JP2014102359A - Sound output device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sound output device capable of emitting a more easily audible notification sound.SOLUTION: A sound output device 46 includes: first sound reproduction means 44m that is mounted on an apparatus, and outputs, at least during the execution of processing by the apparatus, a first sound signal showing an additional sound; second sound reproduction means 44w that outputs a second sound signal showing a notification sound in response to the completion of the processing by the apparatus; and sound output means 45 that emits the additional sound on the basis of the first sound signal output from the first sound reproduction means 44m, and emits the notification sound having a pressure level higher than at least that of the additional sound on the basis of the second sound signal output from the second sound reproduction means 44w.

Description

  The present invention relates to an acoustic output device and an image forming apparatus that radiate a sound (referred to as masker, masking sound, or the like) that can mask an operation sound (noise) of an apparatus.

  Conventionally, a so-called “silence reduction technology” for reducing operation sound has been adopted as a countermeasure against operation sound generated from an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). Although the sound pressure level of the operation sound can be reduced by the noise reduction technology, the problems of “harshness” and “discomfort” that people around the MFP receive from the operation sound have not been solved.

  There is a sound masking technique as a technique for reducing the harshness experienced by people. Sound masking is a phenomenon (sound masking effect) that makes it difficult to hear other sounds when sound of a certain volume is flowing in the ear, and mainly includes frequency masking and time masking. According to the sound masking technique, a masking sound whose frequency band is similar to the operation sound is mainly superimposed on the operation sound. As a result, it is difficult to hear the operation sound, and it is possible to reduce the harshness and the like experienced by a person.

  As a sound output device to which the sound masking is applied, there is a noise masking device described in Patent Document 1 below. The noise masking device includes a sounding body that generates a masking sound for the operation sound of the MFP, and a masking sound control unit that controls the sounding body and generates a masking sound having a frequency in a range including a main component frequency of the operation sound. Prepare. The masking sound control means generates a masking sound having a frequency in the range from the lower limit frequency to the upper limit frequency of the critical band frequency of the main component frequency of the noise.

JP-A-9-193506

  By the way, when the print process (that is, the print job) designated by the print command or the like is completed, the MFP emits a notification sound to notify the user of the end of the print process. Since the notification sound is erased by the masking sound, there is a problem that it is difficult for people around the MFP to hear the notification sound.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sound output device and an image forming apparatus capable of emitting a notification sound that is easier to listen to.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a sound output device mounted on a device, wherein at least the device outputs a first sound signal representing an additional sound during processing. A reproduction means, a second sound reproduction means for outputting a second sound signal representing a notification sound in response to completion of processing of the device, and an additional sound based on the first sound signal output from the first sound reproduction means. And a sound output means for emitting a notification sound having a sound pressure level higher than that of the additional sound based on the second sound signal output from the second sound reproduction means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that feeds a sheet placed on a first tray to a conveyance path, and prints an image on the sheet fed by the feeding unit. Printing means to be discharged, a second tray on which an image printed sheet discharged from the printing means is placed, a printing control means for controlling printing processing by the supply means and the printing means, and during the printing process First sound reproduction means for outputting a first sound signal representing an additional sound, second sound reproduction means for outputting a second sound signal representing a notification sound in response to the end of the printing process, and the first sound reproduction An additional sound is radiated based on the first sound signal output from the means, and a notification sound having a sound pressure level higher than at least the additional sound is generated based on the second sound signal output from the second sound reproduction means. Radiate And it includes a sound output means.

  According to each of the above embodiments, it is possible to provide a sound output device and an image forming apparatus that can emit a notification sound that is easier to listen to.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a sound output device according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the detailed structure of the sound output device of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic concept of masking. It is a figure which shows typically the waveform of the masking sound which has a time change correlated with an operation sound. It is a figure which shows typically the waveform of a notification sound. It is a figure which shows typically the modification in which a masking sound fades out until the radiation | emission completion | finish of notification sound. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (including an operation of a sound output device) of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows typically the waveform of the notification sound which fades out. It is a schematic diagram which shows the detailed structure of the sound output device which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the sound output device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the sound pressure level of the notification sound at the time of masking sound radiation | emission, and the sound pressure level of the notification sound when there is no radiation | emission.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a sound output device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Introduction)
In FIG. 1, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction of the image forming apparatus. In the configuration of FIG. 1, suffixes a, b, c, and d are added to the right side of the reference number. a, b, c, and d mean yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). For example, the photosensitive drum 37a means a yellow photosensitive drum 37. Further, no suffix means each color of Y, M, C, and Bk. For example, the photoconductor drum 37 means a photoconductor drum of each color of Y, M, C, and Bk.

(Configuration and operation of image forming apparatus)
The image forming apparatus includes at least a supply unit 1 and a printing unit 2. In addition, the image forming apparatus can optionally add peripheral devices such as an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and a finisher. In the example of FIG. 1, ADF 5 is added.

  In the supply unit 1, when the printing process starts, the uppermost sheet S is picked up one by one from the sheet bundle placed on the supply tray 11 by the pickup roller 12. The taken sheets S are sequentially sent out to the transport path R1 (see the dotted line) by the supply roller 13 and the separation roller 14.

  In the printing unit 2, the registration roller pair 21 forms a registration nip. Since the registration roller pair 21 is initially stopped, the sheet S sent to the conveyance path R1 by the supply unit 1 hits the registration nip and temporarily stops. The registration roller pair 21 starts to rotate at a timing suitable for secondary transfer, which will be described later, under the control of a control unit 42 (described later), and sends the temporarily stopped sheet S downstream of the transport path R1.

  In the printing unit 2, the imaging unit 22 is provided immediately downstream of the conveyance path R 1 with respect to the registration roller pair 21, and includes an optical scanning device 31, an intermediate transfer belt 32, a driving roller 33, and a driven roller 34. And a secondary transfer roller 35 and an image forming unit 36 for each color. The image forming unit 36 for each color is provided with a photosensitive drum 37 configured to be rotatable.

  When the image data is input, the optical scanning device 31 generates a light beam γ for each color and scans the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding color photosensitive drum 37. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image of a corresponding color is generated on each outer peripheral surface. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device (not shown) for each color, and a corresponding color toner image is generated.

  The intermediate transfer belt 32 is an endless belt, is stretched between the rollers 33 and 34, and rotates in the direction of the arrow α. The toner images carried on the photosensitive drum 37 are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) to the same area of the intermediate transfer belt 32, and a composite toner image in which the toner images of the respective colors are overlapped is formed. The composite toner image is conveyed toward the secondary transfer roller 35 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 32.

  The secondary transfer roller 35 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 32 to form a secondary transfer nip. The sheet material S fed from the registration roller pair 21 is introduced into the secondary transfer nip. A transfer voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 35, and the composite toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 32 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S passing through the secondary transfer nip. The secondary transfer roller 35 and the intermediate transfer belt 32 send out the secondary transferred sheet S to the downstream side of the transport path R1.

  The fixing device 23 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller, and these rollers form a fixing nip. The sheet S from the secondary transfer nip passes through the fixing nip. During this time, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, whereby the synthetic toner image is fixed. Thereafter, the fixing device 23 sends out the sheet S toward the discharge roller pair 24 provided downstream of the conveyance path R1.

  The discharge roller pair 24 discharges the sheet S to the discharge tray 27 when the image-fixed sheet S is introduced from the fixing device 23.

(Configuration of ADF)
As described above, each image forming apparatus is provided with the ADF 5. In the ADF 5, the tray 51 is configured so that the document D can be placed thereon. The supply means 52 sends out the originals D one by one from the tray 51 to the transport path R2 (see the alternate long and short dash line).

  The registration roller pair 53 forms a registration nip of the ADF 5. Since the registration roller pair 53 is initially stopped, the sheet S sent to the conveyance path R2 by the supply unit 52 hits the registration nip and temporarily stops. Thereafter, the registration roller pair 53 rotates under timing control by the control means 42 (described later), and sends the document D sent to the transport path R2 by the supply means 52 toward the downstream (in other words, the reading position β). . The discharge roller pair 54 discharges the document D that has passed the reading position β to the discharge tray 55.

  The document reading unit 56 is fixed immediately below the reading position β and sequentially reads the document D passing through the reading position β line by line. Specifically, in the document reading unit 56, the light emitting element emits light to the reading position β. The reflected light from the document D enters the imaging lens through a plurality of mirrors, and finally forms an image on the image sensor. The image sensor performs photoelectric conversion, sequentially generates image data representing one line of the document D from the incident light, and outputs the image data to the control unit 42 of the printing unit 2.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes a control circuit board 4 for controlling each component. The control circuit board 4 includes a storage means 41 and a control means 42 as shown in FIG. The storage means 41 is a flash memory or the like, and stores various data. The control unit 42 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and includes at least a print control unit 43, a first sound reproduction unit 44m, and a second sound reproduction unit 44w that are realized by executing software on the RAM. ing.

(Configuration of sound output device)
The image forming apparatus includes a sound output device 46 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the sound output device 46 generally includes a sound output means 45 including at least one speaker in addition to the storage means 41 and the sound reproduction means 44m and 44w.

  The storage means 41 stores data representing the masking sound M first. The masking sound M is assigned for each operation mode of the image forming apparatus, and is a sound that can mask the operation sound (noise) generated by the printing process in the operation mode. Specifically, the masking sound M is a processed sound obtained by processing the frequency of environmental sound or pink noise, for example, and has a frequency characteristic similar to the frequency characteristic of the operating sound, and does not make sense for the user. . Hereinafter, the masking of the operation sound of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the frequency [Hz], and the vertical axis represents the spectral level [dBPa]. The spectrum level is the sound pressure level of the corresponding frequency when the frequency component of the sound is expressed as a spectrum distribution. A curve C1 indicates the frequency characteristic of the operation sound when the operation mode is the continuous printing mode (that is, printing on a plurality of sheets S). The curve C2 is a frequency characteristic of so-called white noise, and has a substantially constant spectral level regardless of the frequency. A curve Mf is a frequency characteristic of the masking sound M with respect to the operation sound indicated by the curve C1.

  When white noise is superimposed on the operation sound, the listener feels the harsh feeling of the operation sound. On the other hand, when the masking sound M is superimposed on the operation sound, the harsh feeling can be greatly reduced. The masking effect increases as the sound pressure level of the masking sound M is increased. However, if the sound pressure level of the masking sound M is increased too much, the masking sound M itself becomes harsh. Therefore, the applicant repeated experiments and obtained the knowledge that a good masking effect can be obtained with the following masking sound M. The masking sound M has a sound pressure level (hereinafter referred to as a normal sound pressure level) that correlates with a temporal change in the sound pressure level of the operation sound and is approximately equal to or greater than the sound pressure level of the operation sound by about +1 dB. . Hereinafter, a specific example of the masking sound M will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a curve C3 indicates a time change of the operation sound in the continuous printing mode. In the curve C3, the printing process on the sheet S is not executed and only the warm-up is executed before the time section T1. Therefore, the sound pressure level of the operation sound is relatively small.

  After the warm-up, a printing process (that is, a series of processes of supplying the sheet S → printing → discharging the sheet S) is performed during the time period T1 to T4. Therefore, the sound pressure level of the operation sound is higher than before the time interval T1. In addition, since sudden sound (such as a sound that the sheet S hits the registration nip) is generated almost periodically, the sound pressure level of the operation sound suddenly increases.

  In addition, the printing process ends after the time section T4. As a result, the image forming apparatus shifts to a standby state. In the standby state, only a part of the configuration continues to operate. Therefore, the sound pressure level of the operating sound is smaller than that between the time intervals T1 to T4.

  The manufacturer acquires the operation sound as described above by operating the image forming apparatus before shipment. The manufacturer generates a masking sound M having a temporal change and a sound pressure level corresponding to the acquired operation sound, converts it into data, and stores it in the storage means 41. Here, such a sound pressure level which changes with time is described as L (t). Further, the sound pressure level L (t) of the masking sound M is not zeroed simultaneously with the end of the printing process. The reason is as follows. When the emission of the masking sound M is stopped simultaneously with the end of the printing process, it is assumed that surrounding users feel uncomfortable. Also from this, the masking sound M is created so as to continue to be radiated for a predetermined time even after the printing process is completed.

  For comparison with the masking sound M, FIG. 4 also shows a masking sound m having a constant sound pressure level in the time intervals T1 to T4. The operation sound can be masked with this masking sound m. However, since the masking sound m has a constant sound pressure level even when the sound pressure level of the operation sound is low (when there is no sudden collision sound), an unnecessarily loud sound (mainly, (Including masking sound and operation sound) may be emitted. On the other hand, since the sound pressure level of the masking sound M changes in accordance with the time change of the operation sound, it is possible to relatively suppress the sound emitted from the image forming apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, only the masking sound M corresponding to the continuous printing mode is illustrated. However, in addition to the continuous printing mode, the operation mode includes a single sheet printing mode and an ADF mode. The single-sheet printing mode is an operation mode for performing printing on one sheet S. The ADF mode is an operation mode in which the content of the document D is read by operating the ADF 5. Also for these operation modes, the masking sound M is generated and stored in the storage means 41 in the same manner as described above.

  The storage means 41 further stores data representing the notification sound W. The notification sound W is a sound for notifying surrounding users that the printing process has been completed. For example, the notification sound W starts to be emitted from the end of the printing process and is emitted only for a predetermined time tw (about 1 to 2 seconds). Here, as described above, after the time interval T4, the printing process itself (that is, printing on the sheet S) is completed, but the masking sound M and the operation sound are continuously emitted from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the notification sound W is radiated at least during a predetermined time tw from the end of the printing process, and at that time, the sound pressure that is larger than the sum of the sound pressure levels of the masking sound M and the operation sound It has level Lw. Here, the sound pressure level difference may be at least +3 [dB]. This makes it easier for the user to listen to the notification sound W clearly.

  If the operation sound stops sounding simultaneously with the end of the printing process, that is, if the sound pressure level of the operation sound becomes zero, the notification sound W is radiated during the predetermined time from the end of the printing process as described above. The sound pressure level of the masking sound M to be applied is preferably 3 [dB] higher than the sound pressure level.

  The sound pressure level Lw of the notification sound W is determined as follows, for example. First, as the notification sound W, a sound in the frequency band fw is prepared. Further, it is assumed that the total sound of the masking sound M and the operation sound has a sound pressure level Ltotal [dB] in the same frequency band as the frequency band fw of the notification sound W during a predetermined time from the end of printing. The notification sound W is created so that the sound pressure level Lw becomes Lw> Ltotal in the frequency band fw, preferably Lw> Ltotal + 3 [dB].

  Next, another method for determining the sound pressure level Lw will be described. It is assumed that the masking sound M and the operation sound have the maximum sound pressure level Lmax [dB] in all frequency bands during a predetermined time from the end of printing. The notification sound W may preferably have a sound pressure level that exceeds the maximum sound pressure level Lmax by 3 [dB] so as to exceed the maximum sound pressure level Lmax in the entire frequency band.

(Operation of sound output device)
Next, the operation of the sound output device 46 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a print job has been sent to the print control means 43 of the control means 42 (S601). Here, the print job is sent from an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus or sent from a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus.

  The print control unit 43 determines a print mode (for example, continuous print mode) from the received print job. This print mode is transferred to the first sound reproduction means 44m. When the print job start timing comes (S602), the print control unit 43 controls each unit of its own apparatus to start print processing based on the determined print mode.

  The first sound reproduction means 44m reads data representing the masking sound M corresponding to the received print mode from the storage means 41 and reproduces the first sound signal representing the masking sound M. When the first sound signal is input, the sound output unit 45 radiates the masking sound M based on the input signal to the space (S603). In the description of the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the first sound reproducing means 44m does not control the sound pressure level and reproduces the L (t) masking sound M and outputs it to the sound output means 45 as in the creation.

  When the printing process is completed (S604), the print control unit 43 shifts the image forming apparatus to the standby state. In addition, the print control unit 43 passes information indicating the end of the printing process to the second sound reproducing unit 44m. Also at this time, the first sound reproduction means 44m continues to reproduce the first sound signal and the sound output means 45 radiates the masking sound M. Upon receiving this information, the second sound reproduction means 44w reads data representing the notification sound W from the storage means 41 and reproduces the second sound signal representing the notification sound W. When the second sound signal is input, the sound output unit 44 radiates the notification sound W based on the input signal to the space for about 1 to 2 seconds (S605). Here, the second sound reproduction means 44w reproduces the notification sound W at a sound pressure level Lw larger than the total sound pressure level Ltotal of the masking sound M and the operation sound as described above, and outputs it to the sound output means 45. .

(Operation and effect of sound output device)
In the sound output device 46, the notification sound W is radiated after the printing process is completed. After the printing process is completed, the masking sound M is also continuously emitted. Here, the notification sound W is radiated at a sound pressure level Lw (preferably +3 [dB]) larger than the masking sound M and the operation sound. This makes it easier for users around the image forming apparatus to hear the notification sound W.

(Appendix)
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been given in which the masking sound M and the operation sound are continuously emitted for a predetermined time even after the printing process is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound output device 46 may stop the masking sound M and the operation sound simultaneously with the end of the printing process and radiate the notification sound W immediately after that. Also in this case, the user may feel it difficult to hear the notification sound W due to the influence of the masking sound M and the operation sound. Therefore, the notification sound W having the sound pressure level Lw is emitted at the same timing as described above.

  Further, as described above, if the masking sound M is stopped simultaneously with the end of the printing process, surrounding users may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is preferable that the first sound reproducing unit 44m lowers the sound pressure level from L (t) to zero in order to fade out the masking sound M after S604, as shown after the time interval T4 in FIG. 5A. .

  As described above, the time zone in which the notification sound W is radiated is determined to be a predetermined time tw (about 1 to 2 seconds) after the end of the printing process. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first sound reproducing means 44m reduces the sound pressure level of the masking sound M to zero by the fade-out after the predetermined time tw.

  In addition to the above, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sound pressure level of the masking sound M is shortened until the notification sound W ends (during the predetermined time tw) by shortening the fade-out reduction period of the masking sound M. May be reduced to zero.

  Further, when the masking sound M fades out during the predetermined time tw, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the sound pressure level Lw of the notification sound W is constant during the predetermined time tw, the user can At the same time, the user hears the notification sound W that becomes clearer. Such a notification sound W may give a sense of incongruity to the user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the second sound reproducing means 44w fades out the notification sound W in accordance with the fade-out of the masking sound M, and changes the sound pressure level from Lw to a predetermined sound during a predetermined time tw. Preferably, the pressure level is Lref.

  Depending on the specifications of the image forming apparatus, the sound pressure level of the operation sound in the standby state may be zero after the printing process is completed. Also in this case, the notification sound W having the sound pressure level Lw (Lw> Ltotal) is emitted at the same timing as described above. In this case, however, Ltotal is represented only by the sound pressure level of the masking sound M, assuming that the sound pressure level of the operating sound is zero.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the sound output device 46 radiates the masking sound M has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound output device 46 may emit simple BGM (background music) at least during the printing process. That is, the sound output device 46 may radiate an additional sound that is superimposed on an operation sound generated in the printing process.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the processing of the device, the masking sound M is radiated to the operation sound generated in the printing process in the printing unit 2, and the notification sound W is radiated at the end of the printing process. explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound output device 46 radiates the masking sound M to the operation sound in the reading process in the ADF 5, for example, and applies the process described in the above embodiment to the notification sound W for the reading operation. It doesn't matter.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the sound output device 46 is mounted on the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the sound output device 46 is not limited to the image forming apparatus, and can be mounted on any device as long as it generates an operation sound when executing a requested process.

(Modification)
Next, a sound output device 46a according to a modification will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the sound output device 46 a is different from the sound output device 46 of FIG. 2 in that the setting information F is further stored in the storage unit 41. Other than this, there is no difference in configuration between the sound output devices 46 and 46a. Therefore, in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are assigned to the components corresponding to the configuration of FIG.

  First, the setting information F is information indicating whether or not the masking sound M is emitted. For the setting of the setting information F, for example, an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus is used. Specifically, the operation panel displays a setting screen in response to an operation by the user or the like. The user or the like selects whether or not the masking sound M is emitted on the display screen. The control means 42 receives the selected setting information F from the operation panel and stores it in the storage means 41.

(Operation of Sound Output Device According to Modification)
Next, the operation of the sound output device 46a will be described with reference to FIG. 9 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 6 in that S1001 to S1003 are further provided. Other than that, there is no difference between the two flow diagrams. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the same step numbers are assigned to the steps corresponding to the steps shown in FIG. 6, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  First, in the sound output device 46a, S601 and S602 are executed. Thereafter, the first sound reproduction means 44m reads the setting information F from the storage means 41 and determines whether or not the masking sound M should be emitted (S1001).

  If the setting information F indicates that there is radiation, it is determined that the masking sound M should be emitted, and the sound output device 46a executes S603 to S605.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S1001 that the masking sound M is not emitted, the first sound reproducing device 44m does not perform the process. When the printing process ends (S1002), the image forming apparatus shifts to a standby state as described above, and information indicating the end of the printing process is passed to the second sound reproducing unit 44m. Upon receiving this information, the second sound reproduction means 44w reads data representing the notification sound W from the storage means 41 and reproduces the second sound signal representing the notification sound W. When the second sound signal is input, the sound output unit 44 radiates the notification sound W based on the input signal to the space for about 1 to 2 seconds (S1003). However, at this time, the second sound reproduction means 44 w reproduces the notification sound W having a sound pressure level Llow smaller than the sound pressure level Lw and outputs it to the sound output means 45. Here, the sound pressure level Llow has a value larger than the sound pressure level of the operation sound radiated during the predetermined time tw from the end of the printing process. Here, the sound pressure level difference may be at least +3 [dB]. This makes it easier for the user to listen to the notification sound W clearly.

  The sound pressure level Llow at this time is determined as follows, for example. First, a sound in the frequency band fw is prepared as the notification sound W. Further, it is assumed that the operation sound has a sound pressure level Ljob [dB] in the same frequency band as the frequency band fw of the notification sound W during a predetermined time from the end of printing. The notification sound W is created in the frequency band fw so that the sound pressure level Llow satisfies Llow> Ljob, and preferably exceeds Llow> Ljob + 3 [dB].

  Next, another method for determining the sound pressure level Llow will be described. It is assumed that the operation sound has the maximum sound pressure level Lmax ′ [dB] in all frequency bands during a predetermined time from the end of printing. The notification sound W may preferably have a sound pressure level that exceeds the maximum sound pressure level Lmax ′ by 3 [dB] so as to exceed the maximum sound pressure level Lmax ′ in the entire frequency band.

(Operation and effect of the acoustic output device according to the modification)
According to the above modification, when the masking sound M is emitted, the notification sound W having a relatively large sound pressure level Lw is radiated as shown in the upper part of FIG. Here, Lw is a value larger than the sound pressure level Ltotal of the total sound of the masking sound M and the operation sound. On the other hand, when the masking sound M is not emitted, a notification sound W having a sound pressure level Llow relatively lower than Lw is radiated as shown in the lower part of FIG. Here, Llow is a value larger than the sound pressure level Ljob of the operation sound. By doing in this way, even when the masking sound M is radiated or not, the way the notification sound W is heard can be made similar, so that it does not give the user a sense of incongruity.

  The sound output device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can emit a notification sound that is easier to listen to, and are suitable for devices such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile, and a composite machine of these.

46, 46a Sound output device 41 Storage means 42 Control means 43 Print control means 44m First sound reproduction means 44w Second sound reproduction means 45 Sound output means (speaker)

Claims (8)

An acoustic output device mounted on a device,
A first sound reproduction means for outputting a first sound signal representing an additional sound at least during the processing of the device;
Second sound reproduction means for outputting a second sound signal representing a notification sound in response to the end of processing of the device;
The additional sound is radiated based on the first sound signal output from the first sound reproducing means, and the sound pressure level is higher than at least the additional sound based on the second sound signal output from the second sound reproducing means. And an acoustic output device that emits a notification sound.   The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the notification sound has a sound pressure level exceeding 3 dB with respect to at least the additional sound.   3. The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the first sound reproduction unit outputs a first sound signal that fades out the additional sound to the sound output unit after completion of the processing.   The said 1st sound reproduction | regeneration means outputs the 1st sound signal that the said additional sound fades out to the said sound output means from the end of the said process to the completion | finish of radiation | emission of the said notification sound. Sound output device.   The sound output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second sound reproduction means outputs a second sound signal such that the notification sound fades out to the sound reproduction means after the completion of the processing. Storage means for storing setting information indicating whether or not the additional sound is emitted;
When the setting information indicates that the additional sound is radiated, the sound output means emits a notification sound having a first sound pressure level when the second sound signal is input from the second sound reproduction means,
When the setting information indicates that the additional sound is not emitted, the sound output means receives a second sound pressure lower than the first sound pressure level when a second sound signal is input from the second sound reproduction means. The sound output device according to claim 1, which emits a notification sound having a level.   The sound output device according to claim 1, wherein the additional sound is a masking sound capable of masking an operation sound of the device. Supply means for sending out the sheet placed on the first tray to the conveyance path;
Printing means for printing and discharging an image on a sheet sent out by the supply means;
A second tray on which an image printed sheet discharged from the printing means is placed;
Print control means for controlling printing processing by the supply means and the printing means;
First sound reproducing means for outputting a first sound signal representing an additional sound during the printing process;
Second sound reproducing means for outputting a second sound signal representing a notification sound in response to the end of the printing process;
The additional sound is radiated based on the first sound signal output from the first sound reproducing means, and the sound pressure level is higher than at least the additional sound based on the second sound signal output from the second sound reproducing means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an acoustic output unit that radiates a notification sound including:

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