JP2003087446A - Image forming apparatus, voice output device, voice output method, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a voice output device, a voice output method, and a program therefor that can suppress erroneous operations of keys. SOLUTION: When detecting depression of a start button of an operation section 16, a control section 11 allows a voice transmission section 17 to transmit voice denoting a FAX communication mode selected at present. When detecting depression of the start button again, the control section 11 allows an ordinary FAX control means section 12 or an Internet FAX communication section 14 to execute faxing on the basis of the FAX communication mode denoted by the voice sent from the voice transmission section 17.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a voice output device, a voice output method, and a program thereof, and more particularly, an image for transmitting a voice for confirming the correctness of key input when a key is pressed. The present invention relates to a forming device, a voice output device, a voice output method, and a program thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many techniques for realizing simple and reliable key input have been disclosed. JP-A-10-1
In the 1-switch input device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 1220 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Example 1), the switch is turned on / off by exhalation
It controlled OFF.

[0003]

However, in the prior art example 1, since there is no configuration for confirming the correctness of the key input before executing the key input, the key is input by mistake.
There was a possibility of causing a malfunction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a voice output device, a voice output method, and a program thereof for suppressing erroneous operation of keys.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a normal FAX communication means for performing FAX communication via a public line network, and an Internet FAX.
It is characterized by having an internet FAX communication means for performing communication, a voice transmitting means for transmitting a voice, and a voice output means for outputting the voice transmitted by the voice transmitting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, one of the FAX mode of the normal FAX communication unit and the FAX communication of the Internet FAX communication unit is set. It is characterized by including a FAX mode selection unit for selecting and a transmission request input unit for inputting a FAX transmission request in the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection unit.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the voice transmission means selects the FAX mode when the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request input means. FA selected by means
A feature is that a voice indicating the X mode is transmitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the FAX communication executing means receives the FAX transmission request for the first time by the transmission request inputting means, and then FAX again. If a send request is entered,
It is characterized in that the FAX communication in the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection means is executed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the transmission request input means is displaced in two steps, and the F in the selected FAX mode is selected.
It is characterized by inputting an AX transmission request.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the voice transmission means indicates the selected FAX mode when the transmission request input means is displaced to the first stage. It is characterized by transmitting voice.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the FAX communication executing means is displaced up to the first stage and the transmission request input means is displaced up to the second stage, FA according to the selected FAX mode
It is characterized by executing X communication.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the voice sending means sends the voice message indicating the selected FAX mode. It is characterized by

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the voice transmitting means outputs the buzzer sound according to the selected FAX mode. It is characterized in that it is transmitted a set number of times.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the voice transmitting means outputs the buzzer sound to the selected FAX.
It is characterized by transmitting at a frequency set according to the mode.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the Internet FAX communication means performs the Internet FAX communication via the LAN. And

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the Internet FAX communication means performs the Internet FAX communication using a data modem. Is characterized by.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, information input means for inputting predetermined information, voice transmitting means for transmitting voice, voice synthesizing means for synthesizing and transmitting voice, voice transmitting means and voice. Audio output means for outputting the audio transmitted by the synthesizing means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the voice output device according to the thirteenth aspect is characterized by further comprising input information recognition means for recognizing predetermined information input by the information input means.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the voice output device according to the fourteenth aspect, after the information input by the input information recognition means is recognized, the input information is recognized. It is characterized by having an ack sound generating means for generating an ack sound which is the voice shown.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the audio output device according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the audio output means receives the first information input by the information input means. In this case, a voice indicating the content of the input information is transmitted.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the voice output device according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the voice synthesizing means receives the first information input by the information input means. In this case, the voice indicating the contents of the input information is synthesized, and the synthesized voice is transmitted.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the voice output device according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, the input information recognition means inputs the information after the information input means performs the first information input. When the information input the first time is input again by the means, the input information is recognized again.

Further, according to the invention of claim 19, in the audio output device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the information input means is displaced in two steps to input predetermined information. It is characterized by

According to the invention described in claim 20, in the audio output device according to claim 19, when the information input means is displaced up to the first stage, the audio output means stores the information input by the input means. The feature is that a voice indicating the content is transmitted.

According to the invention of claim 21, in the voice output device according to claim 19 or 20, the voice synthesizing means is input by the input means after the information input means is displaced to the first stage. It is characterized in that a voice indicating the content of information is synthesized and the synthesized voice is transmitted.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, in the voice output device according to the twentieth or twenty-first aspect, when the input information recognition means is displaced up to the first stage, the information input means is displaced up to the second stage. It is characterized in that the information input by the information input means displaced to the second stage is recognized.

Further, according to the invention of claim 23, in the audio output device according to any one of claims 16 to 22, the audio transmitting means transmits an audio message indicating the content of the input information. It is characterized by doing.

Further, according to the invention of claim 24, in the audio output device according to any one of claims 16 to 22, the audio transmitting means is set in accordance with the information inputted with the buzzer sound. It is characterized in that it is transmitted a certain number of times.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the voice output device according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-second aspects, the voice transmitting means is set according to the information inputted with the buzzer sound. It is characterized by transmitting at different frequencies.

The invention according to claim 26 is the normal FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public line network, the Internet FAX communication process for performing Internet FAX communication, and the FAX communication and Internet FAX communication by the normal FAX communication process. The FAX mode selection step of selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication according to the process, the transmission request input step of inputting the FAX transmission request in the FAX mode selected in the FAX mode selection step, and the transmission request input step. A voice transmission step of transmitting a voice indicating the FAX mode selected in the FAX mode selection step when the first FAX transmission request is input;
If the FAX transmission request is input again after the first FAX transmission request is input in the transmission request input step,
A FAX communication executing step of executing FAX communication in the FAX mode selected in the X mode selecting step.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a normal FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public line network, an Internet FAX communication process for performing Internet FAX communication, and a selection key which is displaced in two steps are used. Normal FA
The FAX mode selection step of selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication by the X communication step and the FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication step, and the FAX mode is selected by the selection key, and the selection key is displaced to the first stage. In this case, a voice sending step of sending a voice indicating the selected FAX mode, and if the selection key displaced to the first stage is displaced to the second stage, the FAX mode selected by the selection key displaced to the second stage And a FAX communication executing step of executing FAX communication.

The invention according to claim 28 is an information input step of inputting predetermined information, and, when information is input for the first time by the information input step, a voice for outputting a voice indicating the input information. A voice synthesizing step of synthesizing a voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice when the information is input for the first time by the sending step and the information input step
An input information recognition step of recognizing the information input again when the information input the first time by the information input step is input again after the first information input by the information input step Is characterized by.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, an information input step of inputting predetermined information by using an input key that is displaced in two steps, and predetermined information is input by the input key, and the input key is in one step. A voice sending step of sending a voice indicating the input information when the eye is displaced, and a predetermined information is input by the input key, and a voice indicating the input information is transmitted when the input key is displaced to the first step. A voice synthesizing step of synthesizing and transmitting a synthesized voice, and recognizing information input by the input key displaced to the second stage when the input key displaced to the first stage is displaced to the second stage And a process.

According to the invention described in claim 30, in the voice output method according to claim 28 or 29, after the input information is recognized in the input information recognition step,
It is characterized by including an ACK sound generation step of generating an ACK sound indicating that the input information is recognized.

The invention according to claim 31 is the normal FAX communication processing for performing FAX communication via a public line network, the Internet FAX communication processing for performing Internet FAX communication, the FAX communication by the normal FAX communication processing, and the Internet FAX communication. The FAX mode selection process for selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication by the process, the transmission request input process for inputting the FAX transmission request in the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection process, and the transmission request input process. When a first FAX transmission request is input, a voice transmission process for transmitting a voice indicating the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection process,
If the FAX transmission request is input again after the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request input processing,
And a FAX communication execution process for executing FAX communication in the FAX mode selected by the X mode selection process.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, a normal FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public line network, an Internet FAX communication process for performing Internet FAX communication, and a selection key that shifts in two steps are used. Normal FA
A FAX mode selection process of selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication by the X communication process and the Internet FAX communication process, and the FAX mode is selected by the selection key, and the selection key is displaced to the first stage. In this case, a voice sending process for sending a voice indicating the selected FAX mode and when the selection key displaced up to the first stage is displaced up to the second stage, the FAX mode selected by the selection key displaced up to the second stage It is characterized by causing a computer to execute FAX communication execution processing for executing FAX communication.

Further, the invention according to claim 33 is an information input process for inputting predetermined information, and, when information is input for the first time by the information input process, a voice for outputting a voice indicating the input information. A voice synthesizing process for synthesizing a voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice when the first information input is performed by the transmitting process and the information input process;
When the first input information is input by the information input processing and then the first input information is input again by the information input processing, the input information recognition processing for recognizing the input information is input to the computer. It is characterized by being executed.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, an information input process of inputting predetermined information using an input key that is displaced in two steps and predetermined information is input by the input key, and the input key is in one step. When the eye is displaced, a voice output process for transmitting a voice indicating the input information and predetermined information is input by the input key, and when the input key is displaced to the first step, a voice indicating the input information is transmitted. Speech synthesis processing for synthesizing and transmitting synthesized speech, and input information recognition for recognizing information input by the input key displaced to the second stage when the input key displaced to the first stage is displaced to the second stage It is characterized by causing a computer to execute processing.

According to the invention described in claim 35, in the program according to claim 33 or 34, the input information is recognized after the input information is recognized by the input information recognition processing. It is characterized by causing a computer to execute an ACK sound generation process for generating an ACK sound indicating.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus, as the FAX communication mode, uses the normal F communication that performs normal FAX communication via the public line network.
One of the AX mode and the Internet FAX mode for performing Internet FAX communication is adopted.

The image forming apparatus also includes a control unit 11, a normal FAX communication unit 12, a modem 13, an Internet FAX communication unit 14, a LAN interface 15, an operation unit 16, a voice transmission unit 17, and a voice. And an output unit 18.

The control section 11 controls the operation of each part in the image forming apparatus. Further, the control unit 11 is a normal FAX.
It is connected to the communication unit 12, the Internet FAX communication unit 14, the operation unit 16, and the voice transmission unit 17.

The normal FAX communication section 12 is a part for performing normal FAX communication. In addition, the normal FAX communication unit 12
It is connected to the public line network via the modem 13. The modem 13 modulates / demodulates data.

The internet fax communication section 14 is a part for performing internet fax communication. In addition, the Internet FAX communication unit 14 uses the LAN interface 1
Connected to 5. The LAN interface 15 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus to a LAN.
LAN interface 1 for Internet FAX communication
It is performed via the LAN connected by 5.

The operation section 16 is a section for inputting various settings and commands to the image forming apparatus. Further, the operation unit 16 includes a destination input key (not shown) for inputting a FAX transmission destination, a start button (not shown) for starting a FAX transmission operation, a normal FAX mode and an Internet F.
A mode selector switch (not shown) for switching between the AX mode and the AX mode.

The voice transmitting unit 17 transmits voice. The audio output unit 18 is a unit that outputs the audio output from the connected audio output unit 17 to the outside, and may be, for example, a speaker.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations in the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and along FIG.

Before transmitting the manuscript, first, the control unit 11
Determines whether the normal FAX communication mode or the Internet FAX communication mode is selected as the FAX communication mode by the mode changeover switch (step S201).

Next, the user sets the original and inputs the FAX destination using the destination input key (step S).
202).

Next, when the control section 11 detects that the start button has been pressed (step S203), the control section 11 causes the voice output section 17 to output the voice, and causes the voice output section 18 to output the voice (step S203). S204).

The voice output from the voice output unit 18 is for notifying the user of the selected FAX communication mode. For example, when the normal FAX mode is selected by the mode selector switch, the message “Send FAX” is output from the voice output unit 18. When the Internet FAX mode is selected by the mode selector switch, the message “Send mail” is output from the voice output unit 18.

The voice output from the voice output unit 18 may be a buzzer sound in addition to the message forming the language. When the output voice is a buzzer sound, the number of output buzzer sounds may be set for each FAX communication mode. For example, when the normal FAX communication mode is selected, the buzzer sound is output once, and when the Internet FAX communication mode is selected, the buzzer sound may be output twice.
Further, the user may be notified of the selected FAX communication mode based on the difference in frequency or length of the output buzzer sound.

The information of the voice transmitted from the voice transmitting unit 17 may be patterned and stored in the voice transmitting unit 17.

The user determines whether or not the FAX communication mode notified by the voice output from the voice output unit 18 and the FAX communication mode desired by the user match (step S205). When it is determined that they do not match (step S205 / N), step S201.
Transition to.

When the user determines that the FAX communication mode notified by the voice output unit 18 matches the FAX communication mode desired by the user (step S205 /
Y), the user presses the start button again (step S206).

When the control unit 11 detects that the start button is pressed again, the control unit 11 selects either the normal FAX communication unit 12 or the Internet FAX communication unit 14 according to the selected FAX communication mode and the input FAX transmission destination. The FAX transmission operation is started by either (step S207). After the FAX transmission operation is completed, the image forming apparatus
The operation ends.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the start button is pressed, different messages are output depending on the selected mode. Then, when the start button is pressed again, the control unit 11 recognizes that the start button has been pressed and starts the transmission operation in the selected mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the FAX transmission in the transmission mode that the user does not intend. It will be possible.

(Second Embodiment) The configuration and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below unless otherwise specified.
Assuming that the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the currently selected FAX communication mode is notified after the first start button is pressed, and the FAX transmission operation is started after the second start button is pressed. The start button in this embodiment can be pressed in two steps. In the present embodiment, when the start button is pressed to the first stage, the voice output unit 18 outputs a voice notifying the FAX communication mode. When the user presses the start button displaced to the first stage and displaces the start button further than the first stage, the image forming apparatus starts the fax transmission operation. Further, when the user presses the start button continuously for two steps, no voice is output from the voice output unit 18.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations in the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and along FIG.

First, the control unit 11 determines which of the normal FAX communication mode and the Internet FAX communication mode is selected as the FAX communication mode by the mode selector switch (step S301).

Next, the user sets the original and inputs the FAX destination using the destination input key (step S).
302).

Next, in the control section 11, the start button is set to 1
When it is detected that the button has been pressed to the stage (step S3
03), the audio output unit 17 is caused to output audio, and the audio output unit 18 is caused to output the output audio (step S30).
4).

The user determines whether or not the FAX communication mode notified by the sound output from the sound output unit 18 and the FAX communication mode desired by the user match (step S305). When it is determined that they do not match (step S305 / N), step S301.
Transition to.

When the user determines that the FAX communication mode notified by the voice output unit 18 matches the FAX communication mode desired by the user (step S305 /
Y), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the start button pressed down to the first step has been pressed down to the second step (step S306). When it is determined that the start button has not been pressed until the second stage (step S30
6 / N), the process proceeds to step S301.

When the control unit 11 determines that the start button has been pressed to the second stage (step S306 /
Y), selected FAX communication mode and input F
Depending on the destination of the AX transmission, either the normal FAX communication unit 12 or the Internet FAX communication unit 14 is
The X transmission operation is started (step S307). FAX
After the transmission operation ends, the image forming apparatus ends the operation.

Although the start button in the present embodiment is displaceable in two steps, it may be displaceable in any step as long as it has a plurality of steps.

As described above, according to this embodiment, different messages are output depending on the selected mode when the start button, which is pressed in two steps, is pressed to the first step. Therefore, if the start button is pressed all the way to the end, the control unit 11 recognizes that the start button has been pressed and starts the transmission operation in the selected mode. Therefore, it is possible to perform FAX transmission in a transmission mode not intended by the user. It becomes possible to prevent it.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

Further, the image forming apparatus includes a control unit 11, a normal FAX communication unit 12, a modem 13, an Internet FAX communication unit 14, an operation unit 16, and a voice transmission unit 17.
And a voice output unit 18 and a data modem 19.

The control unit 11 controls the operation of each part in the image forming apparatus. Further, the control unit 11 is a normal FAX.
It is connected to the communication unit 12, the Internet FAX communication unit 14, the operation unit 16, and the voice transmission unit 17.

The normal FAX communication section 12 is a section for performing normal FAX communication. In addition, the normal FAX communication unit 12
It is connected to the public line network via the modem 13. The modem 13 modulates / demodulates data.

The internet fax communication section 14 is a part for performing internet fax communication. The Internet FAX communication unit 14 is connected to the data modem 19. The data modem 19 is connected to the Internet, an intranet, or a dedicated line, and performs data disassembly / assembly, modulation / demodulation.

The operation section 16 is a section for inputting various settings and commands to the image forming apparatus. Further, the operation unit 16 includes a destination input key (not shown) for inputting a FAX transmission destination, a start button (not shown) for starting a FAX transmission operation, a normal FAX mode and an Internet F.
A mode selector switch (not shown) for switching between the AX mode and the AX mode.

The voice sending unit 17 sends a voice. The audio output unit 18 is a unit that outputs the audio output from the connected audio output unit 17 to the outside, and may be, for example, a speaker.

In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the FAX communication mode currently selected is notified by the first press of the start button, and the FAX transmission operation is started by the second press of the start button. . In that case, the operation in this embodiment is the same as the operation in the first embodiment according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, according to this embodiment, different messages are output depending on the selected mode when the start button is pressed. Then, when the start button is pressed again, the control unit 11 recognizes that the start button has been pressed and starts the transmission operation in the selected mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent FAX transmission in a transmission mode not intended by the user. It becomes possible.

(Fourth Embodiment) The configuration and operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below unless otherwise specified.
It is assumed that it is similar to the third embodiment.

With regard to the start button in the third embodiment, the FAX communication mode currently selected is notified by the first press of the start button, and the FAX transmission operation is started by the second press of the start button. In the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, when the start button is pressed to the first step, the currently selected FAX communication mode is notified, and the start button pressed to the first step is the second step. When is pressed down, the FAX transmission operation is started. In that case, the operation in this embodiment is the same as the operation in the second embodiment according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, according to this embodiment, different messages are output depending on the selected mode when the start button, which is pressed in two steps, is pressed to the first step. Therefore, if the start button is pressed all the way to the end, the control unit 11 recognizes that the start button has been pressed and starts the transmission operation in the selected mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the FAX transmission in the transmission mode not intended by the user. It becomes possible to do.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the audio | voice output device in embodiment of this. The configuration and operation of the audio output device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

The audio output device has a plurality of operation modes. In addition, the audio output device includes the control unit 21.
An operation unit 22, a voice transmission unit 23, and a voice synthesis unit 24.
And a voice output unit 25.

The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part in the audio output device. In addition, the control unit 21 uses the operation unit 2
2, the voice transmission unit 23, and the voice synthesis unit 24 are connected.

The operation section 22 is a section for inputting various settings and commands to the voice output device. In addition, the operation unit 22 includes a mode selector switch (not shown) for switching operation modes, an input key (not shown) for inputting numbers or characters, and a setting key (a setting key whose input content can be arbitrarily set by the user. (Not shown). An example of the setting key is a one-touch destination key in a facsimile machine. The one-touch destination key is a key having a function of performing fax transmission to a fax destination set in advance by the user only by pressing it.

The voice transmission section 23 stores information on a plurality of types of voice patterns (voice message, buzzer sound, etc.). The voice sending unit 23 sends a voice indicating the input information content in response to the information input in the operation unit 22. The voice synthesizer 24 synthesizes voices and sends the synthesized voices. The voice output unit 25 is a unit that outputs the voice transmitted by the connected voice transmission unit 23 and voice synthesis unit 24 to the outside, and may be, for example, a speaker.

When the control unit 21 detects that the input key has been pressed, it sends a voice (programmed fixed message) corresponding to the number or character corresponding to the pressed input key to the voice sending unit 23. Then, the user is notified of the input content of the pressed key.

When the control section 21 detects that the mode changeover switch has been selected, the control section 21 sends a voice (programmed fixed message) corresponding to the selected operation mode to the voice sending section 23 to be selected. The user is informed of the operation mode that has been set.

The input contents of the setting keys are not fixed because they are arbitrarily set by the user. When the setting key, which is difficult to notify the input contents by the fixed message stored in the voice sending unit 23, is pressed,
The control unit 21 causes the voice synthesis unit 24 to synthesize and send the voice corresponding to the setting key, and notifies the user of the input content by the setting key.

Further, when the control unit 21 detects that the pressed key (switch) is pressed again during and after the transmission of the voice for notifying the input content, the control unit 21 recognizes the input by the pressed key.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

First, the control unit 21 detects that a key on the operation unit 22 has been pressed (step S60).
1) causing a voice message corresponding to the content of the pressed key to be transmitted to the voice transmitting unit 23 or the voice synthesizing unit 24,
The transmitted voice is output from the voice output unit 25 (step S602).

The user determines whether or not the key of the message content notified by the voice output from the voice output unit 25 and the key the user desires to input match (step S603). When it is determined that they do not match (step S603 / N), the process proceeds to step S601.

When the user determines that the key of the message content notified by the voice output unit 25 and the key the user desires to input match (step S603 /
Y), the user presses the key pressed in step S601 again (step S604).

The control section 21 recognizes that the key has been pressed again (step S605), and the voice output device ends the operation.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the key of the operation unit 22 is pressed once, the message corresponding to the key is sent. When the same key is pressed again after sending the message or while sending the message, the key input is recognized by the control unit 21. Therefore, even when it is difficult to recognize the key with the eyes, it is possible to use the key without mistake. Becomes

(Sixth Embodiment) The configuration and operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below unless otherwise specified.
Assuming that the configuration is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, the configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the fifth embodiment, the content of the pressed key is notified to the user by the voice indicating the content of the key pressed by the first key pressing, and the contents of the key pressed by the second key pressing are notified. Input operation was performed. The keys of the operation unit 22 in this embodiment can be pressed in two steps. When the key is pressed down to the first step, the user is notified of the pressed key content by a voice indicating the content of the pressed key, and when the key down to the first step is pressed down to the second step, the key is pressed. The input operation of the selected key is performed.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation flow in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.

First, when the control unit 21 detects that the key in the operation unit 22 has been pressed to the first step (step S701), it outputs a voice message corresponding to the content of the pressed key to the voice transmitting unit 23 or the voice. The voice is output to the synthesis unit 24 and the voice output is output from the voice output unit 25 (step S702).

The user determines whether or not the key of the message content notified by the voice output from the voice output unit 25 and the key that the user desires to input match (step S703). When it is determined that they do not match (step S703 / N), the process proceeds to step S701.

When the user determines that the key of the message content notified by the voice output unit 25 and the key the user desires to input match (step S703 /
Y), the user determines whether or not the key pressed down to the first step is pressed down to the second step (step S704).
When the key has not been pressed up to the second stage (step S704 / N), the process proceeds to step S701.

When the key is pressed down to the second stage (step S704 / Y), the control section 21 recognizes the input of the pressed key (step S705), and the voice output device
The operation ends.

The keys on the operation unit 22 of this embodiment can be displaced in two steps.
It may be displaceable at any stage.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a message is sent out when the key of the operation unit 22 which allows input in two steps is pushed down to the first step. If you press the key to the end after sending a message or while sending a message with your hand held, the device will recognize the key input, so even if it is difficult to recognize the key with your eyes, do not make a mistake. It becomes possible to use the operation keys.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the audio | voice output device in embodiment of this. The configuration and operation of the audio output device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

The audio output device is assumed to have a plurality of types of operation modes. In addition, the audio output device includes the control unit 21.
An operation unit 22, a voice transmission unit 23, and a voice synthesis unit 24.
And an audio output unit 25 and an ac sound generation unit 26.

The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part in the audio output device. In addition, the control unit 21 uses the operation unit 2
2, the voice sending unit 23, the voice synthesizing unit 24, and the ac sound generating unit 26.

The operation section 22 is a section for inputting various settings and commands to the voice output device. In addition, the operation unit 22 includes a mode selector switch (not shown) for switching operation modes, an input key (not shown) for inputting numbers or characters, and a setting key (a setting key whose input content can be arbitrarily set by the user. (Not shown). An example of the setting key is a one-touch destination key in a facsimile machine. The one-touch destination key is a key having a function of performing fax transmission to a fax destination set in advance by the user only by pressing it.

The voice transmission unit 23 stores information on a plurality of types of voice patterns (voice message, buzzer sound, etc.). The voice sending unit 23 sends a voice indicating the input information content in response to the information input in the operation unit 22. The voice synthesizer 24 synthesizes voices and sends the synthesized voices. Further, the ack sound generating unit 26 is operated by the operation unit 2.
It is a part that generates an ack sound that is a voice that indicates an affirmative response to the input by 2. The ack sound may be a buzzer sound. The audio output unit 25 is a unit that outputs the audio output from the connected audio output unit 23 and the audio synthesis unit 24 and the ACK sound generated by the connected ACK sound generation unit 26 to the outside. It may be a speaker.

When the control unit 21 detects that the input key has been pressed, it sends a voice (programmed fixed message) corresponding to the number or character corresponding to the pressed input key to the voice sending unit 23. Then, the user is notified of the input content of the pressed key.

When the control section 21 detects that the mode change switch has been selected, the control section 21 sends a voice (programmed fixed message) corresponding to the selected operation mode to the voice sending section 23 to be selected. The user is informed of the operation mode that has been set.

The input contents of the setting keys are not fixed because they are arbitrarily set by the user. When the setting key, which is difficult to notify the input contents by the fixed message stored in the voice sending unit 23, is pressed,
The control unit 21 causes the voice synthesis unit 24 to synthesize and send the voice corresponding to the setting key, and notifies the user of the input content by the setting key.

Further, when the control unit 21 detects that the pressed key (switch) is pressed again during and after the sound for notifying the input contents is transmitted, the control unit 21 recognizes the input by the pressed key. When recognizing the key input, the control unit 21 causes the ACK sound generation unit 26 to generate an ACK sound indicating that the key input has been recognized, and causes the sound output unit 25 to output the generated ACK sound.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG.

First, the control unit 21 detects that a key on the operation unit 22 has been pressed (step S90).
1) causing a voice message corresponding to the content of the pressed key to be transmitted to the voice transmitting unit 23 or the voice synthesizing unit 24,
The transmitted voice is output from the voice output unit 25 (step S902).

The user determines whether the key of the message content notified by the voice output from the voice output unit 25 and the key the user desires to input match (step S903). When it is determined that they do not match (step S903 / N), the process proceeds to step S901.

When the user determines that the key of the message content notified by the voice output unit 25 and the key that the user desires to input match (step S903 /
Y), the user presses the key pressed in step S901 again (step S904).

When the control section 21 recognizes that the key has been pressed again (step S905), it causes the ack sound generation section 26 to generate an ack sound indicating that the key input has been recognized,
The generated ac sound is output to the audio output unit 25 (step S906). The voice output device notifies the user that the key input has been recognized by outputting an ACK sound. After outputting the acknowledgment sound, the audio output device ends the operation.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the key of the operation unit 22 is pressed once, the message corresponding to the key is sent out. When the same key is pressed again after or while sending the message, the key input is recognized by the control unit 21 and an audible audible sound is emitted, so that even if it is difficult to visually recognize the key, a reliable key is pressed. Operation becomes possible.

(Eighth Embodiment) The configuration and operation of the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below unless otherwise specified.
The configuration and operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 assuming that the configuration is the same as in the seventh embodiment.

In the seventh embodiment, the contents of the pressed key are notified to the user by the voice indicating the contents of the key pressed by the first key pressing, and the contents of the key pressed by the second key pressing are notified. Input operation was performed. The keys of the operation unit 22 in this embodiment can be pressed in two steps. When the key is pressed down to the first step, the user is notified of the pressed key content by a voice indicating the content of the pressed key, and when the key pressed down to the first step is pressed down to the second step, the key is pressed. The input operation of the selected key is performed.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Below, FIG.
The operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when the control unit 21 detects that the key in the operation unit 22 has been pressed to the first step (step S1001), it outputs a voice message corresponding to the content of the pressed key to the voice transmission unit 23 or the voice. Synthesizer 24
Then, the transmitted voice is output from the voice output unit 25 (step S1002).

The user determines whether or not the key of the message content notified by the voice output from the voice output unit 25 and the key the user desires to input match (step S1003). When it is determined that they do not match (step S1003 / N), step S1001
Transition to.

When the user determines that the key of the message content notified by the voice output unit 25 and the key that the user desires to input match (step S1003).
/ Y), the user determines whether or not the key pressed down to the first step is pressed down to the second step (step S100).
4). When the key has not been pressed up to the second stage (step S1004 / N), the process proceeds to step S1001.

When the key is pressed down to the second stage (step S1004 / Y), the control section 21 recognizes the input of the pressed key (step S1005).

Upon recognizing the input of the pressed key, the control section 21 causes the ACK sound generating section 26 to generate an ACK sound indicating that the key input has been recognized, and causes the audio output section 25 to output the generated ACK sound. (Step S1006). The voice output device notifies the user that the key input has been recognized by outputting an ACK sound. After the output of ac
The audio output device ends the operation.

Although the keys on the operation unit 22 of this embodiment can be displaced in two steps, if there are a plurality of steps,
It may be displaceable at any stage.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a message is sent out when the key of the operation unit 22 capable of inputting in two steps is pressed down to the first step. If the operation key is pressed to the end after the message is sent or while the message is sent with the hand held, the key input is recognized by the control unit 21 and an ack sound is output, so that a reliable key operation is possible.

Further, the image forming apparatus performs any one of the process of performing FAX communication via the public line network, the process of performing Internet FAX communication, the FAX communication performed via the public line network, and the Internet FAX communication. The process of selecting that, the process of transmitting a voice indicating that the FAX communication is selected, and the process of executing the selected FAX communication are performed.

Further, the voice output device synthesizes the process of inputting the predetermined information, the process of transmitting the voice indicating that the predetermined information has been input, and the voice indicating that the predetermined information has been input. , A process of transmitting the synthesized voice, a process of recognizing the input information, and a process of generating an ACK sound indicating that the input information is recognized.

The above processing is executed by a computer program included in the image forming apparatus and the audio output apparatus. The above program is recorded in a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk and loaded from the above recording medium. Alternatively, it may be loaded from an external device connected via a predetermined network.

The above embodiment is an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. It becomes possible to carry out.

[0135]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a predetermined key is selected, the currently selected FAX communication mode is notified by voice, and when the above key is selected again, FAX transmission is performed in the notified FAX communication mode, so that the FAX communication mode not intended by the user. And F
It is possible to prevent the AX transmission from being performed.

When a key that can be displaced in two steps is pressed down to the first step, the currently selected FAX communication mode is notified by voice, and when the key pressed down to the first step is pressed down to the second step as it is. By performing the FAX transmission in the notified FAX communication mode, it is possible to prevent the FAX transmission from being performed in the FAX communication mode not intended by the user.

When information is input with a predetermined key, the content of the input information is notified by voice, and when the key is input again with the above keys, the user recognizes the input of the information with the notified content. It is possible to prevent unintended key input.

When a key that can be displaced in two steps is pressed down to the first step, the content of the information input by the above keys is notified by voice, and the key pressed down to the first step is continued up to the second step. By pressing the button, it is possible to prevent the user from inputting an unintended key by recognizing the input of the notified information.

When an information input is recognized, an audible sound indicating that the information input has been recognized is generated, thereby making it possible to notify the user that a key input has been made.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 21 Control unit 12 Normal FAX communication section 13 modem 14 Internet FAX Communication Department 15 LAN interface 16, 22 Operation part 17, 23 Audio transmission section 18, 25 Voice output section 19 Data modem 24 Speech synthesizer 26 Ac sound generator

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. An ordinary FAX communication means for performing FAX communication via a public line network, and an Internet FAX for performing Internet FAX communication.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication unit, a voice transmitting unit for transmitting a voice, and a voice output unit for outputting a voice transmitted by the voice transmitting unit. 2. A FAX that selects a FAX mode of either FAX communication by the normal FAX communication unit or FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication unit.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode selection unit; and a transmission request input unit for inputting a FAX transmission request in the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection unit. 3. The voice transmitting means transmits a voice indicating the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selecting means when the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request inputting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The FAX communication executing means is selected by the FAX mode selecting means when the FAX transmission request is input again after the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request inputting means. F
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the FAX communication is performed in the AX mode. 5. The transmission request input means is displaced in two steps, and the F according to the selected FAX mode is set.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an AX transmission request is input. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the voice sending unit sends a voice indicating the selected FAX mode when the transmission request input unit is displaced to the first stage. . 7. The FAX communication execution means executes FAX communication in the selected FAX mode when the transmission request input means displaced up to the first stage is displaced up to the second stage. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to Item 6. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the voice sending unit sends a voice message indicating the selected FAX mode. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the voice sending unit sends a buzzer sound a number of times set according to the selected FAX mode. apparatus. 10. The image according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the voice transmitting unit transmits a buzzer sound at a frequency set according to the selected FAX mode. Forming equipment. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Internet FAX communication unit performs the Internet FAX communication via a LAN. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Internet FAX communication unit performs the Internet FAX communication using a data modem. 13. An information input unit for inputting predetermined information, a voice transmitting unit for transmitting voice, a voice synthesizing unit for synthesizing and transmitting voice, and a voice transmitting unit and a voice synthesizing unit for transmitting voice. An audio output device comprising: an audio output unit that outputs an audio. 14. The audio output device according to claim 13, further comprising input information recognition means for recognizing the predetermined information input by the information input means. 15. After the input information is recognized by the input information recognizing means, there is provided an ack sound generating means for generating an ack sound which is a voice indicating that the input information is recognized. The audio output device according to claim 14, which is characterized in that. 16. The audio output means outputs audio indicating the content of the input information when the information input means inputs information for the first time. The audio output device according to any one of 1. 17. The voice synthesizing unit synthesizes a voice indicating the content of the input information when the first information input is performed by the information input unit, and sends the synthesized voice. The audio output device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that. 18. The input information recognition means, when the information input means inputs the information for the first time, and then the information input means inputs the information input for the first time again, 18. The voice output device according to claim 16, wherein the re-input information is recognized. 19. The audio output device according to claim 13, wherein the information input means is displaced in two steps and inputs the predetermined information. 20. The voice transmitting means transmits a voice indicating the content of the information input by the input means when the information input means is displaced to the first stage. Audio output device. 21. The voice synthesizing unit synthesizes a voice indicating the content of information input by the input unit after the information input unit is displaced to the first stage, and sends the synthesized voice. Claim 1
The audio output device according to 9 or 20. 22. The input information recognition means, when the information input means displaced to the first step is displaced to the second step, recognizes the information input by the information input means displaced to the second step. 22. The audio output device according to claim 20, wherein: 23. The voice transmission means transmits a voice message indicating the content of the input information, according to any one of claims 16 to 22.
The audio output device according to the item. 24. The audio output device according to claim 16, wherein the audio output unit outputs a buzzer sound a number of times set according to the input information. 25. The audio output device according to claim 16, wherein the audio output unit outputs a buzzer sound at a frequency set according to the input information. . 26. A normal FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public network, and an Internet FAX for performing Internet FAX communication.
A communication mode, a FAX mode selection step of selecting a FAX mode of any one of a FAX communication by the normal FAX communication step and a FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication step, and a FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection step A transmission request input step of inputting a FAX transmission request according to the above, and a voice transmission for transmitting a voice indicating the FAX mode selected in the FAX mode selection step when the first FAX transmission request is input in the transmission request input step. Step, and if the FAX transmission request is input again after the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request input step, the F selected by the FAX mode selection step
A FAX communication executing step of executing FAX communication in the AX mode, and a voice output method. 27. A normal FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public network, and an Internet FAX for performing Internet FAX communication.
A communication mode, and a FAX mode selection step of selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication by the normal FAX communication step and the FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication step using a selection key that is displaced in two steps, When the FAX mode is selected by the selection key and the selection key is displaced to the first step, a voice transmitting step of transmitting a voice indicating the selected FAX mode; and the selection key displaced to the first step A FAX that executes FAX communication in the FAX mode selected by the selection key that has been displaced to the second stage when displaced to the second stage
A voice output method comprising: a communication execution step. 28. An information inputting step of inputting predetermined information, and a voice transmitting step of transmitting a voice showing the input information when the information is input for the first time by the information inputting step, When the first input of information is performed in the input step, a voice synthesizing step of synthesizing the voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice; and the first information input in the information input step And the input information recognition step of recognizing the re-input information when the first input information is re-input by the information input step. . 29. By using an input key that is displaced in two steps,
An information input step of inputting predetermined information, and a voice transmitting step of transmitting a voice indicating the input information when the predetermined information is input by the input key and the input key is displaced to the first step When the predetermined information is input by the input key and the input key is displaced to the first step, a voice synthesizing step of synthesizing a voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice, An input information recognition step of recognizing information input by the input key displaced up to the second stage when the input key displaced up to the first stage displaced up to the second stage; . 30. An ack sound generating step of generating an ack sound indicating that the input information is recognized after the input information is recognized by the input information recognizing step. 30. The voice output method according to claim 28 or 29. 31. An ordinary FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public line network and an Internet FAX for performing Internet FAX communication.
A FAX mode selection process for selecting a FAX mode of a communication process, a FAX communication by the normal FAX communication process and a FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication process, and a FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection process. A transmission request input process for inputting a FAX transmission request by the above, and a voice transmission for transmitting a voice indicating the FAX mode selected by the FAX mode selection process when the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request input process. Processing, and when the FAX transmission request is input again after the first FAX transmission request is input by the transmission request input processing, the F selected by the FAX mode selection processing is input.
A program for causing a computer to execute FAX communication execution processing for executing FAX communication in the AX mode. 32. An ordinary FAX communication process for performing FAX communication via a public line network, and an Internet FAX for performing Internet FAX communication.
A communication mode and a FAX mode selection process for selecting one of the FAX modes of the FAX communication by the normal FAX communication process and the FAX communication by the Internet FAX communication process by using a selection key that is displaced in two steps. When the FAX mode is selected by the selection key and the selection key is displaced to the first step, a voice transmission process of transmitting a voice indicating the selected FAX mode, and the selection key displaced to the first step are A FAX that executes FAX communication in the FAX mode selected by the selection key that has been displaced to the second stage when displaced to the second stage
A program that causes a computer to execute communication execution processing. 33. An information input process for inputting predetermined information, and a voice transmission process for transmitting a voice indicating the inputted information when the information is input for the first time by the information input process, When the first information input is performed by the input process, the voice synthesis process for synthesizing the voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice, and the first information input by the information input process are performed. A program for causing a computer to execute an input information recognition process of recognizing the re-input information when the first input information is re-input by the information input process. 34. By using an input key that is displaced in two steps,
An information input process of inputting predetermined information, and a voice transmission process of transmitting a voice indicating the input information when the predetermined information is input by the input key and the input key is displaced to the first step When the predetermined information is input by the input key and the input key is displaced to the first step, a voice synthesizing process of synthesizing a voice indicating the input information and transmitting the synthesized voice, A program for causing a computer to execute an input information recognition process of recognizing information input by the input key displaced to the second stage when the input key displaced to the first stage is displaced to the second stage. 35. In order to cause a computer to execute an ACK sound generation process for generating an ACK sound indicating that the input information is recognized after the input information is recognized by the input information recognition process. The program according to claim 33 or 34.