INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to operate a predetermined part included in a device after a sound collecting section is installed to the device and before the device is operated in a test mode of the sound collecting section, the sound collecting section being used for specifying an abnormal spot of the device from an operating sound of the device; acquire signal data output from the sound collecting section when the predetermined part is operating; and display a diagnosis result indicating malfunction of the sound collecting section in a case where the signal data does not match reference data which is set in advance and is output from the sound collecting section when the sound collecting section is correctly fixed at a predetermined position of the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-038948 filed Mar. 14, 2022.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, and an information processing method.

(ii) Related Art

For example, as one of the methods for detecting an abnormality in a device such as a multifunction device, there is a method using a sound collecting section such as a microphone. Specifically, the abnormality is detected by attaching the sound collecting section to the inside of the device, collecting the sound inside the device, and analyzing the sound. It is possible to specify an abnormal spot by deciding a position to which the sound collecting section is attached in advance.

By the way, in a case where a customer uses the device in a state in which the sound collecting section is being attached, it is difficult for the customer to be accepted because of the risk of eavesdropping. Therefore, there is a case where the sound collecting section is removable so as to be attached only in case of necessity.

SUMMARY

It is assumed that an abnormality of a device is detected by analyzing sound collected by a sound collecting section. In this case, a case may be also assumed where the removable sound collecting section is not installed well at a predetermined position actually, rather than the abnormality of the device. That is, there is a possibility that normal sound is misunderstood as abnormal sound due to improper installation of the sound collecting section. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to be able to diagnose whether or not the sound collecting section is installed even before the start of use of the device.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, and an information processing method that a sound collecting section that is used in a case where an abnormal spot is specified from an operating sound of a device is diagnosed in a test performed after the sound collecting section is installed to the device and before the device is operated.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to operate a predetermined part included in a device after a sound collecting section is installed to the device and before the device is operated in a test mode of the sound collecting section, the sound collecting section being used for specifying an abnormal spot of the device from an operating sound of the device; acquire signal data output from the sound collecting section when the predetermined part is operating; and display a diagnosis result indicating malfunction of the sound collecting section in a case where the signal data does not match reference data which is set in advance and is output from the sound collecting section when the sound collecting section is correctly fixed at a predetermined position of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction device according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, the multifunction device mounted with a plurality of functions as a device will be described as an example.

The multifunction device10is an image forming apparatus mounted with various functions, such as a printing function, a copying function, and a scanner function, and is an apparatus having a built-in computer which is an information processing apparatus. InFIG.1, a ROM12stores various programs related to control of the present apparatus, encryption of electronic data, and transmission and reception of the electronic data, and a CPU11controls operations of various mechanisms, such as a scanner16and a printer17, mounted on the present apparatus according to the programs stored in the ROM12. A RAM13is used for a program to be executed, a work memory in a case of execution of the program, and the like. A Hard Disk Drive (HDD)14stores an electronic document or the like scanned by using the scanner16. An operation panel15accepts an instruction from a user and displays information. The scanner16scans the document set by the user, and accumulates the document as the electronic data in the HDD14or the like. The printer17prints an image on output paper according to the instruction from a control program executed by the CPU11. A network interface (IF)18is connected to a network, and is used to exchange data with an external device or access the present apparatus via a browser. An input and output interface (IF)19is used to connect an input device or an output device. An address data bus20is connected to various mechanisms to be controlled by the CPU11and performs communication of data.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, a sensor21is connected to the input and output interface19. The sensor21is a sound collecting section that collects sound, and, in the present exemplary embodiment, a microphone is used as the sound collecting section. The connection relationship between the input and output interface19and the sensor21will be described later. The sensor21converts the sound into an electrical signal. The data obtained through the conversion is input to the multifunction device10via the input and output interface19, and is analyzed in a case where the sensor21is diagnosed.

FIG.2is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the multifunction device10according to the present exemplary embodiment. The multifunction device10has a control unit31, a test execution unit32, an operation control unit33, a data reception unit34, a display control unit35, and a storage unit36. Components not used for the description of the present exemplary embodiment are omitted from the drawings.

The control unit31controls the entirety of the multifunction device10in cooperation with other components. The test execution unit32exhibits a function by a test program whose execution is started when a test mode is selected. The test execution unit32diagnoses the sensor21by executing a diagnostic test. The operation control unit33controls an operation of a predetermined part mounted on the multifunction device10. For example, a motor operated in the test according to the present exemplary embodiment corresponds to a predetermined part. The data reception unit34receives signal data (hereinafter, “sensor data”) output from the sensor21. The display control unit35controls display on the operation panel15.

In the present exemplary embodiment, whether or not the sensor21operates correctly is diagnosed in the test mode. In order for the sensor21to operate correctly, it is necessary that the sensor21is correctly fixed at a predetermined position of the multifunction device10. Therefore, in the test mode, diagnosis is performed to confirm this point. Therefore, the signal data output from the sensor21in a case where the sensor21is correctly fixed at the predetermined position of the multifunction device10is prepared in advance as reference data. In a case of the present exemplary embodiment, the reference data is generated by causing the sensor21to collect sound generated by driving the part of the multifunction device10, that is, the motor, and based on the sound obtained in a case where the sound is collected. In a case where the sensor data, which is acquired by driving the motor in the same manner as in a case of generating the reference data, does not match the reference data in the test mode, it may be determined that the sensor21is not correctly fixed at the predetermined position of the multifunction device10. The storage unit36stores the reference data used in the test mode. In the present exemplary embodiment, as the reference data, reference data related to sound pressure and reference data related to a frequency are set in advance.

Each of the components31to35in the multifunction device10is realized by a cooperative operation between the computer mounted on the multifunction device10and the program operated by the CPU11included in the computer. Further, the storage unit36is realized by the HDD14mounted on the multifunction device10. Alternatively, the RAM13or an external storage section may be used via the network.

Further, the program used in the present exemplary embodiment can be provided by a communication section and can be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory. The program provided from the communication section or the recording medium is installed in the computer, and the CPU11of the computer sequentially executes the program, thereby realizing various processes.

Next, before describing an operation according to the present exemplary embodiment, the relationship between parts and the sensor21in the multifunction device10will be described.

FIG.3is an outline diagram shown by extracting only sensors21-1and21-2attached to the multifunction device10and motors22-1and22-2as the parts according to the present exemplary embodiment. The sensors21-1and21-2are collectively referred to as a “sensor21” in a case where it is not necessary to distinguish the sensors from each other. Similarly, the motors22-1and22-2are also collectively referred to as a “motor22”.

In a case where the sensor21is diagnosed, in the present exemplary embodiment, the motor22is driven to generate sound, and the sensor21collects the sound. Therefore, the motor22that generates the sound for the sensor21is associated with the sensor21in advance. The association information between the sensor21and the motor22is stored in the storage unit36. Specifically, the identification information of the sensor21and the identification information of the motor22are associated with each other.

Basically, for example, it is preferable to drive the motor22closest to the sensor21. According toFIG.3, the closest motor22-1is associated with the sensor21-1, and the closest motor22-2is associated with the sensor21-2. Since the position of the motor22is determined by the model of the multifunction device10, the sensor21is disposed at an attachable position near the motor22. Therefore, the correspondence between the sensor21and the motor22is determined. In the present exemplary embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the sensor21and the motor22have a one-to-one relationship.

In the present exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary to particularly limit the type of the motor22. In a case of the multifunction device10, it is considered that the motor22is used for a printing drive decelerator, laser image signal irradiation, cooling, or paper feeding. The motor22is disposed at an appropriate position according to the purpose of use. Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the motor22is described as the part of the multifunction device10, which generates the sound, but as long as a part that generates the sound by driving other than the motor22, it is not necessary to limit the part to the motor22.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram showing a method for attaching the sensor21.FIG.3is a plan view andFIG.4is a schematic side view obtained in a case where one sensor21shown inFIG.3is viewed from the side. Of course, the sensor21and the motor22do not have to be in a horizontal positional relationship inside the multifunction device10, and may have a vertical or diagonal positional relationship.

According toFIG.4, the connector (also referred to as an “attachment jig”)23, at which the sensor21is installed, is fixed at a predetermined position inside the multifunction device10. The connector23is electrically connected to the input and output interface19by a harness (also referred to as “wiring”)24. The sensor21has a connection terminal21aand a microphone21b.In a broad sense, the sensor21and the microphone are positioned as the same sound collecting section, but, in a narrow sense, as shown inFIG.4, the sensor21has the connection terminal21ainstalled to the connector23and the microphone21bhaving a sound collecting function. The user installs the connection terminal21ato the connector23by inserting the sensor21in the direction of an arrow A, and electrically connects the microphone21bto the multifunction device10.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the sensor21is installed at the predetermined position of the multifunction device10, that is, a predetermined position to which the connector23is attached so that an abnormality generated in the multifunction device10can be detected by sound analysis. In a case where a plurality of sensors21are attached to the multifunction device10, it is possible to specify an abnormal spot.

However, in order to enable detection of the abnormal part in the multifunction device10, it is a prerequisite that the sensor21operates normally. That is, whether or not the sensor21operates normally requires that the sensor21itself operates normally and that the sensor21is fixed at a predetermined position. Hereinafter, according to the present exemplary embodiment, a process of diagnosing whether or not the sensor21operates normally will be described with reference to a flowchart shown inFIG.5. Even in a case where the plurality of sensors21are attached to the multifunction device10, a process described below may be repeatedly performed on each of the sensors21, so here, the description will be given while focusing on one sensor21.

First, the user starts the multifunction device10by turning on the power of the multifunction device10in a state where the sensor21is not attached. In a case where the multifunction device10is started, the user selects the test mode by performing a predetermined operation from the operation panel15. The control unit31controls the multifunction device10to operate in the test mode according to the operation of the user. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose the sensor21.

In a case where the mode shifts to the test mode, a predetermined test program starts execution, and, therefore, the test execution unit32starts a process. First, the test execution unit32causes the data reception unit34to always receive the sensor data output from the sensor21(step S111). That is, during the test mode, the sensor data can always be received.

By the way, at the time of starting the test mode, the sensor21is not installed to the connector23, so that no sound is collected. Therefore, originally, a sensor data value should be zero (0), so that the test execution unit32first confirms that the sensor data value is zero (step S112). A case where the sensor data value is not zero shows a state in which there is an abnormality between the connector23and the input and output interface19or the sensor21that should not have been installed is installed, so that the test execution unit32informs the state to the user by causing the display control unit35to display the state on the operation panel15. As a result, the user takes some action.

Subsequently, the user installs the sensor21to the connector23attached at the predetermined position. In a case where the sensor21is installed to the connector23, sound collection is started. Therefore, originally, the sensor data value should not be zero (0). The reason for this is that environmental sounds are always present around the multifunction device10. In a case where a fact that the sensor21is installed is detected, the test execution unit32confirms that the sensor data value is not zero (step S113). A case where the sensor data value is zero shows a state in which there is an abnormality between the sensor21and the input and output interface19, so the test execution unit32causes the display control unit35informs the state to the user by causing the display control unit35to display the state on the operation panel15. As a result, the user takes some action.

Subsequently, in a case where the installation of the sensor21is confirmed, the test execution unit32specifies the motor22associated with the confirmed sensor21by referring to the storage unit36, and causes the operation control unit33to drive the specified motor22(step S114). As a result, the motor22starts an operation, but the content of the operation is predetermined, and specifically, the operation content is the same as in a case where the reference data is recorded.

In a case where the plurality of sensors21are installed in order to perform a test, the test execution unit32can specify the installed sensor21by referring to the identification information (for example, a “sensor ID”) of the sensor21added to the sensor data.

An operating sound of the motor22is collected by the sensor21. The test execution unit32records the sensor data output from the sensor21by collecting sound in the storage unit36(step S115). It is not necessary to particularly limit the recording time or the like as long as it is possible to compare the sensor data recorded for the purpose with the reference data.

Subsequently, the test execution unit32acquires the sound pressure and frequency of the sound collected by the sensor21by analyzing the recorded sensor data (step S116). Then, the sound pressure obtained from the sensor data (hereinafter, also referred to as “sound pressure measurement value”) is compared with the reference data regarding the sound pressure corresponding to the motor22associated with the sensor21, and it is determined whether or not the sound pressure measurement value matches the reference data.

Here, “match” is not limited to a case where the sound pressure measurement value completely matches the reference data, and the allowable range is set for the deviation amount of the sound pressure measurement value from the reference data. As long as the sound pressure measurement value is within the allowable range, it is considered that the sound pressure measurement value matches the reference data. The same applies in a case where the measurement value is a frequency.

In a case where the sound pressure measurement value does not match the reference data (N in step S117), the test execution unit32determines that the sound pressure measurement value is an abnormal value. Subsequently, the test execution unit32compares the frequency obtained from the sensor data (hereinafter, also referred to as a “frequency measurement value”) with the reference data related to the frequency corresponding to the motor22associated with the sensor21, and determines whether or not the frequency measurement value matches the reference data. In a case where the frequency measurement value matches the reference data (Y in step S118), the test execution unit32determines that the sound pressure measurement value is a normal value.

In this way, in a case where the sound pressure measurement value is abnormal and the frequency measurement value is normal, it is determined that there is a possibility that the distance between the sensor21and the motor22associated with the sensor21is not correct, that is, the sensor21is not correctly installed at the predetermined position. More specifically, it is determined that there is a possibility the connection terminal21ais loosely inserted into the connector23and is not firmly installed to the back.

In this case, the test execution unit32diagnoses the malfunction of the sensor21and displays a diagnosis result indicating the malfunction of the sensor21. In the present exemplary embodiment, as the diagnosis result, not only the content of notifying the malfunction but also an instruction to eliminate the malfunction, that is, an instruction to correctly install the sensor21at the predetermined position is displayed. More specifically, the test execution unit32causes the display control unit35to display a message for instructing the user to confirm the installation of the sensor21on the operation panel15(step S119).

On the other hand, in a case where the sound pressure measurement value matches the reference data (Y in step S117), the test execution unit32determines that the sound pressure measurement value is a normal value. Subsequently, the test execution unit32compares the frequency measurement value obtained from the sensor data with the reference data related to the frequency corresponding to the motor22associated with the sensor21, and determines whether or not the frequency measurement value matches the reference data. Here, in a case where the frequency measurement value does not match the reference data (N in step S120), the test execution unit32determines that the frequency measurement value is an abnormal value.

In this way, in a case where the sound pressure measurement value is normal and the frequency measurement value is abnormal, it is determined that there is a possibility that the sensor21is vibrating for some reason. For example, although the sensor21is correctly installed at the predetermined position, it is determined that there is a possibility that the sensor21is vibrating together with the connector23because the connector23is not firmly fixed to the housing of the multifunction device10.

In this case, the test execution unit32diagnoses the malfunction of the sensor21and displays a diagnosis result indicating the malfunction of the sensor21. In the present exemplary embodiment, as the diagnosis result, not only the content of notifying the malfunction but also an instruction to eliminate the malfunction, that is, an instruction to correctly fix the sensor21is displayed. According to the above example, the test execution unit32causes the display control unit35to display a message for instructing the user to confirm whether or not the connector23is fixed to the housing of the multifunction device10on the operation panel15(step S121).

in a case where neither the sound pressure measurement value nor the frequency measurement value matches each reference data (N in step S117and N in step S118), the test execution unit32determines that both the sound pressure measurement value and the frequency measurement value are abnormal values.

In this case, the test execution unit32diagnoses the malfunction of the sensor21and displays a diagnosis result indicating the malfunction of the sensor21. In the present exemplary embodiment, as the diagnosis result, not only the content of notifying the malfunction but also an instruction to eliminate the malfunction, that is, an instruction to correctly install the sensor21at the predetermined position and to correctly fix the sensor21is displayed. More specifically, the test execution unit32causes the display control unit35to display a message for instructing the user to confirm the state of the connector23and to restart the installment of the sensor21from the beginning on the operation panel15(step S122).

In a case where the sound pressure measurement value and the frequency measurement value do not match the respective reference data repeatedly even in a case where the user repeatedly responds to the instructions displayed on the operation panel15, there is a possibility that the sensor21itself is out of order. Therefore, the test execution unit32may display an instruction to replace the sensor21on the operation panel15. Further, in a case where the sound pressure measurement value and the frequency measurement value do not match the respective reference data even after the sensor21is replaced, there is a possibility that the motor22has failed and the sound with the same sound pressure and frequency as the reference data is not generated, so that the possibility may be displayed on the operation panel15.

Further, in a case where both the sound pressure measurement value and the frequency measurement value match the respective reference data (Y in step S117and Y in step S120), the test execution unit32determines that the sensor21is normally installed and the connector23is fixed to the housing of the multifunction device10. That is, the sensor21is diagnosed as operating normally. In this case, the test execution unit32causes the display control unit35to display a message that the sensor21operates normally on the operation panel15(step S123). As a result, the processing of the test execution unit32ends, and the control unit31ends the test mode.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, as described above, the operation of the sensor21may be diagnosed in the test mode executed before the start of use of the multifunction device10. Then, in a case where the sensor21is diagnosed as malfunctioning, an instruction to eliminate the malfunction of the sensor21is displayed on the operation panel15as the diagnosis result indicating the malfunction. The test mode may be performed in a factory before the multifunction device10is newly introduced to a customer's site. In addition, in a case where the customer wants to avoid a state in which the sensor21is being installed to the multifunction device10because there is a risk of eavesdropping in a case where the sensor21is being installed to the multifunction device10, the customer may install the sensor21at the customer's site before starting maintenance and inspection works of the multifunction device10of the customer. In this case, a maintenance staff brings the sensor21and attaches the sensor21to the multifunction device10at the customer's site.

In a case where the sensor21detects abnormal sound after the operation of the sensor21is confirmed, in this case, it can be considered that an abnormality is generated in any part inside the multifunction device10. In a case where a plurality of sensors21are fixed to the multifunction device10, it is possible to specify a spot where the abnormality is generated.

In the above description, for convenience of explanation, the sensor21and the motor22have a one-to-one relationship, but a plurality of motors22may be associated with one sensor21. The above-described diagnosis is performed on each of the plurality of motors22for one sensor21, so that a plurality of diagnosis results can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis result for the sensor21.