Detection unit for operation sounds of image forming system

An image forming system that performs an identification operation for identifying a component causing a predetermined sound, the image forming system comprising:

• an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material;
• a plurality of drive units configured to drive the image forming unit;
• a sound detection unit configured to detect operation sounds of the plurality of drive units;
• and
• a control unit configured to implement a drive mode for operating at least one of the plurality of drive units and not operating other drive units, without forming an image on a recording material by the image forming unit,
• wherein the control unit implements the drive mode when the value of a counter reaches a threshold value, the counter being incremented with each image formation on a recording material by the image forming unit,
• wherein the identification operation identifies a component causing the predetermined sound based on the operation sounds detected by the sound detection unit during a period in which the drive mode is being implemented,
• wherein the plurality of drive units includes a first and a second drive unit,
• wherein, when the first drive unit operates with each image formation on a recording material by the image forming unit, the value of the first counter corresponding to the first drive unit is incremented, and
• wherein, when the second drive unit operates with each image formation, the value of the second counter corresponding to the second drive unit is incremented.