouble of printing on a white portion occurs, it may be stipulated that a development refresh process should be performed in order to reduce the deteriorated toner. In this case, the server processing unit 31 determines the color to be subjected to the development refresh based on the target tag of the maintenance request information 4.

The development refresh process is a process in which the toner in the developing apparatus 18c is continuously discharged for a certain period of time. At the time of development refresh, the control unit 11 rotates the photoconductor drum 18a. Then, the control unit 11 keeps generating the electrostatic latent image of the solid image in the exposure apparatus for a certain period of time. The control unit 11 flies the toner from the developing device 18c onto the photoconductor drum 18a. The control unit 11 causes the cleaning device 18d to collect the toner discharged from the photoconductor drum 18a. The control unit 11 applies a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner to the primary transfer roller so that the toner is not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 19a. Further, the control unit 11 causes the toner replenishing device (not shown) to replenish the toner from the toner container to the developing device 18c.

Further, when the trouble of chipping of the printed image occurs, the server processing unit 31 may determine that the drum refresh process should be performed or the development refresh process should be performed.

For example, the server storage unit 32 non-volatilely stores the adjustment processing determination data D3 that defines the processing to be performed according to the type of trouble (see FIG. 6). When recognizing the type of trouble that has occurred, the server processing unit 31 refers to the adjustment processing determination data D3 and determines the adjustment processing to be executed.

When the adjustment process is determined, the server processing unit 31 generates the maintenance response information 6 (step # 21). An example of the maintenance response information 6 is shown in FIG. The maintenance response information 6 is also data described using tags. The control unit 11 includes an item name (element name) between the start tag and the end tag.

As shown in FIG. 7, the server processing unit 31 includes the serial number N1 of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the reply is sent in the maintenance reply information 6 (tag of machine_serial). The server processing unit 31 diverts the serial number N1 included in the maintenance request information 4.

Further, the server processing unit 31 includes the adjustment setting value 7 indicating the adjustment process to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in the maintenance response information 6 (see FIG. 7). The server storage unit 32 non-volatilely stores the adjustment setting value definition data D4 that defines the adjustment setting value 7 corresponding to the adjustment process (see FIG. 6). The control unit 11 refers to the adjustment setting value definition data D4 and determines the adjustment setting value 7 corresponding to the adjustment process. The server processing unit 31 digitizes the adjustment process. The server processing unit 31 may include the color to be processed in the maintenance response information 6 (target tag).

When the generation of the maintenance response information 6 is completed, the server processing unit 31 causes the mobile communication device 2 (wireless communication circuit 29) to transmit the maintenance response information 6 to the server communication unit 35 (step # 22). When the maintenance response information 6 is transmitted, the server processing unit 31 non-volatilely stores the maintenance response information 6 in the server storage unit 32 as a log (history).

The portable communication device 2 (second short-range wireless communication unit 210) receives the maintenance response information 6 (step # 23). The mobile communication device 2 (processing unit 21) displays a second message for transmitting the maintenance response information 6 on the display 23 (step # 24). For example, the processing unit 21 may display a message on the display 23 notifying that the maintenance response information 6 has been received. Further, the processing unit 21 may display on the display 23 that the portable communication device 2 should be brought closer to the corresponding image forming device 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16). This makes it possible to inform the user that the portable communication device 2 should be held over the image forming apparatus 1.

Then, when short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1 becomes possible, the portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) sends maintenance response information 6 to the image forming apparatus 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16). The second short-range wireless communication unit 210 is made to transmit (step # 25).

The image forming apparatus 1 (first short-range wireless communication unit 16) receives the maintenance response information 6 transferred by the portable communication device 2 (step # 26). At this time, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the serial number N1 included in the received maintenance response information 6 matches its own serial number N1 (step # 27). This is because the maintenance response information 6 for the other image forming apparatus 1 may be received.

If the serial numbers N1 do not match (No in step # 27), the control unit 11 discards the received maintenance response information 6 (step # 28). Further, the control unit 11 causes the portable communication device 2 to transmit a notification that the image forming apparatus 1 to be transferred is incorrect to the first short-range wireless communication (step # 29). Upon receiving this notification, the portable communication device 2 (processing unit 21) causes the display 23 to indicate that the image forming apparatus 1 to be transferred is incorrect. It is possible to notify the user that the transfer destination of the maintenance response information 6 is incorrect. In this case, the flow returns to step # 25. The user holds the mobile communication device 2 that has received the corresponding maintenance response information 6.

When the serial numbers N1 match (Yes in step # 27), the control unit 11 recognizes the adjustment process to be executed based on the adjustment setting value 7 included in the maintenance response information 6 (step # 30). The control unit 11 also recognizes the color to be adjusted.

Specifically, the storage unit 12 non-volatilely stores the adjustment setting value definition data D4 that defines the adjustment process (process to be performed for adjustment) corresponding to the adjustment set value 7. This point is the same as that of the server 3. The control unit 11 recognizes the adjustment process to be executed based on the adjustment setting value definition data D4.

Upon recognizing the adjustment process to be performed, the control unit 11 disables the communication of the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 (step # 31). For example, the control unit 11 stops energizing the first short-range wireless communication. Only when a trouble occurs, the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2 can communicate with each other. It is possible to eliminate unnecessary communication and unnecessary power consumption between the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2. Communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2 can be restricted. It is possible to make it difficult to extract information from the image forming apparatus 1.

Then, the control unit 11 executes the recognized adjustment process (step # 32). When the adjustment process to be executed is drum refresh, the control unit 11 performs the drum refresh process. When the adjustment process to be executed is the adjustment of the exposure start time by the exposure apparatus, the control unit 11 changes the set value of the exposure start time so that the exposure start time is delayed or accelerated by the recognized deviation amount. .. Further, when the adjustment process to be executed is the development refresh process, the control unit 11 performs the development refresh process. The control unit 11 performs the process specified in the maintenance response information 6 for the troubled color.

In this way, the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment includes an image forming device 1, a portable communication device 2, and a server 3. When the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes the occurrence of a trouble, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the maintenance request information 4 including the value indicating the trouble that has occurred to the portable communication device 2 by using short-range wireless communication. The mobile communication device 2 transfers the received maintenance request information 4 to the server 3. Based on the received maintenance request information 4, the server 3 recognizes the trouble that has occurred and generates maintenance response information 6 including a value indicating an adjustment process for dealing with the recognized trouble. The server 3 transmits the generated maintenance response information 6 to the mobile communication device 2. The portable communication device 2 transfers the received maintenance response information 6 to the image forming apparatus 1 by using short-range wireless communication. The image forming apparatus 1 performs the adjustment process indicated by the maintenance response information 6 received from the portable communication device 2.

The image forming apparatus 1 can send a maintenance request to the server 3 via the portable communication device 2 even if the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to an external network (Internet). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive the reply (data for maintenance) of the server 3 via the portable communication device 2. The image forming apparatus 1 can exchange data related to maintenance with the server 3 even if it is not connected to an external network. Further, even if the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected to an external network, the image forming apparatus 1 can be maintained remotely (without a service person or specialized knowledge).

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a first short-range wireless communication unit 16. The portable communication device 2 includes a second short-range wireless communication unit 210. When the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes the occurrence of a trouble, the image forming apparatus 1 enables the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 to communicate. When the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) recognizes the adjustment process to be executed based on the maintenance response information 6 regarding the trouble, the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 is disabled from communication. It is possible to eliminate unnecessary short-range wireless communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the portable communication device 2. The first short-range wireless communication unit 16 can be operated only when maintenance is required. It is possible to prevent information leakage using the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 can be stopped except when the first maintenance is required. For example, wasteful power consumption can be eliminated.

After recognizing the occurrence of a trouble, when communication with the mobile communication device 2 is started and the maintenance request information 4 is transmitted, the image forming apparatus 1 (control unit 11) adjusts the trouble recognized as having occurred. The maintenance request information 4 is not transmitted to the other mobile communication device even if it becomes possible to communicate with the other mobile communication device until the completion of the above. If a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of users may try to send the maintenance request information 4 to the server 3. When a plurality of maintenance request information 4 is transmitted for one trouble caused by one image forming apparatus 1, there is a possibility that a plurality of maintenance response information 6 is returned. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 may repeat the same adjustment process. Therefore, the maintenance request information 4 is not transmitted multiple times. It is possible to eliminate the repetition of the same adjustment process. It is possible to eliminate unnecessary repetition of processing.

The image forming apparatus 1 determines the call service number 5 as a value indicating the trouble that has occurred. The image forming apparatus 1 includes the call service number 5 in the maintenance request information 4. The server 3 recognizes the type of trouble that has occurred based on the call service number 5 included in the received maintenance request information 4. Based on the call service number 5, it is possible to notify the trouble that has occurred in the server 3 with a small amount of data.

The image forming apparatus 1 (storage unit 12) stores the serial number N1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes the serial number N1 in the maintenance request information 4. The server 3 recognizes the model of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the serial number N1 included in the received maintenance request information 4. The server 3 includes the received serial number N1 in the corresponding maintenance response information 6. When the serial number N1 included in the received maintenance response information 6 matches the serial number N1 of the own machine, the image forming apparatus 1 performs the adjustment process indicated by the received maintenance response information 6. Based on the serial number N1, the image forming apparatus 1 can recognize that the maintenance response information 6 is addressed to the own machine. Based on the maintenance response information 6 addressed to the own machine, the adjustment process suitable for the own machine can be executed.

The present invention can also be regarded as an invention of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer unit 15 for printing, a short-range wireless communication unit (first short-range wireless communication unit 16) for performing short-range wireless communication, and a portable communication device when it recognizes the occurrence of a trouble. A control unit 11 for transmitting maintenance request information 4 including a value indicating a trouble that has occurred to the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 by using short-range wireless communication is included. When the first short-range wireless communication unit 16 receives the maintenance response information 6 corresponding to the maintenance request information 4, the control unit 11 performs the adjustment process indicated by the received maintenance response information 6. The image forming apparatus 1 can transmit a maintenance request via the portable communication device 2 even if it is not connected to an external network (Internet). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive data for maintenance via the portable communication device 2. The image forming apparatus 1 can exchange data related to maintenance even if it is not connected to an external network. Further, even if the image forming apparatus 1 is not connected by an external network, the image forming apparatus 1 can be maintained remotely (without a service person or specialized knowledge).

The present invention can also be regarded as an invention of the portable communication device 2. The portable communication device 2 includes a short-range wireless communication unit (second short-range wireless communication) for performing short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 1, a wireless communication circuit 29 for communicating with the server 3, and a processing unit. 21 and. When the second short-range wireless communication unit 210 receives the maintenance request information 4 which is the data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 and includes the value indicating the trouble generated in the image forming apparatus 1, the processing unit 21 receives the maintenance request information 4. The received maintenance request information 4 is transferred to the wireless communication circuit 29 toward the server 3. When the wireless communication circuit 29 receives the maintenance response information 6 transmitted from the server 3 and corresponding to the transferred maintenance request information 4, the processing unit 21 sends the received maintenance response information 6 to the image forming apparatus 1. It is transmitted to the second short-range wireless communication unit 210. For the image forming apparatus 1 that is not connected to the external network (Internet), it is possible to mediate the request for maintenance and the transmission / reception of data for maintenance. Maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1 that is not connected by an external network can be performed remotely (without a service person or specialized knowledge).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention can be used in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, a portable communication device, and a server. Further, it can be used in an image forming apparatus and a portable communication device included in this image forming system.

100 Image formation system 1 Image formation device 11 Control unit 15 Printer unit 16 First short-range wireless communication unit 2 Portable communication device 21 Processing unit 29 Wireless communication circuit 210 Second short-range wireless communication unit 3 Server 4 Maintenance request information 5 Call service Number 6 Maintenance Answer Information N1 Serial Number

Claims (7)

Including image forming devices, mobile communication devices, and servers,
The image forming apparatus is
When the occurrence of a trouble is recognized, maintenance request information including a value indicating the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the portable communication device by using short-range wireless communication.
The portable communication device transfers the received maintenance request information to the server, and the portable communication device transfers the received maintenance request information to the server.
The server
Based on the received maintenance request information, the maintenance response information including the value indicating the adjustment process for recognizing the trouble that has occurred and dealing with the recognized trouble is generated.
The generated maintenance response information is transmitted to the mobile communication device, and the generated maintenance response information is transmitted to the mobile communication device.
The portable communication device uses short-range wireless communication to transfer the received maintenance response information to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus is an image forming system characterized by performing the adjustment process indicated by the maintenance response information received from the portable communication device. The image forming apparatus includes a first short-range wireless communication unit.
The portable communication device includes a second short-range wireless communication unit, and includes a second short-range wireless communication unit.
The image forming apparatus is
When the occurrence of the trouble is recognized, the first short-range wireless communication unit can be communicated with.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the adjustment process to be executed based on the maintenance response information is recognized for the trouble, the first short-range wireless communication unit is disabled from communication. When the communication with the portable communication device is started after recognizing the occurrence of the trouble and the maintenance request information is transmitted.
The image forming apparatus is
The feature is that the maintenance request information is not transmitted to the other mobile communication device even if it becomes possible to communicate with the other mobile communication device until the adjustment process for the trouble recognized as occurring is completed. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The image forming apparatus is
A call service number is set as a value indicating the trouble that has occurred.
The call service number is included in the maintenance request information.
The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server recognizes the type of trouble that has occurred based on the call service number included in the received maintenance request information. The image forming apparatus is
Remember the serial number,
Include the serial number in the maintenance request information
The server
Based on the serial number included in the received maintenance request information, the model of the image forming apparatus is recognized.
Include the received serial number in the corresponding maintenance response information
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that when the serial number included in the received maintenance response information matches the serial number of the own machine, the image forming apparatus performs the adjustment process indicated by the received maintenance response information. The image forming system according to any one of 1 to 4. The printer section that prints and
A short-range wireless communication unit for short-range wireless communication,
When the occurrence of a trouble is recognized, a control unit that causes the mobile communication device to transmit maintenance request information including a value indicating the trouble that has occurred to the short-range wireless communication unit by using short-range wireless communication. Including,
When the short-range wireless communication unit receives maintenance response information corresponding to the maintenance request information,
The control unit is an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it performs an adjustment process indicated by the received maintenance response information. A short-range wireless communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication with an image forming device,
A wireless communication circuit for communicating with the server,
Including the processing unit
When the short-range wireless communication unit receives maintenance request information that is data transmitted from the image forming apparatus and includes a value indicating a trouble that has occurred in the image forming apparatus.
The processing unit transfers the received maintenance request information to the wireless communication circuit toward the server.
When the wireless communication circuit receives maintenance response information corresponding to the maintenance request information transmitted from the server and transferred.
The processing unit is a portable communication device characterized in that the received maintenance response information is transmitted to the short-range wireless communication unit toward the image forming apparatus.

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