Microphone Recording Control for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in recording operation sounds without including unwanted sounds like conversations or opening/closing noises, which can lead to leakage of confidential information and hinder accurate abnormality diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a processor that prohibits recording of operation sounds when the front cover or paper feeding tray is opened, and deletes recorded data to prevent inclusion of such unwanted sounds, allowing recording only when all relevant parts are closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the microphone continuously records operation sounds for abnormality diagnosis, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but confidential information may be leaked and unwanted sounds are included
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary checking of the opening/closing portion state before starting recording. The processor checks whether the opening/closing portion is closed before permitting recording, and prohibits recording when it is opened, thereby preventing confidential information leakage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the state of the opening/closing portion and provides feedback to the recording control. When the opening/closing portion state changes, the processor adjusts the recording state accordingly, stopping recording when opened and permitting recording when closed, ensuring diagnostic accuracy while preventing information leakage.
2Loss of information
If the microphone records all sounds including opening/closing noises, then no useful sound information is lost, but the signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes unwanted sounds from the recording process by prohibiting recording when the opening/closing portion is opened. This prevents opening/closing noises and conversations from being captured, thereby maintaining signal quality while preserving essential operation sounds for diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system checks the opening/closing portion state before recording starts, and only permits recording when the portion is closed. This preliminary action prevents unwanted sounds from being captured in the first place, ensuring high signal quality without losing useful operation sound information.
3Device complexity
If the recording operates without checking the opening/closing portion state, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of recorded data decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor utilizes the existing opening/closing portion state detection capability (already present for other control purposes) to also control the recording operation. This multi-functional use of the state detection does not significantly increase device complexity while dramatically improving recorded data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing state detection mechanism to control its own recording operation. The processor autonomously determines whether to permit or prohibit recording based on the opening/closing portion state, eliminating the need for separate complex control mechanisms while ensuring data reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to prohibit, in a case where an opening/closing portion of a target apparatus that generates an operation sound is opened, recording of the operation sound by a microphone provided inside the target apparatus.