JPH04172519A - Operation manual preparing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability and man-machine interface by making a system controller receives service request data from a terminal and by registering operation data in correspondence with an abbreviated code when the frequency of operation data exceeds a predetermined frequency. CONSTITUTION:The operator calls a facsimile mail unit 11 to request for a operation manual. System controller 2 analyzes service request data received by a communication processing section, and registers a service code, destination code, and so on in hard disks 6 and 7. Controller 2 also deals with the frequency of service code for registered service request data, and when the frequency exceeds a predetermined frequency, the controller 2 adds an abbreviated code to service request data and registers them in disks 6 and 7. The controller 2 executes communication processing for a communication terminal of this registered abbreviated code.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present inventions relate to an operation manual creation device, and more specifically, the present invention relates to an operation manual creation device for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for executing the functions of equipment according to an operator's request. The present invention relates to an operation manual creation device that outputs an operation manual.

[Prior Art] As the functions of OA equipment such as information processing equipment and word processors, and communication equipment such as facsimile mail equipment become more sophisticated, the operations become more complex, and it is difficult to fully utilize the functions of the equipment. Detailed knowledge of the equipment is required. For this reason, detailed operating manuals have traditionally been attached to devices, and operators operate the devices without referring to the operating manuals.

However, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated, operation manuals also become more detailed and thick, making it difficult to make full use of the operation manuals.

Therefore, conventionally, the equipment itself has a so-called help function, and when the operator becomes unable to understand how to operate the equipment, by inserting a help key, etc., the meaning of the key and the information requested by the operator are displayed on the display. It is being displayed on the

In such conventional help functions, when the help key is pressed, regardless of the operating state of the device,
Help information created in advance is displayed on the display. However, simply displaying such pre-prepared help information on a display does not provide help information appropriate to the operator's proficiency level and stage of operation.

Therefore, conventionally, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-243518, the user's input history information and the output information from the application system are analyzed to narrow down the help items and display them as a help item table. Then, when the user selects several items that he/she wants to know in sequence, help information most suitable for the item that the user wants to know is retrieved and displayed based on the user's selection. This help information is created in advance for each help item that the user may request and is stored in the storage unit, and if there is no help information corresponding to the help item selected by the user, the help item selection will be disabled. Expand the range as appropriate and decide which help information to display. Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-262120, when the same operator or operators belonging to the same group perform a certain number of operations, or when the operator determines that certain guidance information is unnecessary, By prohibiting the display of this guidance information during the next operation process when instructed,
A system has been proposed that displays only appropriate and necessary guidance information depending on the operator's proficiency level. The guidance information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the proficiency level of the operator, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of guidance information and displayed.

Furthermore, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 63-66623, data regarding the user's personal data and operation history, as well as data regarding the installation environment and operation history of the terminal device, can be used to determine what the user wants. A method has been proposed that detects an operating method that allows the user to reach a desired service in the shortest time and provides it to the user via a display, thereby providing help information that corresponds to the individual's level of proficiency.

The help information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the user's proficiency level, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of help information and output.

Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821, there has been conventionally provided a means for storing a series of operation procedure sequences for each operation of an application program, and a means for storing guide help information for each unit of state and operation. A means for storing guide help messages as a set, a means for identifying a guide request from a user or an application program, and a means for completing a request operation between descriptive qualities based on the state of the application program and the operation procedure sequence at the time of a guide request. , a means for creating a series of operation steps from the state at the time of request to the end of the operation, a means for searching from the guide help information for a message corresponding to each of the series of operation steps described, and a means for searching by the same means. means for synthesizing and displaying guide help information, which stores the content of the guide request (question), the state and state flow of the application program in advance, and uses a state flow table to display the desired state from the state at the time of the guide request. It has been proposed to create a string of operating procedure states up to the point of processing, then search for guidance messages for each of the strings of operating procedure states, and finally synthesize and display the messages in the same order as the procedure. . In this case, the guide help information is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation, but the guide help messages for each unit are not freely edited to suit the application program, but are set in advance. It is synthesized according to the procedure given.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, such conventional help functions, especially JP-A-61-243518, JP-A-62-2621,
In the help function described in Publication No. 20 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-66623, even if help information corresponding to the proficiency level of the individual is output, such help information is created in advance and stored in the storage section. etc., and the help information was selected and outputted from these multiple sources according to the individual's proficiency level, etc., which not only made it impossible to adequately respond to a wide range of requests, but also made it difficult to respond to a wide range of requests. The problem was that the more you tried to do this, the more you would need a storage unit with a larger capacity to store the help information, which would increase the cost.

In addition, the help function described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821 searches for and displays guides on specific operating procedures to perform the desired process from the point when the user has difficulty with the operation. For this purpose, guide information is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation, but this conventional method does not synthesize guide information by freely combining help messages for each unit. Even in this example, there is a problem that it does not sufficiently meet a wide range of demands, and that a large-capacity storage unit is required to meet a wide range of demands, which increases costs.

Furthermore, conventional help functions were positioned as supplementary functions to the operating manual that came with the device, and it was assumed that the user had thoroughly read the operating manual to some extent, so complete beginners could not use the device. When operating the device or if the operating manual attached to the device is lost, there is a problem in that the help function is not sufficient and the device cannot be fully utilized.

In particular, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated and diversified, their operation methods become more complex, and the operation manuals that come with devices are also thicker and more complex. It has become difficult to master how to use it. Therefore, unlike conventional help functions, there is a need for an improved man-machine interface that allows users to fully utilize the device without having to read the operating manual attached to the device.

Therefore, when the applicant receives an operation manual request along with the input of the data necessary for creating an operation manual, the applicant can perform the operations for each processing step that should be executed to realize the functions of the device. We have proposed an operation manual creation device that creates and outputs an operation manual by freely combining content explanation data (Patent application No. 2-16-1999).
No. 365).

However, with this operation manual creation device, the operation manual is created and provided by combining explanatory data for each processing step in response to the operation manual request, so it is difficult to realize the desired function. If the operator does not know how to operate the machine, it is possible to provide a sufficient operating manual while reducing the memory capacity, but there is still room for improvement in terms of measures to improve operability for the operator. In particular, today, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated and diversified, their operating methods become more complex, and there is an even greater demand for improved operability.

[Purpose of the invention]

Accordingly, the invention as claimed in claim 1 provides a device that is equipped with a communication function, receives operation data from a communication terminal, and combines a plurality of processing steps based on the operation data to realize various functions. For each processing step, explanatory data of the operation details necessary for that processing step is stored, the function requested by the operator is determined from the operation data from the communication terminal, and the processing step to be executed to realize that function is stored. An operation manual is created by freely combining explanatory data of the operation contents for each processing step and sent to the communication terminal, and when the frequency of operation data from the communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data is shortened. By registering according to the code, the required capacity of the storage unit for storing explanatory data is reduced, and an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of operator demands is provided. In addition to making it possible to realize the desired device functions without the need for an operation manual, short codes are automatically registered for frequently requested functions, and functions can be requested using short codes. The invention as claimed in claim 2 is aimed at improving the operability, further improving the man-machine interface, and making it possible to fully and easily utilize the functions of the equipment. When various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is inputted in advance, when creating the operation manual (Li) according to claim 1, these system information is incorporated to create the operation manual, and at the same time, the system information is inputted from the communication terminal. When the frequency of operation data exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data is registered in accordance with the shortened code.
By operating the operation manual according to its contents, the system information can also be input and operated, and even if the operator has forgotten or does not know the system information, by operating it according to the operation manual, it is possible to input and operate the desired equipment. In addition to automatically registering shortened codes for frequently requested functions, functions can be requested using shortened codes, improving repeatability and creating a man-machine interface. The invention as claimed in claim 3 is aimed at further improving the functions of the device and making it possible to utilize the functions of the device more easily and fully. At the reception desk, create an operation manual for operations necessary to realize the functions of the facsimile device itself and use the services of the facsimile mail device as desired by the operator, and send it to the communication terminal, as well as perform operations from the communication terminal. When the frequency of data exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data is registered in correspondence with a shortened code, so that the service of the facsimile mail device can be easily and fully utilized from a communication terminal. The invention according to claim 4 provides the following steps: Receiving an inquiry about operation using an OMR sheet from a communication terminal, creating an operation manual necessary for using the function of the communication device targeted by the operator, and transmitting the operation manual to the communication terminal. In addition, when the frequency of operation data from the communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data is registered in correspondence with the shortened code, making it easier to make inquiries about the operation from the communication terminal. In addition to making it easier to operate and further improving the man-machine interface, it will be possible to more easily and fully utilize the services of devices equipped with communication functions from communication terminals. [Means for Solving the Problem] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides the following: When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is transmitted to the communication terminal. An operation manual creation device for a device having a communication function that realizes a plurality of functions by combining and executing a plurality of processing steps according to the operation data received from a communication terminal, the operation manual generating device receiving the operation data from the communication terminal. a reception control means for receiving the data; a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data received by the reception control means; and an explanation of the operations required for each of the above processing steps. The instruction information storage means for storing data is combined with the data stored in the data storage means to explain the operation details of each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means, and the desired function is executed. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for realization; a request frequency storage means for storing, for each communication terminal, frequency data indicating the frequency of each function requested from a communication terminal; and a request frequency storage means for requesting the above functions. a shortened code storage means for storing operation data related to the operation in correspondence with a predetermined shortened code; and when the frequency data of the request frequency storage means reaches a predetermined frequency, the operation data of the function of the communication terminal is shortened to a predetermined length. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a registration means for registering in the shortened code storage means in correspondence with the code; and a transmission control means for transmitting the operation manual created by the editing control means to the communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. The invention according to claim 2 provides that when a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are combined according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function that realizes multiple functions by executing the above-mentioned communication terminal, comprising: a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal; A data storage means that retrieves and stores the data necessary to create a manual, an instruction information storage means that stores explanatory data of the operation content required for each of the above processing steps, and realizes each function of the device. A system information storage means for storing various system information entered in advance in order to perform the instruction, and an explanation of the operation contents at each processing step after analyzing the data stored in the data storage means and stored in the instruction information storage means. an editing control means that combines the data and incorporates the system information stored in the system information storage means to edit and create an operation manual necessary to realize the desired function; request frequency storage means for storing frequency data for each communication terminal; short code storage means for storing operation data regarding operations that request the above function in correspondence with predetermined short codes; and frequency of the request frequency storage means. When the data reaches a predetermined frequency, a registration means registers the operation data of the function of the communication terminal in the short code storage means in correspondence with a predetermined short code, and an operation manual created by the editing control means is sent to the communication terminal. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized by comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting data to a communication terminal in response to a request; In the invention according to claim 1 or claim 2, the device is a facsimile mail device. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, the reception control means includes an OMR processing means for analyzing OMR data. .

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given based on examples.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile mail device 1 to which the operation manual creation device of each invention of the present application is applied.
The facsimile mail device 1 includes a system control section 2, a disk control section 3.4, a floppy disk device 5, a hard disk device 6.7, a host interface section 8, and communication processing sections FCu1 to FCUn.

The system control section 2 controls the facsimile mail device 1 according to a program stored in the internal memory, floppy disk device 5, or hard disk device 6.7.
In particular, the writing and reading of image data to and from the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk device 6.7, as well as the communication processing units FCUI to FCLI.
The facsimile mail device 1 executes the sequence by controlling the facsimile mail device 1. The facsimile mail device 1 has various functional services such as a proxy communication function, a broadcast function, a confidential communication function, a specified time transmission function, a bulletin board service function, a post office box function, and a serial mail function. , each communication processing unit FC executes and controls these functions.
This is performed by controlling UI to FCUn.

In addition, in order to use each of these functions of the facsimile mail device 1, → perform certain operations on the facsimile mail device 1 from a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile device) connected to the facsimile mail device 1 to request a service. According to the present invention, as will be described later, the communication terminal can request the facsimile mail apparatus 1 for an operation manual indicating the operation contents of this service request.

The system control unit 2 includes communication processing units FCUI to F, which will be described later.
The CU'n analyzes the received service request data and registers the service code, destination code, etc. in the hard disk 6.7. The system control unit 2 also controls the hard disk 6.
．． The usage frequency of the service code related to the service request data registered in 7 is managed, and when the usage frequency exceeds a predetermined usage frequency, a shortened code is added to the service request data corresponding to the service code and registered in the hard disk 6.7. do. Additionally, a notification process of the registered short code to the communication terminal is performed.

The disk control section 3 and the disk control section 4 control the drive of the floppy disk device 5 and the hard disk device 6.7, and the floppy disk device 5 and the hard disk device 6.7 store basic programs and various data as a facsimile mail device. In particular, it stores messages sent from communication terminals and messages sent from a host device (described later).

Further, a request frequency data storage area and a shortened code storage area are formed in one or both of the hard disk 6 and the hard disk 7, and each of these storage areas is
It may be formed only on one of the hard disk 6 and the hard disk 7, or may be formed on both. In the request frequency data storage area, for each communication terminal registered in the facsimile mail device 1, the request frequency of the service with which each communication terminal requests the service (function) of the facsimile mail device 1 is stored for each service. The request data is stored in the form of a service code corresponding to the request data, and the shortened code storage area stores service request data for services whose service request frequency exceeds a predetermined frequency in correspondence with the shortened code.

The request frequency of the request frequency data storage area of the second hard disk 6.7 is managed by the system control unit 2, and the request frequency of the request frequency data storage area is updated every time there is a service request from a communication terminal. At the same time, request frequency data is organized at predetermined intervals. This request frequency data is collected for each communication terminal and for each service type. In addition, management of the shortened codes in the shortened code storage area of the hard disk 6.7 is performed by the system control unit 2, and when the request frequency of the request frequency data storage area exceeds a predetermined frequency within a predetermined period, the shortened code storage area is A shortened code is added to the service request data whose request frequency exceeds a predetermined frequency, and the shortened code is registered in the shortened code storage area.

The host interface unit 8 includes a host device, for example,
A computer device or the like is connected, and the host interface unit 8 executes communication control with the host device. What is connected to this host interface section 8 is not limited to host devices such as computer devices,
For example, it may be another facsimile mail device. The host interface section 8 includes a DMAC (direct memory access controller) that directly connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1, and a communication control section that connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1 via a line. etc. are used.

The communication processing units FCLII to FC1ln are provided as many as the number of storage lines, and each communication processing unit FC[J1 to PCIJ
As shown in the figure for the communication processing units FCUI and FCIJn, n is a network control unit 11, a modem 12, a communication control unit 13, a manual generation buffer 14, an encoding/decoding unit 15, a channel control unit 16, and a control program storage. Part 17
, an OMR processing section 18, a data storage section 19, a storage memory 20, an instruction information storage section 21, a system information storage section 22, an editing control section 23, a bus control section 24, and the like.

A line reduction is connected to the network control unit 11, and as the line reduction, for example, a telephone line is connected. The network control unit 11 is a so-called AA-NCU, and performs automatic light processing, incoming call processing, and the like.

Modem 12 modulates the transmitted signal and demodulates the received signal.

The communication control unit 13 exchanges facsimile control signals with a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile machine) connected via the lines L1 to Ln, and executes a facsimile communication procedure.

In the manual generation buffer 14, operation manuals for each invention of the present application, which will be described later, are expanded.

The encoding/decoding unit 15 encodes the message using a predetermined encoding method, and also decodes the encoded message.

The control program storage unit 17 includes communication processing units FC[11 to
It stores the basic program as FCUn and the operation manual generation/output processing program for each invention of the present application, etc.
The channel control unit 16 controls each unit of the communication processing units FCUI to PCLln according to the program in the control program storage unit 17 to execute the sequence as the communication processing units FCUI to FCUn, and also performs operation manual generation/output processing of each invention of the present application. Execute.

The OMR processing unit (OMR processing means) 18
Detection of whether or not the received message is an MR sheet message, and when the received message is an OMR sheet message, the received OMR
Marks made on the OMR sheet and mark positions are detected from the electronic message on the sheet, and the detection results are stored in the storage memory 20.

The data storage unit (data storage means) 19 stores only the data necessary for creating an operation manual among the data (telegrams, dial tone, etc.) sent from the other party's communication terminal via line reduction. The data required to create a manual includes, for example, an operation manual request command, the type N of the requested operation manual (i.e., the type of service function that the other operator requests from the facsimile mail device 1), and the type of the other operator (for example, the other party's type). Terminal I
D, operator ID, etc.), and data indicating the proficiency level of the other operator.

As described above, the storage memory 20 includes the OMR processing unit 18
Temporarily stores the detection result of the message on the OMR sheet detected by the OMR sheet and messages other than the OMR sheet when transferring it to the floppy disk device 5 or hard disk device 6.7, and also stores it in the floppy disk device 5 or hard disk device 6.7. - hours are stored when transmitting the message via the communication processing units FCLII to PCIIn.

The instruction information storage unit (instruction information storage means) 21 stores explanation data of the operation contents on the communication terminal required for each of a plurality of processing steps to realize the service (function) provided by the facsimile mail device 1. Remember. That is, when requesting a service from the facsimile mail device 1, a certain operation is required for each processing step PO-PI3, as shown in FIG. Explanatory data explaining the operation details required at the communication terminal for each pH is stored in advance. Therefore, the instruction information storage unit 21 stores processing steps PO to pH necessary for realizing each function of the facsimile mail device 1.
It is only necessary to store explanatory data for each function, and there is no need to store multiple types of help information corresponding to the individual's proficiency level for each function, unlike in the past.

The system information storage unit (system information storage means) 22 stores predetermined system information required to realize the functions of the facsimile mail device 1, and this system information includes, for example, user ID, number, etc. There are destination In, Nct, and destination telephone number (Te1.Ki).

When there is a request for an operation manual, the editing control unit (&m collection control means) 23 analyzes the data stored in the data storage unit 19 and determines the type of operation manual requested by the other operator (i.e., the purpose of the operator). The instruction information storage unit stores operation explanation data for each processing step PO-pH necessary to realize the desired function of the facsimile mail machine 1) and the operator's proficiency level. 21 and edit it as an operation manual in the manual generation buffer 14.
create. Further, at this time, if the system information storage unit 22 stores system information necessary to realize the function, the operation manual is created by incorporating this system information.

This facsimile mail device 1 includes each communication processing unit FCU.
A line 1 to Ln is stored for each line I to FCUn, and facsimile communication is performed with a communication terminal connected via the lines L1 to Ln. When the facsimile mail device 1 receives a service request from a communication terminal connected via the lines L1 to Ln, it analyzes the requested service contents and performs I(A) for the service. Alternatively, it can be performed using a tone signal or the like.

When the other party's communication terminal makes a service request using the OMR sheet, the facsimile mail device 1
The processing unit 18 reads the mark position on the OMR sheet and develops the reading result in the storage memory 20. The channel control unit 16 analyzes the contents of this storage memory 20, determines the contents of the service request, and executes the requested service. For example, when the service request is for a time-specific transmission service, the facsimile mail device 1
The received encoded message is temporarily stored in the storage memory 20.
The data is stored in the floppy disk 5 or the hard disk 6.7 after being decoded by the encoding/decoding section 15 and re-encoded using a predetermined encoding method, or directly via the bus control section 24. Thereafter, at the designated transmission time, the message is read from the floppy disk 5 or hard disk 6.7 and transferred to the vacant communication processing section FCUI-FCOn via its bus control section 24. The communication processing units FCUI to FCUn temporarily store the transferred messages in the storage memory 20, and encode and encode them.
The decoding unit 15 re-encodes it using a predetermined encoding method, or transmits it as is to a designated destination.

Note that the network control section 11, modem 12, communication control section 13
The OMR processing unit 18 constitutes a reception control unit that receives operation data from a communication terminal, and although not shown, the keyboard of the facsimile mail device l and its control unit operate when an operation is performed on the facsimile mail device l as a device. A manual means is configured to capture the operation contents as operation data.

Next, the effect will be explained.

As described above, when a service request is received from a communication terminal, the facsimile mail device 1 provides the requested service, but if the operator of the communication terminal does not know how to operate it, A manual request is accepted, an operation manual corresponding to the service (function of facsimile mail device 1) requested by the operator is created and sent to the communication terminal.

That is, when the operator of the communication terminal requests the facsimile mail device 1 for an operating manual, he first calls the facsimile mail device 1 and requests the operating manual. This request for the operation manual can be made using a tone signal by performing key operations according to voice guidance from the facsimile mail device 1, or the request for the operation manual can be made using an OMR sheet. You can also do that. For example, when requesting an operation manual using an OMR sheet, the OMR sheet (
(See Figure 3) 30 to request an operating manual. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, this operation manual request OMR sheet 30 includes a start mark 30a, an initial inclination permissible limit determination mark 30b, a guide mark 30c, a mode switching mark 30, and the like, as shown in FIG.
d, field number 30e, free area division designation mark 30f,
It has an end mark 30g, etc., as well as marks specially provided for requesting an operating manual, such as an inquiry mark 30h, and a voice guidance required/unnecessary mark 3.
01, Mail type (service type) mark 30j,
Whether or not the time is specified and the specified time mark 30 are included.

When an operator of a communication terminal requests an operation manual using the OMR sheet 30, he calls the facsimile mail device 1 and sends an OM to the communication terminal (for example, a facsimile device).
All you have to do is read the R sheet 30 and send it.

Next, we will discuss the process in the facsimile mail device 1 in the fourth section.
This will be explained based on FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the facsimile mail device 1 receives a call (step S1), it receives a user ID (step S2), and checks whether the received user ID is registered (step S3). This user ID is for using the facsimile mail device 1 and is stored in the system information storage section 22. If the received user ID is not registered, error processing is performed (step S4), and a check is made to see if the user ID should be re-entered (step S5). If re-input is to be performed, the process returns to step S2 to receive the user ID; if re-input is not to be performed, error handling and line disconnection are performed, and this flow ends (steps S6 and S7).
).

In step S3, if the received user ID is registered, it is checked whether the order is by PB) (step 38), and if it is PB ordering, the PB ordering is received (step S9).
. When the reception of the PB ordering is completed, it is checked whether the ordering is normal or not (step 510). If the ordering is normal, the ordering analysis and registration processing described later is performed (step 7°T3).
2) Start receiving the message (step 5ll). When all messages have been received (step 12), check whether the messages were received correctly or not in step 5.
13) If the message is received normally, disconnect lines L1 to Ln and end the reception process (step 5).
14). If the message is not received normally in step 31.3, error processing is performed and then line reduction is disconnected (step S15.514). Further, in step SIO, if the ordering by the PB)-on is not performed normally, error processing (for example, feedback to the communication terminal that the ordering was not performed normally) is performed (step 516). ), and checks whether it is re-entered (step 517).

If re-input is to be performed, return to step S9 and
If the ordering from the PB)-phone is received and re-input is not performed, after performing error processing (for example, feedback to the communication terminal to disconnect the line),
Lines Ll to Ln are disconnected (step S15.51
4). Steps S9 to 317 described above are the flow of the normal service request receiving process of the facsimile mail device 1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the order is not by PB), the message is received and step 318
), it is checked whether the received message is an OMR sheet message or an OMR sheet for inquiry, that is, for requesting an operating manual (step S19.520).

If it is not an inquiry request (operation manual request), ordering processing is performed using the OMR sheet (Step 2 521). That is, the OMR processing unit 18 reads the mark position of the OMR sheet from the message of the received OMR sheet and develops it in the storage memory 20, and the contents of the OMR sheet developed in the storage memory 20 are read by the channel control unit 6. Analyze and determine the contents of the ordering. Check whether the ordering has been performed normally (step 522); if the ordering has not been performed normally, after performing error processing, the line L1=Ln
(step 323.514). If the ordering is performed normally, the message is received, and when all the messages are received normally, the lines L1 to Ln are disconnected and this flow ends (steps Sll to 515).
.

In step S20, when the inquiry request (operation manual request) is made, the inquiry processing using the OMR sheet (
It is checked whether the operation manual request (operation manual request) was performed normally (step 525), and if not, the lines L1 to Ln are disconnected after error handling (steps S6 and S7). If the inquiry request is successfully made, the line is connected once and 1 to Ln are disconnected (step 326).

Analysis of inquiries (analysis of request contents of operation manual)
(Step 527). Next, step 328 checks whether the content of the inquiry request is normal.
). If the content of the inquiry request is not normal, this flow is terminated by performing error processing, such as notifying the communication terminal that the content of the inquiry request is not normal (
step 529).

If the content of the inquiry is normal, operation manual editing processing and operation manual output processing are performed, and this flow is ended (step S30.531). As for this operation manual output process, the created operation manual may be sent directly to the communication terminal that has requested the operation manual, or it may be sent to a post office box of the facsimile mail device 1 and the operation manual may be sent to the communication terminal that has requested the output. May be sent at any time.

Next, the ordering analysis/registration process in step S32 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

The system control unit 2 confirms that the ordering is performed normally,
Once the service request code requested by the communication terminal is determined,
Based on the service request code, the hard disk 6.
Step T1)
, check whether the service request code corresponds to the communication terminal and the requested service (step T2).
When the service is requested for the first time, the service request code is registered in the request frequency data storage area (step T3), and the request frequency management process is ended. If the service in question is not a service requested for the first time, and the service is a request to send a message to a predetermined destination, check whether the destination is the destination to which the message is being sent for the first time (step T4);
The process of registering the service request data to the destination of the service request code is performed (step T3), and the request frequency management process is ended. If the service request to the destination is not the first time, check whether the service request has occurred more than a preset number of times within a predetermined period (for example, one month) (step T5). If not, the request frequency of the service request code is updated, and the request frequency management process ends (step T6). When the service request has occurred more than a specified number of times, the service request code is registered in the shortened code storage area (step T
7). When the process of registering the service request code in the short storage area is completed, a registration notification message to the effect that the service request code has been registered as a short code is created in step T.
8) Add the created registration notification message to the distribution queue (step T9), update the request frequency of the service request code, and end the request frequency management process (step T6). Thereafter, when the distribution order is reached, the communication terminal that requested the service is called and a registration notification message is sent.

Next, the inquiry analysis process in step S27 in FIG. 4 will be explained.

Each of the communication processing units FCUI to FCUn reads the mark position of the OMR sheet 30 from the received message of the OMR sheet 30 for requesting an operation manual in the OMR processing unit 18 and develops it in the storage memory 20. The channel control unit 16 analyzes the contents of the OMR sheet and determines the contents of the operation manual request.

That is, the channel control unit 16 analyzes the contents developed in the storage memory 20, and as shown in FIG.
Determine whether voice guidance is necessary (step R1)
. If it is determined that there is a mark at the key position of the voice guidance mark 30i on the OMR sheet, set the system parameter dQ to aO in step R2), O.
If it is determined that the voice guidance mark 30i on the MR sheet has a mark in the negative position, the system parameter do is set to al (step 3);
The system parameter is a parameter that determines which processing step PO-pH to move to next when moving from each processing step PO-pH shown in FIG. 2 to the next processing step PO-pH. As shown in the figure, the information is stored in a buffer for storing system parameters formed in the instruction information storage section 21. The system parameter dO is the parameter for whether voice guidance is required, and the system parameters di, d2, and d3 are for selecting a post office box or bulletin board, whether or not to specify a time, and entering the destination on the 10th floor or by phone. The selection of whether to input the number (Te1.Nn) is stored, and d4 stores the parameter of whether or not to broadcast simultaneously.

After setting the necessity of voice guidance and its system parameters, the channel control unit 16 then determines whether or not it is a post office box service (step R4). If it is not a post office box service, the system parameter d1 is set to b2, and a check is made to see if there is a post office box level (serial number given to the message that the user inserts into the post office box) (steps R5, R6). If there is a post office box, the post office box is stored in the system information storage section 22 and the process proceeds to the next step (step R7), and if there is no post office box, the process directly proceeds to the next step.

In step R4, if it is not a post office box service, check whether it is a bulletin board service.

When the bulletin board service is used, the system parameter d1 is set to bl, and a check is made to see if there is a bulletin board level (serial number given to the message that the user submits to the bulletin board) (steps R9 and R10). If there is a bulletin board magnetic field, the bulletin board floor is stored in the system information storage section 22 and the process proceeds to the next step (step R11).
, If there is no bulletin board team, proceed directly to the next step.

In step R4, if it is not a bulletin board service, check whether it is a normal message (step R12); if it is not a normal message, perform error processing and end this flow (step R13). If it is a normal message, the system parameter d1 is set to d2 and the process moves to the next step (step R14).

When the system parameters are set according to whether it is a post office box, a bulletin board, or an ordinary message, it is then checked whether the time is specified (step R15), and if the time is not specified, the system parameter d2 is changed to d3.
(step R16), and this system parameter d3 will be set again in later processing. When specifying the time, the system parameter d2 is set to b3 (step R17), and it is checked whether the specified time is normal (step R18). If the specified time is not normal, perform error processing and end this flow (Step R19); if the specified time is normal, the specified time is stored in the system information storage section 22, and the destination is Te1. Check whether it is specified by flkr (steps R20, R21)
, the destination is Te1. When specified by lk, set the system parameter d3 to b4 (step R22).
, proceed to the next process. The destination is Te1. If not specified by Nc, the destination is 10. It is checked whether the designation is by a fish (step R25). The destination is Te1. ! If neither lkL nor 10.1lil is specified, it is determined that there is an error, and after performing error processing, this flow is ended (step R19). When specified by Nl, the system parameter d3 is set to b5 (step R26), and a check is made to see if it is a broadcast service (step R27). If it is not a broadcast service, set the system parameter d4 to 02 (step R28), and if it is a broadcast service, set the system parameter d4 to 01 (step R29).
When each system parameter is set in this way, a service code is determined from the set system parameters and stored in the register (step R30).In other words, by detecting and setting the system parameters, the function requested by the operator of the communication terminal is executed. Once the type of (service) is determined, an operation manual corresponding to the type of service requested by the operator of this communication terminal is then created.

Next, this operation manual creation process will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG.

The editing control unit 23 first sets the counters n, m, and 1 to “0”.
is set (reset) to (step Ql), and the code of processing step Pn is stored in the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q2).
The editing control section 23 stores the code in the manual generation buffer 14. Next, the editing control section 23 retrieves the system parameters of this processing step Pn from the instruction information storage section 21 (the system parameters dO to d4 set in FIG. 5.7 above, etc.).
In step Q3), the system parameters are “
0" (step Q4).

If the system parameter is 0'', processing step Pn
Read the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the system parameter "0" and the code of the next processing step Pn,
Store in manual generation bar 7 14 (step Q
5) On the other hand, when the system parameter is not “0”, the system parameter d is stored from the system information storage unit 22.
Step Q6) to read the value of m, processing step Pn
and the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the system parameter dm and the code of the next processing step Pn are read from the instruction information storage section 21 and input into the manual generation buffer 14 as the address AI (step Q7). That is, the processing step Pn and the system parameters are:
As shown in FIG. 9, the processing step Pn
When and the system parameters are determined, the next processing step Pn is determined, and the processing step P is correspondingly determined.
Explanatory data at n is determined. Therefore, by freely combining the processing step Pn and the system parameters, the next processing step Pn can be freely set, and the explanatory data necessary for the operation at this processing step Pn can be freely combined.

In this way, first, when the address setting of the processing step PO, the next processing step Pn corresponding to the system parameter aO, and the explanatory data of the system parameter dm is completed, m+1 is set as the parameter m, and step Q8
), it is checked whether it is the final processing step Pn (step Q9).

If it is not the final processing step Pn, the process returns to step Q3 and similarly stores the next processing step Pn and explanation data in the manual generation buffer 14 based on the system parameters for each processing step Pn (steps Q3 to QB).

When the above processing is repeatedly executed up to the final processing step Pn, the manual generation buffer 14 contains the code of the processing step pn necessary for executing the service requested by the operator and its processing in the order of address and l, as shown in FIG. 1O. The address of the explanation data at step Pn is expanded. Therefore, by freely setting system parameters, processing steps Pn corresponding to each of the multiple functions of the facsimile mail device can be set, and explanatory data for each processing step Pn corresponding to the desired function can be freely set. Can be combined.

Next, the service code stored in the system information storage unit 22 is read (step Qll), a part of the corresponding header is taken out, and the header position of the manual created by Ii in the manual generation buffer 14 is determined as shown in FIG. 40a (step Q12).

Here, the counter l should be set to "O" in step Q13.
), reads out the explanatory data stored at address AE and develops it in the operation manual character data area 40b of the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q1
4). In addition, explanatory figures (stored in advance in the instruction information storage unit 21 in association with the explanatory data of the processing step Pn, or independently regardless of the explanatory data) and the explanatory figures stored in the system information storage unit 22 The system information (Te1.m, 10.m, etc.) is read out, and the image area 40c of the manual generation buffer 14 is read out.
(Step Q15). When the expansion of each data at the corresponding address l to the manual generation buffer 14 is completed, step Q1 is performed to check whether the data is the final data.
6) If the data is not the final data, increment the counter l by 1 (f=1+1) and return to step Q14. Similarly, explanatory data, explanatory figures, and system information for each address Al entered in the manual generation buffer 14 are expanded to the manual generation buffer 14, and when the processing is completed for all addresses Al, the operation manual editing/generation process is terminated. do.

The operation manual developed in the manual generation buffer 14 in this way is output from the facsimile mail device l to the communication terminal that has requested the operation manual, and the communication terminal does not receive the operation manual 50 as shown in FIG. You can take it. The operator of the communication terminal who has received the operation manual can receive the intended service of the facsimile mail device 1 by looking at the transmitted operation manual and performing the operations as described in the operation manual. I can do it.

This output process can be sent directly when the generation of the operation manual is completed, or it can be sent to the post office box of the facsimile mail device 1 and sent when there is a request from the communication terminal to send the operation manual of the post office box. You may
The output method is not limited.

In the above embodiment, a case is explained in which an operation manual is requested from a communication terminal, but the operator of the facsimile mail device itself can operate the facsimile mail device itself or operate the facsimile mail device from the keyboard etc. The same can be applied to the case where an operation manual is requested regarding the operation of a service request.

Therefore, the facsimile mail device 1 as a device can freely combine an operation manual for operations necessary to realize the functions of the device requested by the operator, and explanatory data for each processing step necessary to realize the functions. Edit/
can be created and output. As a result, it is possible to generate and provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of operator demands without using a large-capacity storage means. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation manual for the series of operations necessary to realize the functions of the device, from the beginning to the completion of the operation. functions can be reliably realized. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be improved and the functions of the equipment can be fully utilized.

In addition, when the frequency of operation data from a communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data can be registered in correspondence with a short code, so short codes can be automatically registered for functions that are requested frequently. This allows functions to be easily requested using shortened codes. As a result, the operability can be further improved, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the functions of the device can be fully and easily utilized.

Furthermore, for facsimile mail devices that are equipped with communication functions, we accept requests for operation manuals from communication terminals, and edit and create operation manuals necessary to realize the functions desired by the requesting operator. In addition to being able to automatically register short codes for functions that are frequently requested, it is possible to easily and easily access the functions of facsimile mail devices as equipment equipped with communication functions from the communication terminal. It can be fully utilized.

Furthermore, for facsimile mail devices that are equipped with communication functions, we receive inquiries from communication terminals regarding operations using OMR sheets, and edit and create operation manuals necessary to realize the functions desired by the requesting operator. The information can be transmitted to the communication terminal using the communication terminal, making it easier to inquire about operations from the communication terminal to the facsimile mail device, which is a device equipped with a communication function. As a result, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the functions of devices equipped with communication functions can be more easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal.

In addition, when creating the operation manual, the system information stored in the system information storage unit 22 is incorporated in the operation manual to be edited and created, so the operator can operate the contents described in the operation manual as is. This allows the desired service to be requested from the facsimile mail device. therefore,
Furthermore, the man-machine interface can be improved, and the functions of the equipment can be used more easily and fully.

〔effect〕

According to the invention described in claim 1, the device is equipped with a communication function and receives operation data from a communication terminal, and based on the operation data, combines a plurality of processing steps to realize various functions. For each processing step, explanatory data of the operation details necessary for that processing step is stored, the function requested by the operator is determined from the operation data from the communication terminal, and the processing step to be executed to realize that function is stored. It is possible to create an operation manual by freely combining explanatory data of operation contents for each processing step and send it to a communication terminal, and when the frequency of operation data from the communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, Since data can be registered in correspondence with abbreviated codes, it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the storage unit for storing explanatory data, and to provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of operator demands. In addition, even beginners can realize the desired device functions without the attached operating manual.In addition, short codes can be automatically registered for functions that are requested frequently, and short codes can be used. It is possible to make requests for functionality. As a result, the operability can be improved, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the functions of the equipment can be fully and easily utilized.

According to the invention described in claim 2, when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the communication device is input in advance, when creating the fl-manual according to claim 1, these system information is incorporated into the operation manual. can be created, and if the frequency of operation data from the communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency,
Since the relevant operation data can be registered in correspondence with the shortened code, by operating the operation manual according to its contents, the system information can also be input and operated, thereby preventing the operator from forgetting the system information. Even if you do not know whether or not you have a device, you can achieve the desired function of the device by operating it according to the operating manual. In addition, short codes can be automatically registered for frequently requested functions, allowing functions to be requested using short codes, further improving operability and man-machine interface. This allows you to make full use of the device's functions even more easily.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 3, the facsimile mail device receives operation inquiries from communication terminals, realizes the functions of the facsimile device itself as desired by the operator, and uses the services of the facsimile mail device. It is possible to create an operation manual for necessary operations and send it to the communication terminal, and when the frequency of operation data from the communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data can be registered in correspondence with a shortened code. Therefore, the service of the facsimile mail device can be easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, an operation inquiry based on an OMR sheet is received from a communication terminal, an operation manual necessary for using the function of the communication device targeted by the operator is created, and the operation manual is sent to the communication terminal. In addition, when the frequency of operation data from a communication terminal exceeds a predetermined frequency, the operation data can be registered in correspondence with a shortened code, making it easier to respond to operation inquiries from the communication terminal. This makes it easier to perform operations, further improves the man-machine interface, and allows devices with communication functions to be serviced more easily and efficiently from communication terminals. It can be used for

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 12 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the operation manual creation device of each invention of the present application, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile mail device to which the operation manual creation device is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof. A transition diagram of the processing steps of the facsimile mail device. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the OMR sheet for requesting the operation manual. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the basic processing of the facsimile mail device. Fig. 5 is the ordering analysis.・A flowchart showing the registration process; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation manual request analysis process; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the system parameter storage buffer; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation manual editing/creation process; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the status of processing steps and system parameters stored in the instruction information storage unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing address settings of processing steps and explanatory data stored in the manual generation buffer; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing each data of the operation manual developed in the manual generation buffer, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the output operation manual. 1... Facsimile mail device, 2...
- System control unit, 3... Disk control unit, 4... Disk control unit, 5... Floppy disk device, 6...
・Hard disk device, 7...Hard disk device, 8...Host interface section, 11...
...Network control unit, 12...Modem, 13...Communication control unit, 14...Manual generation buffer, 15...
... Encoding/decoding section, 16... Channel control section, 17... Control program storage section, 18...
...OMR processing unit, 19...Data storage unit, 20...Storage memory, 21...Instruction information storage unit, 22...
...System information storage unit, 23...Edit control unit, 24...Bus control unit, 30...OMR sheet for operation manual request,
30h...Inquiry mark, 30i...
・・Voice guidance required/unnecessary mark, 30j・・・・
...Mail type (service type) mark, 30k...Time specification and specified time mark, 40a...Part of header, 40b...Character data area, 40c・・・
...Image data area.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and multiple processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data to perform multiple functions. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function to achieve this, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from among the data received by the reception control means. a data storage means for extracting and storing data; an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation content required for each of the above processing steps; and an instruction information storage means for analyzing the data stored in the data storage means. an editing control means that edits and creates an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function by combining explanatory data of the operation contents in each processing step stored in the storage means; request frequency storage means for storing frequency data indicating frequency for each communication terminal; short code storage means for storing operation data regarding operations that request the above function in correspondence with predetermined short codes; and request frequency storage means. When the frequency data reaches a predetermined frequency, a registration means registers the operation data of the function of the communication terminal in the short code storage means in correspondence with a predetermined short code, and an operation manual created by the editing control means is sent to the communication terminal. An operation manual creation device comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting data to a communication terminal in response to a request from the user. (2) When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and multiple processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data to perform multiple functions. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function to achieve this, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from among the data received by the reception control means. a data storage means for extracting and storing data; an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps; A system information storage means that stores various system information; and a system information storage means that analyzes the data stored in the data storage means and combines explanation data of operation contents in each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means. an editing control means that incorporates the system information stored in the communication terminal to edit and create an operation manual necessary to realize a desired function; a request frequency storage means for storing operation data related to an operation requesting the above-mentioned function in correspondence with a predetermined short code; and when the frequency data of the request frequency storage means reaches a predetermined frequency; a registration means for registering operation data of the function of the communication terminal in a shortened code storage means in correspondence with a predetermined shortened code; and a registration means for transmitting the operation manual created by the editing control means to the communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. An operation manual creation device comprising: a transmission control means; (3) The operation manual creation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is a facsimile mail device. (4) The reception control means analyzes OMR data.
4. The operation manual creation device according to claim 1, further comprising MR processing means.