Image Forming Apparatus Abnormal Sound Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in accurately identifying the source of abnormal sounds when multiple members produce sounds in overlapping frequency bands, making it challenging to diagnose the source of the abnormal sound.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus transitions to a separately-driving mode after normal operation, where possible sources of the abnormal sound are identified and operated separately from other members, using sound signal processing and filtering to determine the source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency analysis method is used to identify abnormal sound sources, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates when multiple members produce sounds in overlapping frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operation of multiple members into separate time segments. First, all members operate together during normal image forming to collect sound data. Then, each member operates separately in subsequent time segments to collect individual sound characteristics. This temporal segmentation allows the system to distinguish sound sources that overlap in frequency by separating them in time, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing measurement capability and maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separately-driving mode is implemented to identify abnormal sound sources, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases due to additional operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sound data collection during normal image forming operations when all members are operating together. This preliminary action captures the abnormal sound characteristics in the context of full system operation. The separately-driving mode is then used only when needed to confirm the specific source, minimizing the impact on productivity while maintaining high measurement precision through the preliminary data collection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic switching between normal operation mode and separately-driving mode. During normal operation, image forming proceeds efficiently. When abnormal sounds are detected, the system periodically transitions to separately-driving mode to identify the specific source, then returns to normal operation. This periodic action balances productivity maintenance with accurate diagnostic capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit having a plurality of members, a control unit, and a sound collecting unit. The control unit controls operations of the plurality of members in a first operation mode in which the image forming unit forms an image on a recording material. The sound collecting unit collects a sound that arises in the image forming apparatus during the first operation mode execution to generate a sound signal. When it is determined, based on the generated sound signal, that an abnormal sound has arisen, the control unit determines a source of the abnormal sound by transitioning to a second operation mode after the first operation mode has ended and causing, in the second operation mode, one or more members, from the plurality of members, that are possible sources of the abnormal sound to operate separately from the remaining plurality of members.