Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processor that can prevent recording of sounds other than operation sound, and an information processing program.SOLUTION: An information processor comprises a processor. When an opening / closing part of an object device in which operation sound generates is opened, the processor prohibits recording of the operation sound by a microphone provided in the object device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, characterized by having a storage means that stores the operating sounds of the image forming apparatus when the apparatus is operating normally, a sound detection means that detects the operating sounds generated by the image forming apparatus, and an identification means that identifies 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 device having an image forming unit that forms an image on printing paper and a transport unit that transports the printing paper, characterized in that the image processing device is equipped with a sound conversion unit that converts sound inside the image processing device 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 results of the analysis by the sound analysis unit.

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

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a diagnostic device having a recording means for recording sounds emitted by a diagnostic target, a receiving means for receiving operations from a user, an acquiring means for acquiring, when the receiving means receives the operation, recorded data for a predetermined period of time before and after the reception as diagnostic data, and a warning means for warning that the recording means has started recording before the reception means receives the operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-079263 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-290288 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-111472 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-120199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that can prevent sounds other than operation sounds from being recorded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to a first aspect includes a processor, and when an opening / closing part of a target device that generates an operating sound is open, the processor prohibits a microphone installed inside the target device from recording the operating sound.

[0009] An information processing device according to a second aspect is the information processing device according to the first aspect, wherein the processor permits recording of the operation sound when the opening / closing unit is closed.

[0010] In addition, an information processing device according to a third aspect is the information processing device according to the second aspect, wherein if the opening / closing part is opened after starting to record the operation sound, the processor deletes the recorded operation sound.

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

[0012] In addition, an information processing device according to a fifth aspect is the information processing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the opening and closing portion includes at least one of a tray that contains the recording medium and a cover that is opened and closed when replacing a cartridge that contains a colorant.

[0013] In addition, an information processing device according to a sixth aspect is an information processing device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the processor allows the recording of the operating sound when the opening / closing part of a paper feed device external to the image forming device is open.

[0014] In addition, the information processing program according to the seventh aspect causes a computer to execute processing including prohibiting a microphone installed inside a target device from recording the operating sound when an 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 aspects, it is possible to prevent sounds other than operation sounds from being recorded.

[0016] According to the second aspect, it is possible to prevent sounds outside the target device from being recorded, compared to when recording of operation sounds is permitted when the opening / closing unit is not closed.

[0017] According to the third aspect, if the opening / closing part is opened after recording of the operating sound has started, it is possible to prevent erroneous diagnosis when diagnosing an abnormality in the target device based on the operating sound, compared to when the recorded operating sound is not deleted.

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

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, when the cover that opens and closes when replacing the tray that contains the recording medium or the cartridge that contains the coloring material is open, it is possible to prevent sounds other than the operating sounds of the target device from being recorded.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent unnecessary prohibition of recording of operating sounds compared to when recording of operating sounds is not permitted when the opening / closing part of an external paper feed device is open. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of an information processing program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0024] The image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a paper feeder 40 provided externally to the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of a target apparatus according to the present embodiment. The target apparatus may be realized by a device other than the image forming apparatus 10. Furthermore, although the present embodiment describes an image forming system 100 that includes a paper feeder 40 externally attached to the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming system 100 may also be realized by the image forming apparatus 10 alone.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment accepts a job designated by a user and executes the designated job. One example of a job executed by the image forming apparatus 10 is a print job in which an original image generated from a scanned original or the like is formed on a recording medium such as paper.

[0026] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with an internal microphone that records operating sounds used in an abnormality diagnosis process to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 10. Here, the operating sounds refer to, for example, sounds of the mechanical components provided inside the image forming apparatus 10 that are generated when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job. Examples of the mechanical components include, but are not limited to, rotating bodies such as conveyance rollers that convey paper and drive sources such as motors that drive the conveyance rollers. An example of the operating sounds is the sounds generated when the conveyance rollers and motors operate in response to the execution of a job by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0027] Here, the image forming apparatus 10 may start a job instructed by a user even when the paper feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus 10 is open and the cover (hereinafter referred to as the "front cover") that is opened and closed when replacing a cartridge containing color materials such as toner or ink is open. Also, 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 to execute the job.

[0028] If the operating sound is recorded in the above case, for example, the contents of a conversation between people having a conversation near the image forming apparatus 10 may be included in the recorded data, which may lead to the leakage of confidential information.

[0029] Furthermore, if the front cover or paper feed tray is opened or closed while a job is being executed that records operational 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 conversations and the opening and closing sounds of the front cover, paper feed tray, etc. are examples of sounds other than operational sounds.

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

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

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

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

[0034] A 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 replaceably provided in the image forming unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in Figure 2. When there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, they will be referred to as cartridges 24. In addition, a user can open the main body paper feed tray 28 and the external paper feed tray 40A and refill each paper feed tray with paper.

[0035] The front cover 101 and the paper feed trays 102 to 105 (main body paper feed tray 28) are an example of an opening / closing part of the target device. The paper feed trays 401 and 402 (external paper feed tray 40A) are an example of an opening / closing part of the paper feed device 40.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of image forming apparatus 10 and paper feeder 40. Image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 3 includes components such as control unit 12, image reading unit 14, image forming unit 16, display unit 18, operation unit 20, microphone 22, cartridge 24, cover open / close sensor 25, memory unit 26, main body paper feed tray 28, paper feed tray open / close sensor 29, discharge unit 30, and communication unit 32. Note that 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 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12C, a non-volatile memory 12D, and an input / output interface (I / O) unit 12E.

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

[0039] The CPU 12A, the ROM 12B, the RAM 12C, and the nonvolatile memory 12D are connected to the I / O unit 12E via a bus so as to be able to 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 using, for example, an electrophotographic system or an inkjet recording system. When an electrophotographic system is adopted, the cartridge 24 is a toner cartridge containing toner as an example of a color material. When an inkjet recording system is adopted, the cartridge 24 is an ink cartridge containing ink as an example of a color material. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the image forming unit 16 forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic system.

[0042] The display unit 18 is configured by combining, for example, a touch panel with a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc. The display unit 18 displays images, pop-up images, etc. in response to touch operations by the user and processing of the image forming apparatus 10.

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

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

[0045] The microphone 22 is installed inside the image forming device 10 and collects operation sounds generated by the image forming unit 16, etc. The microphone 22 is placed in a location where it can collect operation sounds generated by the image forming unit 16, etc. Details of the placement of the microphone 22 will be described later. The collected operation sounds are stored as recorded data 26B in the memory unit 26 as needed.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the cartridges 24 include cartridges 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K for color materials such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). A user can replace each cartridge to replenish a running amount of color material. Note that, for simplicity's sake, Figure 2 omits illustrations of the photosensitive element, charger, developer, transfer roller, and the like.

[0047] The cover open / close sensor 25 detects whether the front cover 101 is open or closed.

[0048] The storage unit 26 is configured by, 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 programs. The storage unit 26 also stores, for example, audio recording data 26B.

[0049] The sound recording data 26B is data in which the operating sounds generated from the image forming unit 16 and the like due to the execution of a job are recorded.

[0050] One sheet feed tray open / close sensor 29 is provided for each of sheet feed trays 102, 103, 104, and 105. Each sheet feed tray open / close sensor 29 detects whether the corresponding sheet feed tray 102-105 is open or closed.

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

[0052] The communication unit 32 is an interface for communicatively connecting the image forming apparatus 10 to, for example, a server 50 provided outside the image forming apparatus 10. The communication unit 32 uses a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LAN (Local Area Network).

[0053] The server 50 executes the abnormality diagnosis process using, for example, the audio recording data 26B. An example of the server 50 is a PC (Personal Computer). The abnormality diagnosis process may be configured to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10. When the image forming apparatus 10 executes the abnormality diagnosis process, for example, an abnormality diagnosis process program is stored in advance in the storage unit 26 or the like.

[0054] In addition to the external paper feed tray 40A described above, the paper feed device 40 also includes an external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B. For example, one external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B is provided for each of paper feed trays 401 and 402. Each external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B detects the open / close state of paper feed tray 401 and paper feed 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, memory unit 26, main body paper feed tray 28, paper feed tray opening / closing sensor 29, discharge unit 30, communication unit 32, and paper feed device 40 are connected to the control unit 12 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0056] In the following, information indicating the open / closed state of front cover 101 detected by cover open / close sensor 25 will be referred to as cover open / close information. Information indicating the open / closed state of paper feed trays 102-105 detected by paper feed tray open / close sensor 29 will be referred to as paper feed tray open / close information. Information indicating the open / closed state of paper feed trays 401, 402 detected by external paper feed tray open / close sensor 40B will be referred to as external paper feed tray open / close information. These pieces of information will be collectively referred to as open / close information.

[0057] In the open / close information, the open / close states of the front cover 101, the paper feed trays 102 to 105, and the paper feed trays 401 and 402 are expressed by values ​​such as "0" and "1." The open / close information is updated in response to changes in the open / close states of the front cover 101, the paper feed trays 102 to 105, and the paper feed trays 401 and 402. For example, if the cover open / close information is "1" when the front cover 101 is open, the cover open / close information is updated to "0" when the front cover 101 is closed.

[0058] Next, the arrangement of the microphone 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

[0060] 2, microphone 22A is placed near image forming unit 16, and microphone 22B is placed near transport unit 51. Microphone 22A collects operating sounds generated by rotating bodies such as photosensitive drums, developing rollers, transfer rollers, and fuser roller 52 of the fuser unit (not shown) that constitute image forming unit 16, as well as motors that drive these rotating bodies. Microphone 22B also collects operating sounds generated by rotating bodies such as drive roller 56 that drives intermediate transfer belt 54 and drive roller 60 that drives transport belt 58 that transports paper, as well as motors that drive these rotating bodies.

[0061] 4, the number of microphones 22 is two, but this is not limiting, and the number of microphones 22 may be one, or three or more. The installation location is also not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and may be any location where operation sounds used for abnormality diagnosis can be collected.

[0062] The microphone 22 including the microphone 22A and the microphone 22B shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a microphone provided inside the target device.

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

[0064] 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 an instruction to execute a job from a user.

[0066] In step S102, CPU 12A determines whether at least one of front cover 101, main body paper feed tray 28, and external paper feed tray 40A is in the open state based on the open / close information. For example, if at least one of the cover open / close information, paper feed tray open / close information, and external paper feed tray open / close information indicates the open state, CPU 12A determines that at least one of front cover 101, main body paper feed tray 28, and external paper feed tray 40A is in the open state.

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

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

[0069] If it is determined that only the external paper feed tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S106. In other words, if, among the front cover 101, the main body paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A, only the external paper feed tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if at least one of the cover open / close information and the paper feed tray open / close information indicates an open state, that is, if at least one of the front cover 101 and the main body paper feed 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 operation sounds with the microphone 22.

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

[0072] In step S110, CPU 12A determines whether or not at least one of front cover 101 and main body paper feed tray 28, which are in the open state, has been closed, and both front cover 101 and main body paper feed tray 28 are now in the closed state.

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

[0074] In step S111, CPU 12A determines whether or not the job has been completed, and if the job has been completed, proceeds to step S124, and if the job has not been completed, returns to step S110.

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

[0076] In step S114, CPU 12A determines based on the open / close information whether at least one of front cover 101, main body paper feed tray 28, and external paper feed tray 40A has been opened.

[0077] If it is determined that at least one of the front cover 101, the main body paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S116. If none of the front cover 101, the main body paper feed tray 28, and the external paper feed tray 40A is open, the process proceeds to step S122.

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

[0079] In step S118, CPU 12A stops the collection and recording of operation sounds by microphone 22.

[0080] In step S120, CPU 12A deletes sound recording data 26B that has been stored since sound recording was started in step S106 until sound recording was stopped in step S118.

[0081] In step S122, CPU 12A determines whether or not the job has been completed, and if so, proceeds to step S124, and if not, returns to step S114.

[0082] In step S124, CPU 12A determines whether or not audio recording data 26B of the job specified by the user is stored in storage unit 26. If the processing of step S120 is not executed and audio recording data 26B is stored in storage unit 26, the processing proceeds to step S126. If audio recording data 26B is deleted by executing the processing of step S120 and is not stored in storage unit 26, the processing by information processing program 26A ends.

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

[0084] The abnormality diagnosis process is performed, for example, using the analysis results obtained by frequency analysis of the sound recording data 26B, or using a learning model that is machine-learned using the sound recording data 26B and the analysis results of the sound recording data.

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

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

[0087] Furthermore, if it is determined in the processing of steps S104 and S116 that both front cover 101 and main body paper feed tray 28 are closed, image forming apparatus 10 starts sound recording. In other words, image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment allows sound recording if both front cover 101 and main body paper feed tray 28 are closed at the start of a job. Furthermore, if front cover 101 and main body paper feed tray 28 were open at the start of a job but are both closed after the start of the job, image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment allows sound recording at the timing when 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 body paper feed tray 28 is opened after recording of the operating sound has started, the recording data 26B is deleted.

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

[0090] According to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to detect abnormalities due to deterioration over time of the mechanical configuration of the image forming unit 16 and the like provided in the image forming apparatus 10 using the recording data 26B of the operating sounds during the job.

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

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the front cover 101 and the main body paper feed tray 28 are open, which is a situation in which the microphone 22 is likely to pick up conversations between people, recording does not start or recording stops, and when recording stops, the recorded data 26B is deleted. Therefore, the recorded data 26B that may contain conversations is deleted. Therefore, the abnormality diagnosis process can be performed using the recorded data 26B that does not contain conversations, which not only enables appropriate detection of abnormalities but also 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 provided outside the image forming apparatus 10 do not affect the collection of operation 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 the recorded data 26B, so operation sounds can be recorded regardless of whether the external paper feed tray 40A is open or closed during a job.

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

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

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

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

[0098] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in each of 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 processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

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

[0100] In the above embodiment, the processing in the image forming apparatus 10 is described as being realized by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing may be realized by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0101] In addition, the configuration of the image forming device 10 described in the above embodiment is one example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] Furthermore, the processing flow of the information processing program 26A described in the above embodiment (see Figure 4) is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present disclosure.

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

[0104] (((1))) a processor; The processor prohibits a microphone provided inside the target device from recording the operation sound when the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operation sound is open. Information processing device.

[0105] (((2))) The processor: When the opening / closing part is closed, recording of the operation sound is permitted. The information processing device according to (((1))).

[0106] (((3))) The processor: If the opening / closing section is opened after the recording of the operation sound has started, the recorded operation sound is deleted. The information processing device according to (((2))).

[0107] (((4))) The target device is an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium. An information processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0108] (((5))) The opening / closing section includes at least one of a tray that accommodates the recording medium and a cover that opens and closes when replacing a cartridge that accommodates a coloring material. The information processing device according to (((4))).

[0109] (((6))) When the opening / closing part of the paper feed device externally attached to the image forming apparatus is open, recording of the operation sound is permitted. The information processing device according to (((4))) or (((5))).

[0110] (((7))) On the computer, When the opening / closing part of the target device that generates the operation sound is open, the recording of the operation sound by the microphone provided inside the target device is prohibited. An information processing program that executes processing including the above.

[0111] According to (((1))) and (((7))), it is possible to prevent sounds other than operation sounds from being recorded.

[0112] According to (((2))), compared to when the opening / closing section is not closed and operation sound recording is permitted, it is possible to prevent external sounds from being recorded from the target device.

[0113] According to (((3))), when the opening / closing part is opened after recording of the operating sound has started, it is possible to prevent misdiagnosis when diagnosing an abnormality in the target device based on the operating sound, compared to when the recorded operating sound is not deleted.

[0114] According to (((4))), it is possible to prevent sounds other than the operating sounds of the image forming apparatus from being recorded.

[0115] According to (((5))), when the cover that opens and closes when replacing a tray that contains recording media or a cartridge that contains coloring material, which is provided in an image forming device, is open, it is possible to prevent sounds other than the operating sounds of the target device from being recorded.

[0116] According to (((6))), compared to the case where recording of operation sounds is not permitted when the opening / closing part of the external paper feed device is open, it is possible to prevent unnecessary prohibition of recording of operation sounds. [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, 26A...information processing program, 26B...recorded data, 28...main body paper feed tray, 29...paper feed tray opening / closing sensor, 40...paper feed device, 40A...external paper feed tray, 40B...external paper feed tray opening / closing sensor, 50...server, 101...front cover, 102-105...paper feed tray

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: When an opening / closing part of a target device that generates an operating sound is open, the recording of the operating sound by a microphone provided inside the target device is prohibited; When the opening / closing unit is closed, recording of the operation sound is permitted; If the opening / closing section is opened after the recording of the operation sound has started, the recorded operation sound is deleted. Information processing device.

2. A processor is provided, The processor: When an opening / closing part of an image forming apparatus that generates an operating sound and forms an image on a recording medium is open, recording of the operating sound by a microphone provided inside the image forming apparatus is prohibited. Information processing device.

3. The opening / closing section includes at least one of a tray that accommodates the recording medium and a cover that opens and closes when replacing a cartridge that accommodates a coloring material.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

4. The processor: When the opening / closing part of the paper feed device externally attached to the image forming apparatus is open, recording of the operation sound is permitted.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2.

5. On the computer, When an opening / closing part of a target device that generates an operating sound is open, the recording of the operating sound by a microphone provided inside the target device is prohibited; When the opening / closing unit is closed, the recording of the operation sound is permitted; If the opening / closing section is opened after the recording of the operation sound has started, the recorded operation sound is deleted. An information processing program that executes processing including the above.

6. A computer, When an opening / closing part of an image forming apparatus that generates an operation sound and forms an image on a recording medium is open, recording of the operation sound by a microphone provided inside the image forming apparatus is prohibited. An information processing program that executes processing including the above.

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