JP2004252612A - Image output system, information processor, image output device and voice guidance method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output system, an information processor, an image output device and a voice guidance method, allowing a visually handicapped person to grasp printed contents or its state from voice and to execute printing. <P>SOLUTION: The image output system includes the information processor producing and transferring print data, and the image output device receiving the transfer of the print data and outputting the print data as an image. The image output system includes a transfer notification means notifying, by voice, an operator of information for confirming whether the transfer of the print data is executed from the information processor to the image output device or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image output apparatus that outputs an image based on print data, an information processing apparatus that creates the print data and transfers the print data to the image output apparatus, an image output system including the same, and an image output system including the information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a voice guidance method in an output system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in performing various tasks such as office work, sales, product development, and the like, it has become common to use a so-called PC (Personal Computer) to create documents and collect information. In such a situation, a support tool has been provided that supports the operation of the PC by voice so that the visually impaired can easily work using the PC.
[0003]
In addition, there has been proposed a PC peripheral device having an audio guide function for facilitating the operation of a visually impaired person. Further, there is a multifunction peripheral provided with a voice output unit that allows only the operator to hear the contents of the voice guide, and can use the voice guide function without inconveniencing surrounding people (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
On the other hand, documents are stored and managed as files on, for example, a server on the intranet so that they can be shared in-house, and necessary documents can be output from a printer or the like and used when needed. Various files exist on the Internet for necessary information, and the files can be fetched and output from a printer or the like for use.
[0005]
Therefore, when a visually impaired person selects such a file and outputs it from a printer or the like, the PC is operated according to the voice guide function, and further, when the user operates according to the voice guide when outputting from the printer or the like, the file is selected and output. It is possible to do.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-117262 (paragraphs [0026] to [0031], FIG. 5)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, files on the intranet or the Internet as described above are displayed as a list of thumbnails, and a healthy person can grasp the outline to be printed from the thumbnail and select and output a file. It is often difficult for a visually impaired person to grasp the large frame from the thumbnail because the image is originally reduced in order to display a large number of images in a list. In addition, the voice guide is read aloud about the file name, and cannot grasp the content to be printed. Therefore, printing is performed without grasping the contents, and if the printing is not necessary, waste is generated.
[0008]
In addition, printers and the like for output are also connected to a plurality of PCs, and since many output materials are mixed, it is easy for a healthy person to collect their own output materials, but for a visually impaired person. It is difficult.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible for a visually impaired person to understand the content to be printed and the form thereof from a voice, and to execute the image printing. An object of the present invention is to provide an output system, an information processing device, an image output device, and a voice guide method. It is another object of the present invention to facilitate collection of the output.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image output apparatus comprising: an information processing apparatus that creates and transfers print data; and an image output apparatus that receives the print data and outputs the image as an image. A system, comprising: a transfer notifying unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing apparatus to the image output apparatus. I have.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the creation and transfer of the print data of the information processing apparatus can be performed collectively and sequentially for a plurality of print data, and when the plurality of print data are sequentially transferred. The transfer notifying unit sequentially performs the notification for each of the plurality of print data.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the information for confirming whether or not to perform the transfer of the print data includes character information extracted from an image, mode information on output mode and editing, or attribute information of the print data. Is characterized by including at least one of the following.
[0013]
Further, the invention according to claim 4 further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information, and the transfer notification unit is configured to perform the selection by the selection unit. The notification is performed based on the notification.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 5 is an image output system that includes an information processing apparatus that creates and transfers print data, and an image output apparatus that receives the transfer of the print data and outputs the print data as an image. An output notification unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to output the print data transferred from the information processing apparatus as the image on the image output apparatus. I have.
[0015]
The information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image by the image output device may include character information extracted from an image, output form, and aspect information on editing. Or at least one of print data attribute information.
[0016]
Further, the invention according to claim 7 further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information, and the output notification unit is configured to perform the selection by the selection unit. The notification is performed based on the notification.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 8 is an image output system including an information processing device that creates and transfers print data, and an image output device that receives the transfer of the print data and outputs the image as an image. Transfer notifying means for notifying an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing apparatus to the image output apparatus, and receiving the transfer from the information processing apparatus; The image output apparatus includes an output notifying unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to output print data as the image by the image output device.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible that the creation and transfer of print data of the information processing apparatus can be performed collectively and sequentially for a plurality of print data. The transfer notifying unit sequentially performs the notification for each of the plurality of print data.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data and the information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image by the image output device include: , Character information extracted from an image, mode information relating to an output form and editing, or attribute information of print data.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 11 further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information, and at least one of the transfer notification unit and the output notification unit. The other is characterized in that the notification is performed based on the selection by the selection unit.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 12 is an information processing apparatus connected to an image output device that outputs print data as an image, creates the print data, and transfers the print data to the image output device. And a transfer notifying means for notifying an operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data to the image output device.
[0022]
Further, according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the print data can be created and transferred by collectively and sequentially performing a plurality of print data. When a plurality of print data are sequentially transferred, the transfer notification is performed. The means is configured to perform the notification sequentially for each of the plurality of print data.
[0023]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data includes character information extracted from an image, mode information on output mode and editing, or attribute information of print data. Is characterized by including at least one of the following.
[0024]
Further, the invention according to claim 15 further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information, and the transfer notification unit is configured to perform the selection by the selection unit. The notification is performed based on the notification.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 16 is an image output device that receives print data transferred from an information processing device and outputs the image as an image, and outputs the transferred print data as the image. It is characterized by comprising output notifying means for notifying the operator of information for confirming the presence or absence by voice.
[0026]
The information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image may include character information extracted from the image, output mode and mode information on editing, or print data. Is characterized by including at least one of the attribute information.
[0027]
Further, the invention according to claim 18 further includes a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information, and the output notification unit is configured to perform the selection by the selection unit. The notification is performed based on the notification.
[0028]
The invention according to claim 19 is a voice guidance method in an image output system for creating and transferring print data in an information processing device, receiving the transfer of the print data, and outputting the image as an image in an image output device, Creating information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing device to an image output device, converting the created information into an audio signal, and outputting the audio signal as audio And the step of performing
[0029]
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice guidance method in an image output system for creating and transferring print data in an information processing device, receiving the transfer of the print data and outputting the image as an image in an image output device, Creating information for confirming whether to output the print data transferred from the information processing apparatus as the image on the image output device, and converting the created information into an audio signal And outputting the audio signal as audio.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image output system, an information processing device, an image output device, and a voice guidance method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
[First Embodiment]
(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image output system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image output system transfers print data formatted to be output by the image output device 1 from a personal computer (PC) 10 (information processing device), and transmits the print data via the network N to the PC 10. And an image output device 1 that receives the print data transferred from the printer and outputs a predetermined image based on the print data.
[0032]
The PC 10 includes a computer main body, an operation unit including operation means such as a keyboard or a mouse, a display unit including display means such as a monitor, a sound output unit for outputting sound and sound from a speaker and the like, and at least print data. Before the created print data is transferred to the image output apparatus 1, a program for notifying the operator by voice of information (to be described in detail later) for confirming whether or not to transfer the created print data is incorporated. Have been. Then, the PC 10 transfers the created print data to the image output device 1.
[0033]
The image output device 1 includes an image output unit, an operation unit, a sound output unit, and the like. The operation unit includes a display such as a liquid crystal panel, keys, and the like. Then, by operating the operation unit of the image output device 1, information (details described later) for confirming whether or not to output the transferred print data of the PC 10 as an image is notified to the operator by voice and printed. Output data as image.
[0034]
Hereinafter, the above-described notification will be described as being performed by the PC 10 and the image output apparatus 1. However, the notification by voice as an audio guide may be performed by using either the PC 10 or the image output apparatus 1 with the function. Good.
[0035]
(Control configuration)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the PC 10 of the image output system, and FIG.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 including a microprocessor, a first storage unit 12 including a memory, a second storage unit 13 including a hard disk (HDD), an interface 14 serving as a communication unit with the outside, The display unit 15 includes a display unit 15 including a display, an operation unit 16 including a keyboard and a mouse, and an audio output unit 17 that outputs audio from a speaker or the like.
[0037]
The second storage unit 13 includes an overall control program, various application software, a program for providing voice guidance for supporting operations, a program for creating print data as a printer driver, and image output of the created print data. Before transferring the print data to the apparatus 1, programs for notifying the operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data (details of contents will be described later) and the like are stored as files in specific directories. Is stored.
[0038]
The arithmetic processing unit 11 controls the entire PC 10 based on the above-mentioned program, executes application software, and controls the voice output unit 17 so as to output a voice guide for supporting sound operation. A function of a printer driver that creates print data based on an input from the operation unit 16, and information for confirming whether to transfer print data based on an input from the operation unit 16. Has a function of controlling the audio output unit 17 so that the audio is output as audio (the details will be described later).
[0039]
The interface 14 is connected to the image output device 1 via the network N, and has a function of transferring print data.
[0040]
The display unit 15 is a display unit that displays various information, and allows a general person to input information for various settings and operations by using a mouse of the operation unit 16. However, when a visually impaired person operates, it is possible to use the keyboard of the operation unit 16 to input the information for the various settings and operations described above only by inputting from the keyboard.
[0041]
The audio output unit 17 outputs audio from a speaker or the like under the control of the arithmetic processing unit 11. Further, the speaker may be an output unit such as an earphone or a headphone.
[0042]
The "transfer notifying means" of the present invention has its function realized by the above-mentioned "arithmetic processing unit 11,""second storage unit 13," and "sound output unit 17," and confirms whether or not to transfer print data described later. Information to the operator can be notified by voice.
[0043]
Here, input from the above-described keyboard when a visually impaired person operates the PC 10 will be described. Although details of the keyboard are not shown, for example, input of various commands using “Ctrl key + other key” or “Alt key + other key” of the PC keyboard, cursor movement by “Tab key”, cursor movement The PC 10 can be operated by performing selection with the “Enter key”, canceling with the “Ese key”, and the like. Further, at this time, the visually impaired person can easily operate by giving an instruction and explanation of the operation of the above-mentioned command, notifying the selection target, and the like by using a voice guide to support the operation. Hereinafter, the operation of the PC by the visually impaired is assumed to be performed based on the operation of the keyboard and the voice guide, and a description thereof will be omitted as much as possible.
[0044]
On the other hand, the image output device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The image output device 1 is a device that outputs an image based on the transmitted print data. As shown in FIG. 3, the image output device 1 mainly includes a control unit 2 for controlling each unit of the image output device 1, an image output unit 3 for outputting an image based on print data, and It comprises an HDD 4 for storage, a panel 5 comprising a display and various keys, an external interface 6 for communicably connecting to the PC 10, and a sound output means 7 for outputting sound from a speaker or the like.
[0045]
The HDD 4 stores the print data transferred from the interface 14 of the PC 10, and the image output unit 3 receives the print data and performs an image output process. The storage of the print data transferred from the interface 14 of the PC 10 is not limited to the HDD 4, but may be provided by providing a separate memory such as a RAM.
[0046]
The panel 5 includes, for example, various keys 52 for an ordinary person to operate and an LCD 51 for displaying patterns and characters, as shown in FIG. To input an instruction, input image output conditions such as paper size setting and output density setting, and display the operation state of the image output apparatus 1 on the LCD 51.
[0047]
The external interface 6 has a function of mainly receiving print data transferred.
[0048]
The sound output means 7 outputs sound from a speaker or the like under the control of the control unit 2. Further, the speaker may be an output unit such as an earphone or a headphone. When the image output device 1 has a facsimile function, a receiver can be used as an output unit.
[0049]
The control unit 2 controls each unit, creates information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as an image based on an input from the panel 5, and generates a voice so that the information is output as a voice. It has a function of controlling the output means 7 (the details of which will be described later). Further, it has a function of controlling the audio output means 7 so as to guide the operation by voice so that the operation by a visually impaired person becomes easy. In order to realize these functions, specifically, a CPU 2a, various control programs, and various data necessary when executing the control programs are stored, and a work area when executing the control programs is configured. And a system memory 2b. Also, the information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as an image is not generated by the control unit 2, but is determined whether or not to transfer the print data generated by the above-described PC 10 via the external interface 6. And outputs the information in the form of voice based on an input from the panel 5 as information for confirming whether or not to output print data as an image. The function of controlling the audio output means 7 may be provided.
[0050]
The function of the "output notification means" of the present invention is realized by the "control unit" and the "sound output means", and information for confirming whether or not to output print data described below as an image is given to the operator by voice. Notification becomes possible.
[0051]
Further, a configuration for facilitating the operation of the visually impaired will be described in further detail. The panel 5 is provided with projections (not shown) on various keys so as to represent the keys so that the visually impaired can easily operate the visually impaired person. It is made to understand about. That is, identification is possible by touch. Further, the voice guide that supports the operation may notify the operator of the operation guidance in advance by voice, and the operator may operate in accordance with the guidance. A key is provided (for example, the start key 52a is used), and when the operator touches a certain key, the function of the key at that time is informed to the operator by voice, and when the operator presses the execution key, The function may be executed. Hereinafter, the operation of the image output device 1 by a visually impaired person is assumed to be performed based on the operation of the panel 5 and the voice guide, and a description thereof will be omitted as much as possible.
[0052]
The PC 10 and the image output device 1 may be connected via the network N as described above, or may be connected via a parallel interface such as SCSI (Small Computer System Interface). .
[0053]
(Voice guidance method)
A voice guide that performs voice notification of information for confirming whether to transfer print data and information for confirming whether to output print data performed in the above configuration. The method will be described.
[0054]
First, an operator creates print data using the PC 10. The print data is created from a file opened using application software by a print command, or created from a file stored in a server or the like on the network N. In the present invention, the print data is created. There is no particular limitation on the process.
[0055]
Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a file is opened using application software or a file is selected by the above-described keyboard operation of the operation unit 16 and the voice guide for the operation. Here, when a print command is input (S101), the printer driver is activated, and a print screen 151 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 15 (S102). The print screen 151 includes a print setting input unit 151a for inputting and selecting and setting various print settings, a read-out button 151b for outputting information for confirming whether or not to transfer print data by voice, and a print button 151b. A print button 151c for transferring data to the image output device 1, a cancel button 151d for canceling the transfer, and the like are displayed. Input of various settings and pressing of various buttons can be performed by operating the keyboard as described above.
[0056]
Then, when an input or selection is made in the print setting input section 151a (S105), print settings are made based on the input and selection (S106). Further, when the read-aloud button 151b is pressed (S107), information (to be described in detail later) for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data by the transfer notifying means is output by voice from the speaker (S108). More specifically, in S108, the arithmetic processing unit 11 extracts necessary information from a file based on the program stored in the above-described second storage unit 13, converts the extracted information into text data, and determines whether to transfer print data. The text data is further converted to an audio signal, and the converted audio signal is transmitted to the audio output unit 17. The audio output unit 17 receives the audio signal and uses a speaker or the like to generate information. Output by voice. Further, the extraction of the necessary information from the above-mentioned file and the conversion into text data can be performed in advance before the read-aloud button 151b is pressed, or only the extraction of the necessary information from the file is performed in advance. You may leave. That is, as described above, the “transfer notifying unit” includes “creating unit” for extracting information and creating it as text data, “converting unit” for converting text data to a voice signal, and “outputting” for outputting a voice signal as voice. Means ". In relation to the above-described control configuration, “creating means” and “converting means” are “operation processing section 11” and “second storage section 13”, and “output means” are “sound output section 17”, and their functions are Is achieved.
[0057]
Here, details of information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data will be described. For example, there is “character information extracted from an image” of the present invention as an example. This is text data described in the file. The extraction of the text data is performed by, for example, a predetermined number of characters from the beginning, a predetermined number of lines, a number of phrases, and the like in a predetermined amount. When an image is included in the file, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software is provided in advance, and character extraction is performed from the image by performing character recognition. If audio output based on this is performed, the operator can grasp the content output as an image.
[0058]
Next, there is the “form information on output form and editing” of the present invention. For example, it relates to print settings, and includes a print data transfer destination (a transfer destination image output device or the like), a paper size, a paper direction, a character string direction, a line number setting, a character number setting, a margin, and the like. The number of pages, the number of lines, the arrangement of images, and the like at the time of output are also included in this. If the output is made by voice based on this, the operator can grasp the form of the output object, and for example, when the output object is too large, it is determined whether to cancel the output or the output destination is correct. It can be determined whether or not.
[0059]
Further, there is “print data attribute information” of the present invention created to identify print data. For example, a title, a subtitle, a creator, a keyword, a comment, and the like described in the “property” of the file and added as attributes of the print data, and briefly show the outline of the file. If audio output based on this is performed, the operator can easily grasp the outline of the file.
[0060]
Further, the information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data may be at least one of the various information described above.
[0061]
When the print button 151c is pressed (S103), print data is created from the file and the print data is transferred to the image output apparatus 1 (S109). When the cancel button 151d is pressed (S104), the print data The transfer is canceled (S110).
[0062]
As described above, the visually impaired can grasp the contents of printing and determine whether or not to transfer print data from the PC 10.
[0063]
Further, in FIG. 5, one button for starting reading is prepared as a reading button 151b. However, for example, a reading button A, a reading B button, a reading C button, and a plurality of buttons are prepared (not shown). It is also possible to make the above-mentioned various information correspond to each button, and to output the desired information by voice when the operator presses any of the buttons. Thereby, the function of the "selection means" of the present invention is realized.
[0064]
Further, when a plurality of files are selected and the print command is a command for printing them collectively, the plurality of files may be sequentially output in audio so that the transfer can be executed or canceled.
[0065]
Next, a description will be given of a voice notification of information for confirming whether or not to output print data as an image in the image output apparatus 1 with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, here, the print data is transferred from the PC 10, and is received and stored in the HDD 4. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the panel 5. The panel 5 has an LCD 51 for displaying patterns and characters, a start key 52a, a stop key 52b, a numeric key 52c, a function 1 key 52d, a function 2 key 52e, a function 3 key 52f, and a function 4 key 52g. Settings and inputs can be made. As described above, although not shown, each key 52 is provided with a braille in a protruding shape so that a visually handicapped person can grasp and operate the key 52 by touching the key 52. In addition, operation can be performed according to a voice guide. Further, for example, by touching the function 1 key 52d, the function is notified to the operator by voice guidance, and when the operator presses, for example, the start key 52a, the function of the function 1 key 52d is executed. You may. However, in the following description, for example, the operation of executing the function of the function 1 key 52d will be described as "pressing the function 1 key 52d" for simplicity.
[0066]
Here, the function 1 key 52d is a key for selecting print data. That is, when one print data is stored in the HDD 4, the operator selects the print data by pressing the function 1 key 52d, and when a plurality of print data is stored in the HDD 4, The user can select desired print data by repeatedly pressing the button. The key is used to start reading out information for confirming whether to output the function 2 key 52e. The start key 52a is a key for executing image output, and the stop key 52b is a key for canceling image output.
[0067]
First, the function 1 key 52d is pressed to select print data (S201). When the function 2 key 52e is pressed (S204), information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as an image is output from the speaker as audio (S205). The “information for confirming whether to output print data as an image” may be the same as the “information for confirming whether to transmit print data”. To describe S205 in detail, the control unit 2 extracts necessary information from the print data based on the program stored in the system memory 2b, converts the information into text data, and outputs the print data as an image. Information for confirming whether or not the text data is created, the text data is further converted to an audio signal, and the converted audio signal is sent to the audio output means 7. The audio output means 7 receives the audio signal and receives the audio signal. And output it by voice. Further, the extraction of the necessary information from the print data and the conversion to text data can be performed in advance before the read-aloud button 151b is pressed, or only the extraction of the necessary information from the print data is performed in advance. You may go. That is, as described above, the “output notifying unit” includes the “creating unit” that extracts information and creates it as text data, the “converting unit” that converts text data into a voice signal, and the “output unit” that outputs a voice signal as a voice. Means ". In relation to the above-described control configuration, the functions are realized by the “control unit 2” for the “creating unit” and the “converting unit” and the “audio output unit 7” for the “output unit”. Information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data may be acquired from the PC 10 and stored in the HDD 4, and the information may be converted into an audio signal and output from the audio output unit 7 as audio. In this case, the above-mentioned "creating means" is an "acquiring means" for acquiring information.
[0068]
When the start key 52a is pressed (S202), the output of the print data as an image is executed (S206), and when the stop key 52b is pressed (S203), the image output of the print data is canceled (S207).
[0069]
As described above, the visually impaired person can grasp the contents of the output and determine whether to output the print data from the image output device 1 as an image. In addition, since the image output can be executed while being near the image output device, the visually impaired person who is the worker can easily collect the output output from the image output device.
[0070]
In the above description, the button for starting reading is the function 2 key 52e, but, for example, the various information described above is associated with each of the function 2 key 52e, the function 3 key 52f, and the function 4 key 52g. In advance, it is also possible to output the desired information by voice when the operator presses one of them. Thereby, the function of the "selection means" of the present invention is realized.
[0071]
In addition, it has been described above that the notification by voice may be provided in one of the PC 10 and the image output device 1, but when the notification is performed only by the image output device 1, the PC 10 performs printing. When a command is input, print data is transferred. When the printing is performed only by the PC 10, after confirming whether or not the printing data is transferred by the PC 10, the printing data is selected by the image output device 1 and the image is output as the image by the start key 52a. May be performed. Alternatively, after confirming whether or not the print data is to be transferred by the PC 10 and performing the transfer, the image output device 1 may automatically perform the output as an image. Is also good. In the latter case, the “information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data” notified by voice on the PC 10 is “information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as an image”. become.
[0072]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the following, the description of the configuration substantially the same as that of the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and different points will be mainly described.
[0073]
In the present embodiment, the PC 20 installed near the image output apparatus 1 sends a voice notification of information for confirming whether to output print data transferred from the PC 10 to the image output apparatus 1 as an image. It is something to do. That is, the PC 20 includes an output notification unit.
[0074]
(System configuration)
FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image output system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image output system transfers print data from a PC 10, receives print data transferred from a PC 10 via a network N, and outputs a predetermined image based on the print data. 1 and a PC 20 for notifying an operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to output the print data transferred from the PC 10 to the image output apparatus 1 as an image in the image output apparatus 1. .
[0075]
The PC 20 includes a computer main body, an operation section including operation means such as a keyboard or a mouse, a display section including display means such as a monitor, a sound output section for outputting sound and sound from a speaker and the like, and an image output device 1. And a program for notifying an operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to output print data as an image. Then, the PC 20 sends a signal for controlling output to the image output device 1.
[0076]
Hereinafter, a case where the above-described notification by voice is performed by the PC 20 will be described. However, the notification by voice may be performed by the PC 10 or the image output apparatus 1.
[0077]
(Control configuration)
FIG. 9 shows a control configuration of the PC 20 of the image output system. As shown in FIG. 9, the PC 20 includes an arithmetic processing unit 21 including a microprocessor, a first storage unit 22 including a memory, a second storage unit 23 including a hard disk (HDD), an interface 24 serving as a communication unit with the outside, The display unit 25 includes a display unit 25 including a display, an operation unit 26 including a keyboard and a mouse, and an audio output unit 27 that outputs audio from a speaker or the like.
[0078]
The second storage unit 23 includes an overall control program, various application software, a program for providing voice guidance for supporting operations, and whether to output print data transferred to the image output apparatus 1 as an image. Programs for notifying the operator of information for confirmation by voice (the details of which will be described later) and the like are stored as files in specific directories.
[0079]
The arithmetic processing unit 21 controls the entire PC 20 to execute application software based on the program, and controls the audio output unit 17 to output an audio guide for supporting the operation. Further, based on an input from the operation unit 26, information for confirming whether or not to output the print data transferred to the image output device 1 as an image is created, and an audio output unit is configured to output the information in audio. 27, a function of controlling the image output apparatus 1 to output print data or not to output print data.
[0080]
The interface 24 is connected to the image output apparatus 1 via the network N, and has a function of receiving print data from the image output apparatus 1 and a command for instructing the image output apparatus 1 to output or not output print data. It has a function to send.
[0081]
The display unit 25 is a display unit that displays various information, and allows a general person to input information for various settings and operations by using a mouse of the operation unit 26. However, when a visually impaired person operates, it is possible to use the keyboard of the operation unit 26 to input the information for the above-described various settings and operations only from the keyboard.
[0082]
The sound output unit 27 outputs sound from a speaker or the like under the control of the arithmetic processing unit 21. Further, the speaker may be an output unit such as an earphone or a headphone.
[0083]
The “output notifying unit” of the present invention has its function realized by the above-described “arithmetic processing unit 21”, “second storage unit 23”, and “sound output unit 27”. It becomes possible to notify the operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to output as an image.
[0084]
The operation of the PC 20 by a visually impaired person can be performed by inputting from the keyboard, similarly to the PC 10 described in the first embodiment.
[0085]
The configuration of the image output device 1 is almost the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment, but the external interface 6 mainly has a function of receiving the transferred print data and a function of transmitting the print data. Has functions.
[0086]
The control unit 2 controls the transmission of the received print data to the PC 20 in addition to the function described in the first embodiment, and outputs the image data based on the command transmitted from the PC 20. Function to perform.
[0087]
The PC 20 and the image output device 1 may be connected via the network N as described above, or may be connected via a parallel interface such as a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface). .
[0088]
(Voice guidance method)
Next, a voice notification of information for confirming whether or not to output print data in the image output apparatus 1 in the PC 20 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, here, when the print data is transferred from the PC 10, the image output device 1 receives the print data, stores it in the HDD 4, and transmits the print data to the PC 20. When the PC 20 receives the print data (S301), the PC 20 stores the print data in the second storage unit 23 and the like, and displays a print screen 251 shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 25 (S302). The print screen 251 includes a read-aloud button 251a for outputting information for confirming whether to output print data by voice, a print button 251b for outputting print data on the image output device 1, and a cancel button 251c for canceling printing. Etc. are displayed.
[0089]
Then, when the read-aloud button 251a is pressed (S305), information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as an image is output as sound from the speaker (S306). The “information for confirming whether to output print data as an image” may be the same as that described in the first embodiment, and may be the same as that described in the first embodiment. Information for Confirming Whether to Transfer Print Data ". If S306 is described in detail, the arithmetic processing unit 21 extracts necessary information from the print data based on the program stored in the above-mentioned second storage unit 23, converts the information into text data, and converts the print data into an image. Information for confirming whether or not to perform output is created, the text data is further converted to an audio signal, and the converted audio signal is sent to the audio output unit 27. The audio output unit 27 receives the audio signal. And output as voice using a speaker or the like. Further, extraction of necessary information from the print data and conversion to text data can be performed in advance before the read-aloud button 151b is pressed, or only necessary information can be extracted from the print data in advance. You may leave. That is, as described above, the “output notifying unit” includes the “creating unit” that extracts information and creates it as text data, the “converting unit” that converts text data into a voice signal, and the “output unit” that outputs a voice signal as a voice. Means ". In relation to the above-described control configuration, “creating means” and “conversion means” are “operation processing section 21” and “second storage section 23”, and “output means” are “audio output section 27”, and their functions are Is achieved. Further, information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data of the PC 10 described in the first embodiment is obtained via the image output device 1 or the print data of the image output device 1 is output as an image. Information for confirming whether or not to perform may be acquired and stored in the second storage unit 23, and the information may be converted into an audio signal and output from the audio output unit 27 as audio. In this case, the above-mentioned "creating means" is an "acquiring means" for acquiring information.
[0090]
When the print button 251b is pressed (S303), a command for instructing the image output device 1 to output print data is transmitted (S307), and when the cancel button 251c is pressed (S304), the image output is performed. A command for instructing the device 1 to stop outputting the print data is transmitted (S308).
[0091]
As described above, the visually impaired person can grasp the contents and confirm whether or not to output the print data from the image output device 1 as an image. Further, since the PC 20 is placed near the image output device 1, the output can be executed while being near the image output device 1. Therefore, the output material output from the image output device 1 can be output by the operator. Certain visually impaired persons can be easily recovered.
[0092]
Also, in FIG. 11, a single button 251a for reading is prepared as a button for starting reading, but for example, a plurality of buttons such as a reading A button, a reading B button, a reading C button are prepared (not shown). It is also possible to make the above-mentioned various information correspond to each button, and to output the desired information by voice when the operator presses any of the buttons. Thereby, the function of the "selection means" of the present invention is realized.
[0093]
Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the PC 20 is used has been described, but an apparatus in which a function as an output notification unit is extracted from the PC 20 may be used. In that case, the operation unit can be constituted by the keys provided on the panel 5 shown in the first embodiment.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image output system, the information processing apparatus, the image output apparatus, and the voice guidance method according to the present invention, information or print data for confirming whether to transfer print data is used as an image. By outputting the information to confirm whether to output or not, the visually impaired person can grasp the contents and decide whether to transfer the print data or output the print data as an image Can be determined.
[0095]
Further, since output as an image can be executed while being near the image output device, a visually impaired person who is an operator can easily collect an output product output as an image from the image output device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image output system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a PC (information processing device) according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image output device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a voice guidance method for outputting information for confirming whether to transfer print data by voice according to the present invention.
5 is a screen displayed on a PC (information processing device) of the image output system shown in FIG. 1 for outputting information for confirming whether to transfer print data according to the present invention by voice. It is a figure showing one.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a voice guide method for outputting information for confirming whether to output print data as an image by voice according to the present invention.
7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a panel in the image output device of the image output system shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image output system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a PC including an output notification unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a voice guidance method for outputting information for confirming whether to output print data as an image by voice according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows a screen displayed on the PC of the image output system shown in FIG. 8 for outputting information for confirming whether or not to output print data according to the present invention as an image by voice. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image output device
2 Control unit
2a CPU
2b System memory
3 Image output section
4 HDD
5 panels
6. External interface
7 Audio output means
10 PC (information processing device)
11 arithmetic processing unit
12 First storage unit
13 Second storage unit
14 Interface
15 Display
16 Operation unit
17 Audio output unit
20 PC
21 Arithmetic processing unit
22 First storage unit
23 Second storage unit
24 Interface
25 Display
26 Operation unit
27 Audio output unit
N network

Claims (20)

An image output system that includes an information processing device that creates and transfers print data, and an image output device that receives the transfer of the print data and outputs the image as an image,
An image output system, comprising: a transfer notification unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing apparatus to the image output apparatus. The creation and transfer of the print data of the information processing apparatus can be performed sequentially by grouping a plurality of print data,
The image output system according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of print data are sequentially transferred, the transfer notification unit sequentially performs the notification for each of the plurality of print data. The information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data includes at least one of character information extracted from an image, output form and mode information relating to editing, and print data attribute information. The image output system according to claim 1 or 2. Further comprising a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information,
The image output system according to claim 3, wherein the transfer notification unit performs the notification based on a selection by the selection unit. An image output system that includes an information processing device that creates and transfers print data, and an image output device that receives the transfer of the print data and outputs the image as an image,
An output notifying unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to output the print data transferred from the information processing apparatus as the image on the image output apparatus. Image output system. The information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image in the image output apparatus is at least character information extracted from the image, mode information relating to output mode and editing, or attribute information of print data. The image output system according to claim 5, wherein the image output system includes any one. Further comprising a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information,
The image output system according to claim 6, wherein the output notification unit performs the notification based on a selection by the selection unit. An image output system that includes an information processing device that creates and transfers print data, and an image output device that receives the transfer of the print data and outputs the image as an image,
Transfer notification means for notifying an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing apparatus to the image output apparatus, and a transfer from the information processing apparatus; An image output system comprising: an output notifying unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image in the image output device. The creation and transfer of the print data of the information processing apparatus can be performed sequentially by grouping a plurality of print data,
9. The image output system according to claim 8, wherein when a plurality of print data are sequentially transferred, the transfer notification unit sequentially performs the notification for each of the plurality of print data. The information for confirming whether to transfer the print data and the information for confirming whether to output the print data as the image in the image output device are character information extracted from the image, The image output system according to claim 8, wherein the image output system includes at least one of form information on form and editing, or attribute information of print data. Further comprising a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information,
The image output system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the transfer notification unit and the output notification unit performs the notification based on a selection by the selection unit. An information processing device connected to an image output device that outputs print data as an image, creates the print data, and transfers the print data to the image output device.
An information processing apparatus comprising: a transfer notifying unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to transfer the print data to the image output device. The creation and transfer of the print data can be performed sequentially by grouping a plurality of print data,
13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when a plurality of print data are sequentially transferred, the transfer notification unit sequentially performs the notification for each of the plurality of print data. The information for confirming whether or not to transfer the print data includes at least one of character information extracted from an image, output form and mode information relating to editing, and print data attribute information. The information processing device according to claim 12 or 13. Further comprising a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the transfer notification unit performs the notification based on a selection by the selection unit. An image output device that receives a transfer of print data from an information processing device and outputs the image as an image,
An image output apparatus, comprising: an output notification unit that notifies an operator by voice of information for confirming whether to output the transferred print data as the image as the image. The information for confirming whether or not to output the print data as the image includes at least one of character information extracted from the image, mode information on output form and editing, or attribute information of the print data. 17. The image output device according to claim 16, including: Further comprising a selection unit for selecting at least one of the character information, the aspect information or the attribute information,
18. The image output device according to claim 17, wherein the output notifying unit performs the notification based on the selection by the selecting unit. An audio guidance method in an image output system for creating and transferring print data in an information processing device, receiving the transfer of the print data, and outputting as an image in an image output device,
Creating information for confirming whether to transfer the print data from the information processing apparatus to an image output apparatus,
Converting the created information into an audio signal;
Outputting the audio signal as audio. An audio guidance method in an image output system for creating and transferring print data in an information processing device, receiving the transfer of the print data, and outputting as an image in an image output device,
Creating information for confirming whether to output the print data transferred from the information processing apparatus as the image in the image output apparatus,
Converting the created information into an audio signal;
Outputting the audio signal as audio.

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