JP2006208074A - Unusual sound determination system, server, information equipment, and unusual sound determination program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an unusual sound determination system for specifying components to be repaired in information equipment for rapid and accurate maintenance, and to provide a server, the information equipment, and an unusual sound determination program. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 15 has a microphone in the inside, executes a test pattern for measuring operation sound for driving each drive section of the printer 15 at each prescribed time independently, and records the operation sound at that time at a recording storage section. Then, a computer 13 transmits sound data acquired by digitizing the operation sound to a management computer 12. The management computer 12 compares the sound pressure of the sound data with a reference value and retrieves a drive section corresponding to time exceeding the reference value in the sound pressures of the sound data from a drive section storage section 47, thus specifying the drive section causing the occurrence of unusual sound as the component to be repaired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an abnormal sound determination system, a server, an information device, and an abnormal sound determination program.

  Conventionally, an abnormal sound may occur in a printing apparatus such as a printer or a copier due to a defect in an internal part of the printing apparatus. When the user contacts the service person about the occurrence of such an abnormal sound, it is difficult to verbally and accurately convey the volume and quality of the abnormal sound. Further, the user cannot determine whether or not the abnormal sound is generated due to a malfunction of the printing apparatus.

Therefore, there has been a system that performs an abnormality diagnosis of a diagnosis target device such as a printing apparatus by acoustic diagnosis (for example, Patent Document 1). This system collects sound from a diagnosis target device and converts it into data, extracts the characteristics of the sound from the data waveform, approximates it with a broken line, and collates it with a normal pattern stored in advance. And the abnormal sound of the diagnostic object apparatus was diagnosed from the collation result. Further, in the comparison between the acoustic waveform pattern of the diagnosis target device and the normal acoustic waveform pattern stored in advance, the repaired portion in the diagnosis target device is extracted from the collected sound. As a result, since the service person can take the parts of the repaired part that has been removed before going to the customer, the service person once visits the installation location of the device to be diagnosed, determines the repair part, and then again There is no need to go to the installation site of the device to be diagnosed with the parts that make up the repaired part.
JP-A-6-167385

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, abnormal sound analysis is not accurate. In other words, when a diagnosis target device is operated when performing an abnormality diagnosis of the diagnosis target device, a plurality of components are driven at the same time. As a result, multiple repair parts could not be identified. Therefore, it is necessary for the service person to go to the place where the diagnosis target device is installed with all the parts constituting the repair portion, which is troublesome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to identify an abnormal sound determination system, a server, and an information device that can identify a repair part of the information device and provide quick and accurate maintenance. And providing an abnormal sound determination program.

In order to solve the above problems, an abnormal sound determination system according to the present invention is an abnormal sound determination system in which an information device and a server are connected via a network, and the information device acquires an operating sound of the information device. And an input means for inputting an operating sound acquisition command for instructing, and a test operation means for independently driving each of a plurality of driving units for driving the information equipment at a predetermined time when the operating sound acquisition command is input. And operating sound acquisition means for acquiring each operating sound of the plurality of driving units, and operating sound transmitting means for transmitting the operating sound to the server, wherein the server includes the driving unit and the operating sound. Are associated with each of the plurality of drive units and registered in the drive unit storage unit, an operation sound reception unit that receives the operation sound, and an income received by the operation sound reception unit. Comparing means for comparing the sound pressure of the sound with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the drive unit storage unit is searched and the predetermined reference value is exceeded. A repair unit identifying means for identifying the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure as a repair unit;
Output means for outputting information on the repair section to the output section as an abnormal sound determination result.

  According to the present invention, when the operating sound acquisition command is input to the information device, the test operation unit drives the plurality of driving units that drive the information device independently at predetermined time intervals, and the operating sound acquisition unit The operating sounds of the plurality of drive units are acquired, and the operating sound transmitting means transmits the operating sounds to the server. The comparison means compares the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the server with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the repairing part specifying means determines that the drive part and the operating sound are The drive unit storage unit registered in association with each of the drive units is searched. Then, the repair unit specifying means specifies the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as the repair unit, and outputs information on the repair unit to the output unit as the abnormal sound determination result.

  As a result, for example, when the operating sound is different from normal, the repair department that causes the noise can be identified before the information equipment maintenance person goes to the installation location of the information equipment. It is not necessary to bring all possible parts to the place where the information equipment is installed. Also, abnormal sounds can be determined quantitatively. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

In the abnormal sound determination system of the present invention, the output means outputs information on the repaired part specified by the repairing part specifying means to the information device as an abnormal sound determination result.
According to this invention, the output means outputs the information of the repair part specified by the repair part specifying means to the information device as the abnormal sound determination result, so that the customer who uses the information device can grasp the abnormal sound determination result. it can.

  In the abnormal sound determination system of the present invention, an information device and a server are connected via a network, and the server is connected to a terminal of a person in charge of maintenance of the information device via the network. When the information device receives an operation sound acquisition command input means for instructing acquisition of the operation sound of the information device, and the operation sound acquisition command is input, a plurality of drive units that drive the information device are respectively set to predetermined The server includes a test operation unit that is driven independently every time, an operation sound acquisition unit that acquires each operation sound of the plurality of drive units, and an operation sound transmission unit that transmits the operation sound to the server. Is a driving unit registration unit that registers the driving unit and the operating sound in the driving unit storage unit in association with the plurality of driving units, and an operating sound that receives the operating sound. A comparison means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the drive unit memory A repair unit identifying means for identifying a drive unit corresponding to an operating sound having a sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as a repair unit, and outputting information on the repair unit to the terminal as an abnormal sound determination result Output means.

  According to the present invention, when the operating sound acquisition command is input to the information device, the test operation unit drives the plurality of driving units that drive the information device independently at predetermined time intervals, and the operating sound acquisition unit The operating sounds of the plurality of drive units are acquired, and the operating sound transmitting means transmits the operating sounds to the server. The comparison unit compares the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the server with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the repair unit specifying unit sets the drive unit and the operating sound to a plurality of The drive unit storage unit registered in association with each of the drive units is searched. Then, the repair unit specifying means specifies the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as the repair unit, and outputs information on the repair unit to the terminal as the abnormal sound determination result.

As a result, when the operating sound is different from normal, the repair department that causes it can be identified before the information equipment maintenance person goes to the installation location of the information equipment, and can be output to the maintenance person's terminal, There is no need for the maintenance staff to go to the installation location of the information equipment with all the parts that can be considered as a repair department, or to go back to pick up the necessary parts again. Also, abnormal sounds can be determined quantitatively. Furthermore, by outputting the abnormal sound determination result to the terminal, the person in charge of maintenance of the information equipment can grasp the abnormal sound determination result. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

  The server of the present invention is a server that can be connected to an information device via a network, and the operation sound of the drive unit when each of the plurality of drive units that drive the information device is independently driven every predetermined time. Is associated with each of the plurality of drive units and registered in the drive unit storage unit, an operation sound receiving unit that receives the operation sound of the information device, and an operation sound received by the operation sound receiving unit. Comparison means for comparing the sound pressure with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the drive unit storage unit is searched and the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value A repair unit identifying unit that identifies the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound as a repair unit, and an output unit that outputs information on the repair unit to the output unit as an abnormal sound determination result.

  Further, the abnormal sound determination program of the present invention is a drive unit when a plurality of drive units that drive the information device are independently driven at predetermined time intervals for a server that can be connected to the information device via a network. Received by the operating sound receiving means, the operating sound receiving means for receiving the operating sound of the information device, and the operating sound receiving means. Comparison means for comparing the operating sound with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the drive unit storage unit is searched and the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value A repair unit specifying unit that specifies a drive unit corresponding to the operating sound as a repair unit, and an output unit that outputs information on the repair unit as an abnormal sound determination result.

  According to these inventions, the comparison unit compares the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the server with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the repair unit specifying unit And a drive unit storage unit in which operation sounds are registered in association with each other for a plurality of drive units. Then, the repair unit specifying means specifies the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as the repair unit, and outputs information on the repair unit to the output unit as the abnormal sound determination result.

  As a result, for example, when the operating sound is different from normal, the repair department that causes the noise can be identified before the information equipment maintenance person goes to the installation location of the information equipment. It is not necessary to bring all possible parts to the place where the information equipment is installed. Also, abnormal sounds can be determined quantitatively. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

In the server according to the present invention, the output unit outputs information on the repair unit specified by the repair unit specifying unit to the information device as an abnormal sound determination result.
According to this invention, the output means outputs the information of the repair part specified by the repair part specifying means to the information device as the abnormal sound determination result, so that the customer who uses the information device can grasp the abnormal sound determination result. it can.

  The server of the present invention is a server that can be connected to an information device and a terminal of a person in charge of maintenance of the information device via a network, respectively, and each of a plurality of drive units that drive the information device is set at a predetermined time. Driving unit registration means for associating the operating sound of the driving unit when driven by the driving unit storage unit in association with each of the plurality of driving units, operating sound receiving unit for receiving the operating sound of the information device, Comparing means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the drive unit storage unit is searched. A repair unit identifying unit that identifies a drive unit corresponding to an operating sound having a sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as a repair unit; and an output unit that outputs information on the repair unit to the terminal as an abnormal sound determination result; Have

  According to this invention, the comparison means compares the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the server with a predetermined reference value, and when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the repair section specifying means A drive unit storage unit in which operating sounds are registered in association with each other for a plurality of drive units is searched. Then, the repair unit specifying means specifies the drive unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value as the repair unit, and outputs information on the repair unit to the terminal as the abnormal sound determination result.

  As a result, when the operating sound is different from normal, the repair department that causes it can be identified before the information equipment maintenance person goes to the installation location of the information equipment, and can be output to the maintenance person's terminal, There is no need for the maintenance staff to go to the installation location of the information equipment with all the parts that can be considered as a repair department, or to go back to pick up the necessary parts again. Also, abnormal sounds can be determined quantitatively. Furthermore, by outputting the abnormal sound determination result to the terminal, the person in charge of maintenance of the information equipment can grasp the abnormal sound determination result. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

In the server of the present invention, the drive unit registration means registers the predetermined time and the drive unit driven at the predetermined time in the drive unit storage unit in association with each other.
According to this invention, the drive unit registration means registers the predetermined time and the drive unit driven at the predetermined time in the drive unit storage unit in association with each other. Therefore, by searching the drive unit storage unit when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the reference value, the drive unit driven at the time exceeding the reference value can be specified as the repair unit.

  The server of the present invention further includes an analysis unit that performs frequency analysis for each predetermined frequency of the operating sound, and the driving unit registration unit includes the driving unit corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the operating sound of the predetermined frequency; Are associated and registered in the drive unit storage unit.

  According to this invention, the analysis unit that performs frequency analysis for each predetermined frequency of the operating sound is further provided, and the driving unit registration unit associates the predetermined frequency with the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the predetermined frequency. Registered in the drive unit storage unit. Therefore, by searching the drive unit storage unit when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the reference value, the drive unit corresponding to the frequency exceeding the reference value can be specified as the repair unit.

  The server according to the present invention further includes list creation means for creating a repair part list in which the repair parts are listed among the abnormal sound determination results, and the abnormal sound determination result is the repair part list.

According to this invention, since the abnormal sound determination result is a repair part list in which repair parts are listed among the abnormal sound determination results, it is possible to easily grasp the drive part that needs repair.
In the server of the present invention, the abnormal sound determination result is a graph expressing the sound pressure of the operating sound.

According to the present invention, since the abnormal sound determination result is a graph expressing the sound pressure of the operating sound, the characteristics of the operating sound can be easily grasped.
In the server of the present invention, the abnormal sound determination result includes a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the information device.

  According to this invention, the abnormal sound determination result is composed of a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the information device. As a result, for example, when only the outline of the analysis data is output to the information device as a part of the analysis data, the customer who uses the information device can easily grasp the abnormal sound determination result based on the summary. Accordingly, since appropriate information regarding maintenance is provided, the reliability of maintenance can be improved.

In the server of the present invention, the abnormal sound determination result includes a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the terminal.
According to this invention, the abnormal sound determination result is composed of a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the terminal. As a result, for example, when the amount of data that can be received by the terminal is limited, a summary of information necessary for maintenance can be output to the terminal as part of the analysis result data. Therefore, since the appropriate information regarding the maintenance is provided while reducing the amount of information, the reliability of the maintenance can be improved.

  An information device according to the present invention includes an input unit that inputs an operation sound acquisition command that instructs acquisition of an operation sound of the information device, and a plurality of drive units that drive the information device when the operation sound acquisition command is input Test operation means for independently driving the operation sounds, and operation sound acquisition means for acquiring the operation sounds of the plurality of drive units.

  According to this invention, when there is an operation sound acquisition command for instructing acquisition of the operation sound of the information device, the test operation means drives the operation sounds of the plurality of drive units that drive the information device, respectively, The operating sound acquisition unit acquires each operating sound of the plurality of driving units. Therefore, for example, when the operating sound is different from normal, the operating sound for each driving unit can be acquired, which can contribute to the identification of the driving unit in which a problem has occurred.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the abnormal sound determination system is embodied when determining abnormal sound of a printer or the like owned by a plurality of companies (customers).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 11 includes a management computer 12 that transmits and receives various types of information for managing customer information and reads and writes data stored in each storage unit. The management server 11 includes a customer database (not shown), and stores customer information such as the serial number, model name, printer manager, telephone number, and address of the printer owned by the customer who is the object of maintenance management. ing. The management computer 12 is connected to the computer 13 via the network I. The management server 11 is a server owned by a company that provides maintenance management for printers and the like. The computer 13 is, for example, a terminal owned by each of a plurality of companies (customers). The network I is the Internet or the like. The computer 13 is connected to a plurality of printers 15 via a network N such as a LAN in the customer's company. The management computer 12 is connected via a network I to a portable terminal 16 as a terminal of a computer or the like owned by a service person as a maintenance person in charge of maintenance management of the plurality of printers 15.

  The management computer 12 includes a control unit such as a CPU (not shown), a storage unit such as a RAM and a ROM, and communication means. The management computer 12 transmits / receives various data to / from the computer 13 according to various programs stored in the ROM. That is, in this embodiment, the management computer 12 (management server 11) functions as a drive unit registration unit, an operation sound reception unit, a comparison unit, a repair unit identification unit, an output unit, a list creation unit, and the like. The management computer 12 includes a monitor and a speaker as an output unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 13 includes a control unit such as a CPU 13a, a storage unit such as a RAM 13b and a ROM 13c, a communication unit (not shown), and the like. The computer 13 transmits / receives various data to / from the management computer 12 according to various programs stored in the ROM 13c.

  The computer 13 includes a recording storage unit 17 and a sound data storage unit 19. The recording storage unit 17 stores sound during operation of the printer 15 (hereinafter referred to as operation sound) recorded by the printer 15. The operating sound is recorded by the printer 15 and transmitted to the computer 13 when an unusual operating sound is generated from the printer 15.

  The sound data storage unit 19 stores the result of digitizing the operating sound transmitted from the printer 15 as sound data. In the present embodiment, for example, the acquired operating sound is digitized by the PCM method. The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) method is one of methods for converting sound into digital data, and the sound is sampled and recorded at regular intervals. Sampling is to collect the strength of an analog signal at regular time intervals so that digital recording is possible.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the computer 13 includes input means such as a keyboard K and a mouse M, and various operation signals for transmitting sound data and the like are transmitted to the computer via the input means. 13 is input. The computer 13 includes a monitor D. The monitor D is, for example, an LCD or the like for displaying an image, and outputs and displays a message transmitted from the management computer 12 on the screen of the monitor D.

  The printer 15 is a laser printer in the present embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3, a drum driving unit 23, a feeder driving unit 24, a cleaning unit driving unit 25, a transfer unit driving unit 26, a developing unit are provided inside the frame 21. A part drive unit 27 and a toner drive unit 28 are provided. In addition, the printer 15 includes a microphone 30 as an operating sound acquisition unit inside the frame 21 and at a location corresponding to the front surface of the printer 15. When the operation sound different from normal is generated from the printer 15 by the microphone 30, the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 (the drum drive unit 23, the feeder drive unit 24, the cleaning unit drive unit 25, the transfer unit drive unit 26, Operating sounds of the developing unit driving unit 27 and the toner driving unit 28) are recorded.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the printer 15 includes a CPU 15a, a RAM 15b, a ROM 15c, an ASIC (not shown), and the like. The CPU 15a executes a program stored in the ROM 15c to issue an instruction necessary for print control to the ASIC, and drives each of the drive units 23 to 28 based on the print data transmitted from the computer 13 to perform printing. To do. That is, a laser beam is applied to a drum (not shown) to draw (develop) an image according to the presence or absence of static electricity, and the image is transferred to a toner (not shown) as a toner image. Then, the CPU 15a fixes the transferred toner image on paper (not shown), cleans the drum, and printing is completed. The printer 15 includes a recording storage unit 32. The recording storage unit 32 stores the operating sound of the printer 15 recorded by the microphone 30. In the present embodiment, the computer 13 and the printer 15 constitute an information device, which functions as a test operation unit, an operating sound transmission unit, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 11 includes a test pattern storage unit 41, a sound data storage unit 43, a reference value storage unit 45, and a drive unit storage unit 47.
The test pattern storage unit 41 stores in advance a test pattern for detecting the cause of the abnormal sound of the printer 15. This test pattern is a dedicated test pattern for individually driving the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 in order to detect abnormal sounds of the printer 15, and is created in advance for each model of the printer 15. . Then, when the operating sound of the printer 15 is acquired, it is read from the test pattern storage unit 41. By executing this test pattern (hereinafter referred to as a test operation), each of the drive units 23 to 28 that are driven when the printer 15 performs printing can be independently driven every predetermined time T. . In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the predetermined time T is 10 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sound data storage unit 43 stores sound data information 43 a for each printer 15. The sound data information 43 a is an operation sound of the printer 15 digitized by the computer 13 and is sound data transmitted from the computer 13. The sound data information 43 a is composed of a serial number 49 and sound data 51. The serial number 49 is a unique identification number given to each printer 15. The sound data 51 is an operating sound of the printer 15 digitized by the computer 13.

  The reference value storage unit 45 stores a reference value S as a predetermined reference value that is a sound pressure that serves as a reference for determining whether or not the recorded operating sound of the printer 15 is normal. This reference value S is a value determined in advance at the time of factory shipment for each model of the printer 15. The management computer 12 determines that the operating sound (sound data) having a sound pressure exceeding the reference value S among the operating sounds of the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 is an abnormal sound.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit storage unit 47 stores drive unit data indicating which drive unit among the drive units 23 to 28 is driven at each predetermined time T in the operation based on the test pattern. It is remembered. Although FIG. 6 is expressed using characters other than numerals for convenience of explanation, in actuality, all are expressed in binary numbers so that the management computer 12 can recognize them. More specifically, during the test operation using the test pattern, the drum drive unit 23 is driven from 0 second to 10 seconds, and the feeder drive unit 24 is driven from 11 seconds to 20 seconds. The cleaning unit drive unit 25 is driven from 21 seconds to 30 seconds, and the transfer unit drive unit 26 is driven from 31 seconds to 40 seconds. The developing unit drive unit 27 is driven from 41 seconds to 50 seconds, and the toner drive unit 28 is driven from 51 seconds to 60 seconds. Then, by the test operation, that is, by operating each of the drive units 23 to 28 independently based on the test pattern, when there is an abnormal sound, the time when the abnormal sound is generated corresponds to the drive unit storage unit 47. Let As a result, it is possible to identify the drive unit that causes the abnormal sound.

  The portable terminal 16 (see FIG. 1) has a computer function in this embodiment, and is a portable terminal owned by a service person of the printer 15. Then, the mobile terminal 16 sends a notification of a location where a malfunction has occurred in each of the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15, a graph of operation sound (sound data) of the printer 15, and other information from the management computer 12 to the network I. Receive via. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, only two mobile terminals 16 of two servicemen are illustrated, but actually, data is exchanged with the mobile terminals 16 of more servicemen. .

  Next, the operation (abnormal sound determination processing) of the abnormal sound determination system will be described with reference to FIGS. The abnormal sound determination process is composed of three processes: an operation sound acquisition process, a determination process, and a repair part identification process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation sound acquisition process. At this time, an unusual operating sound is generated from the printer 15, but the user cannot determine which of the drive units 23 to 28 in the printer 15 is defective. Suppose there is.

When an operation sound different from normal is generated, the computer 13 first transmits a failure notification to the management computer 12 (step S1-10). The computer 13 displays a screen that prompts the user to transmit a defect notification on the monitor D, and transmits the defect notification by a selection signal via an input unit such as a mouse M or a keyboard K. Note that the failure notification means that there is a failure with the serial number of the printer 15 that is generating an operation sound different from the normal operation sound. When the management computer 12 receives the failure notification (step S1-15), the management computer 12 searches the customer database for the model name of the printer 15 corresponding to the serial number, reads the test pattern corresponding to the printer 15 from the test pattern storage unit 41, Send to computer 13 (
Step S1-20). Upon receiving the test pattern (step S1-25), the computer 13 transmits an operating sound acquisition command to the printer 15 (step S1-30). That is, the printer 15 is driven based on the received test pattern. When the printer 15 receives an operating sound acquisition command from the computer 13 (step S1-35), the printer 15 executes a test operation (step S1-40). That is, by executing the test pattern, the printer 15 drives each of the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 independently in order for every predetermined time T to obtain the operating sound, and the operating sound at that time is obtained. Recording is performed with a microphone 30 provided inside the printer 15.

  After acquiring the operating sound, the printer 15 transmits the acquired operating sound to the computer 13 (step S1-45). When the computer 13 receives the operation sound (step S1-50), the computer 13 digitizes the operation sound to obtain sound data (step S1-55). Then, the computer 13 transmits the sound data together with the serial number of the printer 15 to the management computer 12 (step S1-60). The management computer 12 receives these data (step S1-65) and stores them in the sound data storage unit 43.

  Next, the determination process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the determination process. The management computer 12 creates a graph 53 of the sound data 51 (step S2-10). In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents sound pressure, and represents the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) when each driving unit 23 to 28 is driven. To do. When the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) does not exceed the reference value S, it can be determined that the operating sound is within the standard and there is no problem with the drive unit. On the other hand, when the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) exceeds the reference value S, it can be determined that a problem has occurred in the drive unit that was being driven at that time. Next, the management computer 12 specifies a repair part as a repair unit (step S2-15). That is, the drive unit data stored in the drive unit storage unit 47 and the sound data 51 are compared to specify a repair part. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the sound pressure of the operating sound between 41 seconds and 50 seconds exceeds the reference value S, it is specified which drive unit has a problem.

  This repair part specifying process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the management computer 12 determines whether or not there is sound pressure data exceeding the reference value S in the sound data 51 stored in the sound data storage unit 43 (step S3-10). When there is no sound pressure data exceeding the reference value S (NO in step S3-10), the repair part specifying process is terminated. On the other hand, when there is sound pressure data exceeding the reference value S (YES in S3-10), the management computer 12 calculates the time corresponding to the sound pressure data exceeding the reference value S from the sound data 51. Search is performed (step S3-15). That is, a search is made as to how many seconds have elapsed since the start of the test operation when the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) exceeded the reference value S. Then, the management computer 12 selects the drive unit driven at the time corresponding to the data exceeding the reference value S from the drive unit storage unit 47 (step S3-20), and ends the repair part specifying process To do. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, from the drive unit storage unit 47, the drive unit that is driven for 41 to 50 seconds when the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) exceeds the reference value S, that is, the development unit drive Section 27 is selected.

  When the repair part specifying process ends, the management computer 12 transmits the presence / absence of repair parts and the created graph 53 to the portable terminal 16 as a determination result as an abnormal sound determination result (step S2-20 in FIG. 8). That is, when there is no repair part, the operating sound is within the standard, and it is transmitted that there is no repair part. When there is a repair part, a list as a repair part list of the repair part is created and transmitted. Furthermore, the management computer 12 transmits the graph 53 created after the test operation. When the portable terminal 16 receives these determination results (step S2-25), the portable terminal 16 ends the determination process, thereby ending the abnormal sound determination process.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the printer 15 includes the microphone 30 therein and executes the test pattern for measuring the operating sound so that each of the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 is set every predetermined time T. The operating sound at that time was stored in the recording storage unit 32. Then, the computer 13 transmits the sound pressure of the sound data obtained by digitizing the operating sound to the management computer 12. The management computer 12 compares the sound data 51 with the reference value S, and searches the drive unit 47 for a drive unit corresponding to the time exceeding the reference value S in the sound data 51. As a result, it is possible to identify the drive unit that causes the abnormal sound. As a result, the service person can specify the repair parts in advance before going to the installation location of the printer 15, so he or she can go to the installation location of the printer 15 with all the parts that can be considered as repair parts, or need it again. You don't have to go back to pick up the right parts. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

  (2) According to this embodiment, the microphone 30 is provided inside the printer 15. As a result, it is possible to record the operating sound generated by the printer 15 with high accuracy without being disturbed by other sounds, as compared with the case where the microphone is arranged outside the printer 15 for recording. As a result, it is possible to accurately identify the drive unit that generates the operating sound. Therefore, quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, in the operating sound acquisition process, by executing the test pattern for acquiring the operating sound stored in the test pattern storage unit 41, each of the drive units 23 to 28 of the printer 15 is predetermined. Each time T was independently driven in turn. Thereby, it is possible to easily associate from which driving unit the abnormal sound generated from the printer 15 is output. As a result, before the service person goes to the place where the printer 15 is installed, the repair part can be specified in advance.

  (4) In this embodiment, the test pattern storage unit 41 stores different test patterns for each model of the printer 15. As a result, an optimum test operation can be performed for each model of the printer 15, so that maintenance can be provided accurately.

  (5) According to the present embodiment, the management computer 12 creates the graph 53 based on the sound pressure of the operating sound (sound data) generated when the driving units 23 to 28 are driven by the operating sound acquisition process. Thereby, it can be understood at a glance which of the drive units, which drive units 23 to 28 are driven, when the abnormal sound is generated. As a result, for example, when a service person explains a repair part to a customer, an accurate explanation can be easily given, and thus quick and accurate maintenance can be provided.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, the test pattern for executing the operating sound acquisition process is that each of the drive units 23 to 28 that are driven in the operation in which the printer 15 actually feeds and discharges the paper at every predetermined time T. The test pattern was driven independently in order. As a result, even in the test operation, it is possible to reproduce the operating sound that is emitted when the printer 15 is actually driven. Therefore, the repair part can be specified accurately.

  (7) According to the present embodiment, the management computer 12 compares the operating sound (sound data) of the printer 15 with the reference value S to quantitatively determine whether there is an abnormality by performing the abnormal sound determination process. Can do. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of an abnormality as compared with the conventional case where the user verbally informs the service person of the volume and quality of the operating sound of the printer 15. As a result, before the service person goes to the place where the printer 15 is installed, the repair part can be specified in advance.

(8) According to the present embodiment, since the repair parts are identified quantitatively by the abnormal sound determination process, for example, it is necessary to specify the repair parts or the repair parts depending on the presence or absence of serviceman experience The variation in time can be reduced and the reliability of maintenance can be improved.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, one microphone 30 is provided inside the frame 21 of the printer 15 and corresponding to the front surface of the printer 15. You may equip this with multiple microphones corresponding to each acquisition position which acquires the operating sound of each drive part 23-28. In addition, a plurality of microphones that record a plurality of positions at the same time among the acquisition positions may be provided. Further, a plurality of microphones may be provided at an arbitrary position. As a result, it is possible to acquire sound more accurately than when one microphone is provided.

  In the above embodiment, the computer 13 digitizes the operating sound transmitted from the printer 15 to obtain sound data, and transmits the sound data to the management computer 12. Alternatively, the operating sound itself may be transmitted to the management computer 12.

  In the above embodiment, the management computer 12 transmits the graph 53 created from the result of the abnormal sound determination process and the list of repair parts to the mobile terminal 16. Alternatively, the graph 53 and a list of repair parts may be displayed on the monitor of the management computer 12.

  In the above embodiment, the management computer 12 creates the graph 53 from the result of the abnormal sound determination process and transmits it to the mobile terminal 16. This graph 53 may be output not only to the portable terminal 16 but also to the monitor D of the computer 13. Further, a speaker may be provided in the computer 13 and a warning sound may be emitted from the speaker when the operating sound exceeds the reference value S.

  In the above embodiment, the management computer 12 creates the graph 53 from the result of the abnormal sound determination process and transmits it to the mobile terminal 16. This graph 53 may be output not only to the portable terminal 16 but also to the printer 15 for printing. Further, not only the printer 15 may print the result of the abnormal sound determination process, but the printer 15 may be provided with a display unit such as an LCD, and the result of the abnormal sound determination process may be displayed on the display unit. Thereby, not only the service person who owns the portable terminal 16 but also the user can know the abnormal sound determination processing result.

  Further, the graph 53 output to the printer 15 may be simpler than the graph 53 output to the portable terminal 16. That is, only a part of the result of the abnormal sound determination process including a plurality of analysis data may be transmitted to the printer 15 as the outline of the graph 53. As a result, even a user with relatively little specialized knowledge can understand the result of the abnormal sound determination process. Further, a speaker may be provided in the printer 15, and a warning sound may be generated when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the reference value S. Furthermore, an LED may be provided in the printer 15 so that the LED blinks when the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the reference value S. As a result, the user can easily determine whether or not the operating sound is abnormal.

  In the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 16 is described as a computer, but it may be a mobile phone. At this time, the management computer 12 may transmit only a part of the result of the abnormal sound determination process including a plurality of analysis data to the mobile phone. In other words, the service person can receive the minimum data necessary for maintenance, even though the analysis data has a data amount that can be received by the mobile phone.

In the above embodiment, the management computer 12 creates the graph 53 based on the sound data 51 stored in the sound data storage unit 43, and selects a drive unit whose sound pressure is greater than the reference value S in the sound data 51. Identified as a drive that has a problem. The operating sound before digitization may be transmitted from the computer 13 to the management computer 12, and the management computer 12 may analyze the frequency of the operating sound to determine whether there is an abnormality for each frequency. At this time, the management computer 12 functions as an analysis unit. More specifically, the sound data 51 is subjected to frequency analysis using FFT (Fast Fourier Transform). FFT is a technique for calculating a discrete Fourier transform and an inverse transform, which is a process for extracting how many frequency components are included in a signal, at high speed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the sound pressure of the operating sound can be expressed for each frequency by FFT. Also for this frequency analysis result, a predetermined reference value is provided, and the drive part that causes the abnormal sound is identified by comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound for each predetermined frequency with the predetermined reference value. Can do.

  That is, for example, when the sound pressure of high-frequency sound exceeds a predetermined reference value, a fault occurs in a metal part, and when the sound pressure of low-frequency sound exceeds a predetermined reference value, a fault occurs in a plastic part. Judge. And a repair part can be specified by the sound pressure of the operation sound for every frequency also with respect to each of metal parts and plastic parts. At this time, in the above-described embodiment, the drive unit storage unit 47 that associates the time during the test pattern execution and the drive units 23 to 28 that are driven at each time is provided in advance. The drive units 23 to 28 that emit the sound of the frequency may be stored in advance in association with each other, and the repair part may be specified by referring to the drive unit storage unit 47. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the sound quality, which is not only the sound volume but also the high and low sounds, is abnormal by the frequency analysis, so that the repair part can be specified more accurately.

  In the above embodiment, the management computer 12 creates the graph 53 based on the operating sound (sound data) recorded by the printer 15 and identifies the repair part. The operating sound (sound data 51) recorded by the printer 15 may be directly output from the speaker of the management computer 12, and the service person may listen to specify the repair part. As a result, the management computer 12 does not have to process data, so that the number of processes can be reduced, but the user does not have to verbally explain the volume and quality of the operating sound, and the repair parts can be identified quickly and accurately. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, when the user feels that an operation sound different from normal has occurred, a failure notification is transmitted from the computer 13 to the management computer 12, and based on the test pattern transmitted by the management computer 12 that has received the failure notification. The test operation was performed. Alternatively, the printer 15 may monitor whether or not an abnormal sound is generated, and when the abnormal sound is generated, a malfunction notification may be automatically transmitted to the management computer 12 to execute the abnormal sound determination process.

  In the above embodiment, the failure notification is transmitted to the management computer 12 via the input means such as the mouse M and the keyboard K of the computer 13. Alternatively, the printer 15 may be provided with input means such as a failure notification switch, and the failure notification may be transmitted to the management computer 12 by turning on the switch.

  In the above embodiment, a dedicated test pattern for abnormal sound determination processing is provided, and abnormal sound determination processing is performed. Instead of providing a dedicated test pattern, a sound generated when the printer 15 is started may be recorded, and the repaired part may be identified by analyzing the sound.

  In the above embodiment, the test pattern for acquiring the operating sound of the printer 15 is stored in the test pattern storage unit 41 of the management server 11. Alternatively, the test pattern of the printer 15 connected to the computer 13 may be stored in the computer 13. As a result, it is not necessary to send or receive a failure notification and test pattern between the management computer 12 and the computer 13, so that a repair part can be identified earlier.

In the above embodiment, the computer 13 mainly transmits an operation sound acquisition command to cause the printer 15 to execute a test operation, and the computer 13 digitizes the operation sound transmitted from the printer 15 to obtain sound data. The sound data and the serial number are transmitted to the management computer 12. This may be performed by the printer 15 having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and sound data storage unit. In this case, even in a printer that does not require the computer 13 when executing printing, the same effect as that obtained by the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the information device of the abnormal sound determination system is embodied as including the computer 13 and the printer 15. However, the printer 15 is not limited to a printer, and may be a facsimile, a copy, or the like. The printer 15 is not limited to a laser printer, but may be an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, or the like.

The system schematic of this embodiment. Similarly, a schematic diagram of a computer. Similarly, the schematic diagram of the drive part of a printer. Similarly, a schematic diagram of a printer. Similarly, explanatory drawing of a sound data storage part. Similarly, explanatory drawing of a drive part memory | storage part. Similarly, explanatory drawing of the process sequence of an operation sound acquisition process. Similarly, an explanatory diagram of a processing procedure of determination processing. Similarly, an explanatory view of a processing procedure of repair part identification processing. Similarly, a schematic diagram of the graph. The schematic of the graph of another example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Management server, 12 ... Management computer, 13 ... Computer, 15 ... Printer, 16 ... Portable terminal, 23 ... Drum drive part, 24 ... Feeder drive part, 25 ... Cleaning part drive part, 26 ... Transfer part drive part, 27 Development unit driving unit 28 Toner driving unit 30 Microphone 41 Test pattern storage unit 43 Sound data storage unit 45 Reference value storage unit 47 Driving unit storage unit 53 Graph I N ... Network, S ... Reference value, T ... Predetermined time.

Claims (14)

In an abnormal sound determination system in which an information device and a server are connected via a network,
The information device is
An input means for inputting an operation sound acquisition command for instructing acquisition of an operation sound of the information device;
A test operation means for driving each of the plurality of drive units for driving the information device independently at predetermined time intervals when the operation sound acquisition command is input;
Operating sound acquisition means for acquiring operating sounds of the plurality of drive units;
Having an operating sound transmitting means for transmitting the operating sound to the server;
The server
Drive unit registration means for registering the drive unit and the operation sound in the drive unit storage unit in association with the plurality of drive units, respectively;
Operating sound receiving means for receiving the operating sound;
Comparison means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value;
When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the driving unit storage unit is searched, and the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value is specified as a repair unit. Means for identifying the repair department;
An abnormal sound determination system comprising: output means for outputting information on the repair unit as an abnormal sound determination result to an output unit. The abnormal sound determination system according to claim 1,
The abnormal sound determination system, wherein the output means outputs information on the repair part specified by the repair part specifying means to the information device as an abnormal sound determination result. An information device and a server are connected via a network, and the server is connected to a terminal of a person in charge of maintenance of the information device via the network in an abnormal sound determination system,
The information device is
An operation sound acquisition command input means for instructing acquisition of the operation sound of the information device;
A test operation means for driving each of the plurality of drive units for driving the information device independently at predetermined time intervals when the operation sound acquisition command is input;
Operating sound acquisition means for acquiring operating sounds of the plurality of drive units;
Having an operating sound transmitting means for transmitting the operating sound to the server;
The server
Drive unit registration means for registering the drive unit and the operation sound in the drive unit storage unit in association with the plurality of drive units, respectively;
Operating sound receiving means for receiving the operating sound;
Comparison means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value;
When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the driving unit storage unit is searched, and the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value is specified as a repair unit. Means for identifying the repair department;
An abnormal sound determination system comprising: output means for outputting information on the repair unit to the terminal as an abnormal sound determination result. A server that can be connected to an information device via a network,
Drive unit registration for registering operation sounds of the drive units when the plurality of drive units for driving the information devices are independently driven at predetermined time intervals in association with the plurality of drive units, respectively, in the drive unit storage unit Means,
An operating sound receiving means for receiving an operating sound of the information device;
Comparison means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value;
When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the driving unit storage unit is searched, and the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value is specified as a repair unit. Means for identifying the repair department;
And an output unit that outputs information on the repair unit to the output unit as an abnormal sound determination result. The server according to claim 4, wherein
The server characterized in that the output means outputs information on the repair part specified by the repair part specifying means to the information device as an abnormal sound determination result. Servers that can be connected to the information device and the terminal of the person in charge of maintenance of the information device through a network,
Drive unit registration for registering operation sounds of the drive units when the plurality of drive units for driving the information devices are independently driven at predetermined time intervals in association with the plurality of drive units, respectively, in the drive unit storage unit Means,
An operating sound receiving means for receiving an operating sound of the information device;
Comparison means for comparing the sound pressure of the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value;
When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the driving unit storage unit is searched, and the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value is specified as a repair unit. Means for identifying the repair department;
And an output unit that outputs information on the repair unit to the terminal as an abnormal sound determination result. The server according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The server, wherein the drive unit registration unit registers the predetermined time and the drive unit driven at the predetermined time in the drive unit storage unit in association with each other. The server according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
Furthermore, an analysis means for performing frequency analysis for each predetermined frequency of the operating sound is provided,
The server is characterized in that the drive unit registration means registers the predetermined frequency and a drive unit corresponding to an operating sound of the predetermined frequency in the drive unit storage unit in association with each other. The server according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
Furthermore, a list creation means for creating a repair part list in which the repair part is listed among the abnormal sound determination results,
The server according to claim 1, wherein the abnormal sound determination result is the repair part list. The server according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
The abnormal sound determination result is a graph representing a sound pressure of the operating sound. The server according to claim 10,
The abnormal sound determination result includes a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the information device. The server according to claim 10,
The abnormal sound determination result includes a plurality of analysis result data, and only a part of the analysis result data is output to the terminal. An input means for inputting an operation sound acquisition command for instructing acquisition of an operation sound of the information device;
When the operation sound acquisition command is input, test operation means for independently driving the operation sounds of a plurality of drive units that drive the information device,
An information device comprising: an operation sound acquisition unit configured to acquire each operation sound of the plurality of drive units. A server that can be connected to an information device via a network.
Drive unit registration for registering operation sounds of the drive units when the plurality of drive units for driving the information devices are independently driven at predetermined time intervals in association with the plurality of drive units, respectively, in the drive unit storage unit Means,
An operating sound receiving means for receiving an operating sound of the information device;
Comparison means for comparing the operating sound received by the operating sound receiving means with a predetermined reference value;
When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds the predetermined reference value, the driving unit storage unit is searched, and the driving unit corresponding to the operating sound of the sound pressure exceeding the predetermined reference value is specified as a repair unit. Means for identifying the repair department;
An abnormal sound determination program that functions as output means for outputting information on the repair section as an abnormal sound determination result.

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