Processing device, processing method and processing program

Abstract

To provide a processing device, a processing method and a processing program that can detect extraordinary noise without lowering productivity when a plurality of treatments differing in required time and accompanied by operation sounds are successively executed.SOLUTION: A printing part 12 successively executes a plurality of treatments differing in required time and accompanied by operation sounds, a sound sensor 16 collects operation sounds generated associatively with printing, and a processor 18 performs treatments to: acquire data representing a collection result of the operation sounds of the printing part 12; derive the number of pieces of data when taking frequency analysis of the acquired data according to operation conditions; reduce data after the frequency analysis so that the derived number of pieces of data reaches the number of pieces of data with which extraordinary noise can be detected within a treatment time for a treatment on a next treatment object; and use the reduced data to detect the extraordinary noise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing method, and a processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 proposes an image processing device that includes a sound conversion unit that converts sound inside the device into an electrical signal, a sound analysis unit that analyzes the electrical signal converted by the sound conversion unit to determine frequency components, and an output unit that outputs the frequency components determined by the sound analysis unit.

[0003] Patent Document 2 proposes that an abnormality determination unit compares a spectrogram obtained by frequency-analyzing sound data collected by a sound collection microphone when the image forming device is operating at a low speed with a normal spectrogram obtained when the image forming device is operating normally at a low speed, and if it determines that an abnormal sound has occurred, it compares the timing chart of the operating body when the image forming device is operating at a low speed with the spectrogram output by the frequency analysis unit to identify the operating body that is the source of the abnormal sound.

[0004] Patent Document 3 proposes an anomaly detection device that extracts continuous image data at a time interval equivalent to one rotation of the wind turbine from image data obtained by frequency-analyzing time-series sound data generated from blades used in wind turbines, generates image data by enlarging or reducing the width of the extracted image data in the time axis direction so that it is the same as that of a reference image data from the extracted continuous image data, and learns the generated image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4929049 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-163387 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-172861 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When detecting abnormal sounds by collecting operational sounds during the consecutive execution of multiple processes that require different amounts of time and generate operational sounds, the analysis time required to analyze each abnormal sound may vary depending on the operating conditions of the target process, which can result in reduced productivity. For example, if an image forming device performs image formation on the first sheet of paper to be processed and then performs image formation on a smaller sheet, the analysis time required to analyze the abnormal sound generated during the transport of the first sheet may be longer than the time required to collect operational sounds when transporting the second sheet, i.e., the transport time of the second sheet. In this case, memory cannot be released until the analysis time for the first sheet is completed, and analysis of the second sheet cannot proceed. If analysis of the second sheet cannot proceed, processing such as image formation of the third sheet cannot proceed. In this way, when there is a time when processing of the target sheet cannot proceed, productivity is reduced by the amount of processing that cannot be performed.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device, a processing method, and a processing program that are capable of detecting abnormal sounds without reducing productivity when multiple processes that require different amounts of time and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the processing device according to the first aspect includes a processor that acquires data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when multiple processes that require different amounts of time and that accompany operation sounds are executed consecutively, derives the number of pieces of data when frequency analyzing the data from the operating conditions, reduces the analysis result data after the frequency analysis of the derived number of pieces of data to a number of pieces of data that allows for abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for the next processing target, and performs processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

[0009] A processing device according to a second aspect is the processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor acquires data representing a collection result of operation sounds generated in relation to printing as the operation sounds.

[0010] A processing device according to a third aspect is the processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by thinning out the analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

[0011] A processing device according to a fourth aspect is the processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by averaging a plurality of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

[0012] A processing device according to a fifth aspect is a processing device according to the first aspect, in which the processor compares the two pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis and reduces the analysis result data by adopting the data with the larger value.

[0013] In a processing method according to a sixth aspect, a computer acquires data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when consecutively executing a plurality of processes that require different amounts of time and that accompany operation sounds, derives the number of pieces of data when frequency analyzing the data from the operating conditions, reduces the number of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis so that the number of pieces of data is large enough to enable abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for the next processing target, and performs processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

[0014] A processing program according to a seventh aspect causes a computer to acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes that require different amounts of time and that accompany operation sounds are executed consecutively, derive the number of pieces of data when the data is frequency analyzed from the operating conditions, reduce the number of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis of the derived number of pieces of data so that the number of pieces of data is sufficient to perform abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for processing the next processing target, and execute processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a processing device that can detect abnormal sounds without reducing productivity when a plurality of processes that require different times and that generate operating sounds are executed consecutively.

[0016] According to the second aspect, it is possible to detect abnormal sounds related to printing.

[0017] According to the third aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of data pieces by the amount of data that has been thinned out, thereby reducing the data size.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of data by the amount of averaging, thereby reducing the data.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of data by eliminating the amount of unused data.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to provide a processing method that can detect abnormal sounds without reducing productivity when a plurality of processes that require different times and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to provide a processing program that is capable of detecting abnormal sounds without reducing productivity when a plurality of processes that require different times and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of calculation of the number of times frequency analysis is performed. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as an abnormal sound detection control unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment as a sound sensor control unit. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as a frequency analysis unit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as a reduction processing unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as an abnormal sound detection unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing performed by a processor of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as an abnormal sound detection control unit when an abnormal sound is detected. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of comparing a case 1 where the embodiment is not implemented, a case 2 where the embodiment is not implemented, and a case where the embodiment is implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of a processing apparatus. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a printing unit 12, a printing control unit 14, a sound sensor 16, and a processor 18.

[0025] The printing unit 12 continuously executes multiple processes that require different amounts of time and are accompanied by operating sounds. Examples of the multiple processes include a process of transporting recording paper to the printing unit 12, a printing process, and a process of discharging printed recording paper. Specifically, the printing unit 12 has an electrophotographic printing mechanism and a recording paper transport mechanism, and when image data indicating the image to be printed and various operation commands are input from the print control unit 14, the printing unit 12 prints on one or both sides of the recording paper and discharges it to an external paper output tray.

[0026] The print control unit 14 outputs image data and various operation commands to the print unit 12, and controls the operation of the print unit 12, etc.

[0027] The sound sensor 16 collects operating sounds generated in relation to printing, that is, operating sounds generated in the image forming apparatus 10 during printing, such as the printing mechanism of the printing unit 12 and the conveyance mechanism.

[0028] The processor 18 acquires data representing the results of sampling of the operating sounds of the printing unit 12, derives the number of pieces of data when frequency analyzing the acquired data according to the operating conditions, reduces the data after frequency analysis so that the derived number of pieces of data is the number of pieces of data that can be used to detect abnormal sounds within the processing time for the next processing target, and performs processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced data. In this embodiment, the processor 18 functions as the abnormal sound detection unit 18, which keeps the size of the abnormal sound detection data used for processing constant in order to keep the processing time for detecting abnormal sounds constant. To keep the size of the abnormal sound detection data constant, the data resulting from frequency analysis of the sound data from the sound sensor 16 is reduced to a constant size, and abnormal sounds are detected.

[0029] Specifically, the abnormal sound detection unit 18 has the functions of an abnormal sound detection control unit 20, a sound sensor control unit 22, a frequency analysis unit 24, a reduction processing unit 26, an abnormal sound determination unit 28, and a storage unit 30.

[0030] The abnormal sound detection control unit 20 calculates the number of data points when frequency analysis is performed on the collected operating sound data according to the operating conditions. Specifically, when the print control unit 14 notifies the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 of operating conditions, such as paper size and paper transport speed, included in the printing conditions specified for the print process, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 calculates the number of times to perform frequency analysis based on the operating conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when frequency analysis is specified to be performed every 3 ms and the recording paper is A4 size, the time it takes for the paper to be transported and printed is 900 ms, so the number of times to perform frequency analysis is 900 ms / 3 ms = 300. The number of times to perform frequency analysis is determined based on the time required for printing one sheet of recording paper. If the number of times to perform frequency analysis when printing A4 recording paper is 300, when printing A3 paper, the paper length is twice that of A4, so the time it takes for the paper to be transported and printed is 1800 ms, double the printing processing time, and the number of times to perform frequency analysis is 600. In this way, the number of times to perform frequency analysis can be determined based on the operating conditions. The abnormal sound detection control unit 20 notifies the reduction processing unit 26 of the number of times to perform frequency analysis and the number of times corresponding to the data size specified as the abnormal sound determination data, sets the number of times to perform frequency analysis in the sound sensor control unit 22, and notifies the sound sensor control unit 22 to start collecting sound data.

[0031] When the sound sensor control unit 22 is notified by the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 to start collecting sound data, it resets to 0 an output counter that counts the number of times a frequency analysis request has been sent to the frequency analysis unit 24. Then, it acquires sound data from the sound sensor 16 and writes it to the sound data storage area 30A of the memory unit 30. After writing the sound data for one frequency analysis to the sound data storage area 30A of the memory unit 30, it notifies the frequency analysis unit 24 of a frequency analysis request and counts up the output counter. This is repeated until the value of the output counter matches the number of times frequency analysis has been performed.

[0032] When the frequency analysis unit 24 receives a frequency analysis request from the sound sensor control unit 22, it reads the sound data from the sound data storage area 30A of the memory unit 30, performs frequency analysis, outputs the analysis result data to the reduction processing unit 26, and notifies the reduction processing unit 26 of a sound data reduction request. This analysis result data is, for example, data indicating sound pressure for each frequency.

[0033] The reduction processing unit 26 acquires the analysis result data analyzed by the frequency analysis unit 24 and performs a process of reducing the data size of the abnormal sound detection data to a fixed size. For example, in the case of printing on A3 paper, 600 pieces of analysis result data are acquired, but the data size is reduced to 300 pieces of analysis result data. The data resulting from the reduced group of analysis result data is stored as abnormal sound detection data in the abnormal sound detection data storage area 30C of the memory unit 30, and an abnormal sound detection request is notified to the abnormal sound detection unit 28. The data reduction method used by the reduction processing unit 26 is to reduce the data from 600 to 300 by combining two pieces of data into one piece of data, using one of the following methods. Thinning: Either odd-numbered analysis results or even-numbered analysis results are used as data for abnormal noise detection. Averaging: The average value of the two analysis results is used as the data for abnormal noise detection. Comparison: The larger of the two analysis results is used as the data for abnormal noise detection.

[0034] When averaging or comparison is applied as the reduction processing method of the reduction processing unit 26, the sound data to be compared and the sound data to be averaged are stored as intermediate data in the intermediate data storage area 30B of the storage unit 30, and then averaging or comparison is performed. Here, an example is shown in which two pieces of data are combined into one piece of data as a reduction method of the reduction processing unit 26, but this is not limiting, and three or more pieces of data may be combined into one piece of data. Furthermore, reduction may be performed according to the ratio between the data size to be reduced and the data size specified as the abnormal sound detection data. In this embodiment, the number of pieces of data is reduced to match the recording paper size, which requires a small number of pieces of data. However, this is not limiting, and the data size may be reduced to match the most commonly printed size, such as A4 size.

[0035] When the abnormal sound detection unit 28 receives an abnormal sound detection request from the reduction processing unit 26, it reads the abnormal sound detection data from the abnormal sound detection data storage area 30C in the memory unit 30. It determines whether or not an abnormal sound is present based on the operating conditions and the abnormal sound detection data added to the abnormal sound detection request from the reduction processing unit 26, and if an abnormal sound is present, it notifies the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 that an abnormal sound has occurred.

[0036] When the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal sound by the abnormal sound determination unit 28, it notifies the print control unit 14 of the occurrence of the abnormal sound. In addition, in order to identify the cause of the abnormal sound, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 reads abnormal sound determination data from the abnormal sound determination data storage area 30C in the memory unit 30 and outputs it to the print control unit 14.

[0037] Next, specific processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

[0038] First, we will explain the processing of the abnormal sound detection control unit 20. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the abnormal sound detection control unit 20. The processing of Fig. 3 starts when the operating conditions and position information of the recording paper are notified from the print control unit 14.

[0039] In step 100, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 calculates the number of times to perform frequency analysis from the operating conditions notified by the print control unit 14, and then proceeds to step 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, if frequency analysis is performed every 3 ms, and the recording paper is A4 size, the time it takes for the paper to be transported and printed is 900 ms, so the number of times frequency analysis will be performed is 900 ms / 3 ms=300 times.

[0040] In step 102, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 sets the number of times to perform frequency analysis in the reduction processing unit 26 and the number of times corresponding to the data size specified as the abnormal sound determination data, and then proceeds to step 104.

[0041] In step 104, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 sets the number of times to perform frequency analysis in the sound sensor control unit 22, and then the process proceeds to step .

[0042] In step 106, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 notifies the sound sensor control unit 22 to start collecting sound data, and then the series of processes of the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 is completed.

[0043] Next, we will explain the processing of the sound sensor control unit 22. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the sound sensor control unit 22. The processing of Fig. 4 starts when the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 notifies the start of sound data collection.

[0044] In step 200 , the sound sensor control unit 22 sets the output counter to 0 and proceeds to step 202 .

[0045] In step 202 , the sound sensor control unit 22 writes the sound data from the sound sensor 16 into the sound data storage area 30 A of the memory unit 30 , and then the process proceeds to step 204 .

[0046] In step 204, the sound sensor control unit 22 determines whether or not sound data for one frequency analysis has been written. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 202 and repeats the above-described process. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0047] In step 206 , the sound sensor control unit 22 notifies the frequency analysis unit 24 of a frequency analysis request, and the process proceeds to step 208 .

[0048] In step 208 , the sound sensor control unit 22 counts up (+1) the output counter and proceeds to step 210 .

[0049] In step 210, the sound sensor control unit 22 determines whether the number of times frequency analysis is executed equals the output counter. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 202 and the above-described process is repeated. If the determination is positive, the process of the sound sensor control unit 22 ends.

[0050] Next, we will explain the processing of the frequency analysis unit 24. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the frequency analysis unit 24. The processing of Fig. 5 starts when a frequency analysis request is notified from the sound sensor control unit 22.

[0051] In step 300 , the frequency analysis unit 24 reads out the sound data from the sound data storage area 30 A of the storage unit 30 , and the process proceeds to step 302 .

[0052] In step 302 , the frequency analysis unit 24 performs frequency analysis of the sound data, and the process proceeds to step 304 .

[0053] In step 304, the frequency analysis unit 24 outputs the analysis result data, which is the result of the frequency analysis, to the reduction processing unit 26, and the series of processes of the frequency analysis unit 24 is completed.

[0054] Next, the processing of the reduction processing unit 26 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the reduction processing unit 26. The processing of Fig. 6 will be described by taking as an example a case where comparison is applied as the reduction processing method. The processing of Fig. 6 starts when the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 sets the number of times to perform analysis and the number of times corresponding to the data size specified as the abnormal sound determination data.

[0055] In step 400, the reduction processing unit 26 sets the intermediate data storage area 30B of the storage unit 30, the input counter, and the output counter to 0, and then proceeds to step 402.

[0056] In step 402 , the reduction processing unit 26 receives the analysis result data consisting of sound pressure data for each frequency, which is the result of the frequency analysis, from the frequency analysis unit 24 , and then proceeds to step 404 .

[0057] In step 404 , the reduction processing unit 26 reads the intermediate data from the intermediate data storage area 30 B of the storage unit 30 , and the process proceeds to step 406 .

[0058] In step 406, the reduction processing unit 26 compares the analysis result data with the intermediate data for each frequency, and then the process proceeds to step 408. For example, the larger value of the two analysis results is used as the data for abnormal noise determination.

[0059] In step 408, the reduction processing unit 26 determines the output destination based on the number of outputs, the number of times the analysis result is executed, the input counter, and the output counter, and then proceeds to step 410.

[0060] In step 410, the reduction processing unit 26 determines whether the output destination is the abnormal sound detection data storage area 30C. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 412, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 416.

[0061] In step 412, the reduction processing unit 26 writes the comparison result into the intermediate data storage area 30B of the storage unit 30, and the process proceeds to step 414.

[0062] In step 414, the reduction processing unit 26 counts up the input counter (+1) and then proceeds to step 402.

[0063] On the other hand, in step 416, the reduction processing unit 26 writes the comparison result into the abnormal noise determination data storage area 30C in the memory unit 30, and the process proceeds to step 418.

[0064] In step 418, the reduction processing unit 26 sets the intermediate data to 0 and proceeds to step 420.

[0065] In step 420 , the reduction processing unit 26 increments (+1) the input counter and the output counter, and then proceeds to step 422 .

[0066] In step 422, the reduction processing unit 26 determines whether the number of outputs equals the output counter. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 402 and repeats the above-described process. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 424.

[0067] In step 424, the reduction processing unit 26 notifies the abnormal sound detection unit 28 of an abnormal sound detection request to which the operating conditions have been added, and then the series of processes of the reduction processing unit 26 is terminated.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of the processing of the abnormal sound detection unit 28. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the abnormal sound detection unit 28. The processing of Fig. 7 starts when an abnormal sound detection request is notified from the reduction processing unit 26.

[0069] In step 500 , the abnormal sound detector 28 reads the abnormal sound detection data from the abnormal sound detection data storage area in the memory 30 , and the process proceeds to step 502 .

[0070] In step 502, the abnormal sound detection unit 28 uses the operating conditions and the abnormal sound detection data to determine whether or not an abnormal sound is heard, and then proceeds to step 504. The determination of whether or not an abnormal sound is heard is made using well-known techniques. For example, the occurrence of an abnormal sound may be determined by performing a Fourier transform such as a short-time Fourier transform to visualize the frequency characteristics and comparing the visualized image with a reference image prepared in advance, or machine learning may be performed on normal data that visualizes the frequency characteristics to create an abnormal sound detection model, and the occurrence of an abnormal sound may be determined using the created abnormal sound detection model.

[0071] In step 504, the abnormal sound detector 28 determines whether or not an abnormal sound is present. If the determination that an abnormal sound is present is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 506, but if the determination is negative, the series of processes by the abnormal sound detector 28 ends.

[0072] In step 506, the abnormal sound detector 28 notifies the abnormal sound detection controller 20 of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, and the series of processes of the abnormal sound detector 28 is completed.

[0073] Next, the processing of the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the processor 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment as the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 when the occurrence of an abnormal sound is notified. The processing of Fig. 8 starts when the occurrence of an abnormal sound is notified by the abnormal sound determination unit 28.

[0074] In step 600, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 notifies the print control unit 14 of the occurrence of an abnormal sound, and the process proceeds to step 602.

[0075] In step 602 , the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 reads the abnormal sound determination data from the abnormal sound determination data storage area 30C in the memory unit 30 , and then the process proceeds to step 604 .

[0076] In step 604, the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 outputs the abnormal sound determination data to the print control unit 14, and the series of processes of the abnormal sound detection control unit 20 is completed.

[0077] Fig. 9 shows the results of comparing cases 1 when this embodiment is not implemented, 2 when this embodiment is not implemented, and a case when this embodiment is implemented. The example in Fig. 9 shows a case where printing is performed on recording paper sizes A3, A4, and A4 in that order.

[0078] In case 1 where this embodiment is not implemented, the reduction process is not performed. In this case, the result of the frequency analysis of A3 is 600, and the result of the frequency analysis of A4 is 300. As shown in FIG. 9, the judgment process of A3 has not been completed, so the next process cannot be performed and a waiting time occurs.

[0079] In addition, in case 2 where this embodiment is not implemented, the reduction processing is performed all at once, and in this case too, the determination processing for A3 has not been completed, so the next processing cannot be performed and a waiting time occurs.

[0080] In contrast, when this embodiment is implemented, the reduction process is performed sequentially to perform the abnormal noise detection process, eliminating the waiting time.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as an example of a processing apparatus, but the processing apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus 10. For example, any apparatus that continuously executes multiple processes that require different amounts of time and that generate operating sounds may be an image processing apparatus, a conveying apparatus that conveys various types of conveying objects, or another processing apparatus.

[0082] 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., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0083] 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.

[0084] The processing performed by the processor 18 according to the above embodiment may be software-based, hardware-based, or a combination of both. The processing performed by the processor 18 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0085] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0086] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments. (((1))) a processor, the processor comprising: Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes that require different times and accompany operation sounds are executed consecutively; Deriving the number of data points when frequency analyzing the data based on the operating conditions; The number of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis is reduced to a number of pieces of data that can be subjected to abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for processing the next processing target. A processing device that performs processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

[0087] (((2))) The processing device according to (((1))), wherein the processor acquires data representing a collection result of operation sounds generated in relation to printing as the operation sounds.

[0088] (((3))) The processing device according to ((1))) or ((2))), wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by thinning out the analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

[0089] (((4))) The processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by averaging a plurality of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

[0090] (((5))) The processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the processor compares the two pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis and adopts the data with the larger value, thereby reducing the analysis result data.

[0091] (((6))) The computer Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes that require different times and accompany operation sounds are executed consecutively; Deriving the number of data points when the data is frequency analyzed based on the operating conditions; The number of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis is reduced to a number of pieces of data that can be subjected to abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for processing the next processing target. A processing method for detecting abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

[0092] (((7))) On the computer, Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes that require different times and accompany operation sounds are executed consecutively; Deriving the number of data points when the data is frequency analyzed based on the operating conditions; The number of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis is reduced to a number of pieces of data that can be subjected to abnormal sound detection processing within the processing time for processing the next processing target. A processing program for executing a process for detecting abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

[0093] According to (((1))), it is possible to provide a processing device that can detect abnormal sounds without reducing productivity when multiple processes that require different times and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively.

[0094] According to (((2))), it is possible to detect abnormal sounds related to printing.

[0095] According to (((3))), it is possible to reduce the number of data by the amount of data that has been thinned out, thereby reducing the data size.

[0096] According to (((4))), it is possible to reduce the number of data by the amount of averaging, thereby reducing the data size.

[0097] According to (((5))), it is possible to reduce the amount of data by eliminating unused data.

[0098] According to (((6))), when a plurality of processes that require different times and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively, a processing method can be provided that can detect abnormal sounds without reducing productivity.

[0099] According to (((7))), when a plurality of processes that require different times and generate operating sounds are executed consecutively, a processing program can be provided that can detect abnormal sounds without reducing productivity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Image forming device 16 Sound Sensor 18 Abnormal noise detection unit (processor) 20 Abnormal noise detection control unit 22 Sound sensor control unit 24 Frequency analysis section 26 Reduction processing section 28 Abnormal noise detection unit 30 Storage section

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes accompanied by operation sounds are continuously executed, including processes with different required times; The analysis result data obtained by frequency analysis of the data is reduced so that abnormal sound detection processing can be performed within the processing time for the next processing target. A processing device that performs processing to detect abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

2. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor acquires data representing the results of collection of operation sounds generated in relation to printing as the operation sounds.

3. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by thinning out the analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

4. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by averaging a plurality of pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis.

5. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data by comparing the two pieces of analysis result data after the frequency analysis and adopting the data with the larger value.

6. A processing device as described in Claim 1, wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data to a predetermined data size so that the processing time for the abnormal sound detection process is constant.

7. A processing device as described in Claim 1, wherein the processor reduces the analysis result data to a number of data that allows abnormal sound detection processing within a predetermined standard processing time for processing the next processing target.

8. The computer Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes accompanied by operation sounds are continuously executed, including processes with different required times; The analysis result data obtained by frequency analysis of the data is reduced so that abnormal sound detection processing can be performed within the processing time for the next processing target. A processing method for detecting abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

9. On the computer, Acquire data representing the results of collecting operation sounds when a plurality of processes accompanied by operation sounds are continuously executed, including processes with different required times; The analysis result data obtained by frequency analysis of the data is reduced so that abnormal sound detection processing can be performed within the processing time for the next processing target. A processing program for executing a process for detecting abnormal sounds using the reduced analysis result data.

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