Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

The objective is to provide an information processing device and information processing program that can prevent sounds other than operating sounds from being recorded. [Solution] The information processing device includes a processor, and the processor prohibits recording of the operating sound by a microphone installed inside the target device when the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operating sound is open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, comprising: storage means for storing the normal operation sound of the image forming apparatus; sound detection means for detecting the operation sound generated from the image forming apparatus; specific means for specifying an abnormal part of the image forming apparatus based on first sound information stored in the storage means, second sound information detected by the sound detection means, and operation information of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image processing apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image on printing paper and a conveyance unit that conveys the printing paper, comprising: a sound conversion unit that converts the sound inside the image processing apparatus into an electrical signal; a sound analysis unit that analyzes the electrical signal converted by the sound conversion unit; and an output unit that outputs the result analyzed by the sound analysis unit.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus comprising: voice collection means for collecting voice and outputting voice data; voice recording means for storing the voice data in voice storage means; data editing means for adding the voice data to image data; and control means for causing the voice recording means to perform the voice recording operation only when the level of noise included in the voice data collected by the voice collection means is below a predetermined limit threshold level.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a diagnostic device comprising: recording means for recording sounds emitted by a subject to diagnosis; receiving means for receiving operations from a user; acquiring means for acquiring recording data for a predetermined period including the time of reception as diagnostic data when the receiving means receives an operation; and warning means for warning that the recording means has started recording before the receiving means receives an operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-079263 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-290288 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-111472 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-120199 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can prevent sounds other than operating sounds from being recorded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a processor, and the processor prohibits recording of the operating sound by a microphone installed inside the target device when the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operating sound is open.

[0009] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the second embodiment is an information processing device according to the first embodiment, in which the P The Rossessa allows recording of the operating sound when the opening / closing part is closed.

[0010] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment, in the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, if the opening / closing part opens after the recording of the operating sound has started, the processor deletes the recorded operating sound.

[0011] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the target apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, in the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is an information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the opening and closing section includes at least one of a tray for housing the recording medium and a cover that opens and closes when replacing a cartridge for housing colorants.

[0013] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing apparatus according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, the processor permits recording of the operating sound when the opening / closing part of the paper feeder attached to the externally mounted image forming apparatus is open.

[0014] Furthermore, the information processing program according to the seventh embodiment causes the computer to execute a process that includes prohibiting the recording of the operating sound by a microphone installed inside the target device when the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operating sound is open. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first and seventh embodiments, there is an effect of preventing sounds other than operating sounds from being recorded.

[0016] According to the second embodiment, compared to the case where recording of operating sounds is permitted when the opening / closing part is not closed, it is possible to prevent external sounds from the target device from being recorded.

[0017] According to the third embodiment, if the opening / closing part opens after recording of the operating sound has started, it is possible to prevent misdiagnosis when diagnosing abnormalities of the target device based on the operating sound, compared to not deleting the recorded operating sound.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent recording of sounds other than the operating sound of the image forming apparatus.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, when the cover that opens and closes when replacing the tray that houses the recording medium or the cartridge that houses the toner is open, it is possible to prevent recording of sounds other than the operating sound of the target device.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent unnecessary prohibition of recording of the operating sound as compared with the case where recording of the operating sound is not permitted when the opening / closing part of the externally attached paper feeding device is open.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a side view of the image forming system. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus and the paper feeding device. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information processing program.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] First, an outline of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0024] The image forming system 100 shown in Figure 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a paper feed device 40 located outside the image forming apparatus 10. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 is an example of the target apparatus according to this embodiment. The target apparatus may be implemented using devices other than the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, while this embodiment describes an image forming system 100 with an externally attached paper feed device 40 to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming system 100 may also be implemented using only the image forming apparatus 10.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment accepts a job specified by the user and executes the specified job. An example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is a printing job that forms an image of a document generated from a scanned document onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0026] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a microphone inside to record operating sounds used for abnormality diagnosis processing to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 10. Here, operating sounds refer to sounds of the mechanical components inside the image forming apparatus 10, for example, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job. An example of a mechanical component is a rotating body such as a transport roller that transports paper and a drive source such as a motor that drives the transport roller, but is not limited to these. An example of operating sounds is the sound generated when the transport roller and the motor etc. operate when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job.

[0027] Here, the image forming apparatus 10 may start a job instructed by the user even if the paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus 10 is open, or if the cover (hereinafter referred to as the "front cover") which is opened and closed when replacing the cartridge containing colorants such as toner or ink is open. Furthermore, even if the paper feed tray or the front cover is opened while the image forming apparatus 10 is executing a job, the image forming apparatus 10 may continue executing the job.

[0028] In the above case, if the operating sounds are recorded, the recording data may include, for example, the content of conversations between people talking near the image forming apparatus 10, which could lead to the leakage of confidential information.

[0029] Furthermore, if the front cover and paper tray are opened or closed while a job is running that is recording operating sounds, the opening and closing sounds will be included in the recorded data, making it difficult to obtain appropriate results in the abnormality diagnosis process based on the recorded data. Note that conversation and the opening and closing sounds of the front cover and paper tray are examples of sounds other than operating sounds.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 prohibits recording of operating sounds when the opening / closing parts such as the front cover and paper feed tray are open.

[0031] The configuration of the image forming system 100 will be described in detail below.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a front cover 101, a paper feed tray 102, a paper feed tray 103, a paper feed tray 104, and a paper feed tray 105. In addition, according to the example shown in Figure 1, the external paper feeder 40 attached to the image forming apparatus 10 includes a paper feed tray 401 and a paper feed tray 402.

[0033] Hereinafter, the paper feed trays 102 to 105 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 will be collectively referred to as the main paper feed tray 28. Also, the paper feed trays 401 and 402 provided in the paper feed device 40 will be collectively referred to as the external paper feed tray 40A (see Figure 3).

[0034] The user can open the front cover 101 and replace the yellow (Y) cartridge 24Y, magenta (M) cartridge 24M, cyan (C) cartridge 24C, and black (K) cartridge 24K, which are interchangeably provided in the image forming section 16 of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in Figure 2. Note that cartridges 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are referred to simply as cartridge 24 when not distinguished. The user can also open the main paper feed tray 28 and the external paper feed tray 40A to replenish the paper in each tray.

[0035] Note that the front cover 101 and paper trays 102 to 105 (main paper tray 28) are examples of opening and closing parts of the target device. Also, paper trays 401 and 402 (external paper tray 40A) are examples of opening and closing parts of the paper feeding device 40.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 and a paper feeding device 40. The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 3 includes components such as a control unit 12, an image reading unit 14, an image forming unit 16, a display unit 18, an operation unit 20, a microphone 22, a cartridge 24, a cover opening / closing sensor 25, a storage unit 26, a main paper feed tray 28, a paper feed tray opening / closing sensor 29, an ejection unit 30, and a communication unit 32. Note that the control unit 12 is an example of an information processing device.

[0037] The control unit 12 controls each component connected to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 controls the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12A, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12B, RAM (Random It includes Access Memory (random access memory) 12C, non-volatile memory 12D, and input / output interface (I / O) section 12E.

[0038] The CPU 12A is a central processing unit that reads and executes the information processing program 26A from the memory unit 26. Details of the information processing program 26A will be described later (see Figure 4). The CPU 12A uses the RAM 12C as a working area and controls the image forming apparatus 10, etc., by executing the read program. Note that the CPU 12A is an example of a processor.

[0039] The CPU 12A, ROM 12B, RAM 12C, and non-volatile memory 12D are connected to the I / O unit 12E via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0040] The image reading unit 14 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor that reads a document set in the image forming apparatus 10 and generates a document image.

[0041] The image forming unit 16 forms the original image generated by the image reading unit 14 on a recording medium such as paper, for example, using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet recording method. When an electrophotographic method is adopted, the cartridge 24 is a toner cartridge containing toner as an example of a colorant. When an inkjet recording method is adopted, the cartridge 24 is an ink cartridge containing ink as an example of a colorant. In this embodiment, the case in which the image forming unit 16 forms an image on the recording medium using an electrophotographic method will be described.

[0042] The display unit 18 is configured, for example, by combining a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 18 is configured to allow user touch operation and image forming. Images, pop-up images, etc., are displayed according to the processing of step 10.

[0043] The operation unit 20 consists of operation keys, operation buttons, and a power button, etc., provided on the image forming apparatus 10.

[0044] The user can specify a job to the image forming apparatus 10 or instruct it to start a job by touching the display unit 18 or pressing an operation button on the operation unit 20.

[0045] Microphone 22 is installed inside the image forming apparatus 10 to collect operating sounds generated by the image forming unit 16, etc. Microphone 22 is positioned in a location where it can collect operating sounds generated by the image forming unit 16, etc. Details of the placement of microphone 22 will be described later. The collected operating sounds are stored as recorded data 26B in the storage unit 26 as they occur.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, cartridge 24 includes colorant cartridges 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Users can replenish any missing colorants by replacing each cartridge. Note that in Figure 2, for the sake of simplicity, the photoreceptor, charger, developer, and transfer roller are not shown.

[0047] The cover opening / closing sensor 25 detects the open / closed state of the front cover 101.

[0048] The storage unit 26 is composed of, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 26 stores, for example, an information processing program 26A and various other programs. The storage unit 26 also stores, for example, recorded data 26B.

[0049] The recorded data 26B is data of operating sounds generated from the image forming unit 16, etc., during the execution of a job.

[0050] The paper tray open / close sensors 29 are provided, for example, one for each of the paper trays 102, 103, 104, and 105. Each paper tray open / close sensor 29 detects the open / closed state of the corresponding paper tray 102 to 105.

[0051] The discharge unit 30 stores printed materials that are discharged, for example, when a print job is completed.

[0052] The communication unit 32 is an interface for enabling communication between the image forming apparatus 10 and, for example, a server 50 located outside the image forming apparatus 10. Communication standards such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and LAN (Local Area Network) can be used in the communication unit 32.

[0053] Server 50 performs anomaly diagnosis processing using, for example, recorded data 26B. An example of server 50 is a PC (Personal Computer). Note that the anomaly diagnosis processing may be configured to be performed by the image forming apparatus 10. If the image forming apparatus 10 performs the anomaly diagnosis processing, for example, an anomaly diagnosis processing program is stored in advance in the storage unit 26 or the like.

[0054] The paper feed device 40 includes an external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B in addition to the external paper feed tray 40A described above. For example, one external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B is provided for each paper feed tray 401 and paper feed tray 402. The system detects the open / closed state of paper tray 401 and paper tray 402, respectively.

[0055] The image reading unit 14, image forming unit 16, display unit 18, operation unit 20, microphone 22, cartridge 24, cover opening / closing sensor 25, storage unit 26, main unit paper feed tray 28, paper feed tray opening / closing sensor 29, ejection unit 30, communication unit 32, and paper feed device 40, etc., are connected to the control unit 12 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0056] In the following, information indicating the open / closed state of the front cover 101, as detected by the cover open / close sensor 25, will be referred to as cover open / closed information. Similarly, information indicating the open / closed state of the paper trays 102-105, as detected by the paper tray open / closed sensor 29, will be referred to as paper tray open / closed information. Furthermore, information indicating the open / closed state of the paper trays 401 and 402, as detected by the external paper tray open / closed sensor 40B, will be referred to as external paper tray open / closed information. When referring to all of this information collectively, it will be referred to as open / closed information.

[0057] The open / closed information represents the open / closed state of the front cover 101, paper trays 102-105, and paper trays 401 and 402, respectively, using values ​​such as "0" and "1". The open / closed information is updated according to changes in the open / closed state of the front cover 101, paper trays 102-105, and paper trays 401 and 402. For example, if the cover open / closed information for the front cover 101 is "1", then when the front cover 101 is closed, the cover open / closed information is updated to "0".

[0058] Next, we will explain the placement of the microphone 22 with reference to Figure 2.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 2, microphone 22A is positioned near the image forming unit 16, and microphone 22B is positioned near the transport unit 51. Microphone 22A collects operating sounds generated by rotating bodies such as the photosensitive drum, developing roller, transfer roller, and fixing roller 52 of the fixing unit (not shown) that make up the image forming unit 16, as well as the motors that drive these rotating bodies. Microphone 22B collects operating sounds generated by rotating bodies such as the drive roller 56 that drives the intermediate transfer belt 54 and the drive roller 60 that drives the transport belt 58 that transports the paper, as well as the motors that drive these rotating bodies.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 4, two microphones 22 are used, but the number of microphones 22 is not limited to this; one microphone or three or more microphones 22 may be used. Furthermore, the installation location is not limited to the example shown in Figure 4; any location where operating sounds used for abnormality diagnosis can be collected is acceptable.

[0062] The microphone 22, including microphones 22A and 22B shown in Figure 3, is an example of a microphone installed inside the target device.

[0063] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by the information processing program 26A will be described.

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing program 26A. The information processing program 26A is executed by the CPU 12A.

[0065] In step S100, CPU 12A receives a job execution instruction from the user.

[0066] In step S102, the CPU 12A determines, based on the open / closed information, whether at least one of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A is in an open state. The system determines whether or not a condition exists. For example, if at least one of the open / closed information (cover open / closed, paper tray open / closed, and external paper tray open / closed) indicates an open state, it is determined that at least one of the front cover 101, the main paper tray 28, and the external paper tray 40A is in an open state.

[0067] If at least one of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A is open, proceed to step S104. If none of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A are open, in other words, if all of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A are closed, proceed to step S106.

[0068] In step S104, the CPU 12A determines, based on the open / close information, whether only the external paper tray 40A is in the open state. Specifically, the CPU 12A determines whether the external paper tray open / close information indicates an open state, and whether the cover open / close information and the paper tray open / close information indicate a closed state.

[0069] If it is determined that only the external paper tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S106. In other words, if only the external paper tray 40A is open among the front cover 101, the main paper tray 28, and the external paper tray 40A, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if at least one of the cover open / closed information and the paper tray open / closed information indicates an open state, that is, if at least one of the front cover 101 and the main paper tray 28 is open, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0070] In step S106, the CPU 12A starts the job specified by the user and also starts collecting and recording operating sounds using the microphone 22.

[0071] In step S108, CPU 12A starts the job specified by the user.

[0072] In step S110, the CPU 12A determines whether at least one of the open front cover 101 and the main paper tray 28 has been closed, and whether both the front cover 101 and the main paper tray 28 are now in a closed state.

[0073] If it is determined that both the front cover 101 and the main paper tray 28 are closed, proceed to step S112. If at least one of the front cover 101 and the main paper tray 28 is open, proceed to step S111.

[0074] In step S111, CPU 12A determines whether the job has finished or not. If the job has finished, it proceeds to step S124; otherwise, it returns to step S110.

[0075] In step S112, the CPU 12A starts collecting and recording operating sounds using the microphone 22.

[0076] In step S114, the CPU 12A determines, based on the open / closed information, whether or not at least one of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A has been opened.

[0077] If it is determined that at least one of the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A is open, proceed to step S116. If neither the internal paper feed tray 28 nor the external paper feed tray 40A is open, proceed to step S122.

[0078] In step S116, the CPU 12 determines whether only the external paper feed tray 40A is open among the front cover 101, the main paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A. Specifically, it determines whether only the external paper feed tray open / closed information indicates an open state. If only the external paper feed tray open / closed information indicates an open state, that is, if only the external paper feed tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if at least one of the cover open / closed information and the paper feed tray open / closed information indicates an open state, that is, if at least one of the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 is open, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0079] In step S118, the CPU 12A stops collecting and recording operating sounds using the microphone 22.

[0080] In step S120, the CPU 12A deletes the recording data 26B that has been stored from the time recording started in step S106 until it is stopped in step S118.

[0081] In step S122, CPU 12A determines whether the job has finished or not. If the job has finished, it proceeds to step S124; otherwise, it returns to step S114.

[0082] In step S124, the CPU 12A determines whether the recording data 26B for the job specified by the user is stored in the storage unit 26. If the process in step S120 is not executed and the recording data 26B is stored in the storage unit 26, the process proceeds to step S126. If the recording data 26B is deleted by the execution of the process in step S120 and is no longer stored in the storage unit 26, the processing by the information processing program 26A ends.

[0083] In step S126, if the image forming apparatus 10 performs an abnormality diagnosis process, the CPU 12 executes the abnormality diagnosis process using the recorded data 26B. On the other hand, in step S126, if the server 50 performs an abnormality diagnosis process, the CPU 12A sends the recorded data 26B to the server 50.

[0084] Anomaly diagnosis processing is performed, for example, by using the analysis results obtained by frequency analysis of the recorded data 26B, or by using a machine learning model that has been trained using the recorded data 26B and the analysis results of the recorded data.

[0085] When the process in step S126 is executed, the processing by the information processing program 26A is completed.

[0086] According to this embodiment, if it is determined in steps S104 and S116 that at least one of the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 is open, the image forming apparatus 10 will not start recording or will stop recording. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment prohibits recording if at least one of the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 is open.

[0087] Furthermore, in the processing of steps S104 and S116, if it is determined that both the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 are closed, the image forming apparatus 10 starts recording. In other words, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 starts recording when the front cover Recording is permitted when both the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 are closed. In addition, in this embodiment, if the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28, which were open at the start of the job, become closed after the job has started, recording is permitted at the moment both are closed.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the processing of steps S114, S116, S118, and S120, if at least one of the front cover 101 and the main unit paper feed tray 28 is opened after the recording of the operating sound has started, the recorded data 26B is deleted.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the processing of steps S102, S104, S114, and S116, if the external paper feed tray 40A is in an open state, there is no effect on the recorded data 26B, so the recording of the operating sound is started or not stopped. In other words, if only the external paper feed tray 40A of the paper feed device 40 is in an open state, the image forming apparatus 10 allows the recording of the operating sound.

[0090] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to detect abnormalities such as deterioration over time of mechanical components such as the image forming unit 16 in the image forming apparatus 10 using the recording data 26B of operating sounds during a job.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the opening and closing sounds of the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 are included in the recording data 26B, the recording data 26B is deleted. Therefore, abnormality diagnosis processing can be performed using recording data 26B that does not contain opening and closing sounds, and abnormalities can be detected appropriately.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the front cover 101 and the main paper feed tray 28 are open, creating a situation where the microphone 22 can easily collect conversations between people, recording does not start or stops, and when recording stops, the recorded data 26B is deleted. Therefore, any recorded data 26B that may contain conversations is deleted. As a result, abnormality diagnosis processing can be performed using recorded data 26B that does not contain conversations, which allows for proper detection of abnormalities and prevents the leakage of confidential information.

[0093] Furthermore, the opening and closing sounds of the external paper feed tray 40A of the paper feed device 40 located outside the image forming apparatus 10 do not affect the collection of operating sounds by the microphone 22. According to this embodiment, the open / closed state of the external paper feed tray 40A does not affect the start and stop of recording, or the deletion of recorded data 26B, so operating sounds can be recorded regardless of whether the external paper feed tray 40A is opened or closed during a job.

[0094] Although embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0095] Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the disclosures in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. The embodiments described above include a variety of inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration with these deleted elements can be extracted as an invention, as long as the effect is obtained.

[0096] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a broad type of processor, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, etc.). t, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated

[0097] This includes circuits, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0098] Furthermore, the processor operations in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0099] In this embodiment, the information processing program 26A is described as being installed in the storage unit 26, but it is not limited to this. The information processing program 26A according to this embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the information processing program 26A according to this embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or memory card. Furthermore, the information processing program 26A according to this embodiment may be acquired from an external device via the communication unit 32.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 is realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, information processing may also be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0101] Furthermore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts added without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0102] Furthermore, the processing flow of the information processing program 26A described in the above embodiment (see Figure 4) is just one example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order changed, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0103] The following is further disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0104] (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The processor prohibits recording of the operating noise by a microphone installed inside the target device if the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operating noise is open. Information processing device.

[0105] (((2))) The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing part is closed, allow recording of the operating sound. The information processing device described in (((1))).

[0106] (((3))) The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing part opens after the recording of the aforementioned operating sound has started, the recorded operating sound will be deleted. The information processing device described in (((2))).

[0107] (((4))) The aforementioned device is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. An information processing device as described in any of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0108] (((5))) The opening / closing section includes at least one of a tray that houses the recording medium and a cover that opens and closes when replacing the cartridge that houses the colorant. The information processing device described in (((4))).

[0109] (((6))) If the opening / closing mechanism of the paper feeder attached to the image forming apparatus is open, the recording of the operating sound is permitted. The information processing device described in (((4))) or (((5))).

[0110] (((7))) On the computer, If the opening / closing part of the device that generates operating noise is open, the recording of the operating noise by a microphone installed inside the device is prohibited. An information processing program that performs a process that includes the following.

[0111] According to (((1))) and (((7))), this has the effect of preventing sounds other than operating sounds from being recorded.

[0112] According to (((2))), compared to the case where recording of operating sounds is permitted when the opening / closing part is not closed, this has the effect of preventing external sounds from the target device from being recorded.

[0113] According to (((3))), if the opening / closing part opens after recording of the operating sound has started, it has the effect of preventing misdiagnosis when diagnosing abnormalities of the target device based on the operating sound, compared to not deleting the recorded operating sound.

[0114] According to (((4))), this has the effect of preventing sounds other than the operating sounds of the image forming apparatus from being recorded.

[0115] According to (((5))), the opening and closing mechanism has the effect of preventing sounds other than the operating sounds of the target device from being recorded when the cover that opens and closes when replacing the tray that houses the recording medium or the cartridge that houses the colorant, which is provided in the image forming apparatus, is open.

[0116] According to (((6))), this has the effect of preventing unnecessary prohibition of recording of operating sounds compared to not allowing recording of operating sounds when the opening / closing part of an external paper feeder is open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10…Image forming apparatus, 12…Control unit, 16…Image forming unit, 22…Microphone, 22A…Microphone, 22B…Microphone, 24…Cartridge, 25…Cover opening / closing sensor, 26…Storage unit, 26 A... Information processing program, 26B... Recorded data, 28... Main paper tray, 29... Paper tray open / close sensor, 40... Paper feed device, 40A... External paper tray, 40B... External paper tray open / close sensor, 50... Server, 101... Front cover, 102~105... Paper tray

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing part of the device that generates operating noise is open, recording of the operating noise by a microphone installed inside the device is prohibited. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing part is closed, allow recording of the operating sound. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing part opens after the recording of the aforementioned operating sound has started, the recorded operating sound will be deleted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned device is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The opening / closing section includes at least one of a tray that houses the recording medium and a cover that opens and closes when replacing the cartridge that houses the colorant. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, If the opening / closing mechanism of the paper feeder attached to the image forming apparatus is open, the recording of the operating sound is permitted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. On the computer, If the opening / closing part of the device that generates operating noise is open, the recording of the operating noise by a microphone installed inside the device is prohibited. An information processing program that performs a process that includes the following.

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