JP4863802B2 - Remote management system for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote management system for an image forming apparatus, and in particular, communicates sound data between the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus via a communication line, and the management apparatus centrally manages the image forming apparatus via the communication line. The present invention relates to a remote management system for an image forming apparatus.

The following is known as a management method for detecting abnormalities of an image forming apparatus by sound.
This is a remote management system that samples an operation sound of an image forming apparatus and detects an abnormality.
In Patent Document 1, the service center holds information on normal sound or vibration of the image forming apparatus, and the service center receives information on detection of sound or vibration during the copying operation from the image forming apparatus. When the level exceeds a predetermined level, an abnormal part is identified in comparison with the stored information, and if necessary, the use of a unit determined to be abnormal inside the image forming apparatus is prohibited. .

  Patent Document 2 includes a plurality of abnormality detecting means for acquiring an operation sound inside the copying machine as an electrical signal and detecting an abnormal state of the copying machine based on the signal, and analyzing the abnormality according to the operating state of the copying machine. Switch means. As one of the abnormality analysis means, when sampling analysis of sound is performed in synchronization with the rotation cycle of the rotating body inside the copier, and harmonics are detected with respect to the rotation frequency, the rotating body parts are detected as abnormal. A method is disclosed.

  As described above, in the abnormality detection by sound in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the sound is abnormal when the sound level is high, or is determined to be abnormal from the frequency analysis of noise (sound pressure level) synchronized with the rotating body. It is.

  Recently, attention has been focused not only on sound level but also on sound discomfort from the viewpoint of improving the office environment. When an unpleasant sound is generated from the machine, a complaint from the user may be attached. Also, the fact that an unpleasant sound has started means that it has changed somewhere from the normal state, so the part where the unpleasant sound has started is likely to cause a failure. it is conceivable that.

Regarding such pleasantness of sound, psychoacoustic parameters are known as physical quantities related to sound quality. Patent Document 3 discloses the loudness value, sharpness value, tonality value, impulsiveness value, and sound pressure level of psychoacoustic parameters. A sound quality evaluation formula is obtained by using a value, and the discomfort is determined from a sound quality index calculated from the formula.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-302019 JP 2000-81813 A JP 2005-037559 A

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus, even when the rotating body is not in an abnormal level, it is normal that harmonics (2f, 3f,...) Are emitted with respect to the rotational frequency (f). Even if detected, it is not always abnormal. Further, as the frequency of the harmonics 2f, 3f,... Becomes higher than the rotation frequency f, the amplitude of this signal becomes smaller, so it is difficult to detect an abnormality from the amplitude information of the harmonics. It lacks accuracy. Therefore, there is a problem that an abnormal part cannot be instantly identified without a service person visiting the user. In addition, in order to detect harmonics, a sound collecting means capable of collecting high-frequency sound is required, which increases the cost of the sound collecting means.

  Further, when failure diagnosis is performed using sound, there is a possibility that erroneous diagnosis may be performed depending on environmental sounds around the installation site. That is, there are cases where diagnosis cannot be made accurately due to environmental noise. Further, since the sound of the image forming apparatus changes with time, there is a demand for collecting the sound periodically or at an arbitrary timing.

  Furthermore, it is required to determine the abnormality of the image forming apparatus based not only on the sound level but also on the sound discomfort. In other words, when an unpleasant sound is generated from the device, it is thought that somewhere in the device has changed from the normal state, and the part where the unpleasant sound is generated is the cause of the failure. It is considered that there is a high possibility of becoming. For this reason, it is desired that the discomfort of sound be used as a criterion for determination.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus, performs remote diagnosis for occurrence of abnormality accurately and promptly, and a service person instantaneously malfunctions at a base away from the user such as a service station. It is an object to identify a part, immediately bring a replacement part and visit a user to perform the part replacement, and shorten the stop time of the image forming apparatus.

The invention of claim 1
Sound collecting means for collecting sound characteristics during operation of the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for sending the sound data collected by the collecting means to a place separated from the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus as a reference noise level;
An analysis means for analyzing the transmitted sound data;
With
Place a sound source that emits a constant sound of a certain volume in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus or the image forming apparatus,
A constant sound sampling control unit that collects the constant sound data output from the sound source; the constant sound sampling control unit analyzes the constant sound data sampled at an arbitrary timing over time; This is a new setting for the standard value of constant sound data.
The constant sound data and the operation sound of the image forming apparatus are sent to the analysis means by the communication means,
The analysis means includes
The sound data stored in the storage means during normal operation of the image forming apparatus is compared with the sound data collected by the sound collection means and sent by the communication means. When the value at which the sound pressure level that appears in the waveform peaks exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the image forming apparatus,
The constant sound data set over time by the constant sound sampling control unit is used as a reference for judging the communication state by the communication means, and the constant sound volume is compared with the reference noise level. A remote management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein correction is performed so as to match a level.

The invention of claim 2
Sound collecting means for collecting sound characteristics during operation of the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for sending the sound data collected by the collecting means to a place separated from the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus as a reference noise level;
An analysis means for analyzing the transmitted sound data;
With
Place a sound source that emits a constant sound of a certain volume near the image forming apparatus or the image forming apparatus,
A constant sound sampling control unit that collects the constant sound data output from the sound source; the constant sound sampling control unit analyzes the constant sound data sampled at an arbitrary timing over time; This is a new setting for the standard value of constant sound data.
The constant sound data and the operation sound of the image forming apparatus are sent to the analysis means by the communication means,
The analysis means includes
An analysis mode for analyzing the operating state of one or a plurality of components included in the image forming apparatus is provided.
The sound data stored in the storage means during normal operation of the image forming apparatus is compared with the sound data collected by the sound collection means and sent by the communication means. If the value at which the sound pressure level appears at a peak exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the component related to the frequency of the sound data at which the sound pressure level exceeds the peak. And
The constant sound data set over time by the constant sound sampling control unit is used as a reference for judging the communication state by the communication means, and the constant sound volume is compared with the reference noise level. A remote management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein correction is performed so as to match a level.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the communication means uses radio waves .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the analyzing means analyzes the transmitted sound data for each operation mode of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by performing .

The invention of claim 5 is the remote management system of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the analysis means, sent subjected to analysis of the sound data has the time tone sent data Rukoto peak value of sound waveform with respect to the axis is, if you are outside the normal range determined in advance, be determined that there is an abnormality in the component of the image forming apparatus relating to the sound waveform with respect to time axis that deviates from its normal range It is characterized by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the sound collecting means has a constant distance from the sound source for each main sound source of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by being placed in a position.

The invention of claim 7, that the remote management system of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the pre Kishuoto means, disposed in the vicinity of each major source of the image forming apparatus It is characterized by .

Normal invention of claim 8 is the remote management system of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, before Symbol analysis means, psychoacoustic parameter values of the sound data that have been sent, a predetermined If out of range, characterized in that it is determined that there is abnormality in the sound quality of the image forming apparatus.

The invention of claim 9 is the remote management system of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, before Symbol analysis means, the sound pressure level of the sound data transmitted, a plurality of psychoacoustic parameter group (loudness, sharpness, tonality, impulsiveness Ness, roughness, fracture Chue Activation Strength, etc.) by the acoustic physical quantity, and judging the discomfort of the sound by the image forming apparatus issues.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the analysis means includes a frequency axis noise analysis means and a time axis noise analysis means for the received sound data. And sound quality analysis means .

  According to the remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably and promptly determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus, and it is also possible to appropriately and quickly replace parts.

  Embodiments as the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  Hereinafter, a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. The remote management system according to the embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 installed at a plurality of service bases and a central management center 2 that centrally manages these image forming apparatuses via a communication network such as a communication line 5. A central management center 2 that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses is installed in an office that provides maintenance services for the image forming apparatuses.

  In this system, sound generated when the image forming apparatus 1 is operated is collected by the sound collecting means 3, and the sound data is transmitted to the central management center 2 by the transmission means 4 via the communication line 5. In the central management center 2, the received sound data is received by the receiving means 6, and the sound data is analyzed by the analyzing means 7. In this way, the central management center 2 remotely manages the machine state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Hereinafter, the analysis of the sound data by the analysis means 7 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central management center of the remote management system of the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis means 7 includes a recording device 8, a frequency analysis device 9, a storage device 10, an abnormality determination device 11, and a display device 12.

  The recording device 8 records the sound data received by the receiving means 6, and the frequency analysis device 9 performs frequency analysis of the sound data. The storage device 10 stores frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1. An example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, several frequencies at which the sound level reaches its peak appear. Here, as an example, the frequencies a, b, and c that become peaks will be described. In this embodiment, specified values are set for the frequencies a, b, and c, respectively.

  Next, analysis of collected sound data during operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Sound data collected during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the receiving means 6 and recorded in the recording device 8. The frequency analysis device 9 performs frequency analysis of the sound data. FIG. 4 shows frequency characteristics of the sound data obtained by frequency analysis. FIG. 4 shows the specified values for the frequencies a, b, and c.

  Here, the abnormality determination device 11 compares the frequency characteristics at the time of operation with the specified values set for the respective frequencies a, b, and c. In FIG. 4, the sound level during operation at frequency b exceeds a preset specified value. In this case, the abnormality determination device 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the image forming apparatus 1 and displays that fact on the display device 12. When an abnormality is reported, the service person immediately visits the user and performs repairs.

  Here, it has been described that the abnormality determination is performed by comparing the sound data during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, but the abnormality determination may also be performed by comparing the sound data during the standby of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the image forming apparatus 1. This process is executed when the image forming apparatus 1 performs a copying operation or when the power is turned on. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits sound data after sampling the sound.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in the analysis means 7 of the central management center 2. This process is executed at the time of copy operation or when the power is turned on. That is, the analysis means 7 analyzes the sound data after reading the sound data, and displays an abnormality occurrence when an abnormality is found.

  In this case, the specified value can be set as a ratio with sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, if the ratio of the specified value is 110% of the noise level during normal operation, the specified value in the case of 50 dB during normal operation is 55 dB.

  The specified value can also be set as an increase with respect to sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, if the increment of the specified value is +4 dB of the noise level during normal operation, the specified value in the case of 50 dB during normal operation is 54 dB. As the increase in the specified value, a different specified value can be set for each peak frequency.

  A sound collecting microphone is used as the sound collecting means 3. One sound collecting microphone may be provided, but a plurality of sound collecting microphones may be provided. In that case, sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided for each sound collecting microphone, and a prescribed value for the peak frequency of the frequency characteristic is set for each sound collecting microphone. Then, in the abnormality determination device 11, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 4, when the specified values are compared with the frequency characteristics collected by each sound collecting microphone, there is even data exceeding the specified value. Is determined to be abnormal. The communication line 5 can be wireless such as radio waves or wired such as the Internet.

  A second embodiment of the remote management system for image forming apparatuses according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the storage device 10 according to the present embodiment stores components related to the frequency of sound generated from the image forming apparatus 1 and specified values set for each peak frequency.

  3 and 4 used in the description of the first embodiment are used as examples of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and frequency characteristics of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The abnormality determination method according to the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the noise level of the frequency b of the collected sound data is 54 dB. Since the storage device 10 stores the specified value of the frequency b as 47 dB, the abnormality determination device 11 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 has an abnormality. Further, in the storage device 10, since the component related to the frequency b is stored as the roller A, the abnormality determination device 11 determines that the roller A is abnormal from this result. Then, that effect is displayed on the display device 12. In this way, the service person can identify the failed part without visiting the user, and immediately visits the user with the replacement part of the part determined to be abnormal, and performs part replacement. As a result, machine downtime is reduced. Configurations and routines other than those described here are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Further, an analysis mode may be provided in which only one or a plurality of parts are operated among the parts provided in the image forming apparatus 1 and the states of those parts are analyzed. If the number of components to be operated is reduced, the frequency characteristics of only the components to be determined can be obtained, so that the abnormality determination can be performed more accurately. In that case, the prescribed value of the frequency when only one or a plurality of components are operated is stored in the storage device 10.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, information is exchanged by radio waves using the communication line 5 as a wireless communication line. Configurations, routines, and the like other than the communication line 5 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. FIG. 8 shows an example of frequency characteristics of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 1 received by the central management center 2. The sound data to be transmitted is a raw sound collected.

  Here, d, e, and f appear as peak frequencies. The frequency characteristics shown in FIG. 8 include communication noise of the communication line 5 and sounds of the surrounding environment where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. Therefore, if these factors are large, accurate abnormality determination cannot be performed. Accordingly, no-operation sound data in a state where all operations of the image forming apparatus 1 are stopped is collected and transmitted to the central management center 2 using the communication line 5 in the same manner as described above. An example of the frequency characteristics of the non-operation sound data is shown in FIG. The frequency characteristics in FIG. 9 are frequency characteristics such as communication noise of the communication line 5 and sound due to the surrounding environment where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. Here, the noise level near the frequency e is increased. Therefore, the data e shown in FIG. 8 includes noise.

  In this example, a communication sound signal is subtracted from the obtained sound signal to obtain a correct sound signal. FIG. 10 is a graph obtained by subtracting the frequency characteristic data of FIG. 9 from the frequency characteristic data of FIG. 10 is a frequency characteristic of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 1 that does not include noise. Therefore, when data including no noise as shown in FIG. 10 is obtained, a more accurate abnormality determination can be performed.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a sound source that emits a constant sound having a constant magnitude. The fixed sound is transmitted to the central management center 2 using the communication line 5 in the same manner as described in the above embodiment. The level of the constant sound received by the receiving means 6 of the central management center 2 differs depending on the communication state of the communication line 5 at that time. When such a situation occurs, a correct abnormality cannot be determined. FIG. 11 shows an example of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 1 received by the central management center 2 and sound data of a constant sound. h is a frequency characteristic of a constant sound, and i is sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 1. If the level of h is large, the communication state of the communication line 5 is good, and if the level of h is small, it can be determined that the communication state of the communication line 5 is bad.

  Therefore, when the communication state is poor, the abnormality determination device 11 corrects the level so that the level of the sound data i collected during the operation of the received image forming apparatus 1 is increased. In FIG. 11, g is a noise level of a constant sound to be received by the central management center 2. This noise level is set as the reference noise level g and stored in the storage device 10.

  The level of the constant sound h is corrected so as to coincide with the reference noise level g. As a correction method, a correction coefficient is applied so that the level of the constant sound h matches the reference noise level g, and the correction coefficient is applied to the constant sound h. FIG. 12 shows sound data collected during the operation of the corrected image forming apparatus 1. In this way, if the received sound data collected during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is corrected, data independent of the communication state of the communication line 5 can be obtained, so that accurate abnormality determination can always be performed.

  Here, the sound source having a constant sound has been described as a sound source that generates a sound having a random frequency. However, as long as the sound source always has a constant frequency characteristic, the sound source may not be a sound source that generates a random frequency.

  As described above, in each of the embodiments described above, in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to accurately execute remote diagnosis for occurrence of an abnormality and to identify a part where the abnormality has occurred. In each embodiment, a service person can instantly identify an abnormal part without visiting the user, immediately visit the user with a replacement part, and perform the part replacement, thereby shortening the downtime of the image forming apparatus. can do. Further, in each embodiment, it is possible to enable a remote management system for an image forming apparatus without being connected to a wired line such as a network. And it is possible to specify the faulty part more accurately.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus. This image forming apparatus is a digital color printer that employs an electrophotographic system, and includes an optical unit 71, a photosensitive unit 73, a developing unit 74, a transfer unit 75, a fixing unit 76, and a paper feeding unit 70. I have.

  At the time of image formation, an image formation target sheet (including printing paper, OHP sheet, etc., but hereinafter referred to as paper) accommodated in a paper feeding unit 70 disposed at the lowermost part of the image forming apparatus 91 is the lower right in FIG. It is transported along a predetermined transport path that rises diagonally from the side to the upper left. The sheet thus transported is fed out from the sheet feeding unit 70 and is conveyed along the oblique conveyance path from the lower right side to the upper left side of the drawing to the upper side of the sheet feeding unit 70. During this time, the sheet is similarly passed between the four photoconductor units 73 and the developing units 74 and the transfer unit 75 arranged side by side along the conveyance path, and a predetermined image is transferred. The sheet on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing unit 46 disposed further diagonally to the left of the photosensitive unit 73, the developing unit 74, and the transfer unit 75, and the transferred image is fixed by the fixing unit 46.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical unit. The optical unit 71 is a unit that extends along a sheet conveyance path that is an oblique direction such as a lower right to an upper left direction in FIG. 14, and includes a housing 81 that is disposed along that direction. Laser diodes (LD units) 17 (Bk: black), 18 (C: cyan), 19 (M: magenta), and 20 (Y: yellow) for each of four colors are attached to the upper portion of the housing 81. .

  The housing 81 includes a polygon mirror motor 72 for main operation line operation, double-layer fθ lenses 21 and 22 for dot position correction, and long WTL lenses 23, 24, 25 for surface tilt correction. 26, a cylinder lens or the like for correcting a laser beam diameter (not shown) is attached.

  The polygon mirror motor 72 is integrally formed with two upper and lower six-face polygon mirrors 27, and the polygon mirror 27 is irradiated with laser light emitted from the LD units 17, 18, 19, and 20. The LDs 17, 18, 19, and 20 corresponding to the respective colors emit light in accordance with the conveyance timing of the paper, and the light (indicated by a thick line in the figure) is a cylinder lens, a polygon mirror 27, two-layer fθ lenses 21 and 22, a long length. The photosensitive drum 28 of each color is irradiated via the WTL lenses 23, 24, 25, and 26.

  As the LD unit 17 corresponding to black, it is preferable to adopt a two-beam type. That is, by adopting a two-beam LD, two beams can be written simultaneously when forming a monochrome image, and rapid writing can be performed while suppressing the number of revolutions of the polygon mirror motor 72. By reducing the rotation speed of the polygon mirror motor 72 in this way, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing noise and an effect of extending the life of the motor. For example, when printing in the color mode, the rotation speed of the polygon mirror 27 is 29528 rpm (revolutions per minute) and the printing speed is 28 ppm (pages per minute). Despite being small, the printing speed is 38 ppm.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the configuration of the photosensitive unit 73, the developing unit 74, and the transfer unit 75 in the image forming apparatus 91 will be described. As shown in the figure, this image forming apparatus employs a four-drum tandem image forming method, and this method improves the printing speed in the full-color printing mode and the monochrome printing mode. . Further, as described above, the photoconductor unit 73, the developing unit 74, and the transfer unit 75 are disposed obliquely, thereby reducing the installation space, thereby reducing the size of the entire apparatus.

  The photosensitive unit 73 and the developing unit 74 are independent units for each color. That is, the photosensitive unit 73 and the developing unit 74 for magenta (M), the photosensitive unit 73 and the developing unit 74 for cyan (C), the photosensitive unit 73 and the developing unit 74 for yellow (Y), black (Bk ) Photoconductor unit 73 and developing unit 74, which are arranged in the above order from the lower right side to the upper left side of FIG. Note that the M, C, and Y photoconductor units 73 excluding Bk have the same configuration, so that any new unit (M, C, Y) may be used. Good.

  The transfer unit 75 is a unit that extends along the oblique direction below the photosensitive unit 73 and the developing unit 74 that are disposed in the oblique direction in the above-described order, and is disposed along the oblique direction. Yes. The transfer unit 75 includes a plurality of rollers and an endless transfer belt 29 wound around the rollers. When the roller is rotated by a motor (not shown), the transfer belt 29 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing, and the sheet fed from the paper feeding unit 70 is placed on the transfer belt 29 and is moved from the lower right side to the upper left side of the drawing. To the side. Further, a paper sensor 76 is arranged on the downstream side (upper left side in the figure) of the transfer unit 75 in the transport direction, and the paper sensor 76 detects the density of the P sensor pattern formed on the transfer belt 29. The detection result is used for control.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit. As shown in the figure, the photosensitive unit 73 has a photosensitive drum 28 (for example, φ30). The photosensitive drum 28 has a hollow cylindrical shape and can be rotated clockwise in the drawing by a driving mechanism described later.

A charging roller 36 (for example, φ11) is disposed above the photosensitive drum 28. The surface of the charging roller 36 is disposed at a position separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 by about 0.05 mm. The charging roller 36 is rotated in the opposite direction to the photosensitive drum 28, that is, counterclockwise in the drawing, and applies a uniform charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 28.
A cleaning brush 37 is disposed above the charging roller 36. A cleaning brush 39 and a counter blade 38 are disposed on the upper left side of the photosensitive drum 28 to clean the photosensitive drum 28.

  A waste toner collecting coil 40 is disposed on the left side of the cleaning brush 39, and the waste toner collected by the waste toner collecting coil 40 is conveyed to the waste toner bottle 16 shown in FIG. ing.

  The developing unit 74 employs a dry two-component magnetic brush developing system, and includes a developing roller 30, a developing doctor 31, a conveying screw left 32, a conveying screw right 33, a toner concentration sensor 34, a cartridge 35, and the like. Is provided.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a driving mechanism of the photosensitive unit. The photoconductor unit 73 is provided for each color, and there are four units. There are three photoconductor units 73 for M, C, and Y (for color), and a photoconductor unit 73 for Bk. Are driven by separate drive mechanisms. That is, the color photoconductor unit 73 is driven by the color drum drive motor 41 as a drive source and the gears 43 and 44 and the joint 45 that transmit this drive force.

  On the other hand, the black photoconductor unit 73 is driven by another gear 44 and a joint 45 which use another black drum drive motor 42 as a drive source and transmit this drive force. Therefore, during color mode printing, only the color drum drive motor 41 operates and the black drum drive motor 42 stops. On the other hand, during monochrome mode printing, only the black drum drive motor 42 operates and the color drum drive motor 41 stops. The color drum drive motor 41 and the black drum drive motor 42 are stepping motors.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fixing unit 46 adopts a belt fixing method, and the belt has a smaller heat capacity than the fixing roller. There are advantages over the method used, such as shortening the warm-up time and lowering the roller set temperature during standby.

  The fixing unit 46 heats and pressurizes the sheet on which the image has been transferred, and fixes the toner image on the sheet. The fixing unit 46 includes a fixing belt 13 and an oil application unit 47. In the oil application unit 47, the gel oozes out from the oil and is supplied from the application felt 48 to the application roller 49. A small amount of silicone oil is applied to the fixing belt 13 while the application roller 49 rotates.

  By thus applying oil to the fixing belt 13, the fixing belt 13 and the paper are easily peeled off. The application operation by the oil application unit 47 is performed every time one sheet is conveyed, and each time a sheet is conveyed by a mechanism having a solenoid or a spring (not shown), The coating unit 47 is driven and brought into contact with the fixing belt 13. On the other hand, when one sheet of paper passes, the oil application unit 47 is separated from the fixing belt 13 by the above mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a cleaning roller 50 is provided on the upstream side of the fixing belt 13 in the sheet conveyance direction, and the cleaning roller 50 adsorbs dirt on the fixing belt 13, thereby performing belt cleaning. Made.

  The above is the configuration of the fixing unit 46, and the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 46 is conveyed to the main body tray 82 shown in FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the sheet feeding unit 70 will be described. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the paper feed unit. The paper feed unit 70 has three trays, a first tray 79, a second tray 80, and a manual feed tray 78. Each of these trays employs an FRR paper feeding system as a system for feeding out the paper stored in the tray. The feed mechanism using the FRR paper feed system is reversely rotated with respect to a paper feed roller that is driven to rotate in the paper feed direction in order to separate the paper fed from the paper bundle stacked in the paper feed tray one by one. It has a configuration in which a roller is in contact.

  Under this configuration, the reverse roller has a weak torque applied in the opposite direction to the paper feed roller via the torque limiter, so that the reverse roller is in contact with the paper feed roller, or one sheet of paper is in contact with both rollers. In the state where the sheet enters between the rollers, the sheet rotates with the sheet feeding roller. On the other hand, when the sheet is separated from the sheet feeding roller or two or more sheets enter between the rollers, the sheet rotates reversely. For this reason, when the multi-feed paper enters, the paper in contact with the reversing roller is returned to the downstream side in the paper feeding direction, and multi-feed is prevented.

  The sheets stored in the first tray 79 are separated by the first sheet feeding unit 51 and sent out from the first tray 79. Then, the fed sheet is transported by the relay roller 53 and reaches the transport roller 55. Here, the sheet is conveyed toward the upper left registration roller 77 while being turned by the conveyance roller 55.

  The conveyed sheet hits the resist roller 77 that is stopped, and the skew of the sheet is corrected. Then, timing adjustment with the image forming process by the photoconductor unit 73 or the like is performed, and a registration clutch (not shown) is connected at a predetermined timing, the registration roller 77 is driven, and the sheet is conveyed toward the transfer unit. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed by the transfer belt 29 as described above, and is subjected to processing such as predetermined image transfer.

  Note that the paper stored in the second tray 80 is transported toward the transport roller 55 by the second paper feed unit 52 and the relay roller 54, and thereafter the same as the paper stored in the first tray 79. It is. The paper set on the manual feed tray 78 is transported toward the registration roller 77 by the paper feed unit 56, and the subsequent processing is the same as the paper transport from the first tray 79.

  Next, a configuration for driving the first paper feed unit 51 and the second paper feed unit that send out paper from the first tray 79 and the second tray 80 as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, both these units are driven by a single stepping motor 83, and the driving force is transmitted to each unit via a first paper feed clutch 57 and a second paper feed clutch 58. It is. That is, when the paper is fed from the first tray 79, only the first paper feed clutch 57 is connected, and when the paper is sent from the second tray 80, only the second paper feed clutch 58 is connected. .

  This image forming apparatus 91 has the photosensitive unit 73 as described above, and can perform monochrome printing and color printing. More specifically, as shown in Table 1, the printer has four printing modes such as “monochrome mode”, “color mode 1”, “color mode 2”, and “OHP / thick paper mode”, which are operated by the user. When a mode is selected by operating a part or the like, or when a mode is selected by a command from a personal computer, a control unit (operation control unit) of the image forming apparatus (not shown) controls each part of the apparatus according to the selection. Operate each part in the operation mode. In this image forming apparatus, three types of image forming speeds (182.5 mm / s = 38 ppm (pages per minute), 125.0 mm / s = 28 ppm, 62.5 mm / s = depending on the mode selected by the user by the control unit). 14 ppm).

  That is, control is performed so that the rotational speeds of the motors such as the stepping motor 83, the black drum driving motor 42, and the color drum driving motor 41 are changed according to the selected operation mode. In this specification, “ppm” is the number of output sheets per minute of A4 landscape paper.

  Here, in the high-resolution “color mode 2” and “OHP / thick paper mode”, the printing speed (image forming speed) is 14 ppm, whereas in the “monochrome mode”, the printing speed is 38 ppm, which is nearly three times higher. There is a speed difference. In order to achieve such a large speed difference with a single motor, this image forming apparatus employs a stepping motor as a drive source for the paper transport mechanism system and the like.

  Next, an example in which the operation sound of the image forming apparatus 91 is analyzed will be described. In this example, the sound on the front surface of the image forming apparatus is collected at a distance of 1 m from the apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in operation. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the result of analyzing noise during color printing of the image forming apparatus. This example is a result of analyzing noise when color printing is performed at a speed of 28 ppm in the image forming apparatus. The upper side of FIG. 21 represents the collected sound on the time axis, and the lower side of FIG. 21 represents the collected sound on the frequency axis. From this result, seven main sound sources were extracted. First, the fixing oil application impact sound of the fixing unit 46 was extracted on the time axis. As described above, the impact sound is generated as broadband noise on the frequency axis, and therefore cannot be analyzed unless viewed on the time axis. On the frequency axis, color development drive system sound, paper feed stepping motor sound, charging sound, drum drive stepping motor sound, polygon mirror motor sound, and paper sliding sound were extracted.

  FIG. 22 is a graph showing a result of analyzing noise during color printing of the image forming apparatus. This example is a result of analyzing noise when the image forming apparatus is in color printing and the printing speed is 14 ppm. The upper side of FIG. 22 represents the collected sound on the time axis, and the lower side of FIG. 22 represents the collected sound on the frequency axis. From this result, as the main sound source, the fixing oil application impact sound is extracted on the time axis, and the feeding stepping motor sound, charging sound, drum drive motor sound, polygon mirror motor sound, paper sliding sound are extracted on the frequency axis. Extracted.

  FIG. 23 is a graph showing a result of analyzing noise during monochrome printing of the image forming apparatus. In this example, the image forming apparatus is a result of analyzing noise when the image forming apparatus is operated in monochrome at a printing speed of 38 ppm. The upper side of FIG. 23 represents the collected sound on the time axis, and FIG. 24 is a graph showing the secular change of the sound power level of the image forming apparatus. The lower side in the figure represents the collected sound on the frequency axis. From this result, as a main sound source, fixing oil application impact sound was extracted on the time axis, and development drive system sound, charging sound, drum driving stepping motor sound, and paper sliding sound were extracted on the frequency axis.

  As can be seen from the results of FIGS. 21, 22 and 23, the frequency of the generated sound and the sound pressure level, or the interval between sound generations shockingly generated on the time axis and the change thereof, as the image forming speed changes. The level changes.

  Hereinafter, a remote management system for an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote management system for image forming apparatuses according to the fifth embodiment. The remote management system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 91 installed at a plurality of service bases, and a central management center 92 that centrally manages these image forming apparatuses via a communication network such as a communication line 95. A central management center 92 that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses is installed in an office that provides maintenance services for the image forming apparatuses.

  In this system, sound generated when the image forming apparatus 91 is operated is collected by sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 (shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20). The sound is collected, and the sound data is transmitted to the centralized management center 92 by the transmission means 94 via the communication line 95. In the central management center 92, the received sound data is received by the receiving means 96, and the sound data is analyzed by the analyzing means 97. In this way, the central management center 92 remotely manages the machine state of the image forming apparatus 91.

  Next, the analysis of sound data by the analysis means 97 will be described. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central management center. The analysis unit 97 includes a recording device 98, a frequency analysis device 99, a storage device 100, an abnormality determination device 101, and a display device 102. The recording device 98 records the sound data received by the receiving means 96, and the frequency analysis device 99 performs frequency analysis of the sound data. The storage device 100 stores the frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the central management center. In this example, the analysis means 97 includes a time axis noise analysis means 104 instead of the frequency analysis device 99. FIG. 31 shows another modified example, and the analysis means 97 includes both the frequency analysis device 99 and the time axis noise analysis means 104. These can be used according to the purpose.

  FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91. FIG. 33 is a graph showing an example of the sound pressure level on the time axis of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91. As shown in FIG. 32, several frequencies at which the sound level reaches its peak appear. Here, as an example, the frequencies a, b, and c that become peaks will be described. Since the correspondence between the frequency and the sound source is determined by the design calculation, it can be understood that a is a frequency generated by the paper feed stepping motor, b is a frequency generated by the charging sound, and c is a frequency generated by the drum stepping motor.

  FIG. 33 is a graph showing the result of analyzing the noise on the time axis. In this example, it is known that the large peak is a fixing oil application impact sound. In the present embodiment, a description will be given by setting normal ranges for the frequencies a, b, and c. Also, a normal range is set for the time axis sound d. Actually, it is necessary to set and analyze the normal range for all the sound sources that need to be monitored, but the description is omitted because it becomes complicated.

  Note that the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment has a plurality of operation modes, and noise characteristics are different for each operation mode. Since the frequency axis characteristics and time axis characteristics of noise differ depending on the operation mode, it is necessary to classify the cases in order to determine whether the noise is normal or abnormal.

  Next, analysis of collected sound data during operation of the image forming apparatus 91 will be described. Since the control unit of the image forming apparatus 91 already knows in which operation mode the control is performed, the detected information can be sent to the service center simultaneously with the sound. That is, the sound data collected during the operation of the image forming apparatus 91 and its mode information are received by the receiving means 96 and recorded in the recording device 98. The frequency analyzer 99 analyzes the sound data. The analysis content is either frequency analysis or time axis analysis, or both. FIG. 32 shows the normal ranges for the frequencies a, b, and c. FIG. 33 shows the normal range of the peak d obtained by analyzing the noise on the time axis.

  Here, the abnormality determination device 101 compares the specified ranges set for the respective frequencies at the frequencies a, b, and c with the frequency characteristics during operation. Further, the abnormality determination device 101 can compare the specified range set at the time axis peak d with the time axis characteristic during operation.

  If the measured sound level during the operation is out of the preset specified range, the abnormality determination device 101 determines that there is an abnormality in the image forming device 91 and displays that fact on the display device 102. When an abnormality is reported, the service person immediately visits the user and performs repairs. If the sound level exceeds the specified range, abnormal sounds are often generated. If the sound level is below the specified range, it can be assumed that no sound is generated, that is, it is not working. .

  Although it has been described that the abnormality determination is performed by comparing the sound data during the operation of the image forming apparatus 91, the abnormality determination may be performed similarly by comparing the sound data during standby of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus. This process is executed at the time of copy operation or when the power is turned on. First, the operation mode (mode 1, mode 2, mode 3) is discriminated, and then the sound is sampled and the sound data is transmitted for the operation mode.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing of the analysis means of the central management center. This process is executed periodically or by receiving sound data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 91.

  First, a determination is made as to which mode (mode 1, mode 2, mode 3) has been sent, and the sound is read into the recording device 98. Then, the data read from the sound collecting means 61 to 67 is analyzed corresponding to each mode, and when there is an abnormality, the abnormality is displayed on the display means and the abnormality occurrence part is displayed.

  The prescribed range of the sound level can be set by a ratio with the sound data when the image forming apparatus 91 is operating normally. If the physical quantity of evaluation is the sound pressure level, for example, if the upper limit of the specified range is twice the sound pressure level during normal operation, the specified value in the case of 50 dB (A) during normal operation is 53 dB (A). The upper limit of the specified range must be set to an appropriate value individually because the normal sound level varies from device to device.

  The lower limit of the specified range is that no sound is generated, that is, it is not operating when the sound has a peak so far and is at a level indistinguishable from the surrounding broadband noise. In addition, although there is a peak but it is too small, some abnormality is considered, and it is necessary to set an appropriate value for each sound source.

  A sound collecting microphone is used as the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67. Although there may be only one sound collecting microphone, accurate determination is possible by providing a plurality of sound collecting microphones. Sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided for each sound collecting microphone, and a prescribed range for the peak of the frequency characteristic and time axis characteristic is set for each sound collecting microphone. Then, the abnormality determination device 101 compares these specified ranges with the sound data collected by each sound collecting microphone, and determines that there is an abnormality if even one of the data is outside the specified range. The communication line 95 can be wireless such as radio waves or wired such as the Internet.

  A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The storage device 100 according to the present embodiment stores components related to the sound frequency for each operation mode generated from the image forming apparatus 91. In addition, a specified range set for each frequency that peaks at each operation mode is also stored. An example of data stored in the storage device 100 is shown in Table 2. Table 2 shows the stored data for the operation mode 1. This is stored for the number of operation modes.

  As an example of the frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91 and the frequency characteristics of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 91, the graph of FIG. The abnormality determination method according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

  Assume that the noise level of the frequency b of the collected sound data shown in FIG. 32 is 50 dB (A). Since the storage device 100 stores the specified value of the frequency b as 32 to 42 dB (A), the abnormality determination device 11 determines that the image forming apparatus 91 is abnormal. Further, since the storage device 100 stores the component related to the frequency b as the charging roller / drum, the abnormality determination device 101 determines that the charging roller / drum is abnormal based on the result. Then, that effect is displayed on the display device 12.

  In this way, the service person can identify the failed part without visiting the user, and immediately visits the user with the replacement part of the part determined to be abnormal, and performs part replacement. As a result, machine downtime is reduced. Configurations and routines other than those described here are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

  A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The storage device 100 according to the present embodiment stores components related to the sound frequency for each operation mode generated from the image forming apparatus 91. Also stored is a specified range set for the sound level of each time axis that peaks for each operation mode. An example of data stored in the storage device 100 is shown in Table 3. Table 3 shows the stored data for the operation mode 1. This is stored for the number of operation modes.

  As an example of the frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91 and the time axis characteristics of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 91, FIG. 33 used in the description of the fifth embodiment is used. An abnormality determination method according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

  It is assumed that the noise level on the time axis d of the sound data shown in FIG. 33 is 48 dB (A). Since the sound generated on the time axis is periodically generated in the image forming apparatus, the components may be stored in the storage device according to the sound generation period. Since the storage device 100 stores the specified value of the time axis d as 50 to 58 dB (A), the abnormality determination apparatus 101 determines that the image forming apparatus 91 is abnormal. Further, in the storage device 100, since the component related to the time axis d is stored as the component related to the fixing oil application, the abnormality determination device 101 determines from this result that there is an abnormality in the component related to the fixing oil application. Then, that effect is displayed on the display device 12.

  As described above, according to this example, the service person can specify the failed part without visiting the user, and immediately visits the user with the replacement part of the part determined to be abnormal, and performs the part replacement. As a result, machine downtime is reduced. Configurations, processes, and the like other than those described here are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

  An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this system, the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 (illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20) collects sound and the sound data is transmitted by the transmitting means 94. The data is transmitted to the central management center 92 via the communication line 95. In the central management center 92, the received sound data is received by the receiving means 96, and the sound data is analyzed by the analyzing means 97.

  In this example, the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 are installed at the following locations. As shown in FIG. 13, the sound collecting means 61 is in the vicinity of the paper feed conveyance path, the sound collecting means 62 is in the vicinity of the polygon mirror motor 72 as shown in FIG. 14, and the sound collecting means 63 is in the charging roller as shown in FIG. 36 and the photosensitive drum 28, the sound collecting means 64 is near the developing unit 74, the sound collecting means 65 is near the drum stepping motors 41 and 43 as shown in FIG. 16, and the sound collecting means 66 is as shown in FIG. In the vicinity of the oil application mechanism of the fixing unit, the sound collecting means 67 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper stepping motor 83 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the positional relationship between the polygon mirror motor 72 and the sound collecting means 62 is set apart by a distance a, but other sound collecting means are also set apart by a distance a. The image forming apparatus 91 is configured, and sound collecting means is disposed in the vicinity of a sound source that is a main noise source. By arranging the sound collecting means in this way, the sound collecting means can sample the sound with the highest sensitivity to the target sound source. This is because various sound sources simultaneously generate sound during image formation, but the level of other sound sources becomes relatively small by arranging sound collecting means close to the sound source.

  By doing so, since the sound collecting means and the sound source are associated with each other, a faulty part can be specified by determination for each sound collecting means. That is, when the data of the sound collecting means 62 is abnormal, the polygon mirror motor 72 is abnormal. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 36, the determination is made by sending the sound data with the operation mode and microphone number set. This is because the specified range of the sound collecting microphone can be determined for each mode.

  As shown in FIG. 37, the recording device 98 and the storage device 100 accumulate data in the items of date / time, operation mode, sound collection microphone number, target part, and normal range. The oil application mechanism of the fixing unit is a sound source that can analyze noise only on the time axis. Thus, in the case of a sound source, the analysis means 97 is provided with the time axis noise analysis means 104 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the charging sound and the stepping motor sound only generate a steady level even if analyzed on the time axis, and the sound source can be specified only after analyzing on the frequency axis. In this case, the analysis means 97 is provided with the frequency analysis device 99 shown in FIG.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce the cost by modifying the analyzing means 97 with a sound source. In addition, as shown in FIG. 31, when the frequency analysis apparatus 99 and the time-axis noise analysis means 104 are used for the analysis means 97, cost will become high.

  A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 38 is a graph showing a state in which the noise generated by the image forming apparatus and the sound of the installation environment of the image forming apparatus are mixed.

  When the image forming apparatus is used in an environment where a broadband environmental sound is generated, such as air conditioning, the sound data sampled by the sound collecting means may be masked by the environmental sound, so that it may not be possible to accurately determine an abnormality. For example, it is a portion surrounded by a circle in the graph of FIG.

  In order to avoid such a situation, the environmental sound is first sampled by the sound collecting means when the image forming apparatus is not operating in the usage environment. Thereafter, the sound during operation is sampled and transmitted to the central management center 2 using the communication line 5. The processing flow is shown in FIG. That is, the environmental sound is sampled before sampling the sound generated by the image forming apparatus, and then the sound is sampled and the blue grinding data is transmitted in each mode (mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3).

  If the environmental sound data is stored in the storage device 100 and then the abnormality determination is performed in a state where the environmental sound data is subtracted from the sound data during operation, accurate determination can be made. This is because the operation sound (FIG. 38) obtained by subtracting the environmental sound can be used as a determination target.

  FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the centralized management center according to the embodiment. In this example, environmental sound removing means 93 is provided in the analyzing means 97. The environmental sound removal means 93 can be realized by commercially available software.

  A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 24 is a graph showing the results of measuring the temporal change in the sound power level of the operating sound for each of the three image forming speeds of the image forming apparatus of the example. In the figure, “60k” means that the total number of images formed at three image forming speeds is about 60,000 in 8 months.

  It rises for two months from the initial value, and once declines but then moves up and down. The range of fluctuation is 1 (dB) or more. This may be due to various factors such as the drive mechanism becoming familiar, falling within the normal range, or being worn, but it is not a malfunction and is a state in which it operates normally and forms a good image.

  FIG. 25 is a comparison of the results of frequency analysis of noise at the initial stage of 38 ppm monochrome and after 8 months. The development driving sound and the sound pressure level of the frequency corresponding to the drum motor are greatly different.

  FIG. 26 compares the results of frequency analysis of noise at the initial stage of color 28 ppm and after 8 months. The sound pressure levels at frequencies corresponding to the paper feeding stepping motor and the drum stepping motor are greatly different.

  FIG. 27 is a comparison of the results of frequency analysis of noise at the initial stage of 14 ppm color and after 8 months. The sound pressure level of the frequency corresponding to the paper feeding stepping motor is greatly different.

  Thus, it can be seen that the sound level of components such as a motor constituting the image forming apparatus changes with time. That is, if a failure is determined based on the sound at the time of installation forever, a misdiagnosis will occur. In order to solve this, the data in the storage device 100 shown in FIGS. 29, 30, 31, 40, etc. may be updated at an arbitrary timing. That is, sound data sampled at an arbitrary timing over time is analyzed, and this is used as a reference sound, and a specified range of sound data is newly set based on the result.

  The timing for setting the reference sound can be set to the most suitable method such as using the average value of the sound for one week, one month, or the beginning of the month, or a certain period after installation.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a sound sampling procedure in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus. In this example, when the image forming apparatus is in an operating state at a designated date and time, sound sampling is performed for each operation mode (mode 1, mode 2 and mode 3), and sound data is transmitted. The reference sound over time is transmitted to the central management center 2 using the communication line 5.

  These sound data are analyzed by the frequency analyzer 99 and the time-axis noise analyzing means 104, and the peak value of the noise is analyzed. The current regulation range is adapted to the peak value of the noise and stored in the storage means, thereby making an abnormality determination.

  Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus to which this example is applied has the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment described above. That is, the image forming apparatus 91 to which the present embodiment is applied has the configuration shown in FIGS.

  Hereinafter, a remote management system of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment will be described. 42 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment, FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a centralized management center according to the embodiment, and FIG. 44 is a noise analysis according to the embodiment. FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing the structure of the unpleasant sound analysis means according to the embodiment. In this example, an abnormality of the apparatus is detected based on an unpleasant sound generated by the image forming apparatus.

  The remote management system of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 91 installed at a plurality of service bases, and a central management center 92 that centrally manages these image forming apparatuses via a communication network such as a communication line 95. A central management center 92 that manages a plurality of image forming apparatuses is installed in an office that provides maintenance services for the image forming apparatuses.

  In this example, the sound generated when the image forming apparatus 91 is operated is collected by the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 (shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20). The sound is collected, and the sound data is transmitted to the centralized management center 92 by the transmission means 94 via the communication line 95. In the central management center 92, the received sound data is received by the receiving means 96, and the sound data is analyzed by the analyzing means 97. In this way, the central management center 92 remotely manages the machine state of the image forming apparatus 91.

  First, the analysis of sound data by the analysis means 97 will be described. As shown in FIG. 43, the analysis unit 97 includes a recording device 98, a noise analysis unit 99a, a storage device 100, an abnormality determination device 101, and a display device 102.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the noise analysis means 99a includes a frequency analysis means 103, a time axis noise analysis means 104, and an unpleasant sound analysis means 105.

  FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing the structure of the unpleasant sound analysis means 105. The unpleasant sound analysis means 105 is a sound pressure level measurement means 106, a loudness measurement means 107, a sharpness measurement means 108, a tonality measurement means 109, an impulsiveness measurement means. 110, roughness measurement means 111, and fractionation strength measurement means 112. Other than the sound pressure level is an acoustic physical quantity called a psychoacoustic parameter. In FIG. 45, representative psychoacoustic parameters are arranged. However, there are other types of psychoacoustic parameters, and psychoacoustic parameter measuring means may be added as necessary. The measurement values obtained by the above measuring means can be calculated by converting the discomfort numerically by the sound discomfort calculating means 113. This is named an unpleasant sound quality evaluation value. A method for calculating the unpleasant sound quality evaluation value will be described later.

  The recording device 98 records the sound data received by the receiving means 96, and the noise analysis means 99a performs frequency analysis of the sound data, time-axis noise analysis, and calculation of an unpleasant sound quality evaluation value. The storage device 100 stores frequency characteristics of sound data, time axis noise characteristics, psychoacoustic parameter values, and unpleasant sound quality evaluation values during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91.

  Here, psychoacoustic parameters and unpleasant sound quality evaluation values will be described. Typical psychoacoustic parameters are as follows (units in parentheses). (For example, the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers "7th Design Engineering and System Division Lecture" Designing for the 21st Century, Aiming for an Innovative Leap in Systems! "November 10, 1997," Sound and Vibration and Design, color and design (1) ”see section 089B)

・ Loudness (sone): loudness ・ sharpness (acum): relative distribution of high frequency components ・ tonality (tu): articulation, relative distribution of pure tone components ・ roughness: coarse sound Feeling, Fractation Strength (vacil): Fluctuation intensity, Beatiness Other than this, there is a psychoacoustic parameter of impulsiveness (iu): impact.

  The psychoacoustic parameters are obtained in consideration of auditory characteristics. There are frequency bands and sound sizes that are perceived as auditory characteristics, and masking (the degree to which the target sound is disturbed by sounds that are close in time or close in frequency), and the scale is determined taking these into account It has been.

  For example, loudness is defined as a perceived loudness that is doubled every time the sound pressure level increases by about 10 dB in the case of a pure tone of 1 kHz (single frequency sound). In addition, as any parameter increases, discomfort tends to increase.

  In other words, if the loudness value increases, the sound will be loud and loud. If the sharpness value is increased, the high frequency component is increased, so that an awkward feeling like a shear is received. In addition, if the tonality value increases, a sharp sound of a pure tone (single frequency) reverberates to the ear, and if the roughness value increases, a rough and dirty sound is heard. Increasing the fraction strength value will make you feel like you won. As the impulsiveness value increases, either the number of impact sounds per unit time increases or the level of impact increases. By measuring psychoacoustic parameters, it is possible to quantitatively capture the characteristics of the target sound.

  Among these, only loudness is standardized by ISO532B. For parameters other than loudness, the basic concept and definition are the same, but since the programs and calculation methods differ depending on the original research by the instrument manufacturer, the measured values are usually slightly different depending on the instrument manufacturer.

  In addition, like Impulsiveness, there are original parameters developed independently by the measuring instrument manufacturer (Head Acoustics, Germany). In this way, the sound characteristics can be measured by psychoacoustic parameters. However, these psychoacoustic parameters alone cannot measure whether they are uncomfortable. This is because it is unclear how much these parameters relate to discomfort.

  The noise generated from the image forming apparatus is composed of many timbre noises due to the complexity of the mechanism. For example, low frequency heavy sounds, high frequency high-pitched sounds, shocking sounds are generated by motors, paper It is generated while changing in time from multiple sound sources such as solenoids.

  Humans judge these sounds comprehensively to determine whether they are uncomfortable, but it is thought that they determine by weighting which part of the sound is particularly related to discomfort. That is, there are psychoacoustic parameters that have a large influence on discomfort due to the timbre of the machine and psychoacoustic parameters that have a small influence.

  Note that Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-037559 relating to the application of the applicant of the present application describes that discomfort is expressed by psychoacoustic parameters. According to the description of this publication, it can be obtained from a subjective evaluation experiment for discomfort.

  FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a method for predicting sound discomfort from a subjective evaluation experiment. Specifically, the sound during image formation of the image forming apparatus is sampled, and a plurality of sounds are prepared by systematically changing the sound characteristic level with respect to the original sound. This is possible by digitally recording the sound of the image forming apparatus and processing the sound on a personal computer. The created sample sound is previously measured for acoustic physical quantities such as psychoacoustic parameters and sound pressure levels. Then, a paired comparison method is performed on the subject. The paired comparison method is a method in which a sample sound is heard in two sound pairs and it is determined which one feels uncomfortable.

  For example, in a comparison between the A sound and the B sound, when there are 40 subjects, it is assumed that the result is that 10 people feel the A sound unpleasant and 30 people feel the B sound unpleasant. In this case, the difference in discomfort between A and B is −20 when A is the reference. Alternatively, the probability of feeling A unpleasant may be 25%, and the probability of feeling B unpleasant may be 75%. In FIG. 46, only the discomfort probability is described.

  Since the acoustic physical quantities of the A sound and the B sound are measured, the value of the difference between the acoustic physical quantities of the A sound and the B sound is also clear. Collecting a lot of data like this by changing the combination of sounds to be compared. Based on the relationship between the actual measurement value of “Two sound discomfort probability” and “2.2 Difference in physical quantity of sound”, the combination of “2.2 Difference in physical quantity of sound” may be used to predict the discomfort probability.

  For this, multiple regression analysis is performed when the difference in discomfort is predicted, and logistic regression analysis is performed when the probability of discomfort is predicted. As a result, the value of the difference in discomfort and the formula for calculating the discomfort probability can be derived by a significant (physical discomfort) acoustic physical quantity. The expression derived here is an expression for obtaining a difference value of discomfort between two sounds and a discomfort probability of two sounds when an acoustic physical quantity of two sounds is given.

  Furthermore, in the case where the sound physical quantity is the average value of the sample sound used in the experiment, the distance of the discomfort difference is defined as 0, or the discomfort probability is defined as 50%. Given this, it is converted into an expression that calculates a value that indicates how much discomfort is compared to the average sound. In this way, a sound quality evaluation formula capable of predicting sound discomfort using a combination of psychoacoustic parameters and sound pressure levels can be derived. In the experiment by the inventors, in the image forming apparatus, sound pressure level, loudness, sharpness, tonality, and impulsiveness greatly contribute to discomfort and have entered the sound quality evaluation formula. However, roughness and fractionation strength are also meaningful as independent psychoacoustic parameters, so they are meaningful to measure.

Here, the output result of the sound quality evaluation formula is named an evaluation value of discomfort. Specifically, the expression representing the evaluation value of discomfort is as follows.

Formula for predicting the difference (distance) from the average value of discomfort S = + A × (sound pressure level) + B × (loudness) + C × (sharpness) + D × (tornality) + E × (impulsibility) + F × () + ..., + α (a)
(Psychoacoustic parameters are determined by multiple regression analysis.)
However, A, B, C,... Are multiple regression coefficients corresponding to the acoustic physical quantities. α is the intercept.
S takes a range slightly exceeding -1 <S <1 with 0 as the center.
In this case, the larger S is, the more unpleasant the average value is, and the smaller S is, the less uncomfortable the average value is.

Formula P = 1 / (1 + exp (−z)) that predicts the probability of discomfort when compared with the average value of discomfort (50%)
z = + A × (sound pressure level) + B × (loudness) + C × (sharpness) + D × (tonality) + E × (impulsability) + F × ()..., + α (b)
(Psychoacoustic parameters are determined by multiple regression analysis.)
Where A, B, C,... Are logistic regression coefficients corresponding to the acoustic physical quantities. α is the intercept.
P takes a range of 0 <P <1.

In this case, as P is larger than 50%, the discomfort increases from the average value. For example, when P is 100%, it means a sound that anyone feels uncomfortable. The smaller it is, the less uncomfortable it is.

  By the way, in the present invention, the noise analysis means 99a includes three means: frequency axis noise analysis means, time axis noise analysis means, and sound quality analysis means. As a result, it is possible to perform abnormality determination and discomfort determination simultaneously from noise, and to efficiently identify a defective sound source and identify a component to be dealt with.

  Hereinafter, a process for determining a sound abnormality will be described. FIG. 47 is an example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91. FIG. 48 shows an example of the sound pressure level on the time axis of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91. These are the results of measurement at a constant distance from the outside of the image forming apparatus.

  In the example shown in FIG. 47, several frequencies at which the sound level reaches its peak appear. Here, as an example, the frequencies a, b, and c that become peaks will be described. Since the frequency and the sound source correspond to each other by the design calculation, it can be understood that a is a frequency generated by the paper feed stepping motor, b is a frequency generated by the charging sound, and c is a frequency generated by the drum stepping motor.

  FIG. 48 is a graph showing the result of analyzing the noise data. In this example, noise is analyzed on the time axis, and it is known that the large peak is the fixing oil application impact sound. In the present embodiment, a description will be given by setting normal ranges for the frequencies a, b, and c. Also, a normal range is set for the time axis sound d. Actually, it is necessary to set and analyze the normal range for all the sound sources that need to be monitored, but the description is omitted because it becomes complicated.

  Further, the sound pressure level and the value of the psychoacoustic parameter group can be calculated from the sound data. The psychoacoustic parameter group can also measure changes in the time axis, but this time, an average value for a certain time is used.

  By the way, in order to determine the sound, the normal range is actually set by the sound data collected by the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67. Since each of the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 is arranged close to the noise source, the frequency characteristics, time axis noise characteristics, sound pressure level and psychoacoustic parameter group of the target sound source are set. It can be obtained and analyzed with high accuracy.

  Next, analysis of collected sound data during operation of the image forming apparatus 91 will be described. Sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus 91 is received by the receiving means 96 and recorded in the recording device 98. The frequency analyzer 99 analyzes the sound data. The analysis contents are frequency analysis, time axis analysis, and sound quality analysis.

  FIG. 47 shows the respective normal ranges for the frequencies a, b, and c. FIG. 48 shows the normal range of the peak d obtained by analyzing the noise on the time axis. Similarly, a normal range is set for each of the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 for the sound pressure level and the psychoacoustic parameters described above, and the subjective evaluation of the sound discomfort etc. Then, an acceptable value of discomfort is obtained and input to the storage device 100. Thus, since the sound collecting means is close to the main sound source, data in which the main sound source, the sound collecting means, and the normal range are associated can be prepared.

  Table 4 is a table for collecting data for each sound collecting means regarding sound quality. Although the table is not filled in, a specific normal range is actually recorded and stored in the storage device 100.

  In this system, the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 (illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20) collects sound and the sound data is transmitted by the transmitting means 94. The data is transmitted to the central management center 92 via the communication line 95. In the central management center 92, the received sound data is received by the receiving means 96, and the sound data is analyzed by the analyzing means 97.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the sound collecting means 61 is in the vicinity of the paper feed conveyance path, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the sound collecting means 62 is in the vicinity of the polygon mirror motor 72, and in the example shown in FIG. Is the vicinity of the charging roller 36 and the photosensitive drum 28, the sound collecting means 64 is in the vicinity of the developing unit 74, and in the example shown in FIG. 16, the sound collecting means 65 is in the vicinity of the drum stepping motors 41 and 43, the example shown in FIG. The sound collecting means 66 is disposed in the vicinity of the oil application mechanism of the fixing unit, and in the example shown in FIG. 20, the sound collecting means 67 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed stepping motor 83.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, the positional relationship between the polygon mirror motor 72 and the sound collecting means 61 is set apart by a distance a, but other sound collecting means are also set apart by a distance a. This constitutes the image forming apparatus 91, and the sound collecting means is arranged close to the sound source which is a main noise source.

  By arranging the sound collecting means in this way, the sound collecting means can sample the sound with the highest sensitivity to the target sound source. This is because various sound sources simultaneously generate sound during image formation, but the level of other sound sources becomes relatively small by arranging sound collecting means close to the sound source.

  Further, by doing so, the sound collecting means and the sound source are associated with each other, so that the failed part can be specified by the determination for each sound collecting means. That is, if the data of the sound collecting means 62 is abnormal, the polygon mirror motor 72 is abnormal.

  As shown in FIG. 51, the recording device 98 and the storage device 100 accumulate data corresponding to the sound collection microphone number, the target part, and the production range.

  Here, the abnormality determination device 101 compares the specified ranges set for the respective frequencies at the frequencies a, b, and c with the frequency characteristics during operation. Alternatively, the specified range set at the time axis peak d is compared with the time axis characteristics during operation. Furthermore, the measurement result is compared with the normal range of the evaluation value of the acoustic physical quantity and the discomfort.

  If the measured sound level during the operation is out of the preset specified range, the abnormality determination device 101 determines that there is an abnormality in the image forming device 91 and displays that fact on the display device 102. When an abnormality is reported, the service person immediately visits the user and performs repairs. If the sound level exceeds the specified range, abnormal sounds are often generated. If the sound level is below the specified range, it can be assumed that no sound is generated, that is, it is not working. .

  Here, it has been described that the abnormality determination is performed by comparing the sound data during the operation of the image forming apparatus 91. Similarly, the abnormality determination may be performed by comparing the sound data during standby of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. First, the sound is sampled by a plurality of sound collecting means and the sound data is transmitted.

  The acquired sound data is stored in the recording device 98 and periodically accumulated in the storage device 100. The shorter the cycle, the better the diagnostic accuracy, but the data volume handled increases and the load on the system increases. If the length is longer, the load on the system is reduced, but the diagnostic accuracy is lowered, and the degree of dissatisfaction by the user due to a delay in response is increased. Although it is determined with comprehensive consideration including the frequency of use of the apparatus, it is preferably about once every 5 to 5 hours.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the analysis unit of the centralized management center according to the embodiment. Data from the sound collecting means 65 is taken as an example. The sound collecting means 65 is disposed in the vicinity of the drum stepping motor 41 (FIG. 16). This motor determination is performed.

  This routine is executed periodically or by receiving sound data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 91. First, the data is read into the recording device 98, and then the read data is subjected to frequency-axis noise data analysis. If there is an abnormality, the abnormality occurrence and the abnormal part are displayed on the display means. Next, the time axis noise data of the sound data is analyzed, and if there is an abnormality, the abnormality occurrence and the abnormal part are displayed on the display means. Further, the read data is analyzed for sound quality data, and if there is an abnormality, the abnormality occurrence and the abnormal part are displayed on the display means.

  The specified range of the sound level on the frequency axis and the time axis and the value of the psychoacoustic parameter group can be set by a ratio with sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 91. If the physical quantity of evaluation is the sound pressure level, for example, if the upper limit of the specified range is twice the sound pressure level during normal operation, the specified value in the case of 50 dB (A) during normal operation is 53 dB (A). The upper limit of the specified range must be set to an appropriate value individually because the normal sound level varies from device to device.

  The lower limit of the specified range is that no sound is generated, that is, it is not operating when the sound has a peak so far and is at a level indistinguishable from the surrounding broadband noise. In addition, although there is a peak but it is too small, some abnormality is considered, and it is necessary to set an appropriate value for each sound source.

  Even if there is no abnormality in the determination of the frequency axis noise data and the determination of the time axis noise data, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the determination of the sound quality data, an unpleasant sound is generated than in the normal state. A stepping motor generates a large amount of pure tone components and produces a keen sound. Psychoacoustic parameters are related to tonality values. If the noise of the motor increases, the tonality value increases and the discomfort evaluation value may exceed the allowable value.

  A sound collecting microphone is used as the sound collecting means 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67. Accurate determination is possible by providing a plurality of sound collecting microphones for each main sound source. Sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided for each sound collecting microphone, and a prescribed range for the peak of the frequency characteristic and time axis characteristic is set for each sound collecting microphone. Then, the abnormality determination device 101 compares these specified ranges with the sound data collected by each sound collecting microphone, and determines that there is an abnormality if even one of the data is outside the specified range.

  The communication line 95 can be wireless such as radio waves or wired such as the Internet.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a central management center of a remote management system for an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of the sound data obtained by frequency analysis. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the analysis means of a centralized management center. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the memory | storage device. 6 is a graph showing an example of frequency characteristics of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus received by the central management center. It is a graph which shows the example of the frequency characteristic of non-operation sound data. 10 is a graph showing data obtained by subtracting the frequency characteristic data shown in FIG. 9 from the frequency characteristic data shown in FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus received by the central management center and sound data of a constant sound. 6 is a graph showing an example of corrected sound data collected during operation of the image forming apparatus. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an optical unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a photoconductor unit and a developing unit. It is a perspective view which shows the drive mechanism of a photoconductor unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a developing unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of a fixing unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a paper feed part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the 1st and 2nd paper feed unit. 6 is a graph showing a result of analyzing noise during color printing of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a graph showing a result of analyzing noise during color printing of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a graph showing a result of analyzing noise during monochrome printing of the image forming apparatus. It is a graph which shows a secular change of the sound power level of an image forming apparatus. It is the graph which compared the result of the frequency analysis of the noise of the initial state and 8 months after the state which printed monochrome 38ppm with the image forming apparatus. It is the graph which compared the result of the frequency analysis of the noise of the initial state of the state which performed printing of color 28ppm with the image forming apparatus, and eight months later. It is the graph which compared the result of the frequency analysis of the noise of the initial state of the state which performed color 14ppm printing with the image forming apparatus, and eight months later. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a centralized management center. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the modification of a centralized management center. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the other modification of a centralized management center. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a graph showing an example of analyzing noise data of the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the analysis means of a centralized management center. It is a figure which shows the format of transmission of sound data. It is a figure which shows the storage type of the sound data to a memory | storage device. 6 is a graph showing synthesized sound data of noise and environmental sound in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sound sampling procedure in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the centralized management center which concerns on an Example. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sound sampling procedure in the remote management system of the image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the centralized management center which concerns on an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the noise analysis means which concerns on an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the unpleasant sound analysis means based on an Example. It is a figure which shows the method of estimating the discomfort of a sound from a subjective evaluation experiment. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of frequency characteristics of sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus. It is a graph which shows the result of having analyzed noise data. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the analysis means of the centralized management center which concerns on an Example. It is a figure which shows the accumulation | storage form of the sound data in a memory | storage device.

Explanation of symbols

1: Image forming apparatus 2: Centralized management center 2: Color mode 3: Sound collection means 4: Transmission means 5: Communication line 6: Reception means 7: Analysis means 8: Recording device 9: Analysis device 10: Storage device 11: Abnormal Determination device 12: Display device 13: Fixing belt 16: Waste toner bottles 17, 18, 19, 20: LD units 21, 22: Two-layer fθ lenses 23, 24, 25, 26: Long WTL lens 27: Polygon mirror 28 : Photosensitive drum 29: Transfer belt 30: Developing roller 31: Developing doctor 32: Conveying screw left 33: Conveying screw right 34: Toner density sensor 35: Agent cartridge 36: Charging roller 37: Cleaning brush 38: Counter blade 39: Cleaning Brush 40: Waste toner collecting coil 41, 43: Drum stepping motor 41: Color drum drive motor 2: Black drum drive motors 43, 44: Gear 44: Gear 45: Joint 46: Fixing unit 47: Oil application unit 48: Application felt 49: Application roller 50: Cleaning roller 51: First paper supply unit 52: Second supply Paper unit 53: Relay roller 54: Relay roller 55: Conveying roller 56: Paper feeding unit 57: First paper feeding clutch 58: Second paper feeding clutch 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67: Sound collecting means 71: Optical unit 72: Polygon mirror motor 73: Photoconductor unit 74: Development unit 75: Transfer unit 76: Paper sensor 77: Registration roller 78: Manual feed tray 79: First tray 80: Second tray 81: Housing 82: Main body tray 83: Stepping motor 91: Image forming apparatus 92: Centralized management center 93: Environmental sound removal Means 94: Transmission means 95: Communication line 96: Reception means 97: Analysis means 98: Recording device 99: Analysis device 99a: Noise analysis means 100: Storage device 101: Abnormality determination device 102: Display device 103: Analysis means 104: Time Axial noise analysis means 105: Uncomfortable sound analysis means 106: Sound pressure level measurement means 107: Loudness measurement means 108: Sharpness measurement means 109: Tonality measurement means 110: Impulsiveness measurement means 111: Roughness measurement means 112: Strength measurement means 113 : Discomfort calculation means

Claims (10)

Sound collecting means for collecting sound characteristics during operation of the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for sending the sound data collected by the collecting means to a place separated from the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus as a reference noise level;
An analysis means for analyzing the transmitted sound data;
With
Place a sound source that emits a constant sound of a certain volume in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus or the image forming apparatus,
A constant sound sampling control unit that collects the constant sound data output from the sound source; the constant sound sampling control unit analyzes the constant sound data sampled at an arbitrary timing over time; This is a new setting for the standard value of constant sound data.
The constant sound data and the operation sound of the image forming apparatus are sent to the analysis means by the communication means,
The analysis means includes
The sound data stored in the storage means during normal operation of the image forming apparatus is compared with the sound data collected by the sound collection means and sent by the communication means. When the value at which the sound pressure level that appears in the waveform peaks exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the image forming apparatus,
The constant sound data set over time by the constant sound sampling control unit is used as a reference for judging the communication state by the communication means, and the constant sound volume is compared with the reference noise level. A remote management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein correction is performed so as to match the level. Sound collecting means for collecting sound characteristics during operation of the image forming apparatus;
Communication means for sending the sound data collected by the collecting means to a place separated from the image forming apparatus;
Storage means for storing sound data during normal operation of the image forming apparatus as a reference noise level;
An analysis means for analyzing the transmitted sound data;
With
Place a sound source that emits a constant sound of a certain volume near the image forming apparatus or the image forming apparatus,
A constant sound sampling control unit that collects the constant sound data output from the sound source; the constant sound sampling control unit analyzes the constant sound data sampled at an arbitrary timing over time; This is a new setting for the standard value of constant sound data.
The constant sound data and the operation sound of the image forming apparatus are sent to the analysis means by the communication means,
The analysis means includes
An analysis mode for analyzing the operating state of one or a plurality of components included in the image forming apparatus is provided.
The sound data stored in the storage means during normal operation of the image forming apparatus is compared with the sound data collected by the sound collection means and sent by the communication means. If the value at which the sound pressure level appears at a peak exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the component related to the frequency of the sound data at which the sound pressure level exceeds the peak. And
The constant sound data set over time by the constant sound sampling control unit is used as a reference for judging the communication state by the communication means, and the constant sound volume is compared with the reference noise level. A remote management system for an image forming apparatus, wherein correction is performed so as to match the level.   The remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit uses radio waves.   4. The remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analyzing unit analyzes the transmitted sound data for each operation mode of the image forming apparatus.   The analysis means analyzes the transmitted sound data. If the peak value of the sound waveform with respect to the time axis of the transmitted sound data is out of the predetermined normal range, the analysis means deviates from the normal range. 4. The remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that there is an abnormality in a part of the image forming apparatus related to a sound waveform with respect to a certain time axis.   6. The remote management of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound collecting means is arranged for each main sound source of the image forming apparatus with a constant distance from the sound source. system.   6. The remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound collecting means is arranged in the vicinity of each main sound source of the image forming apparatus.   The analysis unit determines that the sound quality of the image forming apparatus is abnormal when a psychoacoustic parameter value of the transmitted sound data is out of a predetermined normal range. A remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The analysis unit is configured to detect the sound pressure level of the transmitted sound data and the acoustic physical quantities of a plurality of psychoacoustic parameter groups (loudness, sharpness, tonality, impulsiveness, roughness, fractionation strength, etc.). The remote management system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein uncomfortableness of the sound produced by the image forming apparatus is determined. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit includes a frequency axis noise analysis unit, a time axis noise analysis unit, and a sound quality analysis unit of the transmitted sound data. Remote management system.