Information processing system and program

Abstract

To make it possible, even in the case of not notifying a user of detection of occurrence of abnormal sound at a monitoring target device, to transmit sound information on the detected abnormal sound to an external device.SOLUTION: A control unit 37 collects, by an operation sound collection unit 34, sound information having occurred at an image formation device 10, which is a monitoring target device. An abnormal sound detection unit 35 compares the collected sound information with previously stored sound information at a normal time to determine an abnormal sound level. The control unit 37 notifies a user of the occurrence of the abnormal sound when the abnormal sound level obtained by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 is higher than a previously set threshold B. The control unit 37 changes a value of the threshold B according to a selection content of the user as of when notifying the user of the occurrence of the abnormal sound. When the abnormal sound level obtained by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 is higher than a previously set threshold C, the control unit 37 transmits the collected sound information to an administrative server 20, which is an external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a diagnostic device that determines that acquired sound information contains an abnormal sound if the total area of ​​periodically occurring frequency components is equal to or greater than a preset value.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a diagnostic device that determines that acquired sound information contains an abnormal sound if the total area of ​​periodically occurring frequency components is equal to or greater than a preset value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-114778 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6840971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Some processing devices perform various processes by operating parts such as motors, rollers, and fans, and are equipped with a function for collecting abnormal sound information during the process and notifying the user if the level of the collected abnormal sound exceeds a set threshold. In such processing devices, if the user who has received the notification selects to continue the process, the processing device may continue the process without notifying the user or sending the abnormal sound information to an external device such as a server. However, even if an abnormal sound is generated at a level that the user judges to be acceptable for use, the abnormal sound may be a sign of a malfunction, and continuing to use the device as is may result in a serious malfunction.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and program that are capable of transmitting sound information of a detected abnormal sound to an external device even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected in a monitored device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing system of the first aspect includes a processor, the processor collecting sound information generated in a monitoring target device, notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in response to a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second preset threshold value, the collected sound information is transmitted to an external device.

[0008] The information processing system of the second aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, an initial value of the first threshold is set to the same value as the second threshold; When the processor notifies the user that an abnormal noise has occurred, if the user selects whether he or she does not want to be notified or whether he or she wants to continue processing more than a predetermined number of times, the processor changes the first threshold value to a value greater than the second threshold value.

[0009] In a third aspect of the information processing system, in the information processing system of the first aspect, if the abnormal sound level remains lower than the second threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive times or more after the processor changes the first threshold value to a value larger than the second threshold value, the processor returns the first threshold value to an initial value.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor changes the first threshold and the second threshold depending on the content of the processing being executed by the monitored device or the type of processing unit used by the monitored device when executing the processing.

[0011] An information processing system of a fifth aspect is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor displays information about the type of the abnormal noise that has occurred on a notification screen when notifying a user that an abnormal noise has occurred.

[0012] The information processing system of the sixth aspect is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, in which the information regarding the type of abnormal sound that has occurred includes information indicating whether the abnormal sound that has occurred is a sudden abnormal sound, a periodic abnormal sound, or a continuous abnormal sound.

[0013] The program of the seventh aspect includes a step of collecting sound information generated in a monitoring target device; a step of notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in response to a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second preset threshold value, the computer is caused to transmit the collected sound information to an external device. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected in the monitored device, it is possible to transmit sound information of the detected abnormal sound to an external device.

[0015] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, even if the user selects that notification is not required or that he or she wishes to continue processing, it is possible to transmit sound information of the detected abnormal sound to an external device.

[0016] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, when the state in which the abnormal sound level exceeds the first threshold is a temporary state, it is possible to return the determination as to whether or not to notify the user to the initial state.

[0017] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, it becomes possible to detect whether or not an abnormal sound is generated in accordance with the characteristics of the sound generated by the monitored device.

[0018] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the user who is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal noise can grasp the type of the abnormal noise.

[0019] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, a user who is notified that an abnormal sound has occurred can determine whether the abnormal sound is a sudden abnormal sound, a periodic abnormal sound, or a continuous abnormal sound.

[0020] According to the program of the seventh aspect, even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected in the monitored device, it is possible to transmit sound information of the detected abnormal sound to an external device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of sound information collected by an operation sound collecting unit 34. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of abnormal sound detection when periodic abnormal sounds occur. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of abnormal sound detection when abnormal sounds occur continuously. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of abnormal sound detection when an abnormal sound suddenly occurs. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when collecting sound information about abnormal sounds in the image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing types of thresholds used when determining what control should be performed depending on the abnormal sound level of detected abnormal sound information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of specific values ​​of thresholds A to C shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 9 is a flowchart for explaining details of the process of step S107 described in the flowchart of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 33 when the abnormal sound level exceeds a threshold B. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 33 when the abnormal sound level exceeds a threshold B. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of control unit 37 when changing the value of threshold B in accordance with the selection made by the user when the user is notified that an abnormal noise has occurred. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows how threshold B is increased from 40 to 45. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing a change in the control content of a control unit 37 due to a change in threshold value B. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the values ​​of thresholds B and C are set according to the content of a process or the type of device operating when the process is executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] 1, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image forming device 10 and a management server 20, which are connected to each other via a network 30 such as the Internet. The image forming device 10 is a so-called multifunction device having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a facsimile function.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 10 is installed and used in various locations, such as offices, stores, etc. If any malfunction occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, a maintenance worker called a CE (Customer Engineer) will visit the location where the image forming apparatus 10 is installed to repair it. Therefore, even if any malfunction occurs in the image forming apparatus 10, maintenance work will be easier if information such as what kind of malfunction has occurred and which parts need to be replaced can be obtained in advance.

[0026] Therefore, the image forming device 10 of this embodiment collects the operating sounds as sound information when various jobs such as a print job and a copy job are executed, and if the collected sound information includes an abnormal sound (hereinafter abbreviated as abnormal sound), it transmits the collected sound information to the management server 20 as abnormal sound information.

[0027] By transmitting the abnormal sound information to the management server 20 in this manner, the transmitted abnormal sound information can be analyzed to infer the cause of the malfunction, and various measures can be taken, such as preparing replacement parts and conducting advance investigations into repair methods.

[0028] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 has a function of determining that some kind of failure or abnormality has occurred and stopping system operation if the abnormal sound level of the collected sound information is greater than a preset threshold value.

[0029] However, when such a function is provided, if a loud sound is collected even though there is no malfunction or abnormality in the image forming device 10 itself, the system operation may stop, making it difficult for the user to use. For example, if the user simply accidentally hits the image forming device 10 with an object while the image forming device 10 is in operation, it is inconvenient for the user if the operation of the image forming device 10 is stopped. Also, when printing using cardboard or the like, a loud sound may be generated even though the image forming device 10 is normal.

[0030] Therefore, even if a loud abnormal sound is collected, the image forming device 10 has a function of notifying the user to select whether to continue or stop the processing, rather than immediately stopping the system operation. Then, in the image forming device 10, if the user who received the notification selects to continue the processing, the processing continues, and if the user selects to stop the processing, the processing is stopped.

[0031] Here, if the user who received the notification selects to continue the process, it may be bothersome to notify the user multiple times, so that the system may not notify the user thereafter even if an abnormal sound of the same level is detected. However, even if an abnormal sound of a level that the user judges to be acceptable for use is generated, the abnormal sound may be a sign of a malfunction, and a serious malfunction may occur if the device is continued to be used as is. Therefore, if the user selects that no further notifications are required, and the system continues processing as is without transmitting abnormal sound information to an external device such as the management server 20, the sign of a malfunction may be overlooked.

[0032] Therefore, in the image forming device 10 of this embodiment, by performing control as described below, it is possible to transmit sound information of the detected abnormal sound to the management server 20, which is an external device, even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected.

[0033] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 in the image forming system of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0034] 2, the image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14 for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices via a network 30, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scan unit 16, an image forming unit 17, and a microphone 18. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 19.

[0035] The image forming unit 17 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0036] The CPU 11 is a processor that executes a predetermined process based on a control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13, but is not limited to this. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The control program may also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication interface 14.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 realized by executing the above control program.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation sound collection unit 34, an abnormal sound detection unit 35, a data transmission / reception unit 36, a control unit 37, an image reading unit 38, a data storage unit 39, and an image output unit 40.

[0039] The operation input unit 32 inputs various operation information performed by the user. The display unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 37 and displays various information to the user. The data transmission / reception unit 36 ​​transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as the management server 20.

[0040] The control unit 37 controls the image reading unit 38 and the image output unit 40 based on user instructions inputted through the operation input unit 32 to execute various jobs such as a print job and a copy job. The data storage unit 39 stores various data such as the print data generated by the control unit 37.

[0041] The image output unit 40 outputs an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper under the control of the control unit 37. The image reading unit 38 reads an original image from a set original under the control of the control unit 37.

[0042] The operation sound collection unit 34 collects sound information such as operation sounds generated in the image forming apparatus 10, which is the monitored apparatus. Specifically, the operation sound collection unit 34 records operation sounds generated when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a print job or the like, and collects the operation sounds as sound information data.

[0043] An example of sound information collected by the operation sound collection unit 34 is shown in Fig. 4. In the sound information shown in Fig. 4, the vertical axis represents amplitude and the horizontal axis represents time. In other words, the sound information shown in Fig. 4 represents the change in amplitude over time.

[0044] The control unit 37 stores the sound information collected by the operation sound collection unit 34 in the data storage unit 39 together with feature information of the sound information.

[0045] In this embodiment, sound information when various components, etc. are operating normally without any abnormality is stored as normal sound information in the data storage unit 39. The abnormal sound detection unit 35 compares the sound information collected by the operation sound collection unit 34 with the sound information in normal times to detect abnormal sounds contained in the collected sound information and determine the level of the detected abnormal sound.

[0046] Here, the abnormal sound level is an index in which the larger the value, the louder the sound. As the abnormal sound level, various values ​​indicating the loudness of the sound, such as the amplitude value of the acquired abnormal sound data or the acquired sound pressure level [db], can be used as an index.

[0047] When the level of the abnormal sound detected by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 is greater than a preset threshold value, the control unit 37 stores in the data storage unit 39 sound information of the detected abnormal sound.

[0048] Then, the control unit 37 transmits the sound information of the abnormal sound stored in the data storage unit 39 to the management server 20 at a preset cycle, for example, once a day.

[0049] Specific examples of abnormal sound detection by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 are shown in FIGS.

[0050] First, an example of abnormal sound detection when a periodic abnormal sound occurs is shown in Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 5, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 detects periodic abnormal sound portions by comparing a normal sound stored in advance with a collected sound and extracting the difference between them. By detecting which part of the collected sound information in this way is the abnormal sound portion, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 can determine in Fig. 5 that the abnormal sound included in the collected sound information is a periodic abnormal sound.

[0051] An example of abnormal sound detection when continuous abnormal sounds occur is shown in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 6, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 compares the collected sound with normal sounds stored in advance and extracts the difference to detect continuous abnormal sound portions.

[0052] Furthermore, an example of abnormal sound detection when an abnormal sound occurs suddenly is shown in Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 7, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 compares a normal sound stored in advance with a collected sound, and extracts the difference to detect the sudden abnormal sound portion.

[0053] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment when collecting sound information about abnormal sounds will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] When various jobs such as a print job are executed in step S101, the control unit 37 instructs the operation sound collection unit 34 to start recording in step S102, whereby recording of the operation sound is started.

[0055] While the operation sound is being recorded in step S103, the control unit 37 determines in step S104 whether the job has ended.

[0056] If the control unit 37 determines in step S104 that the job has not ended, the recording of the operation sound continues in step S103. If the control unit 37 determines in step S104 that the job has ended, the control unit 37 ends the recording of the operation sound by instructing the operation sound collection unit 34 to end recording in step S105.

[0057] Then, in step S106, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 detects a difference by comparing the sound information recorded by the operation sound collection unit 34 with the sound information of the executed job under normal conditions, and determines the abnormal sound level based on the detected difference.

[0058] Finally, in step S107, the control unit 37 performs control according to the calculated abnormal sound level. Specifically, the control unit 37 performs various controls according to the abnormal sound level, such as control to transmit the collected abnormal sound information to the management server 20, control to notify the user via the display unit 33 that an abnormal sound has been detected, and control to stop the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. Details of the control in step S107 will be described later.

[0059] Here, types of threshold values ​​used by the control unit 37 when determining what control to perform depending on the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information are shown in FIG.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 9, three types of thresholds, thresholds A to C, are set. Here, threshold A is a threshold for determining whether or not to stop the system operation. When the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds threshold A, control unit 37 determines that there is a high possibility that an abnormal situation such as a breakdown has occurred in image forming apparatus 10, and stops the system operation of image forming apparatus 10 without notifying the user. Then, control unit 37 transmits the collected sound information to management server 20, and notifies a customer service of the occurrence of the abnormality to a preset contact point. In other words, threshold A is a threshold for determining that there is a very high possibility that an abnormality has occurred in image forming apparatus 10, when an abnormal sound whose abnormal sound level exceeds this value is detected.

[0061] Moreover, threshold value B is a threshold value for notifying the user of the occurrence of an abnormal sound and inquiring whether to continue or stop the operation. When the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds threshold value B, control unit 37 determines that there is a possibility that an abnormal situation such as a breakdown has occurred in image forming apparatus 10. In this case, since there is a possibility that the user will be inconvenienced if the system operation is stopped immediately, control unit 37 asks the user to select whether to continue or stop the operation, and stops the system operation only when the user selects to stop the operation.

[0062] Furthermore, the threshold value C is a threshold value for determining whether or not to transmit the acquired abnormal sound information to the management server 20. When the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds the threshold value C, the control unit 37 determines that an abnormal situation such as a breakdown has occurred or is likely to occur in the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the control unit 37 transmits the sound information collected by the operation sound collection unit 34 to the management server 20 as abnormal sound information.

[0063] Next, an example of specific values ​​of the thresholds A to C will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows that the threshold A is set to 70, and the thresholds B and C are set to 40. Therefore, when the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds 70, the control unit 37 stops the system operation of the image forming apparatus 10 without notifying the user. When the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds 40 and is equal to or less than 70, the control unit 37 notifies the user that an abnormal sound is occurring and allows the user to decide whether to continue or stop the operation. When the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information is equal to or less than 40, the control unit 37 continues the operation without notifying the user. In the initial state, the thresholds B and C are both set to 40, so that the control unit 37 transmits sound information of the detected abnormal sound to the management server 20 when the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound information exceeds 40.

[0065] In other words, when threshold value B and threshold value C are set to the same value, when the user is notified that an abnormal sound has occurred, the collected sound information of the abnormal sound will also be sent to the management server 20.

[0066] Next, the details of the process in step S107 described in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] First, the control unit 37 determines whether the abnormal sound level exceeds the threshold value A in step S201.

[0068] Then, if it is determined in step S201 that the abnormal sound level exceeds threshold A, the control unit 37 stops the system operation in step S202, and displays on the display unit 33 a message that the system operation has been stopped because an abnormal sound has been detected. Furthermore, in step S203, the control unit 37 creates abnormal sound information, stores it in the data storage unit 39, and transmits the abnormal sound information to the management server 20.

[0069] Moreover, if it is determined in step S201 that the abnormal sound level does not exceed threshold value A, the control unit 37 determines in step S204 the magnitudes of the current values ​​of threshold values ​​B and C. Then, in step S205, the control unit 37 determines whether the abnormal sound level exceeds threshold value B.

[0070] Then, if it is determined in step S205 that the abnormal sound level exceeds threshold B, the control unit 37 notifies the user in step S206 that an abnormal sound is occurring and displays a selection screen on the display unit 33 for the user to select whether to stop or continue the operation. Furthermore, in step S203, the control unit 37 creates abnormal sound information, stores it in the data storage unit 39, and transmits the abnormal sound information to the management server 20.

[0071] Examples of the display screen thus displayed on the display unit 33 are shown in FIG. 12 and FIG.

[0072] In the example display screen shown in Fig. 12, the text "An abnormal sound was detected during processing" is displayed, and it can be seen that the options "Continue processing" or "Stop processing" are displayed. It can also be seen that it is possible to select whether or not to contact customer service. Fig. 12 shows a case where the user selects "Continue processing" or "Contact customer service."

[0073] In addition, the example display screen shown in Fig. 13 displays the text "Periodic abnormal noises have been detected during processing" and offers the options of "Do not notify if abnormal noises are at the same level" or "Notify even if abnormal noises are at the same level." It also shows that it is possible to select whether or not to contact customer service. Fig. 13 shows a case where the user has selected "Do not notify if abnormal noises are at the same level" and "Contact customer service."

[0074] The control unit 37 may display information about the type of abnormal sound that has occurred on a notification screen when notifying the user that an abnormal sound has occurred. The information about the type of abnormal sound that has occurred includes information indicating whether the abnormal sound that has occurred is a sudden abnormal sound, a periodic abnormal sound, or a continuous abnormal sound. The control unit 37 determines the type of abnormal sound contained in the collected sound information by comparing it with normal sound information such as those shown in Figs. 5 to 7. In the example display screen shown in Fig. 13, it can be seen that a message is displayed indicating that the detected abnormal sound is a "periodic abnormal sound."

[0075] Then, when it is determined in step S205 that the abnormal sound level does not exceed the threshold value B, the control unit 37 determines in step S207 whether the abnormal sound level exceeds the threshold value C or not.

[0076] If it is determined in step S207 that the abnormal sound level exceeds the threshold C, the control unit 37 creates abnormal sound information, stores it in the data storage unit 39, and transmits the abnormal sound information to the management server 20 in step S203.

[0077] Then, if it is determined in step S207 that the abnormal sound level does not exceed the threshold value C, the control unit 37 deletes the recorded abnormal sound information in step S208 and ends the process.

[0078] As described above, the control unit 37 collects sound information generated in the image forming apparatus 10, which is a monitored device, by the operation sound collection unit 34. Then, the abnormal sound detection unit 35 judges the abnormal sound level by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation. If the abnormal sound level obtained by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 is greater than a preset threshold value B, the control unit 37 notifies the user that an abnormal sound has occurred. Furthermore, if the abnormal sound level obtained by the abnormal sound detection unit 35 is greater than a preset threshold value C, the control unit 37 transmits the collected sound information to the management server 20, which is an external device.

[0079] Then, the control unit 37 changes the value of the threshold B in accordance with the selection made by the user when the user is notified of the occurrence of the abnormal sound. That is, the control unit 37 changes the value of the threshold B from the initial value in accordance with the selection made by the user on the selection screen as shown in Figs.

[0080] Here, the initial value of threshold B is set to the same value as threshold C. Specifically, in the initial state, threshold B and threshold C are both set to a value of 40.

[0081] Then, when the control unit 37 notifies the user that an abnormal noise has occurred, if the user selects whether he or she does not want to be notified or whether he or she wants to continue the processing more than a preset number of times, the control unit 37 changes threshold B to a value larger than threshold C, for example 45.

[0082] The operation of control unit 37 when changing the value of threshold B in this way in accordance with the selection made by the user when the user is notified that an abnormal sound has occurred will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 14.

[0083] The control unit 37 accepts a user selection on the selection screen displayed on the display unit 33 in step S301.

[0084] Then, in step S302, the control unit 37 determines whether the user's selection is to continue the process or whether notification is not required.

[0085] In step S302, if the user selects to continue the process or to notify, the control unit 37 increases the threshold value B from 40 to 45 in step S303. The manner in which the threshold value B increases in this manner is shown in FIG.

[0086] In step S302, if the user does not select to continue the process or not to notify, the control unit 37 keeps the threshold value B at 40.

[0087] Note that FIG. 14 shows a process for changing threshold value B by a single selection by the user, but the control unit 37 may change threshold value B when the user selects to continue processing or not to notify multiple times in succession, for example, three times in succession.

[0088] Note that the control unit 37 may not leave the increased threshold value B as it is, but may return threshold value B to its initial value if, after changing threshold value B to a value greater than threshold value C, the abnormal sound level remains lower than threshold value C for a preset number of times or more in succession.

[0089] In other words, the control unit 37 takes into consideration the possibility that the abnormal sound level exceeding threshold C, which is the initial value of threshold B, is a temporary occurrence due to the usage environment, etc., and if the abnormal sound level of the abnormal sound that occurs thereafter does not exceed threshold C, it returns threshold B to the same value as threshold C.

[0090] The control unit 37 may reset the increased threshold value B to 40, which is the same as the initial value of the threshold value C, based on an operation by the user.

[0091] 15, when threshold B is increased due to the user's selection, threshold B becomes a value greater than threshold C. Specifically, threshold B is changed from 40 to 45, and thus threshold B becomes a value greater than threshold C of 40.

[0092] Therefore, if the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound exceeds threshold C but does not exceed threshold B, sound information of the abnormal sound will be sent to the management server 20 even though the user is not notified.

[0093] The change in the control content of control unit 37 resulting from this change in threshold B is shown in Fig. 16. As shown in Fig. 16, when threshold B remains unchanged at the initial value and an abnormal sound occurs but is not notified to the user, sound information about the abnormal sound is not transmitted to management server 20. However, when threshold B changes and becomes larger than threshold C, even if an abnormal sound is detected but is not notified to the user, abnormal sound information about the abnormal sound will be transmitted to management server 20 as long as the abnormal sound level exceeds threshold C.

[0094] For example, if the abnormal sound level of the detected abnormal sound is 43, the user will not be notified because it does not exceed the changed threshold value B, but because it exceeds the threshold value C of 40, the abnormal sound information of that abnormal sound is sent to the management server 20.

[0095] In addition, when abnormal sound information is sent to management server 20 without notifying the user of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, control unit 37 may be configured to send to management server 20 a message indicating that the user has not been notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, together with the abnormal sound information.

[0096] In the above description, it is assumed that, in the initial state, thresholds B and C are both 40. However, control unit 37 may change the magnitude of thresholds B and C depending on the content of the process being executed by image forming apparatus 10, which is the monitored device, or the type of processing unit used when image forming apparatus 10 executes the process.

[0097] FIG. 17 shows an example of setting the values ​​of thresholds B and C depending on the content of the process or the type of device operating when the process is executed.

[0098] 17, it can be seen that different values ​​of thresholds B and C are set for each condition, such as the use of a post-processing device such as a stapler or hole puncher, the use of a Duplex Auto Document Feeder (DADF), the job being double-sided printing, etc. For threshold B, both an initial value and an increased value are set.

[0099] 17, thresholds B and C may be set for various conditions such as reading an original using a platen, a paper transport path, the type of job (e.g., whether it is a print job or a copy job), color printing or monochrome printing, etc. Furthermore, thresholds B and C may be set based on one applicable condition out of these conditions, or thresholds B and C may be set by combining multiple applicable conditions.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0101] In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0102] In this embodiment, the term "system" includes both a system made up of multiple devices and a system made up of a single device.

[0103] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the case where the monitored device is an image forming device has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure can be similarly applied to a processing device other than an image forming device as the monitored device, as long as the processing device is a device that generates abnormal noise when a malfunction occurs, such as a processing device that performs various processes by operating parts such as a motor, roller, or fan.

[0104] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0105] (((1))) A processor is provided. The processor, Collecting sound information generated in the monitored device; notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in response to a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second threshold value set in advance, the collected sound information is transmitted to an external device. Information processing system.

[0106] (((2))) an initial value of the first threshold is set to the same value as the second threshold; When the processor notifies the user of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, if the user selects whether or not to require a notification or whether or not to continue the process a preset number of times or more, the processor changes the first threshold value to a value larger than the second threshold value. 1. An information processing system as described in (((1))).

[0107] (((3))) the processor resets the first threshold to an initial value when a state in which the abnormal noise level is smaller than the second threshold continues for a preset number of times or more after the first threshold is changed to a value larger than the second threshold. An information processing system as described in (((2))).

[0108] (((4))) the processor changes the first threshold value and the second threshold value depending on the content of the process being executed by the monitored device or the type of processing unit used when the monitored device executes the process. 1. An information processing system as described in (((1))).

[0109] (((5))) the processor displays information about the type of the abnormal noise that has occurred on a notification screen when notifying a user that an abnormal noise has occurred. 1. An information processing system according to any one of ((1))) to (((4))).

[0110] (((6))) The information regarding the type of the abnormal noise that has occurred includes information indicating whether the abnormal noise that has occurred is a sudden abnormal noise, a periodic abnormal noise, or a continuous abnormal noise. The information processing system according to (((5))).

[0111] (((7))) Collecting sound information generated in a monitored device; a step of notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in response to a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second threshold value set in advance, transmitting the collected sound information to an external device; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0112] The effects of the above configuration are described below.

[0113] According to the information processing system (((1))), even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected in the monitored device, it is possible to transmit sound information of the detected abnormal sound to an external device.

[0114] According to the information processing system (((2))), even if the user selects not requiring notification or selects that he or she wishes to continue processing, it is possible to transmit sound information of a detected abnormal sound to an external device.

[0115] According to the information processing system of (((3))), when the state in which the abnormal sound level exceeds the first threshold is a temporary state, it is possible to return the determination of whether or not to notify the user to the initial state.

[0116] According to the information processing system of (((4))), it is possible to detect whether or not an abnormal sound is occurring according to the characteristics of the sound produced by the monitored device.

[0117] According to the information processing system (((5))), a user who is notified that an abnormal noise has occurred can grasp the type of the abnormal noise.

[0118] According to the information processing system (((6))), a user who is notified that an abnormal sound has occurred is able to determine whether the abnormal sound is a sudden abnormal sound, a periodic abnormal sound, or a continuous abnormal sound.

[0119] According to the program (((7))), even if the user is not notified that an abnormal sound has been detected in the monitored device, sound information about the detected abnormal sound can be sent to an external device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Image forming device 11 CPU 12. Memory 13 Storage device 14 Communication Interface 15 User Interface Device 16 Scan Unit 17 Image forming unit 18. Mike 19 Control Bus 20 Management Server 30 Network 32 Operation input section 33 Display section 34 Operation sound collection unit 35 Abnormal sound detection section 36 Data transmission and reception unit 37 Control Unit 38 Image reading unit 39 Data storage section 40 Image output section

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, Collecting sound information generated in the monitored device; notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in accordance with a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second threshold value set in advance, the collected sound information is transmitted to an external device. Information processing system.

2. an initial value of the first threshold is set to the same value as the second threshold; When the processor notifies the user of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, if the user selects whether or not to require notification or whether or not to continue the process a preset number of times or more, the processor changes the first threshold value to a value larger than the second threshold value.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. the processor resets the first threshold to an initial value when a state in which the abnormal noise level is smaller than the second threshold continues for a preset number of times or more after the first threshold is changed to a value larger than the second threshold.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. the processor changes the first threshold value and the second threshold value depending on the content of a process being executed by the monitored device or the type of a processing unit used when the monitored device executes the process.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. the processor displays information about the type of the abnormal noise that has occurred on a notification screen when notifying a user that an abnormal noise has occurred.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The information regarding the type of the abnormal noise that has occurred includes information indicating whether the abnormal noise that has occurred is a sudden abnormal noise, a periodic abnormal noise, or a continuous abnormal noise.

6. An information processing system according to claim 5.

7. Collecting sound information generated in a monitored device; a step of notifying a user that an abnormal sound has occurred when an abnormal sound level obtained by comparing the collected sound information with pre-stored sound information during normal operation is greater than a pre-set first threshold value; changing the first threshold value in response to a selection made by a user when the user is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound; If the abnormal sound level is greater than a second threshold value set in advance, transmitting the collected sound information to an external device; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

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