Image formation system and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation system capable of specifying the timing for acquiring sound information generated in a print mechanism in a processor other than a processor for controlling the print mechanism during the execution of a printing process of an image formation device.SOLUTION: A machine control part 51 mainly controls each unit in an image formation device 10. A system control part 52 mainly instructs the machine control part 51 to execute a printing process and performs an abnormal sound detection process. The machine control part 51 transmits operation information indicating an operation state of the image formation device 10 and sheet information on a sheet under processing to the system control part 52 as needed. The system control part 52 acquires sound information based on a start timing for starting acquisition of sound information of sound generated in the image formation device 10, the start timing being determined by using the operation information and the sheet information transmitted from the machine control part 51, and an acquisition time being a period for acquiring the sound information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that detects abnormal sounds by comparing pre-stored operating sounds during normal operation with current operating sounds and identifies the cause using simultaneously input operation information of the device. Patent Document 2 discloses an abnormality diagnosis device that synchronizes the device with the device to be diagnosed to identify the cause of abnormal sounds. Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming device that identifies the cause of abnormal sounds using a spectrogram of sound data and a timing chart showing operation timing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-79263 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-110392 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163387 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some image forming devices have a function for diagnosing whether abnormal noise is occurring by acquiring sound information generated by the printing mechanism and comparing it with normal sound information. Image forming devices often include a machine control unit that controls the printing mechanism and a system control unit that instructs the machine control unit to execute a printing process. However, implementing a function for acquiring and analyzing sound information generated by the printing mechanism in the machine control unit is not practical due to the limited storage capacity and processing performance of the memory unit. Therefore, implementing a function for analyzing the acquired sound information in the system control unit is considered. However, it is generally difficult for the system control unit to grasp the detailed state of the printing mechanism after instructing the machine control unit to execute a printing process, and therefore it is unclear when to acquire sound information.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and program that can identify the timing for acquiring sound information generated in a printing mechanism in a processor other than the processor that controls the printing mechanism while the image forming device is executing a printing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming system of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming device, and a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process, wherein the first processor transmits operation information indicating the operating status of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to the second processor at any time, and the second processor acquires sound information based on an acquisition time that is a start timing for starting to acquire sound information of sounds generated in the printing mechanism and a period for acquiring the sound information, determined using the operation information and the paper information transmitted from the first processor.

[0007] An image forming system of a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming system of the first aspect, wherein the operation information includes a plurality of sensor information from a plurality of sensors that detect the passage of paper on the transport path, and a plurality of drive information from the operation of a plurality of drive units that respectively drive a plurality of transport units that transport the paper.

[0008] A third aspect of the image forming system of the present invention is the image forming system of the second aspect, wherein the second processor starts acquiring the sound information when sensor information acquired by a predetermined sensor among the plurality of sensor information transitions.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the image forming system of the present invention is the image forming system of the second aspect, wherein the first processor transmits, from the plurality of sensor information and the plurality of drive information, either or both of the transitioned sensor information and drive information to the second processor at any time, and the second processor associates the acquired sound information with either or both of the transitioned sensor information and drive information transmitted from the first processor and the paper information, and stores them in a memory unit.

[0010] An image forming system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the second processor calculates the acquisition time using the paper information.

[0011] An image forming system of a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system of the fifth aspect, wherein the paper information includes information on paper size, information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is to be performed, and information on printing speed.

[0012] An image forming system of a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming system of the sixth aspect, wherein the paper information further includes at least one of paper quality information, paper feed source information, and paper ejection destination information.

[0013] The program of the eighth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming device transmits operation information indicating the operating status of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process at any time; and the second processor acquires sound information using the operation information and paper information transmitted from the first processor, the start timing for starting to acquire sound information of sounds generated in the printing mechanism and an acquisition time that is the period for acquiring the sound information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the image forming system of the first aspect of the present invention, while the image forming device is executing a printing process, the timing for acquiring sound information generated in the printing mechanism can be identified in a processor other than the processor that controls the printing mechanism.

[0015] According to the image forming system of the second aspect of the present invention, the position of the paper on the transport path in the printing mechanism and the state of the drive unit can be identified by a processor separate from the processor that controls the printing mechanism.

[0016] According to the image forming system of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to start acquiring sound information at the timing when the sheet is transported to the unit from which sound information is to be acquired.

[0017] According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, when analyzing sound information to identify the cause of an abnormal sound, it is easier to identify the cause of the abnormal sound compared to when the cause of the abnormal sound is identified using only sound information.

[0018] According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the acquisition time according to the paper being processed.

[0019] According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the acquisition time according to the information on the paper size being processed, the information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is being performed, and the information on the printing speed.

[0020] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect of the present invention, when analyzing sound information to identify the cause of an abnormal sound, it is easier to identify the cause of the abnormal sound compared to when the cause of the abnormal sound is identified using only sound information.

[0021] According to the program of the eighth aspect of the present invention, while a print process is being executed by an image forming device, the timing for acquiring sound information generated in the print mechanism can be identified in a processor other than the processor that controls the print mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for transmitting paper information by a system control unit in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 5 is a diagram showing an example of paper information stored in a storage unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for setting paper information in a machine control unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a machine control unit and a system control unit in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a communication unit of a system control unit in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a format of data transmitted to a system control unit in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a storage unit of a system control unit in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by an abnormal sound detection unit of a system control unit in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 as an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 10 has a printing device 21 as a printing mechanism and an image reading device 34. The printing device 21 has, for example, three paper supply cassettes 22, each of which is provided with a supply head 23.

[0026] When one of the paper supply cassettes 22 is selected, the supply head 23 is activated to supply paper from the selected paper supply cassette 22 to the image forming unit 25 via a paper supply path 24, which is a transport path.

[0027] The image forming section 25 has yellow, magenta, cyan, and black photosensitive members 26 arranged side by side, and is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt 27 .

[0028] Around each photoconductor 26, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a primary transfer device, a cleaning device, etc. (not shown) are arranged, and the toner image formed on each photoconductor 26 is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 27. When set to black and white, only black is operable.

[0029] The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is transferred onto the fed paper by the secondary transfer roll 28, then transported by the conveyor belt 41 to the fixing device 29, where it is fixed. The paper with the fixed toner image then passes through the paper discharge path 30, which is a transport path, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 31 by the discharge roll 42.

[0030] However, when double-sided printing is set, the paper whose front side has been fixed by the fixing device 29 is sent from the paper discharge path 30 to the inverting device 32 by the guide member 37 and the inverting roll 38, is inverted by this inverting device 32, sent to the paper inverting path 33 via the guide member 39, returned to the paper supply path 24, and sent to the image forming unit 25 where the back side is printed.

[0031] The image reading device 34 has an automatic document feeder 35 capable of reading double-sided documents, which feed the document to a platen 36, where the image of the document is read by a reading unit consisting of a CCD or the like. The automatic document feeder 35 also serves as a platen cover, which can be opened to place a document on the platen 36. Whether the platen cover is open or closed can be detected by a platen cover open / close detector.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a facsimile modem connected to a public line and a network communication device connected to a network such as a LAN. By using the network communication device provided in the image forming apparatus 10, an image read by the image reading device 34 can be transmitted to a terminal device connected to the network. By performing such processing, the image forming apparatus 10 also functions as a facsimile transmitting device.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 10 is also provided with a microphone 47 that acquires sound information, which is the operating sound of the image forming apparatus 10. More specifically, the sound information of the image forming apparatus 10 is acquired by the microphone 47 for a predetermined period at a predetermined timing, which will be described later, and an abnormal sound detection process is performed by performing frequency analysis. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 10. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 also functions as an abnormality detection device.

[0034] A sensor 44 that detects paper being transported is provided on the paper supply path 24, upstream of the registration roll 43 in the paper transport direction and upstream of the junction of the paper supply path 24 and the paper reversing path 33. In other words, the sensor 44 is provided at the exit of the paper tray unit 73 (also referred to as the downstream side of the paper transport direction of the paper tray unit 73) of the paper supply cassette 22, the supply head 23, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, a sensor 45 that detects the paper being transported is provided upstream in the paper transport direction of the secondary transfer roll 28. In other words, the sensor 45 is provided at the entrance of the image forming unit 75, such as the image forming section 25, the secondary transfer roll 28, and the fixing device 29 (also referred to as the upstream side in the paper transport direction of the image forming unit 75).

[0036] A sensor 46 that detects paper being transported is provided in the paper discharge path 30 between the fixing device 29 and the discharge rolls 42. In other words, the sensor 46 is provided at the entrance of the paper discharge unit 74, such as the discharge rolls 42 and the discharge tray 31 (also referred to as the upstream side of the paper discharge unit 74 in the paper transport direction).

[0037] Furthermore, a motor 81, which is a drive unit, is used to transport paper from the duplex unit 72, including the paper tray unit 73, the reversing device 32, the guide members 37 and 39, and the reversing roll 38, to the image forming unit 75. A motor 82 is used to transport paper in the image forming unit 75. A motor 83 is used to transport paper between the paper discharge unit 74 and the duplex unit 72.

[0038] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a machine control unit 51 serving as a first processor and a system control unit 52 serving as a second processor of the image forming apparatus 10. The machine control unit 51 mainly controls each unit in the image forming apparatus 10. The system control unit 52 mainly instructs the machine control unit 51 to execute a printing process and performs an abnormal noise detection process.

[0039] The machine control unit 51 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 53, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 55, a storage unit 56 such as a hard disk drive, a communication unit 57 that sends and receives data to and from the system control unit 52, an image receiving unit 58 that receives image data from the system control unit 52 and outputs it to the image forming unit 75, a sensor control unit 59 that controls the operations of the sensors 44 to 46, a motor control unit 60 that controls the motors 81 to 83, and a unit control unit 61 that controls each unit such as the duplex unit 72, paper tray unit 73, paper discharge unit 74, and image forming unit 75. These components are connected to one another via a control bus.

[0040] The CPU 53 is a processor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 based on a control program stored in the ROM 54 or the storage unit 56. In this embodiment, the CPU 53 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM 54 or the storage unit 56 in response to an instruction to execute a print process received from the system control unit 52, but the program can also be stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provided to the CPU 53.

[0041] The machine control unit 51 controls each unit based on the paper information received from the system control unit 52, and requests image data from the system control unit 52 when printing processing becomes possible. Then, when the machine control unit 51 receives image data from the system control unit 52 via the image receiving unit 58, the machine control unit 51 outputs and prints the received image data via the image forming unit 75. In addition, the machine control unit 51 transmits operation information indicating the operating status of the image forming apparatus 10 and paper information related to the paper being processed to the system control unit 52 at any time via the communication unit 57.

[0042] Here, the operation information includes sensor information from sensors 44-46 that detect the passage of paper on the transport path, and motor information as drive information that is the operation (also called drive state) of motors 81-83 that drive the transport rolls and other components that are multiple transport units that transport paper. Also, the paper information includes paper quality information, paper size information, paper orientation information, whether single-sided or double-sided printing is selected, printing speed information, paper feed source information, paper ejection destination information, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the machine control unit 51 transmits, to the system control unit 52 as needed, either or both of the sensor information from the sensors 44 to 46 and the motor information from the motors 81 to 83 that have transitioned.

[0044] The storage unit 56 stores paper information relating to the paper being processed in association with operation information including sensor information and motor information indicating the operating state of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0045] The system control unit 52 has a CPU 63, a ROM 64, a RAM 65, a storage unit 66 such as a hard disk drive, a communication unit 67 that transmits and receives data to and from the machine control unit 51, an image transmission unit 68 that transmits image data to the image reception unit 58 of the machine control unit 51, and an abnormal sound detection unit 69 that acquires sound information of operating sounds generated in the image forming apparatus 10 using the microphone 47 and detects abnormal sounds. These components are connected to each other via a control bus.

[0046] The CPU 63 is a processor that performs abnormal noise detection processing by causing the machine control unit 51 to execute predetermined processing based on a control program stored in the ROM 64 or the storage unit 66. In this embodiment, the CPU 63 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the ROM 64 or the storage unit 66, but the program can also be stored on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and provided to the CPU 63.

[0047] When the system control unit 52 accepts a print instruction from a terminal device and receives image data, it transmits paper information included in the print instruction to the machine control unit 51. In addition, the system control unit 52 transmits image data to the machine control unit 51 based on a request from the machine control unit 51 to transmit image data.

[0048] In addition, the system control unit 52 is configured to acquire sound information using the microphone 47 based on abnormal sound detection conditions, which are determined using the operation information and paper information of the image forming device 10 transmitted from the machine control unit 51, and which are the start timing for starting to acquire sound information of the operating sound generated in the image forming device 10 and the acquisition time, which is the period for acquiring the sound information.

[0049] In addition, the system control unit 52 associates the sound information acquired by the microphone 47 with either or both of the transitioned sensor information and motor information sent from the machine control unit 51 and the paper information, and stores them in the memory unit 66.

[0050] The storage unit 66 stores the paper information transmitted from the machine control unit 51 in association with operation information including sensor information and motor information. The storage unit 66 also stores the abnormal sound detection conditions linked to the paper information, operation information of each unit, sound information acquired by the microphone 47, and abnormal sound analysis results. The storage unit 66 also stores image data linked to the paper information.

[0051] Next, the paper information transmission process in the system control unit 52 and the paper information setting process in the machine control unit 51 will be described.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the paper information transmission process of the system control unit 52.

[0053] In step S11, the CPU 63 receives a print instruction from the terminal device and acquires image data.

[0054] In step S12, the CPU 63 creates paper information based on the received print command. As shown in Fig. 4, the paper information includes information on the paper quality, paper size, paper orientation, whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is selected, printing speed, paper feed source, and paper ejection destination.

[0055] In step S13, the CPU 63 transmits the created paper information to the machine control unit 51 via the communication unit 67.

[0056] In step S14, the CPU 63 determines whether or not there is image data to be printed next, and if there is, the process returns to step S11, and if there is not, the process ends.

[0057] The system control unit 52 executes the processes of steps S11 to S14 until there is no more image data to be printed.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the paper information setting process of the machine control unit 51.

[0059] In step S21, when the CPU 53 receives paper information from the system control unit 52, it sets the paper information in each unit of the duplex unit 72, the paper tray unit 73, the paper discharge unit 74, and the image forming unit 75.

[0060] In step S22, the CPU 53 confirms that each unit is ready for printing, and requests the communication unit 57 to the system control unit 52 to transmit image data.

[0061] In step S23, the CPU 53 determines whether the sensor 44 has transitioned from on to off. If the sensor 44 has transitioned from on to off, the process proceeds to step S24, and if the sensor 44 has not transitioned from on to off, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0062] Here, a sensor being on indicates that a sheet has been detected on the transport path where the sensor is installed, and a sensor being off indicates that a sheet has not been detected on the transport path where the sensor is installed. Therefore, a sensor transitioning from on to off indicates that a state in which there is a sheet on the transport path where the sensor is installed has changed from a state in which there is a sheet on the transport path where the sensor is installed to a state in which there is no sheet, i.e., indicates that the sheet has finished passing. Also, a sensor transitioning from off to on indicates that a state in which there is no sheet on the transport path where the sensor is installed has changed from a state in which there is a sheet on the transport path where the sensor is installed to a state in which there is a sheet, i.e., indicates that the sheet has started passing.

[0063] In step S24, the CPU 53 determines whether or not there is next paper information. If there is next paper information, the process proceeds to step S25, and if there is not next paper information, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0064] In step S25, the CPU 53 sets the next paper information in the paper tray unit 73.

[0065] In step S26, the CPU 53 requests the system control unit 52 via the communication unit 57 to transmit image data for the next sheet of paper.

[0066] In step S27, the CPU 53 determines whether the sensor 46 has transitioned from on to off. If the sensor 46 has transitioned from on to off, the process proceeds to step S28, and if the sensor 46 has not transitioned from on to off, the process returns to step S23.

[0067] In step S28, the CPU 53 determines whether or not there is next paper information. If there is next paper information, the process proceeds to step S29, and if there is not next paper information, the process ends.

[0068] In step S29, the CPU 53 sets the next paper information in the paper discharge unit 74, and the process returns to step S23.

[0069] The machine control unit 51 executes the processes of steps S21 to S29 described above until the paper information runs out.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the machine control unit 51 and the system control unit 52 in the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG.

[0071] First, in step S101, the system control unit 52 transmits to the machine control unit 51 sheet 1 information, which is sheet information for sheet 1 for which a print instruction has been received, and sheet 2 information, which is sheet information for sheet 2 for which a print instruction has been received next. Then, under the control of the unit control unit 61, the machine control unit 51 transmits the sheet 1 information to the paper tray unit 73, the duplex unit 72, and the paper discharge unit 74, respectively, and sets the sheet 1 information for each unit. Then, the machine control unit 51 confirms that each unit is in a printable state, and requests image data for sheet 1 from the system control unit 52. Then, the system control unit 52 transmits the image data for sheet 1 to the image forming unit 75 via the image receiving unit 58 using the image transmitting unit 68.

[0072] Next, in step S102, when the machine control unit 51 detects that paper 1 has started to pass through the exit of the paper tray unit 73 by the transition of sensor 44 from off to on, the machine control unit 51 sends the on information of sensor 44 to the system control unit 52.

[0073] Next, in step S103, the machine control unit 51 starts driving (also referred to as turning on) the motor 81 under the control of the motor control unit 60. At this time, the machine control unit 51 transmits information indicating that the motor 81 is on to the system control unit 52.

[0074] Next, in step S104, when the machine control unit 51 detects the start of paper 1 passing through the entrance of the image forming unit 75 by the transition of the sensor 45 from off to on, the machine control unit 51 transmits paper 1 information for the paper 1 currently being processed to the system control unit 52. Thereafter, the machine control unit 51 transmits on information for the sensor 45 to the system control unit 52. When the system control unit 52 receives the on information for the sensor 45, it starts acquiring (also called recording) sound information using the microphone 47. That is, the system control unit 52 starts acquiring sound information using the microphone 47 at the timing when it receives the on information for the sensor 45 from the machine control unit 51.

[0075] In other words, the system control unit 52 determines the start timing for starting to acquire sound information about the operating sounds generated in the image forming device 10 based on the sensor information of the sensor 45 of the image forming device 10 transmitted from the machine control unit 51.

[0076] Furthermore, the system control unit 52 calculates the time for acquiring sound information (also referred to as the recording time or abnormal sound detection period) using the paper information of the paper 1 being processed. That is, the acquisition time is calculated based on the paper information of the paper 1 being processed, such as paper size information, information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is being performed, and information on the printing speed. Note that the paper information may further include at least one of paper quality information of the paper 1, information on the paper feed source, and information on the paper ejection destination. That is, recording by the microphone 47 begins when the system control unit 52 receives information that the sensor 45 is on, and ends after the recording time calculated based on the paper information of the paper being processed has elapsed.

[0077] Specifically, for example, if the paper information includes information on A4 paper size, single-sided printing, and a print speed of 60 ppm, the system control unit 52 calculates that the sound information acquisition time is approximately one second after the sensor 45 acquires the on-state information. If the paper information includes information on A3 paper size, single-sided printing, and a print speed of 60 ppm, the system control unit 52 calculates that the sound information acquisition time is approximately two seconds after the sensor 45 acquires the on-state information. If the paper information includes information on A4 paper size, double-sided printing, and a print speed of 60 ppm, the system control unit 52 calculates that the sound information acquisition time is approximately 2.5 seconds after the sensor 45 acquires the on-state information, which is twice the time for single-sided printing plus the transport time in the duplex unit 72. Note that, instead of calculating the sound information acquisition time, a table associating abnormal sound detection conditions with paper information may be stored in the storage unit 66 and used.

[0078] Next, in step S105, the machine control unit 51 starts driving the motor 82 under the control of the motor control unit 60. At this time, the machine control unit 51 transmits information to the system control unit 52 indicating that the motor 82 is on.

[0079] Next, in step S106, when the machine control unit 51 detects that the paper 1 has started to pass through the entrance of the paper discharge unit 74 by the transition of the sensor 46 from off to on, the machine control unit 51 sends the on information of the sensor 46 to the system control unit 52.

[0080] Next, in step S107, the machine control unit 51 starts driving the motor 83 under the control of the motor control unit 60. At this time, the machine control unit 51 transmits information to the system control unit 52 indicating that the motor 83 is on.

[0081] Next, in step S108, the system control unit 52 transmits paper sheet 3 information, which is paper sheet information on paper sheet 3, to the machine control unit 51.

[0082] Next, in step S109, when the machine control unit 51 detects that the paper 1 has finished passing through the exit of the paper tray unit 73 by the transition of the sensor 44 from on to off, the machine control unit 51 sends the sensor 44 off information to the system control unit 52.

[0083] Next, in step S110, machine control unit 51 transmits paper 2 information for the next paper 2 to paper tray unit 73 under the control of unit control unit 61. Then, machine control unit 51 sets paper 2 information in paper tray unit 73 and requests image data for paper 2 from system control unit 52. Then, system control unit 52 causes image transmission unit 68 to transmit image data for paper 2 to image forming unit 75 via image reception unit 58.

[0084] Next, in step S111, when the machine control unit 51 detects that paper 2 has started to pass through the exit of the paper tray unit 73 by the transition of sensor 44 from off to on, the machine control unit 51 sends the on information of sensor 44 to the system control unit 52.

[0085] Next, in step S112, when the machine control unit 51 detects that the paper 1 has finished passing through the entrance of the image forming unit 75 by the transition of the sensor 45 from on to off, the machine control unit 51 sends the off information of the sensor 45 to the system control unit 52.

[0086] Next, in step S113, when the machine control unit 51 detects the start of the passage of sheet 2 at the entrance of the image forming unit 75 by the transition of sensor 45 from off to on, the machine control unit 51 transmits sheet 2 information for the sheet 2 currently being processed to the system control unit 52. Thereafter, the machine control unit 51 transmits on information for sensor 45 to the system control unit 52. Upon receiving the on information for sensor 45, the system control unit 52 starts acquiring sound information using the microphone 47.

[0087] Next, in step S114, when the machine control unit 51 detects that the paper 1 has finished passing through the entrance of the paper discharge unit 74 by the transition of the sensor 46 from on to off, the machine control unit 51 sends the sensor 46 off information to the system control unit 52.

[0088] The above processing of steps S101 to S114 is repeated until the paper information runs out.

[0089] As described above, the system control unit 52 starts acquiring sound information by acquiring ON information of the sensor 45 from the machine control unit 51, determines the time for acquiring the sound information based on the paper information of the paper currently being processed, and determines the abnormal sound detection conditions. Then, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 performs abnormal sound detection processing using the operation information of the image forming apparatus 10 received from the machine control unit 51 and the sound information acquired at the acquisition time calculated based on the paper information acquired when the predetermined operation information was acquired.

[0090] Next, an example of processing by the communication unit 67 when the system control unit 52 receives data will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] First, in step S41, the communication unit 67 receives data from the machine control unit 51.

[0092] Next, in step S42, the communication unit 67 determines whether the command ID of the received data is related to abnormal sound detection. If the command ID is related to abnormal sound detection, the process proceeds to the next step S43, and if the command ID is not related to abnormal sound detection, the data is transmitted to the CPU 63 and the process ends.

[0093] Next, in step S43, the communication unit 67 creates an address in the memory unit 66 by adding the offset of data 1 as shown in Figure 8 to the starting address of the pre-set machine control unit information storage area (paper information, sensor information, and motor information of the memory unit 66 shown in Figure 2).

[0094] Next, in step S44, the communication unit 67 stores, in each address of the created memory unit 66, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, the paper quality information of the paper being processed for data 2, paper size information, information on whether it is single-sided or double-sided printing, printing speed information, information on the paper feed source, information on the paper discharge destination, etc., as well as the on or off information (value of 1 or 0) of sensors 44 to 46, and the on or off information (value of 1 or 0) of motors 81 to 83, and then terminates the processing.

[0095] Next, an example of the processing of the abnormal sound detection unit 69 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0096] First, in step S71, the abnormal noise detection unit 69 reads out the sensor information from the storage unit 66.

[0097] Next, in step S72, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 detects whether or not the sensor 45 is on. If the sensor 45 is off, the process returns to step S71, and if the sensor 45 is on, the process proceeds to step S73.

[0098] Next, in step S73, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 reads out the paper information from the storage unit 66.

[0099] Next, in step S74, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 determines abnormal sound detection conditions based on the read paper information and stores them in the memory unit 66. Specifically, the timing to start acquiring sound information is determined based on the ON information of the sensor 45, and the acquisition time of the sound information is calculated based on the paper information including information on the paper size of the paper being processed, information on whether it is single-sided or double-sided printing, and information on the printing speed, and the abnormal sound detection conditions are determined. Note that the paper information may further include at least one of information on the paper quality, information on the paper feed source, and information on the paper ejection destination.

[0100] Next, in step S75, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 reads out the determined abnormal sound detection conditions from the storage unit 66.

[0101] Next, in step S76, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 starts acquiring sound information in accordance with the read abnormal sound detection conditions. During the abnormal sound detection process, sensor information and motor information, which form operation information, are read from the storage unit 66 at predetermined time intervals for analyzing sound information and stored in the storage unit 66. The operation information stored in the storage unit 66 is read from the storage unit 66 at the time intervals for analyzing sound information. Therefore, the operation information is synchronized with the analysis results of sound information.

[0102] Next, in step S77, the abnormal sound detection unit 69 determines whether or not the sound information acquisition time has ended. If the sound information acquisition time has ended, the process ends, and if the sound information acquisition time has not ended, the process returns to step S77.

[0103] In this way, machine control unit 51 transmits paper information about the paper currently being processed to system control unit 52 at the time of a preset sensor transition, which is the timing for starting to acquire sound information, thereby enabling abnormal sounds to be detected during normal operation by system control unit 52. Furthermore, by transmitting operation information such as sensor information and motor information to system control unit 52 at the time of a transition in the value of the operation information and storing it in memory unit 66, abnormal sound detection unit 69 can read the information from memory unit 66 at the time intervals for analyzing the sound information, thereby making it possible to acquire operation information that is synchronized with the analysis results of the operation sounds without synchronizing system control unit 52 and machine control unit 51.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the processing by the abnormal sound detection unit 69 is described as being performed when the sensor information or motor information changes during the execution of the printing process, but this is not limited to this. The sensor information, motor information, paper information, and sound information may be associated and stored in the memory unit 66, and the processing may be performed when necessary.

[0105] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the system control unit 52 starts acquiring sound information when it receives on-information about sensor 45 from the machine control unit 51 has been described. However, this is not limited to this, and the system control unit 52 may start acquiring sound information when it receives on-information about sensor 44 from the machine control unit 51 or when it receives on-information about another sensor.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0107] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0108] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0109] (((1))) a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus; a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process; The first processor transmitting operation information indicating the operation state of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to the second processor at any time; The second processor acquire sound information based on a start timing for starting acquisition of sound information generated in the printing mechanism and an acquisition time period for acquiring the sound information, the start timing and the acquisition time being determined using the operation information and the paper information transmitted from the first processor. Imaging system.

[0110] (((2))) The image forming system described in (((1)))), wherein the operation information includes a plurality of sensor information from a plurality of sensors that detect the passage of paper on the transport path, and a plurality of drive information from the operation of a plurality of drive units that respectively drive a plurality of transport units that transport paper.

[0111] (((3))) The image forming system described in (((2))), wherein the second processor starts acquiring the sound information when sensor information acquired by a preset sensor among the plurality of sensor information transitions.

[0112] (((4))) the first processor transmits, as needed, one or both of the sensor information and the drive information that have transitioned from the plurality of pieces of sensor information and the plurality of pieces of drive information to the second processor; The image forming system described in (((2)))), wherein the second processor associates the acquired sound information with either or both of the transitioned sensor information and drive information sent from the first processor and the paper information and stores them in a memory unit.

[0113] (((5))) The image forming system according to (((1))), wherein the second processor calculates the acquisition time using the paper information.

[0114] (((6))) The image forming system according to (((5))), wherein the paper information includes information on paper size, information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is to be performed, and information on printing speed.

[0115] (((7))) The image forming system according to (((6))), wherein the paper information further includes at least one of information on the paper quality, information on the paper feed source, and information on the paper discharge destination.

[0116] (((8))) a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus; a step of transmitting operation information indicating the operation state of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process as needed; The second processor: acquiring sound information based on a start timing for starting acquisition of sound information generated in the printing mechanism and an acquisition time period for acquiring the sound information, the start timing and the acquisition time being determined using the operation information and the paper information transmitted from the first processor; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0117] The effects of the configuration described above will be described below.

[0118] According to the image forming system (((1))), while the image forming device is executing a printing process, the timing for acquiring sound information generated in the printing mechanism can be identified in a processor other than the processor that controls the printing mechanism.

[0119] According to the image forming system (((2))), the position of the paper on the transport path in the printing mechanism and the state of the drive unit can be identified by a processor separate from the processor that controls the printing mechanism.

[0120] According to the image forming system of (((3))), it is possible to start acquiring sound information at the timing when a sheet is conveyed to the unit from which sound information is to be acquired.

[0121] According to the image forming system (((4))), when analyzing sound information to identify the cause of abnormal sounds, it is easier to identify the cause of abnormal sounds compared to when the cause of abnormal sounds is identified using only sound information.

[0122] According to the image forming system (((5))), it is possible to determine the acquisition time according to the paper being processed.

[0123] According to the image forming system (((6))), it is possible to determine the acquisition time according to the information on the paper size being processed, the information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is being performed, and the information on the printing speed.

[0124] According to the image forming system of (((7))), when the cause of the abnormal sound is identified by analyzing sound information, it is easier to identify the cause of the abnormal sound compared to identifying the cause of the abnormal sound using only sound information.

[0125] According to the program (((8))), while the image forming device is executing a printing process, the timing for acquiring sound information generated in the printing mechanism can be identified in a processor other than the processor that controls the printing mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Image forming device (image forming system) 44, 45, 46 Sensors 47 Mike 51 Machine control unit 52 System control section 53 CPU 54 ROM 55 RAM 56 Memory section 57 Communications Department 58 Image receiving unit 59 Sensor control unit 60 Motor control unit 61 Unit control section 63 CPU 64 ROM 65 RAM 66 Memory section 67 Communications Department 81, 82, 83 Motors

Claims

1. a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus; a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process; The first processor transmitting operation information indicating the operation state of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to the second processor at any time; The second processor acquire sound information based on a start timing for starting acquisition of sound information generated in the printing mechanism and an acquisition time period for acquiring the sound information, the start timing and the acquisition time period being determined using the operation information and the paper information transmitted from the first processor. Imaging system.

2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein the operation information includes a plurality of sensor information from a plurality of sensors that detect the passage of paper on the transport path, and a plurality of drive information from the operation of a plurality of drive units that respectively drive a plurality of transport units that transport paper.

3. The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the second processor starts acquiring the sound information when a transition occurs in sensor information acquired by a preset sensor among the plurality of pieces of sensor information.

4. the first processor transmits, as needed, one or both of the sensor information and the drive information that have transitioned from the plurality of pieces of sensor information and the plurality of pieces of drive information to the second processor; The image forming system of claim 2, wherein the second processor associates the acquired sound information with either or both of the transitioned sensor information and drive information transmitted from the first processor and the paper information, and stores them in a memory unit.

5. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the second processor calculates the acquisition time using the paper information.

6. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein the paper information includes information on paper size, information on whether single-sided printing or double-sided printing is performed, and information on printing speed.

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the paper information further includes at least one of information on the paper quality, information on the paper feed source, and information on the paper discharge destination.

8. a first processor that controls a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus; a step of transmitting operation information indicating the operation state of the printing mechanism and paper information regarding the paper being processed to a second processor that instructs the first processor to execute a printing process; by the second processor acquiring sound information based on a start timing for starting acquisition of sound information generated in the printing mechanism and an acquisition time period for acquiring the sound information, the start timing and the acquisition time being determined using the operation information and the paper information transmitted from the first processor; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images