JP2016110609A - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus that provides a function to convert voice data into character data and print out the character data.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus communicating with a terminal via a network includes: receiving means S309 for receiving first voice data from a predetermined terminal; conversion means S311 for converting the first voice data into first character data; creation means S315 for creating, from the first character data, intermediate language data corresponding to a print language that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus; and transmission means S319 for transmitting the intermediate language data to the predetermined terminal so that the intermediate language data can be used in another information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

  With the widespread use of IC recorders, smartphones, tablet terminals, etc., an environment in which voice data can be easily input has been prepared. Also, a function for realizing character input by converting input voice data into character data is realized, and a voice information management technique and a display technique using this function are already known.

  As a conventional voice information management technique and display technique, for example, a technique for automatically acquiring and managing electronic information (title, item classification, keyword, date, etc.) having a desired added value from recorded voice information is disclosed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  However, the conventional voice information management technique and display technique are intended to display character data obtained by converting input voice data on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a screen of a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. It has not been sufficiently assumed that the data is converted into character data and printed out.

  The disclosed technique has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to further improve convenience by providing a function or the like for converting voice data into character data and printing it out.

  An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure is an information processing apparatus that communicates with a terminal via a network, and includes a receiving unit that receives first audio data from a predetermined terminal; Conversion means for converting to character data, generation means for generating intermediate language data corresponding to a print language interpretable by the information processing apparatus from the first character data, and other information processing different from the information processing apparatus And transmitting means for transmitting the intermediate language data to the predetermined terminal.

  According to the disclosed technique, it is possible to further improve convenience by providing a function for converting voice data into character data and printing it out.

It is a figure which shows an example of the connection structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a print processing procedure in a general information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the software configuration of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence until an information processing apparatus produces | generates intermediate language data and transmits to a terminal. It is a figure which shows an example in case the file name of audio | voice data is displayed on an operation panel. It is a figure which shows a mode that the produced | generated intermediate language data are transmitted to a terminal. It is a figure which shows a mode that the intermediate language data selected by the user are produced | generated and transmitted to a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence until an information processing apparatus receives and memorize | stores intermediate language data from a terminal. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the process in which the information processing apparatus compares the intermediate language data received from the terminal. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence until an information processing apparatus edits intermediate language data and prints it. It is an example of the selection screen of a printing form and a font for printing. It is an example of the screen which displays the print image before edit, during edit, and after edit. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of a processing procedure in which the information processing apparatus prints intermediate language data. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for the information processing apparatus to notify a terminal of printing completion and a processing procedure related to a print log.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

<Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is connected to the terminal 20 via a network 30 such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and can communicate with each other.

  The information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. The information processing apparatus 10 is not limited to the MFP, and may be any information processing apparatus as long as the information processing apparatus has a printer function.

  The terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The terminal 20 is not limited to these, and may be any terminal that can communicate with the information processing apparatus 10.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may authenticate the terminal 20 by using near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 can permit access only to the terminal 20 permitted to be used, and can ensure security such as prevention of information leakage.

  An outline of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the terminal 20 is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by the user. When the terminal 20 is connected, the file name of the audio data stored in the terminal 20 is displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus 10 to prompt the user to select the audio data.

  The information processing apparatus 10 downloads audio data selected by the user from the terminal 20. Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 converts the downloaded voice data into character data, and generates intermediate language data corresponding to PDL (Page Description Language) included in the information processing apparatus 10 from the converted character data.

  Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 generates a print image from the generated intermediate language data, displays the print image on a display included in the information processing apparatus 10, and receives editing from the user as necessary. As a result, the user can edit the print form, the character, the character color, and the like as necessary while referring to the print image displayed on the display. Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 prints intermediate language data in response to a user instruction.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 10 can transmit (upload) the generated intermediate language data to the terminal 20 in order to cause the information processing apparatus 10 other than itself to process the generated intermediate language data. As a result, the user connects the terminal 20 storing the intermediate language file to the other information processing apparatus 10, and uses the other information processing apparatus 10 to edit and print the intermediate language data as described above. Is possible.

  Here, PDL and intermediate language data will be described. PDL is a computer language for instructing drawing to an image forming apparatus such as a printer and an MFP. The PDL performs printing by designating a character printing position and character type with a command and causing the image forming apparatus to interpret the designated command. For example, a highly functional language such as Postscript (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as “PS”) can freely specify a character printing position by a command.

  The command format differs depending on the language, but the combination of non-printable characters and character strings such as PCL (Printer Command Language) and LIPS (LBP Image Processing System), which can be described with alphanumeric characters and symbols such as PS and ART There is a format described in. PDL includes PDL (for example, ART, LIPS, ESC / P (Epson Standard Code for Printers) and RPCS (Refined Printing Command Stream)) developed by the manufacturers of image forming apparatuses and the de facto standard worldwide. There are PCL and PS.

  The intermediate language data is program data in which the processing contents written in the intermediate language data are realized by executing the source code that is the contents of the intermediate language data line by line, like data written according to PDL The character printing position, character type, etc. can be specified. Unlike the data described in accordance with PDL, the intermediate language data may include data depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. The intermediate language data is executed by an interpreter program. Since the interpreter program differs for each PDL, intermediate language data associated with each PDL is required. On the other hand, the intermediate language data is not image data for actual printing, that is, data after rasterization processing. For this reason, there is an advantage that the data amount of the intermediate language data itself is smaller than the data amount after the rasterizing process and is not affected by the resolution of the image forming apparatus itself.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a print processing procedure in a general information processing apparatus. A general information processing apparatus receives print data in a printer language (PDL) format from a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, interprets the received data by a language analysis unit, and generates intermediate language data. The intermediate language data is rasterized by the rasterizing unit, rendered in the frame space in the memory, and then output to the print engine through screen processing.

  Normally, the printer driver installed in the PC selects which PDL print data is to be generated. However, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs direct printing from the character data obtained by converting the voice data without using the printer driver. Therefore, when there are a plurality of PDLs that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 itself, the information processing apparatus 10 generates intermediate language data corresponding to the plurality of PDLs and then allows the user to select a PDL to be used for printing. Good.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. An information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 101, a LAN controller 102, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 103, a touch panel controller 104, an operation panel 105, a wireless communication module 106, an NFC (Near Field Communication) module 107, a memory 108, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 109, an audio conversion module 110, a speaker 111, and a printing module 112. In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 may include a removable storage medium 113.

  The CPU 101 is a processor that performs overall control of the information processing apparatus 10. The LAN controller 102 is connected to a network 30 such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and performs data transmission / reception with the server or the terminal 20. The LCD controller 103 is an image data transfer module that transfers image data expanded in the memory 108 to be displayed on the operation panel 105 to the operation panel 105 in accordance with the resolution of the operation panel 105 and the line scanning period.

  The touch panel controller 104 detects a touched position on the touch panel built in the operation panel 105 and notifies the detected position to a program that performs a predetermined operation. The operation panel 105 is an interface having a display for displaying menus, thumbnails, and the like to the user, and a touch panel for receiving operations from the user. As the display, a liquid crystal display is generally used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL display, an SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display), an Electronic-Paper, or the like may be used.

  The wireless communication module 106 performs data communication with the terminal 20 or the like by wireless communication. The wireless communication method is, for example, a wireless LAN, but may be another method. The NFC module 107 performs data communication with the terminal 20 or the like by proximity wireless communication according to the NFC standard. The memory 108 stores a program for operating the information processing apparatus 10 and various data. Further, it is also used as a storage area for loading a program stored in the HDD 109 or the storage medium 113, a work area for the loaded program, and the like.

  The HDD 109 is a non-volatile storage, and stores a program for operating the information processing apparatus 10 or various data. The HDD 109 may be a nonvolatile memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The sound conversion module 110 converts digital sound data into analog sound pressure data for output as sound from the speaker 111. The speaker 111 outputs sound. The printing module 112 is hardware for printing print data on printing paper. The storage medium 113 is a non-transitory storage medium 113 and stores a program and the like. Examples of the storage medium 113 include a magnetic storage medium, an optical disk, a magneto-optical storage medium, and a nonvolatile memory.

<Software configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 201, an authentication unit 202, a temporary storage unit 203, a conversion unit 204, a generation unit 205, an editing unit 206, a printing unit 207, and an audio output. Means 208, sample display means 209, acceptance means 210, deletion means 211, storage means 212, and storage means 213 are provided. Each of these means can be realized by a process in which the CPU 101 executes one or more programs installed in the information processing apparatus 10.

  The communication unit 201 communicates with the terminal 20 or the server using the LAN controller 102 or the wireless communication module 106.

  The communication unit 201 stores the data received from the terminal 20 or the server in the temporary storage unit 203, extracts the data from the temporary storage unit 203, and transmits the data to the terminal 20 or the server.

  The authentication unit 202 reads the identification information from the terminal 20 via the NFC module 107 and authenticates the terminal 20 by collating it with the identification information registered in advance in the memory 108.

  The temporary storage unit 203 can be realized by using a storage device connected to the memory 108 or the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 30. The temporary storage unit 203 stores voice data, character data, and intermediate language data.

  The voice data is data in which voice is recorded, for example, voice data such as a meeting or a conversation. There are no particular restrictions on the format or file size of the audio data. Character data is data obtained by converting a conversation or the like included in voice data into characters. The character data may include, for example, hiragana, katakana, kanji, or alphabet, but there are no particular restrictions on the characters that can be used. There is no particular limitation on the format of character data.

  The conversion means 204 converts the voice included in the voice data into characters and generates character data. The processing for converting speech into text may be performed by the conversion means 204 itself, or may be performed using an API provided by a cloud service or the like. The conversion unit 204 converts character data into voice data. Also in this case, the conversion unit 204 may perform the conversion process by itself, or may perform the conversion process using an API provided by a cloud service or the like.

  The generation unit 205 generates intermediate language data corresponding to PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 from character data. Further, the generation unit 205 generates character data by extracting the character data portion from the intermediate language data.

  The editing unit 206 edits the intermediate language data stored in the temporary storage unit 203, such as deleting a character string, changing a character color, or enlarging / reducing a character, in accordance with a user instruction. The editing unit 206 stores the edited intermediate language data in the temporary storage unit 203 when the editing by the user's instruction is completed.

  The printing unit 207 reads the intermediate language data stored in the temporary storage unit 203, performs rasterization processing, and the like, and then prints on the printing paper using the printing module 112. The printing unit 207 generates print log data (hereinafter referred to as “print log”) after printing is completed.

  The audio output unit 208 reads out the audio data stored in the temporary storage unit 203, controls the audio conversion module 110, and outputs the audio data from the speaker 111.

  The sample display unit 209 generates a print image of the intermediate language data stored in the temporary storage unit 203 and displays it on the operation panel 105. The sample display unit 209 reads form data and print fonts stored in advance in the memory 108 or the HDD 109, and generates a print image by overlaying form data, print fonts, and intermediate language data.

  The accepting unit 210 displays an operation screen on the operation panel 105 and accepts an instruction from the user via the operation panel 105.

  The deleting unit 211 deletes the print log stored in the temporary storage unit 203 and various data associated with the print log from the temporary storage unit 203.

  The storage unit 212 performs encryption processing and compression processing on the print log stored in the temporary storage unit 203 and various data associated with the print log, and stores the encrypted data in the storage unit 213. In addition, the storage unit 212 deletes the old print log stored in the storage unit 213 and various data associated with the old print log as necessary.

  The storage unit 213 can be realized by using a storage device or the like connected to the HDD 109 or the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 30. The storage unit 213 stores a print log and various data associated with the print log.

<Processing procedure>
Next, a processing procedure performed by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described. First, a processing procedure from when the information processing apparatus 10 receives audio data from the terminal 20, generates intermediate language data from the audio data, and transmits it to the terminal 20 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure until the information processing apparatus generates intermediate language data and transmits it to the terminal.

  In step S301, the authentication unit 202 reads the identification information from the terminal 20 placed on the NFC module 107, and collates it with the identification information registered in advance in the memory 108, whereby the terminal 20 and the information processing apparatus 10 are verified. It is authenticated whether or not the terminal 20 is permitted to be accessed. If the authentication is permitted, the process proceeds to step S305. If the authentication is not permitted, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 305, the communication unit 201 establishes communication with the terminal 20 via the wireless communication module 106. For example, the communication unit 201 may establish communication with the terminal 20 using a wireless communication method such as IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11g, or IEEE802.11n, or using a wireless communication method based on the Wi-Fi Direct standard. Communication with the terminal 20 may be established. Further, the communication unit 201 may establish communication with the terminal 20 using a wireless communication method such as 3G or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Any means may be used as long as communication can be performed with the terminal 20.

  In step S <b> 307, the communication unit 201 receives a file name of audio data stored in the terminal 20 from the terminal 20. The accepting unit 210 displays the received file name on the operation panel 105 and accepts selection of audio data to be imported into the information processing apparatus 10 from the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a file name of audio data is displayed on the operation panel. On the operation panel, the date and time when the audio data was generated and the file name are displayed in a list format. The user selects audio data to be captured from the terminal 20 by operating the operation panel.

  Returning to FIG.

  In step S309, the communication unit 201 receives (downloads) the audio data selected in step S307 from the terminal 20. The communication unit 201 stores the downloaded audio data in the temporary storage unit 203.

  In step S311, the conversion unit 204 converts the voice data into character data by performing voice recognition processing on the voice data. Note that the conversion unit 204 may access an external cloud server or the like via the communication unit 201 and convert the voice data into character data using an API provided by a service provider or the like.

  In step S <b> 313, the conversion unit 204 stores the converted character data in the temporary storage unit 203. The conversion unit 204 stores the voice data in the temporary storage unit 203 so that it can be determined which character data has been generated. As a specific example, for example, character data is stored so that the name of the part of the audio data file name excluding the extension matches the name of the part of the character data file name excluding the extension. Also good. Any means may be used as long as it can be determined which character data associated with which voice data has been generated.

  In step S315, the generation unit 205 generates intermediate language data corresponding to PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 from the character data.

  Here, the intermediate language data generated by the information processing apparatus 10 is not necessarily processed by another information processing apparatus 10. This is because the interpretable PDL differs depending on the model of the information processing apparatus 10. Accordingly, the generation unit 205 may generate intermediate language data corresponding to all PDLs that can be interpreted by itself in order to increase the possibility that the other information processing apparatus 10 can process the intermediate language data.

  Further, in consideration of reduction of the processing load of the information processing apparatus 10 itself or reduction of the memory usage of the terminal 20 for uploading intermediate language data, the generation unit 205 corresponds to all PDLs that can be interpreted by itself. Instead of generating language data, only intermediate language data corresponding to some or any one of the PDLs may be generated. In this case, for example, the generation unit 205 may select a PDL that is a de facto standard, or may allow a user to select a PDL. Further, the generation unit 205 may select a PDL that can be interpreted by itself from PDLs corresponding to intermediate language data already stored in the terminal 20 connected to the generation unit 205.

  The accepting unit 210 displays a list of all PDLs that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 on the operation panel 105 to allow the user to select an arbitrary PDL, and the generating unit 205 selects the user-selected PDL. Intermediate language data corresponding to PDL may be generated.

  In step S317, the generation unit 205 stores the intermediate language data generated in step S315 in the temporary storage unit 203. The generation unit 205 stores the voice data in the temporary storage unit 203 so that it can be determined which intermediate language data is generated. For example, the generation unit 205 sets the temporary storage unit 203 so that the name of the portion of the audio data file name excluding the extension matches the name of the portion of the intermediate language data file name excluding the extension. Intermediate language data may be stored in the. Any means may be used as long as it can be determined which intermediate language data associated with which voice data has been generated.

  In step S319, the communication unit 201 reads the intermediate language data generated in step S315 from the temporary storage unit 203 and transmits it to the terminal 20.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how the generated intermediate language data is transmitted to the terminal. The example of FIG. 7 shows a state in which intermediate language data corresponding to all PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 is generated and transmitted to the terminal 20. “PCL”, “PS”, and “RPCS” indicate PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 generates intermediate language data corresponding to PCL, intermediate language data corresponding to PS, and intermediate language data corresponding to RPCS, and transmits (uploads) to the terminal 20.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which intermediate language data selected by the user is generated and transmitted to the terminal. The example of FIG. 8 illustrates a state where intermediate language data corresponding to the “PS” PDL is generated and transmitted (uploaded) to the terminal 20 when the user selects the “PS” PDL.

  The processing procedure from receiving voice data from the terminal 20 to generating intermediate language data from the voice data and transmitting it to the terminal 20 has been described.

  Next, a procedure for receiving intermediate language data from the terminal 20 and storing it in the temporary storage unit 203 of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. Through this procedure, the user moves the intermediate language data to another information processing apparatus 10 different from the information processing apparatus 10 that generated the intermediate language data, and uses the other information processing apparatus 10 to perform processing such as editing or printing. Will be able to continue.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure until the information processing apparatus receives intermediate language data from the terminal and stores it.

  The processing from step S401 to step S407 is the same as the processing from step S301 to step S307 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 409, the communication unit 201 receives from the terminal 20 all intermediate language data associated with the audio data selected via the operation panel 105.

  In step S411, the communication unit 201 confirms whether there is intermediate language data corresponding to PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 among all the intermediate language data received in step S409. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S413. If it does not exist, the process ends.

  In step S 413, the communication unit 201 stores all intermediate language data corresponding to the PDL that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10 in the temporary storage unit 203. The temporary storage unit 203 stores that the intermediate language data is data received from the terminal 20.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of processing in which the information processing apparatus compares intermediate language data received from a terminal. The information processing device 10a and the information processing device 10b indicate that they are different information processing devices 10, respectively. The information processing apparatus 10a can interpret the PDL of “PCL”, “PS”, and “RPCS”, and the information processing apparatus 10b can interpret the PDL of “PCL”, “ESC / P”, and “ART”. Assuming that you can.

  The generation unit 205 of the information processing apparatus 10 a generates intermediate language data corresponding to each of “PCL”, “PS”, and “RPCS” and transmits the intermediate language data to the terminal 20. The terminal 20 stores the received intermediate language data. Subsequently, the terminal 20 in which the intermediate language data is stored is connected to the information processing apparatus 10b. The communication unit 201 of the information processing apparatus 10 b receives intermediate language data corresponding to each of “PCL”, “PS”, and “RPCS” from the terminal 20.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 10 b can interpret only “PCL” in the PDL corresponding to the intermediate language data received from the terminal 20. Therefore, the communication unit 201 of the information processing apparatus 10 b stores only intermediate language data corresponding to PCL in the temporary storage unit 203.

  The processing procedure from the reception of the intermediate language data from the terminal 20 to the storage in the temporary storage unit 203 of the information processing apparatus 10 has been described above.

  Next, a procedure from displaying (previewing) the print image of the intermediate language data stored in the temporary storage unit 203, receiving the edit, and printing will be described. The intermediate language data may be intermediate language data generated by itself or may be intermediate language data generated by another information processing apparatus 10 (that is, intermediate language data received from a terminal).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure until the information processing apparatus edits and prints the intermediate language data.

  In step S501, the accepting unit 210 accepts selection of a PDL for displaying a print image from the user via the operation panel 105. If there is only one intermediate language data received from the terminal, the processing procedure in step S501 may be skipped. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when only one intermediate language data is transmitted to the terminal, it is also assumed that the information processing apparatus 10 can receive only one intermediate language data from the terminal. In such a case, it is not necessary for the user to select a PDL in the processing procedure of step S501.

  In step S <b> 503, the accepting unit 210 accepts selection of whether or not to perform form printing from the user via the operation panel 105. If form printing is selected, the process proceeds to step S505. If form printing is not selected, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S <b> 505, the reception unit 210 receives a print form selection from the user via the operation panel 105. FIG. 12A shows an example of a print form selection screen.

  In step S <b> 507, the sample display unit 209 receives selection of a print font from the user via the operation panel 105. FIG. 12B is an example of a print font selection screen.

  In step S509, the sample display unit 209 performs rasterization while overlaying the intermediate language data corresponding to the PDL selected in step S501, the print form selected in step S505, and the print font selected in step S507. By performing the processing, the print image is developed in the memory 108.

  In step S <b> 511, the sample display unit 209 generates a thumbnail that matches the resolution that can be displayed on the operation panel 105 by performing a thinning process and a reduction process on the print image in the memory 108, and operates the generated thumbnail. Display on panel 105.

  In step S513, the accepting unit 210 accepts editing of a print image from the user via the operation panel 105. The receiving unit 210 notifies the editing unit 206 of the editing content received from the user. The editing unit 206 reflects the edited content in the intermediate language data, and stores the intermediate language data in which the edited content is reflected in the temporary storage unit 203.

  FIG. 13A is an example of a screen that displays a print image before editing. FIG. 13B is an example of a screen that displays a print image being edited. The user can select a character to be edited by dragging a desired portion of the operation panel 105. FIG. 13C is an example of a screen that displays a print image after editing. In each screen of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, the user can enlarge and reduce the print image by pinching in / out the operation panel 105. Further, when the print image covers a plurality of pages, the user can turn the page by swiping the operation panel 105.

  In step S515, when the accepting unit 210 receives an instruction from the user that editing has been completed via the operation panel 105, the process proceeds to the processing procedure of step S517. If the user continues editing, the process proceeds to step S503 or step S513 in accordance with the user's operation.

  If the accepting unit 210 receives a print start instruction from the user via the operation panel 105 in step S517, the process proceeds to step S519. If an instruction not to print is received, the process proceeds to step S501. Note that when the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction from the user not to print, the process may be terminated.

  In step S519, the printing unit 207 performs rasterization processing while overlaying the intermediate language data edited in step S513, the printing form selected in step S505, and the printing font selected in step S507, and print data is printed. Generate. The printing unit 207 performs printing by sending the generated print data to the printing module 112.

  The processing procedure from displaying (previewing) the print image of the intermediate language data to receiving the editing and printing has been described above. However, a part or all of the processing procedure from step S503 to step S517 may be omitted. Good. This is because it can be assumed that the user does not want to preview or edit the print image.

  Next, a modification of the processing procedure in FIG. 11 will be described. In this modification, when intermediate language data is printed, the printed characters are read out by voice.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the processing procedure in which the information processing apparatus prints intermediate language data. The processing procedure from step S501 to step S515 is the same as that in FIG.

  In step S521, the generation unit 205 reads intermediate language data from the temporary storage unit 203 and generates character data. The intermediate language data is data before rasterization processing, and includes text characters to be printed. Therefore, the generation unit 205 can generate character data from the intermediate language data.

  In step S523, the conversion unit 204 converts the character data generated in step S521 into voice data for reading aloud. The conversion unit 204 accesses an external cloud server or the like via the communication unit 201, and converts character data into voice data for reading aloud using an API provided by a service provider or the like. Also good.

  In step S525, the conversion unit 204 stores the converted voice data for voice reading in the temporary storage unit 203.

  If the accepting unit 210 receives a print start instruction from the user via the operation panel 105 in step S527, the process proceeds to step S529. If an instruction not to print is received, the process proceeds to step S501. Note that when the receiving unit 210 receives an instruction from the user not to print, the process may be terminated.

  In step S529, the printing unit 207 performs rasterization processing while overlaying the intermediate language data edited in step S513, the printing form selected in step S505, and the printing font selected in step S507, and print data is printed. Generate. The printing unit 207 performs printing by sending the generated print data to the printing module 112. Further, the voice output unit 208 reads out the voice data for voice reading stored in step S525. In step S529, the voice output unit 208 may read the voice data for voice reading stored in step S525 at the same time as printing, or read the voice data for voice reading at an arbitrary timing. May be. Further, when the reading is completed, the voice data for voice reading may be deleted from the temporary storage unit 203.

  The processing procedure for reading out the printed characters by voice has been described above.

  Next, when the intermediate language data is received from the terminal 20 and the printing process is performed, the terminal 20 is notified of the completion of printing in order to delete the intermediate language data stored in the terminal 20. A processing procedure for generating a print log and storing it in the storage unit 213 when printing is completed will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the information processing apparatus notifies the terminal of printing completion and a processing procedure related to the print log. The processing procedure in FIG. 15 is started after step S519 in FIG. 11 or step S529 in FIG. 14 is completed.

  In step S <b> 601, the printing unit 207 confirms whether printing has been normally completed in the printing module 112. If it is confirmed that the printing has been normally completed, the process proceeds to the processing procedure of step S603. If it is not confirmed that the printing has been normally completed, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 603, the printing unit 207 confirms whether the printed intermediate language data is data received from the terminal 20. If the data is received from the terminal 20, the process proceeds to step S605. If the data is not received from the terminal 20, the process proceeds to step S611. In step S413 in FIG. 9, the temporary storage unit 203 stores that the intermediate language data is data received from the terminal 20. Therefore, the printing unit 207 can determine whether the intermediate language data printed via the temporary storage unit 203 is data received from the terminal 20.

  In step S605, the communication unit 201 notifies the terminal 20 that the printing of the received intermediate language data has been completed.

  In step S <b> 607, the printing unit 207 generates a print log and transmits the generated print log to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 201. The print log refers to the print result, the file name of the printed intermediate language data, the file name of the audio data and character data associated with the intermediate language data, the number of printed pages, the paper size, monochrome or color, the print date and time This is data to which information such as the ID of the terminal connected to the information processing apparatus 10, the ID of the information processing apparatus 10 and / or the installation location of the information processing apparatus 10 is added, and the print history can be traced later. This means the print history data for Note that the printing unit 207 stores the print log in the temporary storage unit 203.

  In step S609, the printing unit 207 prints the print log generated in step S607. If the printed intermediate language data is not data received from the terminal 20 in the processing procedure of step S603 (that is, the intermediate language data generated by the information processing apparatus 10 itself is used as it is without using the terminal. The printing unit 207 prints the print log after generating the print log.

  In step S611, the accepting unit 210 saves the intermediate language data printed in step S519 of FIG. 11, voice data associated with the printed intermediate language data, character data, and a print log in the storage unit 213, and temporarily stores the data. A selection screen for allowing the user to select whether to delete from 203 or to delete from temporary storage means 203 without saving is displayed on operation panel 105. If the user selects to save in the storage unit 213, the process proceeds to step S613. If the user selects to delete from the temporary storage unit 203 without saving, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S613, the storage unit 212 stores, in the storage unit 213, the intermediate language data printed in step S519 in FIG. 11, voice data associated with the printed intermediate language data, character data, and a print log. Check if there is capacity. If the storage means 213 has free space, the process proceeds to step S619. If there is no free space, the process proceeds to step S615.

  In step S615, the storage unit searches all print logs stored in the storage unit 213.

  In step S617, the deletion unit deletes the oldest print log and the voice data, character data, and intermediate language data associated with the oldest print log among the print logs stored in the storage unit 213.

  In step S619, the storage unit performs compression processing and encryption processing on the intermediate language data printed in step S519 of FIG. 11, voice data associated with the printed intermediate language data, character data, and a print log. And stored in the storage means 213.

  When the printed intermediate language data is intermediate language data generated by another information processing apparatus 10 (that is, the intermediate language data generated by another information processing apparatus 10 is received via a terminal) In other words, it is also conceivable that the voice data and the character data associated with the printed intermediate language do not exist in the temporary storage unit 203. In this case, the storage means compresses and encrypts data other than the voice data and character data, that is, the intermediate language data printed in step S519 in FIG. 11 and the print log associated with the printed intermediate language data. May be stored in the storage means 213.

  In step S621, the deletion unit deletes the intermediate language data printed in step S519 of FIG. 11, the voice data associated with the printed intermediate language data, character data, and the print log from the temporary storage unit 203.

  The processing procedure for notifying the terminal 20 that printing has been completed and the processing procedure for generating a print log and storing it in the storage unit 213 when printing is completed have been described.

<Effect>
As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment receives voice data recorded by the terminal 20 and converts it into character data, and converts intermediate language data corresponding to PDL that can be interpreted from the character data by the information processing apparatus 10. The intermediate language data is transmitted to the terminal 20 while being generated and printed. In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment displays a print image of intermediate language data on the operation panel 105 and can accept editing of the print image displayed on the operation panel 105. As a result, when the voice data recorded by the terminal 20 is converted into character data and printed, the user can check the print image and edit it as necessary before printing. In addition, the user can move the intermediate language data to another information processing apparatus 10 via the terminal 20 and perform editing or printing using the other information processing apparatus 10.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment causes the user to select a PDL in step S501. Since the appearance of the printed matter (such as the layout of characters and images) differs depending on the PDL to which the intermediate language data corresponds, the user can check and print the print image in the PDL that suits his / her preference.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment reads out characters of a printed matter by voice when performing printing. Thereby, the user can confirm the character printed on printed matter by an audio | voice.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can transmit only intermediate language data corresponding to the PDL selected by the user to all terminals among all PDLs that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus 10. . Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can minimize the amount of memory, the amount of processing data, and the processing time required when the information processing apparatus 10 generates intermediate language data. In this way, the user transmits only the intermediate language data corresponding to the PDL selected by the user (any PDL desired by the user) to the terminal, and the intermediate language data is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus 10. Can be used for editing or printing.

  The information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment transmits the print log to the terminal after printing the print log. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment erases the print log, voice data associated with the print log, intermediate language data, etc. from the memory, and stores these data in the HDD by compressing and encrypting the data. I tried to do it. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can save the print log and the data related to the print log while saving the memory amount.

<Supplement of embodiment>
As described above, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the sequences and flowcharts described in each embodiment may be interchanged as long as there is no contradiction.

  As described above, all or part of each embodiment can be implemented by a program. This program can be stored in a storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, PDL is an example of a print language. The audio output unit 208 is an example of an output unit. The sample display unit 209 is an example of a display unit. The terminal 20 is an example of a predetermined terminal or a terminal different from the predetermined terminal. The print image is an example of a print sample. The temporary storage unit 203 is an example of a first storage unit. The storage unit 213 is an example of a second storage unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing apparatus 20 Terminal 30 Network 201 Communication means 202 Authentication means 203 Temporary storage means 204 Conversion means 205 Generation means 206 Editing means 207 Printing means 208 Voice output means 209 Sample display means 210 Acceptance means 211 Deletion means 212 Storage means 213 Storage means

JP 2010-044666 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a terminal via a network,
Receiving means for receiving first audio data from a predetermined terminal;
Conversion means for converting the first voice data into first character data;
Generating means for generating intermediate language data corresponding to a print language that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus from the first character data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the intermediate language data to the predetermined terminal to be used in another information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus;
An information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the intermediate language data instructed by a user from the intermediate language data. First storage means for storing the intermediate language data;
The receiving means receives the intermediate language data from a terminal different from the predetermined terminal, and the received intermediate language data when the received intermediate language data corresponds to a print language that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is stored in the first storage unit. Display means for generating and displaying a print sample for printing the intermediate language data;
Printing means for printing the intermediate language data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an editing unit that edits the intermediate language data stored in the first storage unit based on an instruction from a user. Having output means for outputting sound;
The generating means generates second character data from the intermediate language data,
The converting means converts the second character data into second voice data,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs a sound by reading the second sound data.   The transmission means notifies a terminal different from the predetermined terminal that the printing is completed when the printing of the intermediate language data received from a terminal different from the predetermined terminal is completed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 6. The printing unit generates and prints a print log when printing of the intermediate language data received from a terminal different from the predetermined terminal is completed, and stores the generated print log in the first storage unit. ,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transmission unit transmits the print log to the different terminal.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the intermediate language data and the print log that have been printed from the first storage unit.   Based on an instruction from the user, compression processing and encryption processing are performed on the first voice data, the first character data, the intermediate language data that has been printed, or the print log. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising storage means for storing in the storage means.   If the storage means cannot store the first voice data, the first character data, the intermediate language data that has been printed, or the print log in the second storage means, Delete the oldest data from the first voice data, the first character data, the intermediate language data that has been printed, or the print log to the second storage means stored in the second storage means The information processing apparatus according to claim 10. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus that communicates with a terminal via a network,
A receiving step for receiving audio data from a predetermined terminal;
A conversion step of converting the voice data into character data;
Generating intermediate language data corresponding to a print language that can be interpreted by the information processing apparatus from the character data;
A transmission step of transmitting the intermediate language data to the predetermined terminal to be used in another information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus;
An information processing method comprising:

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