Image forming device, abnormality diagnosis method, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention discloses an image forming device, an abnormality diagnosis method and an image forming system. The image forming device includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of components; a control unit configured to control the operation of the plurality of components in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image; and a sound collecting unit configured to collect sounds occurring in the device during the execution of the first operation mode to generate a sound signal. When it is determined based on the sound signal that an abnormal sound has occurred, the control unit determines the source of the abnormal sound by switching to a second operation mode after the first operation mode ends and operating one or more components that may be the source of the abnormal sound separately from other components in the second operation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, an abnormality diagnosis method, and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] In image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, continued use of components that have reached the end of their expected service life may cause abnormal sounds from the components. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4863802 discloses a method for identifying components that are sources of abnormal sounds by analyzing the sound pressure level in each frequency component of sounds collected in an image forming apparatus. Summary of the invention

[0003] However, in the frequency analysis method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4863802, if a plurality of components simultaneously generate sounds in overlapping bands, the sounds cannot be correctly separated, making it difficult to accurately identify the source of the abnormal sound.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can more accurately identify the source of abnormal sounds in an image forming apparatus when the abnormal sounds occur.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming device is provided, the image forming device comprising: an image forming unit, the image forming unit comprising a plurality of components; a control unit, the control unit being configured to control the operation of the plurality of components in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image on a recording material; and a sound collecting unit, the sound collecting unit being configured to collect sounds occurring in the image forming device during the execution of the first operation mode to generate a sound signal. The control unit is configured to determine the source of the abnormal sound by, when determining that an abnormal sound has occurred based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit, transitioning to a second operation mode after the first operation mode ends and operating one or more components that may be the source of the abnormal sound separately from other components in the second operation mode.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an abnormality diagnosis method performed by an image forming device, the image forming device comprising an image forming unit, a sound collecting unit and a control unit. The abnormality diagnosis method comprises: in a first operation mode, forming an image by operating a plurality of components of the image forming unit; collecting sounds occurring in the image forming unit by the sound collecting unit to generate a sound signal; determining whether an abnormal sound has occurred by the control unit based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit; and when it is determined that an abnormal sound has occurred, transitioning to a second operation mode after the first operation mode ends, and in the second operation mode, operating one or more components that may be sources of the abnormal sound separately from other components by the control unit to determine the source of the abnormal sound.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming system is provided, the image forming system including an image forming device and a server device. The image forming device includes: an image forming unit including a plurality of components; a control unit configured to control the operation of the plurality of components in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image on a recording material; a sound collecting unit configured to collect sounds occurring in the image forming device during the execution of the first operation mode to generate a sound signal; and a communication unit configured to transmit data to the server device based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit. The server device includes: a diagnosis unit configured to diagnose the state of the image forming device using data received from the image forming device. The diagnosis unit is configured to, when determining based on the data that an abnormal sound has occurred in the image forming device, instruct the control unit of the image forming device to transition to a second operation mode after the first operation mode ends, and in the second operation mode, operate one or more components that may be sources of the abnormal sound separately from other components. The diagnosis unit is configured to determine the source of the abnormal sound using the data based on the sound signal generated in the second operation mode.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a driving mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 A detailed example Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of the configuration of a control unit shown in FIG.

[0012] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for identifying a component from which an abnormal sound may originate.

[0013] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first example of a method for identifying a source of an abnormal sound.

[0014] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of the method for identifying the source of an abnormal sound.

[0015] 7A to 7D 1 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating the operation in the separate drive mode after a job is performed in the normal mode.

[0016] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D is a second explanatory diagram illustrating the operation in the separate drive mode after the job is performed in the normal mode.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of abnormality diagnosis processing performed in the embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the flow of source determination processing performed in the separate drive mode.

[0019] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, the invention requiring all such features is not limited, and multiple such features can be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0021] 1. Introduction

[0022] This section mainly describes an example of applying the technology according to the present disclosure to a printer. However, the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various other types of image forming devices, for example, image forming devices such as copiers and multifunction peripherals. Unless otherwise specified, each constituent element such as a device, an apparatus, a module, and a chip described below may consist of a single entity, or may consist of a plurality of physically different entities.

[0023] 1-1. Overall device configuration

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with an abnormality diagnosis function. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a tandem color laser printer using an intermediate transfer belt. However, the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this type.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the drawings, "Y", "M", "C", and "K" attached to the reference numerals indicate that the toner color processed by the corresponding components is yellow, magenta, cyan, or black, respectively. However, in the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish individual colors, the reference numerals will not be accompanied by letters. Figure 1 The photosensitive member 11 as an image carrier is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction in the image. The charging roller 12 charges the surface of the photosensitive member 11 to a uniform potential. The optical unit 13 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 11 by exposing the photosensitive member 11. The developer 14 contains a developer, and forms a developer image (image) by developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 11 using the developing roller 15. The primary transfer roller 16 outputs a primary transfer bias, and forms a developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 by transferring the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 17 as an image carrier. Note that a full-color developer image can be formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 by transferring the developer images formed on the photosensitive members 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K to the intermediate transfer belt 17 in an overlapping manner.

[0026] The intermediate transfer belt 17 is stretched by the driving roller 18, the tension roller 25, and the secondary transfer counter roller 20, and during image formation, moves along the intermediate transfer belt 17 in response to the rotation of the driving roller 18. Figure 117 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Thus, the developer image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17 is conveyed to the relative position of the secondary transfer roller 19. At the same time, the box 2 holds the pre-transmitted recording material P in a stacked state. The recording material (also called "paper") P held in the box 2 is fed to the conveying path by the paper feed roller 4. When the recording material P is fed from the box 2, the separation roller 5 separates one sheet of recording material P at a time. When the electromagnetic clutch (not shown) is in the transmission state, the rotational driving force from the paper feed motor (not shown) is transmitted to the paper feed roller 4, thereby rotationally driving the paper feed roller 4. When the electromagnetic clutch is in the cut-off state, the transmission of the rotational driving force from the paper feed motor to the paper feed roller 4 is cut off. The conveying roller pair 6 conveys the fed recording material P to the downstream of the conveying path through the registration roller pair 7, and conveys it toward the relative position of the secondary transfer roller 19. The secondary transfer roller 19 outputs a secondary transfer bias, and transfers the developer image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 to the recording material P. Note that the developer remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 17 without being transferred to the recording material P is collected in the cleaning unit 36 ​​by the cleaning blade 35. After the developer image is transferred, the recording material P is conveyed by the fixing roller 21. The fixing roller 21 fixes the developer image to the recording material P by pressing and heating the recording material P. After the developer image is fixed, the recording material P is discharged to the discharge tray by the discharge roller pair 22.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a sound collecting unit 60 and a control unit 3 disposed near a transport path along which the recording material P is transported. Figure 1 In the example shown in , the sound collecting unit 60 is arranged near the roller involved in feeding the recording material P. The sound collecting unit 60 is a unit that collects sounds occurring in the image forming device 1 to generate a sound signal. The sound collecting unit 60 may include a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) microphone and an electrode terminal, and the MEMS microphone converts the vibration displacement in the vibration plate due to pressure into a voltage change. However, it is noted that the sound collecting unit 60 may include any type of sound collecting unit instead of the MEMS microphone, such as a capacitor microphone. The sound collecting unit 60 outputs a sound signal representing the vibration displacement in the vibration plate as a voltage level to the control unit 3.

[0028] The control unit 3 is connected to various parts of the image forming apparatus 1 through signal lines (not shown). The control unit 3 includes at least a signal processing unit 70 and a CPU 80. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming function of the image forming apparatus 1 is realized by a plurality of components each driven by a certain driving force. The CPU 80 is a control unit that causes the image forming apparatus 1 to form an image by controlling the operation of these components. When a print job including image data for printing is received from a device (not shown; for example, a host computer) outside the image forming apparatus 1, the CPU 80 starts controlling the image forming apparatus 1 with reference to FIG. Figure 1 The operation of each component described in the figure. Several of these components generate sounds during the image forming operation. These sounds are collected by the sound collecting unit 60 and converted into sound signals. The signal processing unit 70 processes these sound signals input from the sound collecting unit 60. An example of the configuration of the control unit 3 will be described in more detail later.

[0029] 1-2. Problem Description

[0030] The image forming device 1 includes one or more driving components and driven components driven by these driving components. The driving components may include, for example, a paper feed motor, a main motor, and a fixing motor. The paper feed motor drives the paper feed roller 4, the separation roller 5, and the conveying roller pair 6. The main motor may include, for example, a YMC drum motor, a YMC developing motor, and an intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor. The YMC drum motor drives the photosensitive components 11Y, 11M, and 11C. The YMC developing motor drives the developing rollers 15Y, 15M, and 15C. The intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor drives the driving roller 18 of the intermediate transfer belt 17, the photosensitive component 11K, and the developing roller 15K. The fixing motor drives the fixing roller 21 and the discharge roller pair 22.

[0031] Figure 2 An intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor 100 and related components are illustrated as an example of a driving mechanism of the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 2The motor 100 shown in the figure rotationally drives the pinion gear 101 through the motor shaft 110. The pinion gear 101 meshes with the photosensitive member gear 102 and the idle gear 103, and transmits the driving force from the motor 100 to these gears. The photosensitive member gear 102 is rotationally driven around the photosensitive member drive shaft 111 by the driving force transmitted from the pinion gear 101. The photosensitive member coupling 120 is connected to one end of the photosensitive member drive shaft 111 on the opposite side to the side connected to the photosensitive member gear 102, and the photosensitive member coupling 120 is also rotationally driven around the photosensitive member drive shaft 111. The idle gear 103 also meshes with the intermediate transfer belt gear 104 and the developing roller gear 105. The intermediate transfer belt gear 104 is rotationally driven around the intermediate transfer belt drive shaft 112 by the driving force transmitted from the pinion gear 101 and the idle gear 103. The intermediate transfer belt coupling 121 is connected to one end of the intermediate transfer belt drive shaft 112 on the opposite side to the side connected to the intermediate transfer belt gear 104, and the intermediate transfer belt coupling 121 is also rotationally driven around the intermediate transfer belt drive shaft 112. The developing roller gear 105 is rotationally driven around the developing roller drive shaft 113 by the driving force transmitted from the pinion gear 101 and the idle gear 103. The developing roller drive shaft 113 is connected to the developing roller coupling 122 through the electromagnetic clutch 115. The electromagnetic clutch 115 transmits the driving force generated by the motor 100 as the driving unit to the developing roller coupling 122 or cuts off the transmission of the driving force to the developing roller coupling 122. The switching of the electromagnetic clutch 115 between the transmission state and the cut-off state is controlled by the above-mentioned CPU 80. The photosensitive member coupling 120 is connected to the photosensitive member 11K. The intermediate transfer belt coupling 121 is connected to the driving roller 18. The developing roller coupling 122 is connected to the developing roller 15K. By this drive mechanism configuration, the motor 100 can drive the photosensitive member 11K, the drive roller 18, and the developing roller 15K as driven members. Specifically, by switching the state of the electromagnetic clutch 115 between the transmission state and the cut-off state, the CPU 80 can selectively stop or drive the developing roller 15K while the driving roller 18 and the photosensitive member 11K are driven. For example, the developing roller 15K can be stopped by switching the electromagnetic clutch 115 to the cut-off state while the cleaning unit 36 ​​cleans the intermediate transfer belt 17 to prevent the developer from being deteriorated due to friction with the developing roller 15K.

[0032] Such driving components and driven components as described above may generate abnormal sounds after long-term continuous use. In order to identify the component that is the source of the abnormal sound, a method of analyzing the sound pressure level for each frequency component of the sound collected using a microphone is known. However, when multiple components generate sounds in overlapping bands at the same time, the method of analyzing only the frequency components of the sound cannot correctly separate these sounds from each other. This makes it difficult to accurately identify the source of the abnormal sound. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image forming device 1 is equipped with a separate drive mode, which will be described in detail below, and the separate drive mode is an operation mode for abnormality diagnosis.

[0033] 2. Detailed configuration

[0034] 2-1. Configuration example of control unit

[0035] Figure 3 A detailed example Figure 1 3 is a block diagram of an example of the configuration of the control unit 3 shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 3 includes a signal processing unit 70 , a CPU 80 , a RAM 81 , a ROM 82 , an operation / display unit 83 , a communication I / F 84 , an I / O port 85 , and a bus 86 .

[0036] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80 is a processor that controls the overall functions of the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 81 is a volatile memory, and provides a temporary storage area for tasks performed by the CPU 80. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 82 is a non-volatile memory, and stores programs and data to be executed by the CPU 80. The CPU 80 implements the control function of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, by loading a computer program stored in the ROM 82 into the RAM 81 and executing the program. The operation / display unit 83 includes an operation unit (for example, an operation panel or operation buttons (not shown)) for accepting operations performed by a user, and a display unit for displaying information. The communication interface (I / F) 84 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices. The communication I / F 84 can be a wired communication I / F or a wireless communication I / F. The I / O (Input / Output) port 85 is for transmitting information to / from the reference image. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ports to which the various components of the image forming apparatus 1 and the control unit 3 input / output signals are described. The signal processing unit 70 is also connected to the I / O port 85. The bus 86 is a signal line that connects the CPU 80, the RAM 81, the ROM 82, the operation / display unit 83, the communication I / F 84, and the I / O port 85 to each other.

[0037] The signal processing unit 70 includes an amplifier unit 71, an AD conversion unit 72, a DC removal unit 73, a digital filter 74, a square calculation unit 75, an average calculation unit 76, and a data storage unit 77. The amplifier unit 71 amplifies the signal level of the sound signal input from the sound collection unit 60. The AD (analog to digital) conversion unit 72 generates a digital sound signal by performing AD conversion on the amplified sound signal input from the amplifier unit 71. The DC removal unit 73 converts the digital sound signal into a signal expressing fluctuations in a sound wave level (sound pressure) by removing a DC component. A reference value of the DC component to be removed may be transmitted from the CPU 80. The digital filter 74 extracts a frequency component of a specific passband from the sound signal from which the DC component has been removed. The digital filter 74 may be a low-pass filter, a band-pass filter, or a high-pass filter, and the passband of the digital filter 74 may be set in a variable manner by the CPU 80. The square calculation unit 75 performs square calculation on the signal value of the sound signal filtered by the digital filter 74. The average calculation unit 76 calculates the section average value of the sound signal input from the square calculation unit 75 for each time section having a given time length. The time length of each segment can be a fixed length, such as 30ms, for example, or can be set in a variable manner (for example, selected from a plurality of candidate time lengths or set to a desired value). The sound signal is shaped by the above-mentioned square calculation and segment average calculation to obtain time-series sound data representing the level of sound pressure fluctuation in each time segment. As a result of this signal shaping, the sound levels used for abnormality diagnosis purposes can be compared with each other at a high level of accuracy. The data storage unit 77 stores the time-series sound data calculated as the segment average result by the average calculation unit 76.

[0038] In the normal mode (also referred to as the "first operation mode"), the CPU 80 controls the reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 While the operation of the components described performs image formation, the sound data output from the data storage unit 77 through the I / O port 85 is monitored. For example, when the signal level represented by the read sound data exceeds a predefined threshold value, the CPU 80 can determine that an abnormal sound has occurred. In the present embodiment, upon determining that an abnormal sound has occurred, the CPU 80 can switch the operation mode from the normal mode to the separate drive mode (also referred to as the "second operation mode"). For example, after the normal mode ends (after the image forming operation is completed), a switch (also referred to as a "transition") from the normal mode to the separate drive mode is performed. In the separate drive mode, the CPU 80 determines the source of the abnormal sound that has occurred by identifying one or more components that may be the source of the abnormal sound and driving at least one of the identified one or more components separately from the other components.

[0039] 2-2. Reduce the source of abnormal sound

[0040] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for identifying a component that may be a source of an abnormal sound. Figures 4A to 4C 4a, 4b and 4c respectively represent the driving states of the paper feed motor, the main motor and the fixing motor as time progresses during the image forming operation. The driving state of each motor is "driven" (ON) or "stopped" (OFF).

[0041] In the graphs 4a to 4c, the printing job is started at time T=0 (seconds). The paper feed motor starts operating at time T=0.8, and the paper feed roller 4 driven by the paper feed motor feeds the first recording material P into the conveying path. The paper feed motor stops at time T=1.8. The main motor starts operating at time T=1.0, and the photosensitive member 11, the developing roller 15, and the driving roller 18 driven by the main motor participate in forming an image on the recording material P. The fixing motor also starts operating at time T=1.0, and after the temperature of the fixing roller 21 is adjusted to the target temperature, the fixing roller 21 driven by the fixing motor fixes the image to the recording material P. The paper feed motor resumes operation at time T=3.4, and the paper feed roller 4 feeds the next sheet into the conveying path. The paper feed motor stops again at time T=4.4.

[0042] exist Figure 4D and Figure 4E , graphs 4d and 4e represent the transition of the signal level represented by the sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70 along the same time axis as the time axis used in graphs 4a to 4c. Graph 4d represents the signal level when the digital filter 74 allows all frequency components to pass (i.e., when there is no filtering). On the other hand, graph 4e represents the signal level when the digital filter 74 only allows high-frequency components of 4kHz or higher to pass (i.e., when high-pass filtering is applied). The solid lines in the graphs represent examples of the transition of the signal level during normal operation when no abnormal sound occurs, while the dotted lines represent examples of the transition of the signal level when an abnormal sound occurs. The dotted lines in graph 4e represent thresholds for detecting abnormal sounds, which can be pre-set based on the signal level during normal operation. Note that the length of each time segment of the sound data in graphs 4d and 4e is 30 milliseconds.

[0043] When the roller as a driven component is used continuously for a long time (for example, exceeding the expected service life of the roller), there is a situation where, for example, the friction between the roller and the bearing causes the occurrence of high-frequency sounds greater than or equal to several kilohertz. A high-pass filter passband (or cutoff frequency) of 4kHz or higher is set to capture these abnormal sounds from the roller caused by such friction. As shown in graph 4d, the lack of filtering results in almost no difference between the signal level of the sound during normal operation and the signal level of the sound during the abnormal period, so that the abnormal sound cannot be detected. However, in graph 4e, based on the frequency component passing through the high-pass filter, the signal level of the sound during the abnormal period exceeds the threshold in three time periods (i.e., time periods 401, 402, and 403). In this way, the CPU 80 can determine that abnormal sounds have occurred at these times. The abnormal diagnosis threshold can be pre-stored in the ROM 82 as, for example, a sequence of values ​​that vary over time. Due to the correlation with the passband (or cutoff frequency) setting of the digital filter 74 and the length setting of the time segment, the threshold can be stored in association with these setting values.

[0044] As can be understood from the graphs 4a to 4c, the main motor and the fixing motor are operating in the time periods 401, 402, and 403 in which the abnormal sound is determined to have occurred. Therefore, the CPU 80 can identify the components related to the main motor or the fixing motor as the components that may be the source of the abnormal sound. In this way, by comparing the timing of the occurrence of the abnormal sound with the driving state of each component, the CPU 80 can identify one or more components that may be the possible source of the abnormal sound. However, this alone cannot determine which of the two or more components operating in parallel is actually generating the abnormal sound. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 80 switches the operation mode to the separate drive mode in order to determine the source at a finer level.

[0045] 2-3. Use separate drive mode to determine the source

[0046] In the separate driving mode, the CPU 80 operates at least one of the components from which the abnormal sound may be derived, while not operating other components that operate in parallel with the component in the normal mode.

[0047] (1) First Example

[0048] As described above, each driving unit (such as the paper feed motor, the main motor, and the fixing motor) in the image forming apparatus 1 generates a driving force for operating one or more driven components. Therefore, as a first example, the CPU 80 can stop a given motor and keep the corresponding driven component in a non-operating state in the separate driving mode, while causing another motor to generate a driving force and operate the corresponding driven component.

[0049] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5Cis an explanatory diagram illustrating a first example of a method for identifying a source of an abnormal sound. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the graphs 5a and 5b, respectively, the driving states of the main motor and the fixing motor during operation in the separate driving mode are represented as time progresses. In the graphs 5a and 5b, during the time period from time T = 0.5 to time T = 5.5, the main motor remains in a stopped state, while the fixing motor remains in a driven state. Thereafter, the main motor and the fixing motor are both in a stopped state before time T = 7.0. During the period from time T = 7.0 to time T = 12.0, the main motor remains in a driven state, while the fixing motor remains in a stopped state.

[0050] exist Figure 5C 5a and 5b, the graph 5c represents the transition of the signal level represented by the sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70 along the same time axis as the time axis used in the graphs 5a and 5b. Here, it is assumed that a high-pass filter that allows high-frequency components of 4kHz or higher to pass is applied to the sound signal, and the time average is calculated for each 30 millisecond time segment. It can be understood from the graphs 5a to 5c that the signal level of the sound data is continuously lower than the threshold value when the fixing motor is operating, and the signal level of the sound data exceeds the threshold value when the main motor is operating. Based on this comparison between the sound data and the threshold value during operation in the separate drive mode, the CPU 80 can determine that the driven component driven by the main motor is generating abnormal sound.

[0051] Likewise, the CPU 80 may also drive the YMC drum motor, the YMC developing motor, and the intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor, among the main motors, respectively, for example, and may also determine which motor is involved in the generation of the abnormal sound.

[0052] (2) Second Example

[0053] The transmission of the driving force from the driving unit to a given driven component can be controlled to be disconnected or connected by a transmission unit provided between the driving unit and the driven component. For example, as described above, the intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor is connected to the developing roller 15K through the electromagnetic clutch 115. Therefore, as a second example, in the separate driving mode, the CPU 80 can control the transmission unit so as to cut off the transmission of the driving force to the driven component connected to the transmission unit while operating another driven component driven by the driving force.

[0054] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of a method for identifying a source of an abnormal sound. Fig. 6A6a represents the connection state of the electromagnetic clutch 115 during operation in the separate drive mode as time progresses. In the graph 6a, the state of the electromagnetic clutch 115 remains in the disconnected state before time T = 7.5, and at time T = 7.5, the state of the electromagnetic clutch 115 is switched to the transmission state. Note that it is assumed that the intermediate transfer belt-Bk motor continues to operate before and after the state of the electromagnetic clutch 115 is switched.

[0055] exist Figure 6B 6a. As can be understood from the graphs 6a and 6b, when the electromagnetic clutch 115 remains in the disconnected state, the signal level of the sound data continues to be lower than the threshold value, and when the electromagnetic clutch 115 is in the transmitting state, the signal level of the sound data exceeds the threshold value. Based on this comparison between the sound data and the threshold value during operation in the separate drive mode, the CPU 80 can determine that the developing roller 15K connected to the electromagnetic clutch 115 is generating an abnormal sound.

[0056] As described above, in the separate drive mode, the CPU 80 can determine the source of the abnormal sound by operating at least one first component from which the abnormal sound may originate without operating the second component that operates in parallel with the first component in the normal mode. In the above-mentioned first example, the first component and the second component are components driven by different driving components. Meanwhile, in the second example, the first component and the second component are components driven by the same driving component, but the transmission of the driving force to the second component is cut off by the transmission unit.

[0057] Although the developing roller 15K is the source of abnormal sound in the second example described here, the present embodiment can also be applied to the case where other types of rollers or components other than rollers (e.g., gears, bearings, belts, etc.) are the source of abnormal sound. The CPU 80 can change the operating parameters used in the separate drive mode according to the components of the abnormal diagnosis object. For example, the operating parameters that can be set in a variable manner may include at least one of the passband of the digital filter 74, the length of the time segment for the average calculation unit 76 to perform the average calculation, the temperature of the fixing roller 21, and the rotation speed of each motor.

[0058] 2-4. Notice about the source of abnormal sound

[0059] The CPU 80 can display information about the source of the abnormal sound determined by the above method in the operation / display unit 83. The CPU 80 can also transmit the information about the source of the abnormal sound to another device through the communication I / F 84. The information about the source of the abnormal sound may include at least one of the name, model and physical location of the device of the component that produces the abnormal sound. Additional information such as the date / time when the abnormal sound occurs and the level of the abnormal sound can be displayed or transmitted together with the information about the source of the abnormal sound. In addition, the CPU 80 can display a message prompting the replacement of the component of the source of the abnormal sound on the screen, or transmit the message to another device. The communication I / F84 can transmit the information about the source of the abnormal sound to a remote management center through a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. These notifications enable local users or remote management users to perform maintenance work at an appropriate time, such as arranging new components and replacing old components with new components.

[0060] 2-5. Timing of transition to separate drive mode

[0061] When detecting an abnormal sound based on the sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70, the CPU 80 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the normal mode to the separate drive mode, and determines the source of the abnormal sound. For example, the switch to the separate drive mode may be performed after performing a job in the normal mode. In other words, the CPU 80 may cause the image forming apparatus 1 to operate in the separate drive mode after performing a job in the normal mode.

[0062] 7A to 7D and FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation in the separate drive mode after the work is performed in the normal mode. Figures 7A to 7C 7a, 7b and 7c respectively represent the driving states of the paper feed motor, the main motor group and the fixing motor as time progresses.

[0063] Specifically, referring to the graph, the printing job is started at time T=0 (seconds). The paper feed motor starts operating at time T=0.8, and the paper feed roller 4 driven by the paper feed motor feeds the first recording material P to the conveying path. The paper feed motor stops at time T=1.9. The main motor starts operating at time T=1.0, and the photosensitive member 11, the developing roller 15, and the driving roller 18 driven by the main motor participate in forming an image on the recording material P. The fixing motor also starts operating at time T=1.0, and after the temperature of the fixing roller 21 is adjusted to the target temperature, the fixing roller 21 driven by the fixing motor fixes the image to the recording material P. The paper feed motor resumes operation at time T=3.5, and the paper feed roller 4 feeds the next sheet to the conveying path. The paper feed motor stops again at time T=4.6. When the second sheet is discharged, for example, at time T=5.8, the printing job is finished.

[0064] Graph 7d represents the transition of the signal level represented by the sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70 along the same time axis as the time axis used in graphs 7a to 7c. Here, it is assumed that a bandpass filter that allows frequency components in a passband of 200 to 500 Hz to pass through is applied to the sound signal. This passband setting is effective when, for example, a gear meshing change caused by gear wear is the source of abnormal sound. It can be understood from graphs 7a to 7c that the signal level of the sound data exceeds the threshold value in time periods 701 and 702 when the paper feed motor is not operating and the main motor and the fixing motor are operating. When the number of times that abnormal sound is detected in this way during operation in normal mode reaches an upper limit value, the CPU 80 can determine that the operating mode will be switched to the separate drive mode once the print job is completed. Components related to the main motor or the fixing motor are components that may be the source of abnormal sound.

[0065] Focusing on graphs 7a to 7c, in a period 703 after the execution of the print job ends, the paper feed motor and the fixing motor remain in a stopped state, and only the main motor is operating. According to graph 7d, the signal level of the sound data does not exceed the threshold value in the period 703. Based on this result, the CPU 80 can determine that the source of the abnormal sound is related to the fixing motor among the main motor and the fixing motor.

[0066] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D In the example shown, as in the above example, abnormal sounds are detected in periods 801 and 802 during which the print job is performed in the normal mode. As can be understood from graphs 8a to 8c, during this period, the paper feed motor is not operated, while the main motor and the fixing motor are in operation. Therefore, the CPU 80 can identify components related to the main motor and the fixing motor as components that may be sources of abnormal sounds, and can determine to switch the operation mode to the separate drive mode after the print job ends.

[0067] In the period 803 after the execution of the print job is completed, the paper feed motor and the main motor remain in a stopped state, and only the fixing motor is operating. According to the graph 8d, the signal level of the sound data exceeds the threshold value in the period 803. Based on this result, the CPU 80 can determine that the source of the abnormal sound is related to the fixing motor.

[0068] By performing abnormality diagnosis in the separate drive mode after performing work in the normal mode, it is possible to avoid the situation where the device suddenly operates to annoy the user when the user does not want the device to perform abnormality diagnosis operations. In addition, since the source of abnormal sound can be quickly determined after the abnormal sound is detected, the downtime of the device can be kept to a minimum.

[0069] Note that it is not necessary to determine the source of the abnormal sound based on the results of a single instance of operation in the separate drive mode. For example, the CPU 80 may switch the operation mode to the separate drive mode after each execution of a plurality of jobs, and may determine the source of the abnormal sound by comprehensively considering the results of a plurality of operations in the separate drive mode. In this case, the components to be operated and the components to be stopped in a given separate drive mode may be determined based on the results of the operations in the previous separate drive mode.

[0070] When an abnormal sound is detected, the CPU 80 may issue a request to the user through a user interface (e.g., the operation / display unit 83) to approve the switch to the separate drive mode, and then the operation mode may be switched to the separate drive mode after the user approves the switch. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where the operation in the separate drive mode is performed when the user does not want to diagnose an abnormality. Additionally or alternatively, the CPU 80 may suggest to the user to switch to the separate drive mode when setting is performed based on the user input before performing the job.

[0071] 3. Processing flow

[0072] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of abnormality diagnosis processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 in the embodiment. Fig. 9 The abnormality diagnosis process shown in can be realized by, for example, a combination of hardware (microphone, analog circuit, and digital circuit) such as the sound collection unit 60 and the signal processing unit 70 and software (computer program) executed by the CPU 80. For example, the computer program can be loaded from the ROM 82 to the RAM 81 and executed by the CPU 80. Note that in the following description, a processing step can be represented by S representing "step".

[0073] First, in step S901, when the image forming operation starts, the CPU 80 sets operating parameters such as the passband of the digital filter 74 and the length of the time segment used by the average calculation unit 76. For example, the CPU 80 can set the passband of the digital filter 74 according to the component subjected to abnormality diagnosis. Which component is subjected to abnormality diagnosis can be specified by the user or can be selected based on the results of past operations. In addition, the CPU 80 can set the length of the time segment used for average calculation according to the transmission speed or the image forming speed. For example, these operating parameters can be set each time a job is executed.

[0074] Next, when the image forming operation is started by the image forming unit including the plurality of components of the image forming apparatus 1, in step S903, the sound collecting unit 60 receives the sound, generates a sound signal, and outputs the generated sound signal to the signal processing unit 70. Next, in step S905, the signal processing unit 70 performs processing including AD conversion, DC component removal, filtering, square calculation, and average calculation on the sound signal input from the sound collecting unit 60, and generates sound data indicating the sound level for each time segment. The sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70 is stored in the data storage unit 77.

[0075] Next, in step S907, the CPU 80 acquires the signal level L of the sound data in the most recent time section from the data storage unit 77. Then, in step S909, the CPU 80 determines whether the acquired signal level L is greater than or equal to the threshold value L. TH , that is, whether the condition L≥L is satisfied TH Here, when the condition L≥L is satisfied TH When the condition L≥L is not satisfied, the sequence goes to step S911. TH , the sequence proceeds to step S917.

[0076] In step S909, the condition L≥L is satisfied. THIt means that an abnormal sound has been detected in the most recent time segment. In this case, in step S911, the CPU 80 identifies one or more components of the possible source of the abnormal sound that has occurred. For example, the component that is operating when the abnormal sound occurs can be a candidate component of the abnormal sound source. Taking into account the timing of the abnormal sound occurrence and the passband set in the digital filter 74, the CPU 80 can identify the candidate component of the abnormal sound source. Here, it is assumed that the CPU 80 keeps a counter indicating the number of times the abnormal sound has been detected (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal detection number") as a control variable. In step S913, the CPU 80 determines whether the abnormal detection number has reached the upper limit value. When the abnormal detection number does not reach the upper limit value, the sequence enters step S915. At the same time, when the abnormal detection number reaches the upper limit value, the sequence enters step S921. The upper limit value compared with the abnormal detection number can be set in a variable manner according to parameters such as the passband of the digital filter 74, the length of the time segment, the type of recording material or the image formation mode (such as energy saving, image quality priority / speed priority, color mode, etc.).

[0077] When the number of abnormality detections does not reach the upper limit value, in step S915, the CPU 80 increments the number of abnormality detections (adds 1 to the counter). Next, in step S917, the CPU 80 determines whether to end the image forming operation. For example, when a print job is being executed, the CPU 80 determines not to end the image forming operation. In this case, the sequence returns to step S903, and the above-mentioned processing is repeated for the sound that occurs in the next time segment. When the CPU 80 determines to end the image forming operation, Fig. 9 The abnormality diagnosis process shown in is completed.

[0078] When the number of abnormal detections reaches the upper limit value, in step S921, the CPU 80 determines whether to end the image forming operation. For example, when the execution of the print job ends and there is no next print job in the queue, the CPU 80 may determine to end the image forming operation. At the same time, when the print job is being executed or there is a next print job in the queue, the CPU 80 may determine not to end the image forming operation. When the image forming operation is not ended, the sequence returns to step S903, and the above-mentioned process is repeated for the sound that appears in the next time segment. When the image forming operation ends, in step S923, the CPU 80 determines whether to switch the operation mode to the separate drive mode. When the number of abnormal detections reaches the upper limit value, the CPU 80 may always determine to switch the operation mode to the separate drive mode. Another option is that the CPU 80 may request the user to approve the switch to the separate drive mode, and only when the user approves the switch, the operation mode is switched to the separate drive mode. The switch to the separate drive mode can be remotely approved by the management user located in the management center. When it is determined that the operation mode is switched to the separate drive mode, in step S930, the CPU 80 switches the operation mode to the separate drive mode and determines the abnormal source. The flow of the processing in the separate drive mode performed in step S930 will be further described later. If the CPU 80 has determined not to switch the operation mode to the separate drive mode or the operation in the separate drive mode is ended, then Fig. 9 The abnormality diagnosis process shown in is completed.

[0079] Fig.10 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 9 Flowchart of an example of the flow of the source determination processing in the separate drive mode performed in step S930 in FIG. For example, it can be implemented by a combination of hardware such as the sound collection unit 60 and the signal processing unit 70 and software executed by the CPU 80. Fig.10 The source determination process shown in .

[0080] First, in step S1001, the CPU 80 identifies at least one of the components that are possible sources of abnormal sound as a component to be driven in the separate drive mode, and drives the component while keeping the other components stopped. At this time, as in step S901, the CPU 80 can set or change operating parameters such as the passband of the digital filter 74 and the length of the time segment used by the average calculation unit 76.

[0081] Next, in step S1003, the sound collecting unit 60 receives the sound, generates a sound signal, and outputs the generated sound signal to the signal processing unit 70. Next, in step S1005, the signal processing unit 70 performs processing including AD conversion, DC component removal, filtering, square calculation, and average calculation on the sound signal input from the sound collecting unit 60 to generate sound data representing the sound level for each time segment. The sound data generated by the signal processing unit 70 is stored in the data storage unit 77.

[0082] Next, in step S1007, the CPU 80 acquires sound data from the most recent time segment or the time segment before the time of separating the driving mode from the data storage unit 77. Next, in step S1009, the CPU 80 determines whether the acquired sound data satisfies the determination condition for determining the source of the abnormal sound. As an example, when a component suspected of having an abnormality is operated and the signal level L exceeds the first determination threshold value throughout the predetermined amount of time segment, the CPU 80 may determine that the component is the source of the abnormal sound. As another example, when K-1 components among K components suspected of having an abnormality are operated and the signal level L drops below the second determination threshold value throughout the predetermined amount of time segment, the CPU 80 may determine that another component suspected of having an abnormality is the source of the abnormal sound. Here, the other component may be a component that is in a stopped state in step S1001.

[0083] When the sound data does not satisfy the above-mentioned determination conditions for determining the source of the abnormal sound in step S1009, in step S1011, the CPU 80 determines whether to end the separate drive mode. For example, when no sound data sufficient for final determination is generated within some time intervals, the CPU 80 may continue to operate in the separate drive mode. In addition, when there are multiple components that may be the source of the abnormal sound, the CPU 80 may change the target component and continue to operate in the separate drive mode. When continuing to operate in the separate drive mode, the sequence returns to step S1001. At the same time, when the CPU 80 determines to end the separate drive mode, Fig.10 The source determination processing shown in is completed.

[0084] When the sound data satisfies the above-mentioned determination condition for determining the source of the abnormal sound in step S1009, the CPU 80 determines the component of the source of the abnormal sound according to the determination condition in step S1013. Next, in step S1015, the CPU 80 notifies the local user or the management user of the information about the determined source of the abnormal sound by displaying the information in the screen of the operation / display unit 83 or transmitting the information to another device through the communication I / F 84. Then, Fig.10 The source determination processing shown in is completed.

[0085] Although in Fig.10 Although not shown in the figure, if a new print job is received during the operation in the separate drive mode, the CPU 80 may suspend the operation in the separate drive mode and preferentially execute the new print job.

[0086] 4. Deformation Example

[0087] Although the above mainly describes an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 has an abnormality diagnosis function, a diagnosis function for diagnosing the state of the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided in an apparatus different from the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a server apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network may have such a diagnosis function. Alternatively, one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses may have a diagnosis function for diagnosing the state of another of the image forming apparatuses.

[0088] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system 1100 according to a modified example. Fig.11 As shown in , the image forming system 1100 includes an image forming device 1 and a server device 1110. The CPU 80 of the image forming device 1 transmits sound data based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit 60 (and processed by the signal processing unit 70) to the server device 1110 via the communication I / F 84. The diagnosis unit 1111 of the server device 1110 diagnoses the state of the image forming device 1 based on the sound data received from the image forming device 1 via the communication I / F (not shown). Specifically, in this modified example, when it is determined based on the sound data that an abnormal sound has occurred in the image forming device 1, the diagnosis unit 1111 instructs the CPU 80 of the image forming device 1 to operate in a separate drive mode. In response to the instruction from the diagnosis unit 1111, the CPU 80 of the image forming device 1 operates one or more components that may be the source of the abnormal sound separately from other components. The CPU 80 transmits new sound data to the server device 1110 via the communication I / F 84 in a separate drive mode based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit 60. Then, the diagnosis unit 1111 determines the source of the abnormal sound based on the sound data in the separate driving mode received from the image forming apparatus 1. The diagnosis unit 1111 can narrow down the source of the abnormal sound, determine the source of the abnormal sound, and notify the user of the information about the source of the abnormal sound in the same manner as the method described above regarding the abnormality diagnosis function of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0089] 5. Conclusion

[0090] So far, reference has been made to Figures 1 to 11An embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. According to the above embodiment, when it is determined that an abnormal sound has occurred in an image forming device based on a sound signal of a sound collected when a plurality of components are operated in a first operating mode to form an image, one or more components that may be the source of the abnormal sound are identified. Then, the first operating mode is switched to a second operating mode, and in the second operating mode, the source of the abnormal sound is determined by operating at least one of the identified components separately from the other components. According to this configuration, when a plurality of components are operated in parallel when forming an image and the frequency bands of the sounds generated by these operations overlap, the component that is the source of the abnormal sound can be accurately identified.

[0091] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, in the second operation mode, control can be performed so that at least one first component from which an abnormal sound may originate operates while a second component that operates in parallel with the first component in the first operation mode does not operate. According to this configuration, sounds from two or more components that cannot be distinguished only by analyzing the sound signal in the first operation mode can be separated in the second operation mode and can be analyzed separately. This makes it possible to determine the source of the abnormal sound at a fine level.

[0092] As an example, in the second operation mode, the driving force is transmitted to the first component by a given driving unit, but the transmission of the driving force from the same driving unit to the second component can be cut off by controlling the transmission unit. In other words, by controlling the connection state of the transmission unit according to the determined component, the source of the abnormal sound can be easily determined at a fine level in the second operation mode.

[0093] As another example, in the second operation mode, control may be performed so that the second drive unit generating the driving force for the second component stops, while the first drive unit generating the driving force for the first component operates. In other words, by controlling the driving state of the drive unit according to the determined component, the source of the abnormal sound can be easily determined at a fine level in the second operation mode.

[0094] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to determine whether an abnormal sound has occurred by generating sound data representing the level of sound collected when an image is formed in the first operating mode and comparing the sound data with a threshold value. Therefore, an abnormal sound greater than a normal operating sound occurring when a job is normally performed can be detected, and then it can be determined whether the operating mode should be switched to the second operating mode. The signal processing for generating the sound data may include extracting frequency components of a passband set in a variable manner from the sound signal, and the passband may be set in a variable manner according to the component subjected to abnormal diagnosis. In this case, the candidate components of the source of the abnormal sound can be narrowed down as needed to effectively facilitate abnormal diagnosis.

[0095] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the operation in the second operation mode can be performed after the normal operation in the first operation mode. In this case, the user can be prevented from being troubled by the sudden abnormal diagnosis, and the downtime of the device can be kept to a minimum.

[0096] 6. Other embodiments

[0097] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0098] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: an image forming unit, the image forming unit comprising a plurality of components; a control unit configured to control operations of the plurality of components in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image on a recording material; as well as a sound collecting unit configured to collect sounds occurring in the image forming apparatus during execution of the first operation mode to generate a sound signal, wherein, when it is determined based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit that an abnormal sound has occurred, the control unit is configured to identify one or more components that may be sources of the abnormal sound based on the driving states of the multiple components during the period when the abnormal sound has occurred in the first operating mode, and After identifying the one or more components, in a case where the identified one or more components include a first component and a second component, the source of the abnormal sound is determined by switching to a second operation mode to control the first component and the second component so that one of the first component and the second component operates while the other of the first component and the second component does not operate.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The second component is configured to operate in parallel with the first component in the first operating mode.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, in, The image forming unit further includes: a driving unit configured to generate a driving force for operating the first component and the second component; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the driving force from the driving unit to the second component or cut off the transmission of the driving force from the driving unit to the second component, and The control unit is configured to, in the second operation mode, cause the first component to operate while controlling the transmission unit to cut off transmission of the driving force to the second component.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, in, The image forming unit further includes: a first driving unit configured to generate a driving force for operating the first component; and a second driving unit configured to generate a driving force for operating the second component, and The control unit is configured to, in the second operation mode, stop the second drive unit and cause the first drive unit to generate a drive force for operating the first component.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a signal processing unit configured to perform processing on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit to generate sound data indicating a sound level, The control unit is configured to determine whether an abnormal sound occurs by comparing the sound data with a threshold.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, in, The processing performed by the signal processing unit includes extracting frequency components in a passband set in a variable manner from the sound signal, and The control unit is configured to set a passband in the signal processing unit in a variable manner according to a component to be subjected to abnormality diagnosis.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to cause the image forming unit to operate in the second operation mode after executing a job in the first operation mode.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to issue a request to a user through a user interface to approve switching to the second operation mode, and to switch the operation mode to the second operation mode when the user approves the switching.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A display unit is configured to display information about a source of the abnormal sound determined by the control unit.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A communication unit configured to transmit information about the source of the abnormal sound determined by the control unit to another device.

11. An abnormality diagnosis method performed by an image forming device, the image forming device comprising an image forming unit, a sound collecting unit, and a control unit, the abnormality diagnosis method comprising: In a first operation mode, an image is formed by operating a plurality of components of the image forming unit; collecting the sound occurring in the image forming unit by the sound collecting unit to generate a sound signal; Based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit, determining by the control unit whether an abnormal sound occurs; identifying one or more components that may be sources of the abnormal sound based on the driving states of the plurality of components during the period in which the abnormal sound occurs determined in the first operating mode, and After identifying the one or more components, in a case where the identified one or more components include a first component and a second component, the source of the abnormal sound is determined by switching to a second operation mode to control the first component and the second component so that one of the first component and the second component operates while the other of the first component and the second component does not operate.

12. An image forming system, comprising an image forming device and a server device, in, The image forming device comprises: an image forming unit, the image forming unit comprising a plurality of components; a control unit configured to control operations of the plurality of components in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image on a recording material; a sound collecting unit configured to collect sounds occurring in the image forming apparatus during execution of the first operation mode to generate a sound signal; and a communication unit configured to transmit data to the server device based on the sound signal generated by the sound collecting unit, and The server device comprises: a diagnosis unit configured to diagnose a state of the image forming device using data received from the image forming device, Wherein, the diagnosis unit is configured as: identifying one or more components that may be sources of the abnormal sound based on the driving states of the plurality of components during the period in which the abnormal sound occurs determined in the first operating mode, and After identifying the one or more components, in the case where the identified one or more components include a first component and a second component, instructing the control unit of the image forming apparatus to shift to a second operation mode to control the first component and the second component so that one of the first component and the second component operates while the other of the first component and the second component does not operate, and The data is used to determine a source of abnormal sound based on sound signals generated in the second operating mode.

Images