JP2005055792A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which user is made possible to easily check the contents of each of voice guidance items without an operation manual and which gives information with a voice guidance message, depending on whether the user needs it or not. <P>SOLUTION: When a guidance key is depressed in a state that does not meet conditions for the execution of voice guidance (step 119), an attribute selected by a user in advance, for example, function guidance items are displayed. When the user selects a function from the function guidance items in this state (step 120) and depresses a set key, the LED of the guidance key is turned on (step 103). As a result, the voice guidance for the selected function is executed, and also an operation screen for the selected function is shown on an LCD display (step 104). Accordingly, the user can check the contents of the message of each of the guidance items. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function.

  Recent digital multi-function peripherals that have a copy function, facsimile function, print function, scanner function, etc. are combined with other functions such as printers as well as facsimile transmission and reception, and also have an e-mail function Some functions have been added, and operations have become more complicated with the addition of these functions. The user selects these functions by operating the keys on the operation unit. However, in order to select and use these functions, it is necessary to perform operations by referring to the instruction manual. Operation while looking at a book is not only cumbersome but also difficult to perform key operations, so there are some that improve the usability of each function of the device by outputting voice guidance information of each function (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatuses such as the above-mentioned digital multifunction peripherals, copiers, and facsimile machines, when an error such as paper jam (paper jam), toner out, paper out or communication error occurs, an alarm sound is generated However, it is unclear what action should be taken with the alarm sound, and the display on the display may not be noticed by the user. In some cases, the user can grasp the response to the error by voice (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-141763 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-319792

  As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the voice guidance execution condition is satisfied during the operation of the apparatus or during the user's operation on the apparatus. The voice guidance message is read out and output. However, it is impossible to know what items are present as the voice guidance items provided in the apparatus without referring to the instruction manual. However, the instruction manual is usually not arranged near the device, and if there are many items in the instruction manual, it takes time to grasp the voice guidance function.

  In addition, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to set only whether the reproduction of the voice guidance message is valid or invalid, and it is not possible to selectively reproduce the voice guidance message according to the user's proficiency level. there were. That is, when the voice guidance is set effectively, the guidance message is always reproduced according to the state of the apparatus. This is preferable for a user who does not know anything, but it is annoying for a user who is familiar with the device to some extent to reproduce the guidance message. On the other hand, if the voice guidance function is disabled, the voice guidance message will not be played back, but if a special function is executed or a low-frequency error occurs, even a user who is familiar with the device If there is no voice guidance message, work may not be possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can easily confirm what kind of voice guidance item is present without an instruction manual, and can notify a voice guidance message according to a user's need. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 determines whether or not the execution condition of the voice guidance is satisfied during the operation of the apparatus or during the user's operation on the apparatus. An instruction means for reading out and outputting a stored voice guidance message or instructing execution of voice guidance in an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function for notifying that a voice guidance execution condition has been met, Control means, and when the instruction means is operated in a state not corresponding to the voice guidance execution condition, the control means displays a menu screen in which a plurality of voice guidance items are arranged, and is selected by the user from the menu. The voice guidance of the designated voice guidance item is executed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item, and the instruction means is operated in a state that does not satisfy the voice guidance execution condition. In this case, the control means extracts items having preset attributes from all the voice guidance items and displays them on the menu screen.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item, and the volume of the voice guidance can be set for each attribute of the voice guidance item. It is characterized by that.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is that the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 satisfies the execution condition of the voice guidance during the operation of the apparatus or a user operation on the apparatus. When it is determined, either a mode for automatically playing back a voice guidance message or a mode for notifying that the execution condition is met and playing back a voice guidance message in response to a user instruction can be set. Guidance mode storage means for storing the set reproduction mode is provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item and the voice guidance execution condition is met, a voice guidance message is automatically sent. A mode for playback and a mode for playing a voice guidance message in response to a user instruction when the execution condition is met can be set for each attribute of the voice guidance item. The set reproduction mode is stored in the guidance mode storage means.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, if the voice guidance instruction unit is operated in a state that does not correspond to the voice guidance execution condition, a menu screen in which a plurality of voice guidance items are arranged is displayed. Since the voice guidance is executed by selecting a desired voice guidance item from the above, the user can easily confirm what guidance items are present and what the output contents are.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, when the attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item and the instruction means is operated in a state not corresponding to the voice guidance execution condition, the control means Since items having preset attributes are extracted from all voice guidance items and displayed on the menu screen, only items useful for the user, for example, function guidance such as one-touch registration, can be displayed. The operability of item confirmation can be improved.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the invention of claim 3, since an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item, and the volume of the voice guidance can be set for each attribute of the voice guidance item, the attribute is important. The volume of the guidance message can be changed according to the degree.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the invention of claim 4, it is possible to set whether to automatically reproduce the voice guidance message or to reproduce the voice guidance message according to the user's instruction according to the user's need. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary voice guidance messages from flowing, and when the voice guidance message is not reproduced, the user is informed that the voice guidance execution condition is met, so that the user needs Can reproduce the voice guidance message by the instruction means.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention, for each attribute of the voice guidance item, a mode for automatically playing a voice guidance message when a voice guidance execution condition is met, and a user instruction And a mode for playing back a voice guidance message can be set, and a message can be automatically played back only for necessary voice guidance items, so that unnecessary voice guidance can be prevented from flowing.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral as an example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a digital multi-function peripheral. The digital multi-function peripheral includes a CPU 1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a display unit 4, an operation unit 5, a reading unit 6, and an image. It consists of memory 7, recording unit 8, codec 9, modem 10, network control unit NCU11, LAN interface 12, sub CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, audio codec 24, analog front end (AFE) 25, analog amplifier 26, and speaker 27. The respective units are connected via buses 28 and 29, and the CPU 1 and the sub CPU 21 are connected by a serial bus 30. The sub CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, voice codec 24, AFE 25, analog amplifier 26, and speaker 27 constitute a voice guidance unit.

The CPU 1 controls each part of the hardware of the digital multi-function peripheral via the bus 28 and the serial bus 30 and executes various programs based on the programs stored in the ROM 2. The ROM 2 is used for various operations necessary for the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral. These programs are stored in advance. The RAM 3 is composed of SRAM or the like, stores temporary data generated when the program is executed, and stores a guidance item storage area 31 for storing various voice guidance items along with their attributes, and the state of the apparatus is a voice guidance execution condition. And a guidance mode storage area 32 for storing a mode set in one of the automatic reproduction mode, semi-automatic reproduction mode, and manual reproduction mode.
The guidance items are classified into three attributes of function guidance, warning, and device status, and FIG. 2 shows an example of guidance items belonging to the respective attributes.

  The display unit 4 displays the operating state of the digital multi-function peripheral and displays operation screens for various functions, and the operation unit 5 includes a plurality of keys for operating the digital multi-function peripheral. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 4 and the operation unit 5 are provided on the operation panel of the digital multi-function peripheral. A large LCD display unit (large display screen) 41 constituting the display unit 4 is provided with a touch panel switch. By pressing an item portion displayed on the LCD display unit 41, it is possible to select a corresponding item and execute a function. The operation unit 5 includes a numeric keypad 51, a start key 52, a reset key 53, a stop key 54, a plurality of one-touch dial keys 55, a cross key 56, a return key 57, a set key 58, a FAX switching key 59, and a copy switching key 60. Various keys such as a scanner switching key 61 are provided, and a guidance key 62 for instructing execution of voice guidance is provided. The guidance key 62 is provided with an LED 63 as a display.

  The reading unit 6 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like and outputs dot image data converted into black and white binary, and the image memory 7 is configured using a DRAM or the like and receives image data to be transmitted or received. Store image data. The recording unit 8 includes an electrophotographic printer or the like, and prints out the received data as a hard copy.

The codec 9 compresses image information to be transmitted by a certain encoding method, and decodes received image data to restore the original information. The modem 10 is connected to the bus 28 and has a function as a fax modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 10 is also connected to the NCU 11 connected to the bus 28. The NCU 11 is hardware for closing and opening an analog line, and connects the modem 10 to a telephone line as necessary.
The LAN interface 12 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), receives signals and data from the LAN, and transmits signals and data to the LAN, and performs interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion. To do.

  On the other hand, the sub CPU 21 of the voice guidance unit controls each part of the hardware of the voice guidance unit via the bus 29 and outputs a voice guidance message designated by a command from the CPU 1 from the speaker 27. The ROM 22 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the voice guidance unit and also stores a plurality of voice guidance messages. The RAM 23 is composed of SRAM or the like and stores temporary data generated when the program is executed. The voice codec 24 restores the encoded voice guidance message read from the ROM 22 to voice waveform data. The AFE 25 converts the voice waveform data into an analog signal and outputs it to the speaker 27 via the analog amplifier 26.

  The digital multi-function peripheral has the above-described configuration. When the facsimile is transmitted, the image data of the original is read by the reading unit 6, compressed by the codec 9 and stored in the image memory 7. The compressed image data is read from the image memory 7, modulated by the modem 10, and transmitted from the NCU 11 to the communication partner through the public telephone line. At the time of facsimile reception, the received image data is demodulated by the modem 10, stored in the image memory 7, decoded by the codec 9, and printed by the recording unit 8.

As described above, this digital multi-function peripheral plays back voice guidance messages when operating various functions that execute voice guidance, or when an error such as paper jam or out of toner occurs. Any of the playback modes can be set. In the automatic playback mode, when the voice guidance execution condition is met, the LED 63 of the guidance key 62 is turned on to notify the voice guidance message, and the voice guidance message is automatically played back. In the semi-automatic playback mode, the voice guidance execution condition is set. If applicable, the LED 63 of the guidance key 62 is blinked to notify the user, and when the guidance key 62 is operated once, the voice guidance message is reproduced until the last procedure by automatically switching sequentially as the procedure proceeds. . In the manual playback mode, when the voice guidance execution condition is met, the LED 63 of the guidance key 62 blinks to notify the user, and when the guidance key 62 is operated, the voice guidance message is played only for one procedure. Thereafter, the voice guidance message is reproduced only in the procedure in which the guidance key 62 is operated. The voice guidance message playback mode can be set on the guidance mode setting screen displayed on the LCD display 41. The voice guidance playback mode set by the user is stored in the guidance mode storage area 32 of the RAM 3 as described above. Remembered.
The volume of the voice guidance message can be set for each attribute of the message item. For example, “Function guidance” is “Low volume”, “Warning” is “High volume”, and “Device status” is “Medium volume”. These settings are also stored in the guidance mode storage area 32.

Next, the operation when the CPU 1 executes voice guidance will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The CPU 1 always executes the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and first determines whether or not the user has selected a function included in a function guidance item such as one-touch dial registration (step 101). When the user selects a function included in the function guidance item from the menu, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the reproduction mode stored in the guidance mode storage area 32 of the RAM 3 is the automatic reproduction mode (step 102).

  If the automatic playback mode is set, the CPU 1 lights up the LED 63 of the guidance key 62 (step 103), and then issues a voice guidance sequence command for the selected function to the sub CPU 21 of the voice guidance unit. The voice guidance message of the selected function is played at the volume set in the guidance mode storage area 32, or at a low volume in the case of the above setting example, and the operation screen is displayed on the LCD display unit 41 (step 104). ).

  For example, when the one-touch dial registration function is selected, the sub CPU 21 reads the one-touch dial registration guidance message from the storage area storing the voice guidance message in the ROM 22 and outputs it to the voice codec 24, and the voice codec 24 reads from the ROM 22. The outputted encoded voice data is restored to voice waveform data. The restored voice waveform data is converted into an analog signal by the AFE 25 and then output to the speaker 27 via the analog amplifier 26. As a result, from the speaker 27, select “Register” to register the one-touch dial by operating the cursor key, “Delete” to erase the one-touch dial, and “List” to print the one-touch dial list. Please give me. ”Is played. At the same time, an operation screen for one-touch dial registration is displayed on the LCD display unit 41. A message is then sent according to the one-touch dial registration operation, and the one-touch dial registration function is executed.

  During this execution, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the guidance key 62 has been pressed (step 105). If the guidance key 62 is pressed, the voice guidance is stopped (step 106), and then the LED 63 is turned off. (Step 108). When the guidance key is not pressed, it is determined whether or not the guidance is finished (step 107). When the guidance is not finished, the process returns to step 105. When the guidance is finished, the LED 63 is turned on. Is turned off (step 108).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 102 that the playback mode is not the automatic playback mode, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the playback mode stored in the guidance mode storage area 32 is the semi-automatic playback mode (step 109). When the semi-automatic reproduction mode is set, the CPU 1 blinks the LED 63 provided on the guidance key 62 (step 110) to notify that it is in a state where voice guidance can be executed. Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the guidance key 62 has been pressed (step 111). If the guidance key 62 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 103, and the LED lighting and voice guidance are executed as described above. Is done. On the other hand, when the guidance key 62 is not pressed, the CPU 1 determines whether or not other processing is started (step 112). When other processing is started, the CPU 1 turns off the LED 63 (step 108) and then returns to the beginning of the program. When other processing is not started, the CPU 1 returns to step 111.
In this way, if the semi-automatic playback mode is set, it is possible to prevent unnecessary voice guidance messages from flowing and to notify the user that the voice guidance execution conditions are met by blinking the LED. When it is necessary, the voice guidance message can be reproduced by pressing the guidance key.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 109 that the mode is not the semi-automatic playback mode, the manual playback mode is set, so that the CPU 1 blinks the LED 63 provided on the guidance key 62 (step 113) and voice guidance can be executed. Inform you. Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the guidance key 62 has been pressed (step 114). If the guidance key 62 has been pressed, the voice guidance message for only the current procedure of the function is reproduced (step 115). ).

Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the guidance is finished (step 116). When the guidance is finished, the LED 63 is turned off (step 108). On the other hand, if the guidance has not ended, the CPU 1 determines whether or not other processing has been started (step 117). When other processing is started, the CPU 1 turns off the LED 63 (step 108) and then returns to the beginning of the program. When other processing is not started, the CPU 1 returns to step 114.
As described above, if the manual reproduction mode is set, the fact that the voice guidance execution condition is met is notified by blinking of the LED, so that the user cannot understand the procedure only by displaying the operation screen of the LCD display unit 41. Only voice guidance messages can be played.

If it is determined in step 101 that the function corresponding to the item having the function guidance attribute has not been operated, the CPU 1 determines whether an error such as a failure or a memory full state has occurred (step 101). 118) If it is determined that an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step 102, and the voice guidance of the error occurrence is executed in the same manner as described above. In this case, in steps 112 and 117, it is determined whether or not the error has been resolved.
On the other hand, if it is determined that no error has occurred, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the guidance key 62 has been pressed (step 119), and if it is determined that the guidance key 62 has not been pressed, Return to the beginning of.

  If it is determined in step 119 that the guidance key 62 has been pressed, the CPU 1 extracts from the guidance item storage area 31 of the RAM 3 an attribute previously selected by the user, for example, a function guidance item. As shown in FIG. 5, a menu of guidance items of the attribute is displayed on the LCD display unit 41 (step 120). In this state, the user can display another menu by pressing the scroll button at the bottom of the screen, and press the item displayed on the screen directly with the cross key 56 on the screen on which the desired menu is displayed. Thus, a guidance menu to be executed is selected (step 121). At this time, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the set key 58 has been pressed (step 122). When the set key 58 is pressed, the CPU 1 moves to step 103, and the LED 63 is turned on and the voice is sounded as described above. The guidance is executed and the operation screen for the selected function is displayed on the LCD display unit 41.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 122 that the set key 58 has not been pressed, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a certain time has passed (step 123). If the fixed time has not elapsed, the CPU 1 returns to step 121. If the fixed time has elapsed, the CPU 1 erases the guidance item menu and displays the standby screen (step 124), and then starts the program. Return to.
As described above, when the guidance key is pressed in a state that does not correspond to the voice guidance execution condition, a menu screen in which a plurality of voice guidance items are arranged is displayed, and by selecting a desired voice guidance item from this menu, the voice guidance item is displayed. Since the guidance is executed, the user can easily confirm what guidance items are present and what the output contents are.

  In the above embodiment, when displaying a menu screen in which a plurality of voice guidance items are arranged, only the guidance item having the attribute selected by the user is displayed on the menu. The function guidance items may be displayed at all times, or all the guidance items can be displayed. Furthermore, only the attribute selection menu is displayed once and selected from the attribute selection menu. It is also possible to display guidance items included in the attributes.

In the above embodiment, the case where the user sets one of the automatic playback mode, the semi-automatic playback mode, and the manual playback mode as the voice guidance playback mode has been described. However, the playback mode is set for each attribute of the voice guidance item. It is also possible to set it. For example, when “Warning” is set to “Automatic playback mode”, “Device status” is set to “Semi-automatic playback mode”, “Function guidance” is set to “Manual playback mode”, and voice guidance is executed, the voice The voice guidance can be executed according to the playback mode set in the attribute of the guidance item.
The voice guidance playback mode does not necessarily need to be selectable from three modes, and the playback mode is set from either the automatic playback mode or the semi-automatic playback mode, or from the automatic playback mode or the manual playback mode. You may make it do.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the sub CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. constituting the voice guidance unit are provided separately from the CPU, etc. of the main body, but one CPU, ROM, RAM are shared by the main body and the voice guidance unit, respectively. Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction peripheral having a copying function, a facsimile function, a printing function, a scanner function, etc. has been described. The processing apparatus can also be applied to a normal facsimile machine and a copying machine.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a digital multi-function peripheral that implements an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the guidance item and its attribute contained in a digital multifunctional device. It is a figure which shows the operation panel of a digital multifunctional device. It is a flowchart which shows an effect | action when performing voice guidance. It is an example of the menu display of the guidance item of the attribute selected beforehand.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2, 22 ROM
3, 23 RAM
31 Guidance item storage area 32 Guidance mode storage area 4 Display section 5 Operation section 6 Reading section 7 Image memory 8 Recording section 9 Codec 10 Modem 11 NCU
12 LAN interface 21 Sub CPU
24 voice codec 25 AFE
26 Analog amplifier 27 Speaker 28, 29 Bus 30 Serial bus 41 LCD display section 51 Numeric keypad 52 Start key 53 Reset key 54 Stop key 55 One-touch dial key 56 Four-way key 57 Return key 58 Set key 59 FAX switch key 60 Copy switch key 61 Scanner Switch key 62 Guidance key 63 LED

Claims (5)

  It is determined whether or not a voice guidance execution condition is satisfied during operation of the device or during a user operation on the device, and when it is determined to be applicable, a stored voice guidance message is read out and output, or In an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function for notifying that a voice guidance execution condition is met, the image forming apparatus includes an instruction means for giving voice guidance execution instructions, and a control means, in a state that does not meet the voice guidance execution conditions. When the instruction unit is operated, the control unit displays a menu screen in which a plurality of voice guidance items are arranged, and executes voice guidance of the voice guidance item selected by the user from the menu. Image forming apparatus.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction unit is operated in a state where an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item and the voice guidance execution condition is not met, An image forming apparatus, wherein items having attributes set in advance are extracted from guidance items and displayed on a menu screen.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item, and the volume of voice guidance can be set for each attribute of the voice guidance item.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voice guidance is automatically performed when it is determined that the execution condition of the voice guidance is satisfied during the operation of the apparatus or a user operation on the apparatus. It is possible to set either the mode for playing a message and the mode for notifying that the execution condition is met and playing a voice guidance message in response to a user instruction, and storing the set playback mode. An image forming apparatus having a storage unit.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an attribute is assigned to each voice guidance item, and a voice guidance message is automatically played when the voice guidance execution condition is met, and the execution condition is met. A mode in which a voice guidance message is played in response to a user instruction can be set for each attribute of the voice guidance item, and the playback mode set for each attribute of the voice guidance item is stored in the guidance mode memory. An image forming apparatus stored in the means.

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