JP2003008796A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor for managing the combined function, set in the order of optimum priority according to the usage of users. SOLUTION: The processor includes a functional relation table for storing the possibility of implementation, when each function is combined, a function priority order setting table for storing the priority order for each function, a combined function management means for canceling the low-order function in the priority order setting table out of functions which cannot be executed used in combined implementation among the combined relational functions, and a function priority order setting means for setting the priority order for each function in the function priority order table arbitrarily according to the operational input.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a facsimile machine, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus capable of executing a combination of a plurality of functions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an information processing apparatus, for example, a facsimile apparatus, a so-called direct transmission function of reading and transmitting original image information, that is, the read original image information is temporarily stored in a memory and then the stored image information is read out. Various functions such as a so-called memory transmission function for transmitting while transmitting, a so-called time-specified transmission function for transmitting accumulated image information at a specified time, and the like are being developed, and the multi-functionalization thereof is progressing.

A user can combine and set various functions and use them. Specifically, for example, the memory transmission function and the time designation transmission function can be used in combination.

However, some of the various functions cannot operate simultaneously. Specifically, for example, direct transmission that does not accumulate image information and time-specified transmission that requires accumulation of image information cannot operate simultaneously.

When such inoperable functions are combined and set, conventionally, a warning is output and one of the functions is selected.

However, as the number of functions increases, the setting becomes more complicated, and it becomes difficult for the user to grasp the functions that cannot be combined, and some of the plurality of functions to be used cannot operate at the same time. , It may not be possible to completely grasp which function is set or not set.

Therefore, it takes a lot of time and labor to effectively use various functions.

[0008] Therefore, in order to solve the complexity in the combination setting of various functions, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-138779, the functions which cannot be combined are enabled or disabled in a predetermined priority order. It is devised to control and reduce complexity.

[0009]

However, in this case, the priorities are predetermined by the manufacturer,
The user needs to know the priority order in advance. Further, there is a problem in that when the priority of a function that a user frequently uses is low in the priority determined by the manufacturer, the usability is not good.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of managing the setting of combination functions in an optimum priority order according to the usage situation of a user. .

[0011]

An information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions in combination, and a function correlation storing whether or not each function can be executed in combination. A table, a function priority setting table that stores the priorities set for the respective functions, and a function that cannot be combined in the function correlation table among a plurality of functions that have been set in combination, and the priority setting A combination function management means for canceling the setting of the function with the lower priority in the table and a function priority setting means for arbitrarily setting the priority of each function in the function priority table according to the operation input are provided. Is characterized by.

An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, which comprises a warning display permission / prohibition setting unit for setting whether or not to display a warning and the combination function management unit. When the setting of the specific function is canceled, when the warning display propriety setting unit is set to display the warning, a warning display unit for displaying a predetermined warning is further provided.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2.
It is characterized by further comprising report output means for visually outputting a report based on the setting contents of the function priority setting table.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

First, FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus 1 includes a system control unit 2, a ROM 3, a RAM 4, a scanner 5, a plotter 6, an image memory 7, an encoding / decoding unit 8, an operation display unit 9, a modem 10 and a network control unit 11. , And the system bus 12.

The system control unit 2 is a microcomputer that controls each unit of the apparatus while using the RAM 4 as a work area according to a control program written in the ROM 3.

As described above, the ROM 3 is a read-only memory in which a control program for the system control unit 2 to control each unit of the device is stored. Also, R
The OM 3 stores a font table 3a in which font data is associated with each character code, and the system control unit 2 refers to the font table 3a when converting a character string into image information.

The RAM 4 is a random access memory used as a work area of the system controller 2 as described above. The RAM 4 is backed up by a backup circuit (not shown), and the stored contents are retained even when the power supply of the device is cut off.

The scanner 5 is 3.85 lines / mm, 7.7.
This is for obtaining an image information by reading a document image at a predetermined reading line density of book / mm, 15.4 book / mm or the like. The plotter 6 is for recording and outputting the received image information according to its linear density, and for recording and outputting (copying) the image information read by the scanner 5 according to its linear density.

The image memory 7 temporarily stores the image information read by the scanner 5 as a file for memory transmission, and temporarily stores the received image information as a file until it is recorded by the plotter 6. It is also used as a temporary storage area for font-creating the image information of various reports such as communication management reports and the image information of the one-touch dial registration list and speed dial registration list.

The encoding / decoding unit 8 converts the transmission image data into
The received image data is encoded and compressed by a predetermined encoding method such as an MH encoding method, an MR encoding method, an MMR encoding method, etc., which is compatible with G3 facsimile,
The decoding and decompression are performed by a predetermined decoding method corresponding to the MR coding method, the MMR coding method and the like.

The operation display unit 9 is provided with a ten-key for designating a destination facsimile number, a transmission start key, a one-touch dial key, and various other keys, and is provided with a display such as a liquid crystal display device. The operating state of the device and various messages to be notified to the user are displayed.

FIG. 2 shows an arrangement configuration example of the operation display unit 9 which is not shown, except for the portion directly related to the present embodiment.

In the figure, the ten-key pad 9a is used for inputting a number when directly specifying a destination fax number or the like. The [Yes] key 9b and the [No] key 9c are keys for allowing the user to make various selections of decision or cancellation. [Stop] key 9d
Is for instructing to forcibly stop various operations. The [start] key 9e is for instructing the start of a facsimile transmission operation and the start of a copy operation. The [function] key 9f has functions other than the one-touch dial registration function, the speed dial registration function, the user parameter setting function, the function of the facsimile machine 1 as a standard facsimile machine, the time designated transmission, the department code designated transmission, It is used to call an expanded function such as confidential transmission. By pressing this [Function] key 9f and using the numeric keypad 9a to enter the number corresponding to each function, you can call and execute each function. You can

The cursor key group 9g is the [DOWN ARROW] key 9
gd, [left arrow] key 9gl, [right arrow] key 9gr,
And an [up arrow] key 9gu.
The [down arrow] key 9gd and the [up arrow] key 9gu change the display contents of the display 9h or scroll the display contents up and down in response to the depression of each key. Also, [left arrow] key 9gl and [right arrow] key 9
The gr is for selecting an item, a function, or the like displayed on the display 8h in response to pressing of each key. The display 9h is
The operating state of the device and various messages to be notified to the user are displayed.

Returning to FIG. 1, the modem 10 is a G3 facsimile modem, which modulates transmission data and demodulates reception data. The modem 10 also sends out a DTMF signal corresponding to the dial number. The network control unit 11 is connected to the public network and closes / releases the DC loop of the line, detects the polarity reversal of the line, detects the release of the line, detects the dial tone, and a tone signal such as busy tone (busy). Connection control such as line detection and ringing signal detection,
The dial pulse is generated. The system bus 12 is a signal line for the above-mentioned units to exchange data.

As shown in FIG. 3, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the above-described structure stores the storage areas 4a, 4b, and 4c in the RAM 4 as the storage contents according to the present embodiment.
Each of them stores a function correlation table, a function priority setting table, and a warning display availability setting flag Fk.

FIG. 4 shows the specific contents of the function correlation table 4a.

In the figure, in the function correlation table 4a, it is preset whether or not the combination of the functions 1 to n that can be executed by the facsimile apparatus 1 can be executed.
For example, it is impossible to execute the combination of function 1 and function 2, but
It is indicated that the combined execution of the function 1 and the function 3 is possible.

Next, the function priority order setting procedure in the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, first, [function]
It is monitored whether or not there is a combined operation of pressing the key 9f and inputting the number "20" with the ten keys 9a, that is, whether or not the mode for setting the function priority order is activated (No in judgment 101).
Loop), when the function priority setting mode is activated (Yes in judgment 101), the display D10 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 9h to prompt the setting of the function priority (process 102). , Cursor key input control, ie
Each time the [↑] key 9gu or the [↓] key 9gd is pressed, the function whose priority is to be set is cyclically changed and displayed within the range of functions 1 to n, while the [→] key 9g is displayed.
Every time the r or [←] key 9gl is pressed, the priority of the currently displayed function is cyclically changed and displayed within the range of 1 to n (process 103),
Repeatedly until the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (No loop of judgment 104). When the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of judgment 104), the function selected at that time is selected. Set to priority (Process 10)
5). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, among the functions set in the function priority setting table 4b in order of priority,
If the function 2 having the second priority is changed to the priority 1, the function 2 is moved to the first priority. In that case, naturally, the function 1 which has been the priority 1 until then is lowered to the priority 2. Further, if the function n having the n-th priority is changed to the priority 2, the function n will have the priority 2
Move to th. In that case, of course, until then, priority 2
Function 1 which had been reduced to priority 3 and function 1
The functions of the following priorities are also lowered to the next lower priority. Further, if the function 3 having the third priority is changed to the priority n, the function 3 is moved to the nth priority. In that case, naturally, the function n-1 which has been the priority n until then is raised to the priority n-1, and the functions having the priority n-1 or higher are lowered to the next higher priority.

As described above, by performing the processing procedure of FIG. 5 according to the user's operation input, it becomes possible to set each function to the priority order desired by the user.

Next, the warning display availability setting procedure in the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, first, [function]
It is monitored whether or not there is a combined operation of pressing the key 9f and inputting the number “10” with the ten keys 9a, that is, whether or not the warning display permission / inhibition setting mode is activated (No in judgment 201).
Loop), when the warning display propriety setting mode is activated (Yes in judgment 201), the display D20 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 9h and the warning display at the time of function cancellation is enabled (permitted) or not. ) Is selected (process 202) and [→]
Each time the key 9gr or the [←] key 9gl is pressed, cursor control for moving and displaying the cursor (underline) position to the character string “Yes” or “No” is performed (process 203),
The process is repeated until the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (No loop of determination 204). When the [Yes] key 9b is pressed (Yes of determination 204), the cursor city at that time is determined (determination 205). ), If the cursor position is the character string "Yes", the value of the warning display enable / disable setting flag Fk is set to 1 (process 206), and if the cursor position is the character string "No", the warning display enable / disable setting is made. The value of the flag Fk is reset to 0 (process 207).

As a result, it becomes possible to set whether or not to display a warning described later as desired by the user.

Next, the procedure of the function priority list output processing in the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, first, [function]
It is monitored whether there is a combined operation of pressing the key 9f and inputting the number "40" with the ten keys 9a, that is, whether the mode of the function priority list output is activated (decision 201).
No loop of No.), and when the warning display propriety setting mode is activated (Yes in judgment 301), list image information is created based on the setting contents of the function priority setting table 4b (process 302), and the plotter 6 is used. It is recorded and output on a recording sheet (process 303).

FIG. 11 shows an example of the function priority order list recorded and output by the process 303.

In this way, the user can easily confirm the setting contents of the function priority order setting table 4b, which is changed by the user at any time. As the output form of the function priority order list, a form of display output to the display 9h can be considered.

Next, the procedure of the combined function management process in the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The processing shown in the figure is performed when a function that is already set (in this case, function Y) is combined with a function that is combined with the set function Y (in this case, function X). In addition, the management process is performed prior to starting the execution of those combination functions.

When the function Y (any one of the functions 1 to n) is already set and the function X (any one of the functions 1 to n) is further set, the processing is started and the function correlation table 4a is started. Refer to to set function Y and function X
Whether or not the combination with respect to is possible is confirmed (process 401).

As a result, if the combination is acceptable (decision 4
02), the additional setting of the function X is accepted, and the processing is ended. As a result, the function Y and the function X are executed in combination. For example, the combination of the memory transmission function and the time designation transmission function is a combinable function.

If the combination is impossible in the judgment 402 (No in the judgment 402), the priority of the function X with respect to the set function Y is confirmed by referring to the function priority setting table 4b (process 403).

As a result, when the function X set later has a higher priority (Yes in judgment 404), the set function Y is canceled (process 405) and the warning display process is performed (step 405). Process 406).

When the priority of the function X set later is lower (No in judgment 404), the function X is canceled (process 407) and the warning display process is performed (process 40).
8).

As a result, when a function that cannot be combined is included in the plurality of functions that have been set as a combination, the function with the lower priority is automatically canceled and the remaining functions are executed. The user can use the combination function without strict knowledge of the combination of the plural functions to be set, and the priority in that case can be set according to the user's desire, so that the user has priority. By setting the priority of the function you want to
It can be prevented from being released without permission, and it is easy to use.

Next, a specific processing procedure of the warning display processing in the processing 406 or the processing 408 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, first, it is judged whether or not the value of the warning display propriety setting flag Fk is 1 (0).
1).

When the value of the flag Fk is 0 (determination 501
No), the process ends without doing anything.

When the value of the flag Fk is 1, (determination 501
Yes), and the warning display shown in the display D30a or D30b in FIG. 14 is performed by the display 9h (process 502). In this case, the display D30a corresponds to the warning display process in process 408, and the display D30b corresponds to the warning display process in process 406.

Display D30a or D30b by processing 502
By displaying, it is possible to let the user recognize that the function X and the function Y cannot be set at the same time, that is, they cannot be executed in combination, and the user can recognize which function has been canceled. Can be made.

On the display 502, the warning display is [Yes].
The operation is continued until the key 9b is pressed or a fixed time has elapsed (No loop of determination 503, No loop of determination 504). Then, when the [Yes] key 9b is pressed or when a certain period of time has elapsed (Yes in the determination 503 or Yes in the determination 504), the processing ends.

Although the present invention is applied to the facsimile apparatus which is one of the information processing apparatuses in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and a copying machine,
It goes without saying that the invention can be similarly applied to other information processing devices such as a digital multi-function peripheral.

[0056]

According to the invention of claim 1, since the user can arbitrarily set the priority order, it is possible to set the optimum priority order for each function according to the usage situation of the user. It is also possible to give higher priority to the functions that the user often uses. As a result, the usability is improved and the convenience is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by making it possible to select whether or not to notify the user of a message to cancel the function, the user does not know when trying to set a function that cannot be set. A user who is worried that the function will be canceled soon can be displayed as a warning, and a user who does not have to be displayed one by one can be prevented from inquiring if the priority order is set, so it is even better. It is possible to obtain the effect that the convenience can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by printing or displaying the priority order set by the user as a list, the user can confirm the setting content of the priority order for each function. The effect that the usability can be further improved can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a facsimile device as an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement configuration example in which an illustration of the operation display unit of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is omitted except for a portion directly related to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a storage area secured in a RAM in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing specific contents of a function correlation table.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a function priority order setting procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a setting example of a function priority order setting table.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a warning display permission / prohibition setting procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a function priority list output processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a list output by the processing procedure of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a combined function management processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of warning display processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example in the processing procedure of FIG. 13;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Facsimile machine 2 System control unit 3 ROM 3a font table 4 RAM 4a Storage area for function correlation table 4b Storage area for function priority setting table 4c Storage area for warning display propriety setting flag Fk 5 scanner 6 plotter 7 Image memory 8 Encoding / decoding section 9 Operation display section 9a Numeric keypad 9b [Yes] key 9c [No] key 9d [Stop] key 9e [Start] key 9f [Function] key 9g cursor key group 9gd [Down arrow] key 9gl [Left arrow] key 9gr [Right arrow] key 9gu [up arrow] key 9h display 10 modem 11 Network control unit 12 system bus

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions in combination, storing a function correlation table storing whether or not each function can be executed in combination, and a priority order set for each function. Among the function priority order setting table and the plurality of functions set in combination, a combination function that cannot be executed in combination in the function correlation table and cancels the setting of the lower priority function in the priority order setting table. An information processing apparatus comprising: a management unit and a function priority setting unit that arbitrarily sets the priority of each function in the function priority table according to an operation input. 2. A warning display propriety setting means for setting whether or not to display a warning, and a warning display propriety setting means for displaying a warning when the setting of a specific function is canceled by the combination function management means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning display unit that displays a predetermined warning when the setting is made. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising report output means for visually outputting a report based on the setting contents of the function priority setting table.