JP2009087135A - Information processor, composite machine, and voice data editing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor and a voice editing program capable of customization for each user easily and a composite machine capable of reproducing a voice guidance with simple operation and effectively using a voice guidance function with respect to the voice guidance reproduced in an external apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: According to a PC 31, since the kind of voice guidance reproducible by MFP (multifunctional peripheral) 1 is displayed in every function that the MFP 1 has, a user can accurately judge whether or not each voice guidance is necessary. A voice file for reproducing in the MFP 1 a voice guidance additionally designated by a user among the kinds of voice guidance displayed is acquired and stored to a memory card, so that simple operation allows voice data corresponding to the voice guidance to be stored. Thus, with respect to the voice guidance reproduced by the MFP 1, customization for each user can easily be performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a multifunction peripheral, and an audio data editing program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus capable of outputting voice guidance for explaining how to operate. In such a device, a voice file for voice guidance output is stored in a non-volatile memory built in the device, but instead of the built-in memory, a technology for recording a voice file on a memory card that is removable from the device main body. However, it is proposed in Patent Document 1, for example. According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, by recording different types of audio files on a plurality of memory cards, audio guidance according to the user's preference and usage can be output from the device. Is possible.
JP 2003-11901 A

  However, when trying to record an audio file for audio guidance that suits the user's preference and purpose on a memory card, the user himself / herself does not grasp all functions and operations when the type of audio guidance is enormous. As long as it is necessary, it is difficult to determine whether voice guidance is necessary. Also, even if you are used to the device and the voice guidance is no longer needed, it is troublesome to find and delete unnecessary voice guidance from many voice guidances. However, it may be possible to continue using it. Thus, there is a problem that it is not easy for each user to customize voice guidance.

  Also, if a complicated operation is required to output voice guidance using a voice file recorded on a memory card, even if a customized voice file is recorded on the memory card, it will not be used in the end. There is a problem that the effect is not exhibited.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an information processing apparatus, a voice editing program, and a simple program that can be easily customized for each user for voice guidance reproduced on an external device. An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunction device that can reproduce voice guidance by operation and can effectively use a voice guidance function.

  In order to achieve this object, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes an input unit for inputting a user instruction and a connection unit to which a storage medium is detachably connected or connected via a network. A function display means for displaying a type of voice guidance reproducible by the external device according to a function of the external device, the external device having a plurality of functions and capable of reproducing the voice guidance regarding the operation; Of the types of voice guidance displayed on the function display means, for voice guidance instructed to be added by the user using the input means, the voice guidance for reproducing the voice guidance on the external device is acquired, and the connection means Audio data editing means for storing in a storage medium attached to the computer.

  The information processing device according to claim 2 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the function display means displays an operation procedure by which the external device can reproduce the voice guidance as the type of the voice guidance. The voice data editing means acquires voice data for reproducing voice guidance for an operation procedure additionally designated by the user using the input means among the operation procedures displayed by the function display means. It is characterized by being.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the function display unit displays options of a voice data provider together with the function or the operation procedure. The data editing means acquires voice data from a provider instructed by the user among the options displayed by the function display means.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the audio data editing unit is a provider different from the provider of the audio data for the audio data already stored in the storage medium Is selected by the user, the already stored voice data is replaced with the voice data acquired from the provider instructed to select.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the voice data editing unit includes an operation procedure in which voice data is already stored in the storage medium. With respect to an operation procedure instructed to be deleted by the user using the input means, voice data corresponding to the operation procedure is deleted from the storage medium.

  The information processing device according to claim 6 is the information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the audio data in the storage medium attached to the connection means is analyzed, and the audio data in the storage medium is analyzed. A function or operation procedure in which audio data is stored in a storage medium in accordance with the management information created by the management information creating means; And a function or an operation procedure in which audio data is not stored in the storage medium.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the management information created by the management information creating means includes information on a provider of each audio data stored in the storage medium. And rewriting means for rewriting information relating to presence / absence of audio data or information relating to a provider of audio data included in the management information in accordance with a user instruction input from the input means, wherein the audio data editing means comprises a user The audio data is acquired, deleted, or replaced in accordance with the management information rewritten by the rewriting means, on the condition that a predetermined determination instruction is given through the input means.

  The information processing device according to claim 8 is the information processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the storage medium is detachably attached to the external device, and the audio data stored in the storage medium is stored in the information processing device. A voice guidance based on the number of times that an operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the end of the playback of the voice guidance. The function display means refers to the frequency data and corresponds to voice data having a value indicated by the frequency data equal to or greater than a predetermined value, in association with each of the voice data corresponding to the voice guidance. It is characterized in that the operation procedure and the operation procedure corresponding to audio data less than a predetermined value are displayed separately.

  An information processing device according to claim 9 is the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a folder generation unit that generates a folder associated with a function of the external device in the storage medium, The sound data editing means is characterized in that the acquired sound data is classified and stored for each function by the folder generated by the folder generation means.

  The information processing device according to claim 10 is the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the voice data editing unit converts voice data created based on voice uttered by a user into the voice. The voice data for reproducing the guidance is stored in the storage medium.

  The multifunction device according to claim 11 includes a mounting portion to which the storage medium is detachably mounted, and when an operation by the user is performed, a sound corresponding to an operation to be performed by the user after the operation is performed. Audio data presence / absence determining means for determining whether audio data for reproducing the guidance is stored in the storage medium attached to the attachment unit, and the audio data presence / absence determining means determining that the audio data is stored In this case, it is characterized by comprising voice reproducing means for reproducing voice guidance based on the voice data.

  The multifunction device according to claim 12 is the multifunction device according to claim 11, wherein the voice data presence / absence determining means follows the previous user operation based on the data name of the voice data stored in the storage medium. It is characterized by determining whether or not there is audio data for reproducing audio guidance corresponding to the next user operation.

  The multifunction device according to claim 13 is the multifunction device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the number of times the operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the voice guidance by the voice reproducing means is finished. Number-of-times recording means for recording data for each voice guidance, and identification information giving means for giving identification information to voice data corresponding to voice guidance in which the number of times data recorded by the number of times recording means is a predetermined value or more. It is characterized by that.

  The multifunction device according to claim 14 is the multifunction device according to claim 13, wherein the number recording means records the number data in a data name of voice data corresponding to each voice guidance. To do.

  The audio data editing program according to claim 15 is a program executed by a computer including input means for inputting a user instruction and connection means to which a storage medium is detachably connected or connected via a network. And a function display step for displaying the type of voice guidance that can be played back by the external device according to the function of the external device, and the function display. Of the types of voice guidance displayed in the step, for voice guidance instructed to be added by the user using the input means, obtain voice data for reproducing the voice guidance on the external device and attach it to the connection means A voice data editing step to be stored in the recorded storage medium. Characterized in that to.

  According to the information processing device of claim 1, since the types of voice guidance that can be played back by the external device are displayed according to the functions of the external device, even if there are many types of voice guidance, The user can accurately determine the necessity of each voice guidance. For the voice guidance instructed to be added by the user among the displayed types of voice guidance, voice data for reproducing the voice guidance on the external device is acquired and stored in a storage medium attached to the connection means. Therefore, the voice data corresponding to the voice guidance can be stored in the storage medium by a simple operation of instructing additional voice guidance. Therefore, there is an effect that the voice guidance reproduced in the external device can be easily customized for each user.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus of the first aspect, the function display means displays an operation procedure that allows the external apparatus to reproduce the voice guidance as the type of the voice guidance. Therefore, there is an effect that the user can easily grasp a large number of operation procedures.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, the function display means displays the choice of the voice data provider, and the voice data editing means includes: Of the choices displayed by the function display means, voice data is acquired from the provider instructed to select by the user, so that the environment in which the information processing apparatus is installed, the user's preference, the understanding level of the operation, and the purpose There is an effect that the corresponding audio data can be stored in the storage medium.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, for the audio data already stored in the storage medium, the providing source is different from the providing source of the audio data. When the selection is instructed, the voice data already stored is replaced with the voice data obtained from the provider instructed to select, so that the voice data according to the user's preference and purpose can be stored in the storage medium. In addition, there is an effect that pressure on the storage capacity of the storage medium due to accumulation of unnecessary audio data can be suppressed.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the operation procedure instructed to be deleted by the user using the input means is included in the operation procedure. Since the corresponding audio data is deleted from the storage medium, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress pressure on the storage capacity of the storage medium due to accumulation of unnecessary audio data. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent unnecessary voice guidance from being reproduced in the external device.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the function display means stores the information according to the management information created by the management information creation means. Since the function or operation procedure in which the audio data is stored in the medium and the function or operation procedure in which the audio data is not stored in the storage medium are displayed separately, the user should newly acquire the audio data. And an operation procedure that does not require acquisition of audio data can be easily discriminated, and the audio data to be stored in the storage medium can be easily selected.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, the voice data editing means is provided on condition that the user has given a predetermined determination instruction via the input means. Since the voice data is newly acquired or the voice data stored in the storage medium is deleted or replaced in accordance with the management information rewritten by the rewriting means, the voice data is collectively edited. Therefore, even when the user cancels or redoes the instruction before the determination instruction is issued, there is an effect that execution of useless processing on the storage medium is suppressed.

  According to the information processing device of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, the function display means refers to the frequency data, and the value indicated by the frequency data is predetermined. Since the operation procedure corresponding to the voice data greater than the value and the operation procedure corresponding to the voice data less than the predetermined value are displayed separately, the user must determine at a glance the operation procedure with a low necessity for voice guidance. Thus, it is possible to easily select audio data to be stored in the storage medium.

  According to the information processing device according to claim 9, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a folder associated with the function of the external device is automatically generated, and The voice data editing means classifies and stores the acquired voice data for each function according to the folder, so that the voice data can be easily managed.

  Here, “folder” is used as a collective term for recording management information for classifying and organizing data in a storage medium in a tree structure. For example, it is also called a directory. .

  Further, the data name of each audio data acquired by the audio data editing means is given an identifier indicating the corresponding function and operation procedure, and is classified and stored in each folder according to the data name. good. In this way, the function and operation procedure corresponding to each audio data can be easily grasped, and management is easy. Further, even if an identifier is given to the data name of the audio data, the data body is not destroyed, so that a desired identifier can be easily given.

  According to the information processing device of the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the information processing device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the voice data created based on the voice uttered by the user is converted to voice guidance. Since it is stored in a storage medium as audio data for reproduction, for example, a group-specific rule determined when a prepared voice guidance is difficult for a user to understand or when an external device is shared by a group For example, when a user wants to create a new voice guidance that explains, the user can create an arbitrary voice guidance, and the voice guidance that matches the purpose can be reproduced on the external device.

  According to the multifunction device of the eleventh aspect, when an operation by the user is input, voice data for reproducing voice guidance corresponding to an operation to be performed by the user after the operation is mounted on the mounting unit. Whether it is stored in the storage medium is determined. If it is stored, the voice guidance is reproduced based on the voice data.

  Therefore, the voice guidance can be reproduced with a simple operation of mounting the storage medium on the mounting unit, and the voice guidance function can be effectively used. In addition, since the audio data is stored in a storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the multifunction peripheral, the amount of use of the built-in memory can be saved. Further, each user has a dedicated storage medium, and voice data corresponding to personal preference and understanding of operation is stored in the storage medium, so that one multifunction device can be used by multiple users. Even in the case of sharing, there is an effect that it is possible to reproduce only the voice guidance according to the preference of each user and the understanding level of the operation.

  According to the multifunction device of the twelfth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the multifunction device according to the eleventh aspect, the sound data presence / absence judging means is configured based on the data name of the sound data stored in the storage medium. Since it is determined whether or not there is audio data for reproducing the audio guidance corresponding to the next user operation following the user operation, there is an effect that the processing load is small.

  Here, an identifier indicating the order of user operations may be given to the data name of the audio data stored in the storage medium. In this way, according to the identifier, the presence / absence of voice data for reproducing the voice guidance corresponding to the next user operation is easily determined.

  According to the multifunction device of the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the multifunction device according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the frequency data recorded by the frequency recording means is identified as voice data corresponding to voice guidance having a predetermined value or more. Since information is added, there is an effect that management of each audio data is easy. For example, when using a personal computer to refer to the stored content of audio data stored in the storage medium and selecting audio data, unnecessary audio data can be obtained with reference to identification information related to the frequency data. It can be easily deleted from the storage medium.

  According to the 14th aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the 13th aspect, the number recording means records the number data in the data name of the voice data corresponding to each voice guidance. There is no risk of destroying the data body, and the processing is easy.

  According to the voice data editing program of the fifteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect can be achieved by being executed by a computer.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a connection relationship between a multifunction device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “MFP 1 (Multi Function Peripheral)”) and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a connection diagram.

  The MFP 1 in this embodiment has a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function.

  The MFP 1 reads a sound file (an example of sound data described in the claims) from a memory card mounted in a memory card slot 22 described later, and a sound for explaining the operation method to the user based on the sound file. The guidance is reproduced.

  Further, the PC 31 can customize voice guidance reproduced in the MFP 1 with an easy operation.

  An opening 2 is provided on the front surface of the main body of the MFP 1 and the interior is partitioned vertically. A paper feed cassette 3 capable of stacking and storing a plurality of recording sheets is inserted below the opening 2. The upper side of the opening 2 is a paper discharge unit 4 for discharging recorded recording paper, and the recorded recording paper is discharged in the direction of arrow A.

  A scanner 20 (see FIG. 2) for reading a document when the scanner function or the copy function is executed is disposed above the opening 2. On the lower side of the document cover body 5, a placement glass plate for placing a document is provided. When reading a document, the document cover body 5 is opened upward and placed on the placement glass plate. The original is placed, the original cover 5 is closed, and the original is fixed. In this state, when the original reading button of the operation key 15 is pressed, the original reading image is read by the original reading scanner 20 provided on the lower side of the placement glass plate.

  In front of the document cover body 5, an operation key 15 and an LCD 16 for displaying a menu, an operation procedure, and a status of a process being executed are provided. The user can perform operations such as power on / off and switching of each function by pressing the operation key 15.

  A memory card slot 22 for detachably mounting a memory card is provided on the front surface of the opening 2 and below the operation keys 15. One end of the USB cable 200 is connected to the USB interface 18 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the opening 2. The other end of the USB cable 200 is connected to the USB interface 36 (see FIG. 2) of the PC 31, so that the MFP 1 and the PC 31 can perform data communication with each other via the USB cable 200. Has been.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the MFP 1 and the PC 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1 and the PC 31. The MFP 1 mainly includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, operation keys 15, LCD 16, speaker 17, USB interface 18, scanner 20, printer 21, and memory card slot 22. Further, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 of the MFP 1 are connected to each other via the bus line 26. Further, the operation key 15, LCD 16, speaker 17, USB interface 18, scanner 20, printer 21, memory card slot 22, NCU 23, network interface 25 (hereinafter referred to as network I / F 25), and bus line 26 of the MFP 1 are input. The output ports 27 are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 of the MFP 1 controls each unit connected to the input / output port 27 in accordance with fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12 and RAM 13. The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory and stores various programs such as a program for executing guidance processing at the time of facsimile transmission, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The RAM 13 is a rewritable memory for temporarily storing various data.

  The speaker 17 outputs an operation sound of the operation key 15, a warning sound when an error occurs, or an audio guidance related to an operation that is reproduced according to an audio file read from the memory card. The printer 21 is a known ink jet printer. The modem 24 is connected to the NCU 23 and transmits and receives various procedure signals for transmission control while modulating and demodulating the image information. The network I / F 25 connects the MFP 1 to the LAN.

  The PC 31 mainly includes a CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, hard disk 35, USB interface 36, input device 37, display device 38, CD drive 39, network interface 40 (hereinafter, network I / F 40), and memory card slot 41. These are connected to each other via a bus line 42.

  The CPU 32 controls each unit connected by the bus line 42 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 33, RAM 34, and hard disk 35. The ROM 33 is a memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the PC 31 is stored, and the RAM 34 is a readable / writable memory for temporarily storing data necessary for the processing of the CPU 31.

  The selection screen table 341 is stored in the RAM 34. The configuration of the selection screen table 341 will be described later with reference to FIG. The HDD 35 is a hard disk drive, and stores an audio data editing program 351 for executing an audio file editing process to be described later with reference to FIG.

  The input device 37 is for inputting a user instruction, and includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display device 38 is composed of, for example, a CRT display or a liquid crystal display, and visually displays various processing contents and input data.

  The CD drive 39 reads CD media, and the network I / F 40 connects the PC 31 to the Internet. The memory card slot 41 is a slot into which a memory card, which is an example of a storage medium, is detachably attached (connected). For a memory card mounted in the memory card slot 41, an audio file is saved, deleted, or replaced by an audio file editing process (see FIG. 6) described later.

  First, with reference to FIG. 3A, the contents stored in an audio file in the memory card will be described. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the folder tree screen 43 displayed on the display device 38 of the PC 31. As shown in FIG. 3A, on the folder tree screen 43, the contents (type) of the audio file stored in the memory card can be confirmed. Specifically, the left side of FIG. 3 displays the folder structure as a tree (folder list), and the right side displays a list of file names of audio files in the folder designated by the user.

  This folder tree screen 43 activates Explorer, which is a program generally stored in the HDD 35 of the PC 31, and the drive assigned to the memory card slot 41 on the Explorer display screen (in the example of FIG. 3, a removable disk). It can be displayed by referring to (H)) (clicking operation with the mouse). It is assumed that the memory card installed in the memory card slot 41 (see FIG. 2) is recognized as a “removable disk” and assigned a drive letter “H”. Normally, immediately after starting Explorer, only “Removable disk (H)” is displayed in the folder list. However, by specifying “Removable disk (H)” by clicking, etc., “Removable disk (H)” is displayed. Various folders existing in the “disk (H)” can be displayed.

  The folder tree screen 43 in FIG. 3A can also be displayed when a memory card is inserted in the memory card slot 22 of the MFP 1. In this case, if the PC 31 is connected to the MFP 1 over the network, the saved contents of the memory card can be displayed by starting Explorer from the PC 31 and specifying the memory card slot 22 of the MFP 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a guide folder 51 with the name “Guide” is provided in the memory card, and the guide folder 51 includes subfolders 52 to which various functions of the MFP 1 are associated. 58 is provided. Furthermore, the name of the associated function is given to each of the subfolders 52 to 58 as a folder name.

  The PC 31 classifies and stores audio files for reproducing the audio guidance in the MFP 1 for each function by the subfolders 52 to 58. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, in the subfolder 54 with the folder name “fax transmission”, an audio file group 59 relating to operation procedures “original setting”, “resolution”, “when sending”, etc. executed when the facsimile transmission function is selected. Is remembered. By simply confirming the name of this operation procedure, it is possible to grasp what kind of audio file is stored.

  According to the folder tree screen 43, the user can confirm the presence / absence of an audio file only for the designated function, so that even if there are a large number of audio files, it is easy to grasp and manage the audio files.

  With reference to FIG.3 (b), the file name (an example of the data name as described in a claim) provided to each audio | voice file is demonstrated. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining information given to the file name of the audio file. As shown in FIG. 3B, a function number 591, an operation procedure number 592, a provider number 593, and a flag 594 are given as identifiers to the file name together with a character string indicating the operation procedure. . The function number 591 is a number indicating the function of the MFP 1 corresponding to the audio file. For example, “01” corresponds to the copy function, “02” corresponds to the facsimile reception function, and “03” corresponds to the facsimile transmission function. A function number is assigned according to the number of functions provided in the MFP 1.

  The operation procedure number 592 is a value indicating in which order the operation procedure is executed in the MFP 1. For example, in the facsimile transmission function, “01” is assigned as the operation procedure number 592 for the operation procedure “original set” in which the voice guidance is first reproduced, and “resolution set” as the next operation is assigned. In this case, “02” is assigned as the operation procedure number 592. An operation procedure number is assigned according to the number of operation procedures included in the function.

  The provider number 593 is a value indicating the provider of the audio file. Various audio file providers can be considered. In the present embodiment, each audio file will be described as being provided with one of “CD”, “Web server”, and “recording”. An audio file whose source is “CD” is assigned “0” as the source number 593, and an audio file whose source is “Web server” is assigned “1”. In addition, “2” is assigned to a case where the provider is the user himself, that is, the voice data created by recording by the user is the provider.

  The flag 594 indicates that when the voice guidance based on each voice file is played back on the MFP 1, the user performs an operation corresponding to the voice guidance before the end of the voice guidance playback, that is, without listening to the voice guidance. It is a value that indicates the number of times it was done For example, “05” is recorded as the flag 594 in FIG. Therefore, since it can be determined that the voice guidance based on the voice file is low for voice files having a large value, it is used as a reference when selecting voice files to be stored in the memory card. be able to.

  In the folder tree screen 43, an audio file in the memory card can be edited by a user operation. For example, an arbitrary audio file can be designated by a mouse pointer and can be instructed to be deleted, or a new audio file can be stored in an arbitrary subfolder 52 to 58 by an additional instruction for dragging an arbitrary audio file. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a “selection screen table 341” created in the RAM 34 when the audio data editing program 351 (see FIG. 2) is activated. Here, the audio data editing program 351 may be stored in the HDD 35 of the PC 31 by downloading, for example, a CD-ROM in which various drivers included in the accessories of the MFP 1 are stored. It is conceivable to download and store from a website relating to the MFP 1. Accordingly, the processing executed by the audio data editing program 351 has contents corresponding to various functions provided in the MFP 1.

  In this embodiment, this selection screen table 341 is created every time the audio data editing program 351 is activated. As shown in FIG. 4, the selection screen table 341 stores a plurality of management information 3416. The management information 3416 includes a function number 3411, an operation procedure number 3412, a source number 3413, a flag 3414, and a file presence / absence, respectively. Information including information 3415. In the selection screen table 341 in the initial state, for example, “0” is written as no data for information other than the function number 3411 and the operation procedure number 3412.

  Here, the function number 3411, the operation procedure number 3412, the provider number 3413, and the flag 3414 are the function number 591, the operation procedure number 592, the provider number 593, and the flag 594 described with reference to FIG. It is a value corresponding to each. Information necessary for the execution of the audio data editing program 351 is also stored in the HDD 35 when the audio data editing program 351 is downloaded, and has functions and operation procedures corresponding to the functions of the MFP 1. . Specifically, as the value of the function number 3411 described above, “01” corresponds to the copy function, “02” corresponds to the facsimile reception function, “03” corresponds to the facsimile transmission function, and the operation procedure. Information that “01” corresponds to the operation procedure “original set” as the value of the number 3412 and “02” corresponds to “resolution set” that is the next operation is stored in the HDD 35 in advance. As a result, an initial selection screen table 341 is created. Also, the voice data editing program 351 is executed using this information, and a voice guide selection screen 60 described later is also displayed.

  That is, the function number 3411 is information indicating which function the MFP 1 has, and the operation procedure number 3412 is information indicating the order in which the operation procedure is executed in each function, and the provider number 3413 is information indicating the provider of the audio file, and the flag 3414 is information indicating the number of times that an operation corresponding to the audio guidance is executed by the user before the end of reproduction of the audio guidance in the MFP 1.

  When the audio data editing program 351 is activated and the selection image table 341 in the initial state is created, first, the audio file in the memory card is analyzed, and based on the presence / absence of each audio file and the provider of each audio file, Data is written in the selection screen table 341. That is, the content of the selection screen table 341 is updated to a value corresponding to the presence or absence of the audio file or the audio file provider in the memory card.

  As described with reference to FIG. 3B, the function number 591, the operation procedure number 592, and the provider number 593 are assigned to the file name of each audio file. Whether or not an audio file corresponding to the management information 3416 is stored in the memory card, and if an audio file is stored, the provider of the audio file can be determined.

  Note that “0” is stored in the source number 3413, the flag 3414, and the file presence / absence information 3415 for the operation procedure in which it is determined that there is no audio file in the memory card. On the other hand, for the operation procedure in which it is determined that there is an audio file in the memory card, the provider number 593 and the flag 594 included in the file name of the audio file are the provider numbers of the selection screen table 341, respectively. 3413 and the flag 3414, and “1” is stored in the file presence / absence information 3415.

  For example, in the folder tree screen 43 of FIG. 3A, editing such as deletion of audio data in the memory card is possible, but when editing is performed on the audio data in the memory card, The saved contents of the latest memory card are reflected in the selection screen table 341. In addition, the selection screen table 341 remains in the initial state when no voice file exists on the memory card as in the case where the user newly customizes the voice guidance.

FIG. 5 is an example of the audio guide selection screen 60 displayed on the display device 38 based on the contents of the selection screen table 341 after the selection screen table 341 is created. As shown in FIG. 5, on the voice guide selection screen 60, the function 61 of the MFP 1 is displayed in the first column, the operation procedure 62 executed in each function is displayed in the second column, and the third column. Displays the option 63 of the audio file provider. The function 61 is displayed based on the function number 3411 in the selection screen table 341, and the operation procedure 62 is displayed based on the operation procedure number 3412 in the selection screen table 341. The audio file provider option 63 is displayed based on the value written as the provider number 3413 corresponding to each operation procedure number 3412. That is, one operation procedure 62 is displayed corresponding to one management information 3416.

  A display / non-display button 64 is displayed at the top of the function 61. This display / non-display button 64 is a button for allowing the user to switch whether or not to display a lower level operation procedure 62 of each function 61. When “-” is displayed, a lower level operation procedure 62 is displayed. On the other hand, when “+” is displayed, the lower level operation procedure 62 is not displayed, so that a limited screen can be used effectively.

  The operation procedure 62 is displayed for each function as shown in FIG. Therefore, even when there are many types of voice guidance that can be reproduced by the MFP 1 or when an unknown operation procedure 62 is included, the user responds to each operation procedure 62 based on the display for each function. Whether or not voice guidance is necessary can be accurately determined.

  At the head of the operation procedure 62, a data presence / absence button 65 is displayed. The symbol ■ displayed as the data presence / absence button 65 indicates that there is an audio file (required), and □ indicates that there is no audio file (unnecessary). The user can switch the display of the data presence / absence button 65 by an instruction with a mouse pointer, for example, and instruct whether to save the audio file in the memory card.

  In the initial state of the voice guide selection screen 60, the display of the data presence / absence button 65 indicates whether or not a voice file corresponding to the operation procedure 62 is stored in the memory card. That is, the display contents on the voice guide selection screen 60 and the presence / absence of the voice file in the memory card are in agreement. Specifically, ■ is displayed on the data presence / absence button 65 of the operation procedure 62 in which the audio file is stored, and □ is displayed on the data presence / absence button 65 of the operation procedure 62 in which the audio file is not stored. In this way, the user can check the current storage state of the audio file in the memory card, and there is no need for the operation procedure 62 for acquiring a new audio file and the new acquisition of the audio file. The operation procedure 62 can be easily distinguished. Since there is no need to operate the operation procedure 62 that does not need to be changed, it is easy to select an audio file. Note that when the user starts a new voice guidance customization, when the user activates the voice data editing program 351, the selection screen table 341 is created, and the voice guide selection screen 60 is displayed based on the selection screen table 341, the memory card Since there is no voice file for guidance, the selection screen table 341 has no data, and all the data presence / absence buttons 65 on the voice guide selection screen 60 are displayed as □. Then, when the user determines the necessary operation procedure 62 and changes the display of the data presence / absence button 65 from □ to ■, the sound file of the operation procedure 62 corresponding to ■ is recognized as data to be stored in the memory card. The Then, data is written in the selection screen table 341 based on the recognized result.

  Here, the instruction to change the display of the data presence / absence button 65 from □ to ■ corresponds to an example of the “addition instruction” described in the claims. On the other hand, an instruction to change the display of the data presence / absence button 65 from ■ to □ corresponds to a “deletion instruction” described in the claims.

  As for the operation procedure 62 instructed to be added by the user, the corresponding audio file is acquired and stored in the memory card when the execution button 67 is instructed by the user thereafter. For the operation procedure 62 instructed to be deleted by the user, the corresponding audio file is deleted from the memory card when the execution button 67 is instructed by the user thereafter. If there is no change, the state is kept as it is. As described above, the user can select a voice file (voice guidance) to be stored in the memory card with a simple operation of instructing an arbitrary operation procedure 62. In this way, it is possible to suppress pressure on the storage capacity of unnecessary voice files, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary voice guidance from being reproduced in the MFP 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the option 63 is configured to allow the user to select and instruct one of “CD”, “Web”, and “recording” as the audio file provider for each of the operation procedures 62. ing. For the operation procedure 62 in which “CD” is selected, an audio file is read from a CD medium loaded in the CD drive 39 and stored in a memory card. For the operation procedure 62 in which “Web” is selected and instructed, an audio file provided from the Web server is stored in a memory card via the Internet. For the operation procedure 62 in which “recording” is selected and instructed, a sound file created based on the sound uttered by the user is stored in the memory card. As described above, since the audio file provider can be individually selected and designated for each operation procedure 62, the audio file according to the environment in which the apparatus is installed, the user's preference, the degree of understanding of the operation, or the purpose. Can be stored on a memory card.

  In this embodiment, a check button is provided at the head of each provider, and the check button of the provider that is instructed to be selected by the user is displayed as ●, and the check button of the provider that is not instructed to select Is marked with a circle.

  In the voice guide selection screen 60 (initial state) displayed first after the voice data editing program 351 is activated, the option 63 represents the provider of the voice file already stored in the memory card. In this way, the user can determine the source of the audio file that is already stored, and it is not necessary to perform any operation on the option 63 that does not need to be changed. It is.

  The voice guide selection screen 60 is deleted when either the cancel button 66 or the execution button 67 is instructed by a user operation, for example, with a mouse pointer. When the cancel button 66 is instructed, the created selection screen table 341 is deleted, and the audio file in the memory card is not changed. On the other hand, when the execution button 67 is instructed after the contents of the selection screen table 341 are rewritten in accordance with the user's addition instruction, deletion instruction, and selection instruction previously performed on the voice guide selection screen 60, An audio file is added, deleted, or an audio file in the memory card is replaced with another audio file.

  The audio file editing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an audio file editing process executed in the PC 31. This audio file editing process is a process executed when the audio data editing program 351 is activated.

  First, it is determined whether a memory card is inserted in the memory card slot 41 (S2). If no memory card is inserted (S2: No), an error is displayed (S16), and the process is terminated. Here, the present embodiment will be described on the assumption that the memory card installed in the memory card slot 41 is a determination target. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the memory installed in the memory card slot 22 of the MFP 1 is not limited thereto. A card may be a determination target.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S2 is affirmative (S2: Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a guide folder 51 (see FIG. 3A) in the loaded memory card (S4). If there is no guide folder 51 (S4: No), a guide folder 51 for storing subfolders 52 to 58 associated with various functions of the MFP 1 is created in the memory card (S6). If the determination at S4 is affirmative (S4: Yes), the process at S6 is skipped.

  Next, a selection screen table creation process (S8) and a voice guide selection screen display process (S9) are executed. The processing of S8 and S9 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Then, a voice guide selection process (S10) for rewriting the selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 4) is executed according to the presence / absence of the voice file or a user instruction regarding the change of the voice file provider. The process of S10 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the voice guide selection process (S10) is finished with the instruction of the execution button 67 (see FIG. 5) (S12). If the determination in S12 is affirmative (S12: Yes), the voice guide file addition / deletion process (S14) for acquiring, deleting, or replacing the voice file is executed according to the user instruction in the process of S14, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the voice guide selection process (S10) ends with the instruction of the cancel button 66 (see FIG. 5), the determination in S12 is negative (S12: No), so the selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 4) is deleted. (S13), and the process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the selection screen table creation process (S8). In the selection screen table creation process (S8), first, management information 3416 including the function number 3411 corresponding to the function of the MFP 1 and the operation procedure number 3412 is written in the selection screen table 341 (S81). Note that information stored in advance in the HDD 35 is used for information such as the format of the selection screen table 341, the function number 3411 to be written, and the operation procedure number 3412, as described above.

  Next, for one piece of management information 3416, it is determined whether there is an audio file in the memory card having the same function number and operation procedure number as the management information 3416 in the file name (S82). If there is a corresponding audio file (S82: Yes), then the value of the provider number 593 and the value of the flag 594 (see FIG. 3B) acquired from the file name of the audio file are managed as processing targets. Information 1416 is set, and “1” indicating the presence of an audio file is set in the file presence / absence information 3415 (see FIG. 5) (S84). On the other hand, if there is no corresponding audio file (S82: No), “0” is set to each of the provider number 3413, the flag 3414, and the file presence / absence information 3415 of the management information 3416 to be processed (S86). As a result, the saved content of the audio file on the memory card at the time when the audio data editing program 351 is started is written in the selection screen table 341.

  Next, it is determined whether all the management information 3416 has been processed (S88). If the determination in S88 is negative (S88: No), the process returns to S82 and the next management information is processed.

  When the processing is completed for all the management information 3416 while the processing is repeated in this way (S88: Yes), the selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 4) is created.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the voice guide selection screen display process (S9). First, a list of functions 61 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the voice guide selection screen 60 (S90). Next, it is determined whether display of the lower layer is instructed for any of the functions 61 displayed in the list or whether non-display of the lower layer is instructed (S92). Note that the display / non-display of the lower hierarchy can be instructed for each function by a user operation after the list of functions 61 is displayed.

  When the lower layer of the function 61 is displayed (S92: display), the operation procedure 62 and the option 63 (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding function 61 are displayed according to the previously created selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 4) (see FIG. 5). S94). When displaying the operation procedure 62, the file presence / absence information 3415 of the selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 4) is referred to, and the data presence / absence button of the operation procedure 62 in which the corresponding audio file is stored in the memory card. ■ is displayed on 65, and □ is displayed on the data presence / absence button 65 of the operation procedure 62 in which the corresponding audio file is not stored (see FIG. 5). When the option 63 is displayed, the provider number 3413 of the selection screen table 341 is referred to, and the check button of the provider of the corresponding audio file is displayed as ●.

  Next, with reference to the selection screen table 341, it is determined whether or not the value of the flag 3414 (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the operation procedure 62 is 1 or more (S95). When the value of the flag 3414 is 1 or more (S95: Yes), the display color of the operation procedure 62 is changed (S96). On the other hand, when the value of the flag 3414 is less than 1 (S95: No), the process of S96 is skipped.

  In this way, before the end of the voice guidance in the MFP 1, the operation procedure 62 in which the corresponding operation has been executed by the user one or more times is performed, and the number of times in which the corresponding operation has been executed by the user is 0. Since it can be displayed on the voice guide selection screen 60 (see FIG. 4) in distinction from the operation procedure 62, the user can determine at a glance an operation procedure that is less necessary for voice guidance, and can store it on the memory card. It is possible to easily select audio files to be stored. It should be noted that the number of times of distinction display is not limited to one or more times, but may be other two or more times, and may be configured such that the user can specify a desired number of times.

  Next, it is determined whether all the operation procedures 62 included in the lower layer of the function 61 to be displayed have been displayed (S97). If this determination is negative (S97: No), the process returns to S94 to repeat the process. If it is determined in S92 that the lower layer of the function 61 is not displayed (S92: not displayed), the operation procedure 62 of the corresponding function 61 is not displayed (S93), and this process is terminated.

  If the determination in S97 is affirmed while the process is repeated (S97: Yes), this process ends.

  According to the voice guide selection screen display process (S9), the voice guide selection screen 60 is displayed according to the selection screen table 341.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the voice guide selection process (S10). This voice guide selection process (S10) is a process executed after the voice guide selection screen 60 (see FIG. 5) is displayed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the user has switched the display / non-display button 64 (see FIG. 5) on the voice guide selection screen 60 (S102). When the display / non-display button 64 is switched (S102: Yes), the voice guide selection screen display process (S9) described with reference to FIG. 8 is executed, and the process returns to S102. Thereby, the display and non-display of the operation procedure 62 on the voice guide selection screen 60 are switched in function units. When an affirmative determination is made in S102 and the process returns to the voice guide selection screen display process in S9, the list of functions 61 has already been displayed, and the process starts from S92.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S102 is negative (S102: No), it is then determined whether an add instruction or a delete instruction has been issued for the operation procedure 62. If the determination in S102 is affirmative (S102: Yes), the corresponding file existence information 3415 (see FIG. 5) in the selection screen table 341 corresponding to the instructed operation procedure 62 is rewritten (S106), and the process returns to S102.

  On the other hand, if both the determinations in S102 and S104 are negative (S104: No), it is next determined whether or not any of the audio file providing sources displayed on the audio guide selection screen 60 has been instructed (S108). ). When the audio file provider is instructed to select (S108: Yes), the value of the corresponding provider number 3413 (see FIG. 5) in the selection screen table 341 is rewritten to a value corresponding to the provider instructed to select (S110). ), The process returns to S102.

  When the selection screen table 341 is rewritten in the processes of S106 and S110, the display of the data presence / absence button 65 or the check button of the option 63 on the voice guide selection screen 60 is changed accordingly. That is, the voice guide selection screen 60 always reflects the latest instruction content given by the user.

  If all the determinations in S102, S104, and S108 are negative (S108: No), it is determined whether either the cancel button 66 or the execution button 67 has been instructed (S112). If the determination in S112 is negative (S112: No), the process returns to S102 and is repeated. When the determination in S112 is affirmed (S112: Yes), the voice guide selection process (S10) is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the voice guide file addition / deletion process (S14). This voice guide file addition / deletion process (S14) is a process executed on condition that the user has designated the execution button 64 on the voice guide selection screen 60.

  First, one management information 3416 in the selection screen table 341 (see FIG. 5) is read, and it is determined whether or not the file existence information 3415 is “1” (S142). When it is determined that the file presence / absence information 3415 is “1” (S142: Yes), an audio file including the same function number and operation procedure number included in the management information 3416 as the file name is stored in the memory. It is determined whether or not it is in the card (S144).

  If the determination in S144 is negative (S144: No), that is, if the audio file instructed by the user to be added is not yet stored in the memory card, the provider specified by the management information 3416 An audio file corresponding to the target function and operation procedure is acquired and stored in the memory card (S148). In this process, the audio files are classified and stored for each function by the subfolders 52 to 58 (see FIG. 3) in the guide folder 51.

  Here, when the provider specified by the management information 3416 is “recording”, the user is requested to input an audio file created based on the voice uttered by the user. The user can save a voice file for voice guidance reproduction in a memory card by inputting a voice file created using, for example, an IC recorder or the like, which converts voice into an electrical signal.

  In this way, for example, when it is difficult for a user who has voice guidance prepared in advance to understand, or when it is desired to create voice guidance that explains the rules unique to the group decided when sharing the MFP 1 in a group, etc. The user can create an arbitrary voice guidance and play it on the MFP 1 that matches the environment in which the MFP 1 is installed, the user's preferences, the degree of understanding of the operation, and the purpose.

  When an audio file input by the user is stored in a memory card, the file name of the audio file includes a function number 591, an operation procedure number 592, a provider number 593, and a flag 594 separately from the existing audio file. Is granted.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S144 is affirmative (S144: Yes), that is, if the audio file corresponding to the function number and the operation procedure number included in the management information 3416 is already stored in the memory card, the management is performed. It is determined whether the provider number included in the information 3416 matches the provider number included in the file name of the audio file in the memory card (S146).

  If the determination in S146 is negative (S146: No), an audio file corresponding to the target function and operation procedure is acquired from the provider specified by the management information 3416 and stored in the memory card (S148). At this time, the audio file previously stored in the memory card is deleted. That is, through the process of S148, the already stored audio file is replaced with the audio file acquired from the option provider instructed to be selected by the user. In this way, pressure on the storage capacity of the memory card due to accumulation of unnecessary audio files can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the determination at S146 is affirmative (S146: Yes), the process at S148 is skipped.

  If the determination in S142 is negative (S142: No), that is, if the file presence / absence information 3415 included in the read management information 3416 is “0”, then the function number and operation included in the management information 3416 are displayed. It is determined whether or not an audio file including the same number as the procedure number as the file name exists in the memory card (S152).

  If the determination in S152 is negative (S152: No), that is, if an audio file instructed by the user to be deleted is stored in the memory card, the audio file is deleted (S154), and the process of S150 Migrate to On the other hand, if the determination in S152 is affirmative (S152: Yes), the process of S154 is skipped and the process proceeds to S150.

  Next, it is determined whether all the management information 3416 in the selection screen table 341 has been processed (S150). If the processing has not been completed for all the management information 3416 (S150: No), the process returns to S142 and is repeated.

  Then, while the process is repeated, when all the management information 3416 in the selection screen table 341 is ended (S150: Yes), the voice guide file addition / deletion process is ended.

  As described above, according to the voice guide file addition / deletion process, a new voice file is acquired according to the management information 3416 in the selection screen table 341 on the condition that the execution button 67 is instructed by the user, or the memory card. The process of deleting or replacing the audio files stored in the. In other words, even when the user cancels or redoes the instruction given to the voice guide selection screen 60 until the execution button 67 is instructed, execution of useless processing on the memory card is suppressed. The

  As described above, according to the PC 31 in which the audio data editing program 351 is installed, the user selects the audio file to be stored in the memory card by the above-described audio file editing process (see FIG. 6), so that the MFP 1 The user can easily customize the voice guidance that is played back at the same time.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a process in which a memory card in which an audio file is stored in the PC 31 is inserted into the MFP 1 and reproduced as audio guidance will be described. Here, a voice guidance process when the facsimile function is selected will be described as an example. 11 is a flowchart showing guidance processing at the time of facsimile transmission executed by the MFP 1, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is started when the user performs an operation of inputting a facsimile transmission instruction from the operation key 15 of the MFP 1.

  First, after an operation of inputting a facsimile transmission instruction, it is determined whether or not an audio file corresponding to an operation to be performed by the user is stored in the memory card (audio guide presence / absence determination process) (S160). Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “01” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S162: Yes), an audio guidance (for example, “original set”) based on the audio file is reproduced (S164). This can prompt the user to set a document to be transmitted.

  Next, it is monitored whether or not an operation corresponding to the voice guidance has been executed by the user before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, and if it is executed, the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file is set to “1”. "Is added (S168). That is, the number of times an operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the end of the voice guidance reproduction is recorded as a flag 594 in the file name. Since the recording is in the file name, there is no risk of destroying the audio file body, and the processing is easy. The value updated here is referred to in the processing of S84 when the previous selection screen table creation processing (S8) is executed, and is reflected in the selection screen table 341.

  If the determination in S162 is negative (S162: No), the processes in S164 and S168 are skipped. That is, if no audio file corresponding to the memory card is stored, the audio guidance is not reproduced. Therefore, the user does not have to bother to listen to unnecessary voice guidance.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a document is set at a predetermined document placement position based on, for example, an output from a sensor provided at the document placement position (S170). If the determination in S170 is negative (S170: No), the process waits.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S170 is affirmative (S170: Yes), it is determined whether an audio file corresponding to the operation to be performed by the user after the document set is stored in the memory card (S172). Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “02” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S174: Yes), an audio guidance (eg, “resolution”) based on the audio file is reproduced (S176). This can prompt the user to set a desired resolution. If the user performs an operation corresponding to the voice guidance before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, “1” is added to the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file (S178).

  If the determination in S174 is negative (S174: No), the processes in S176 and S178 are skipped.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the resolution is set by the user (S180). If the determination in S180 is negative (S180: No), the process waits. Note that the resolution is set by, for example, performing an operation for selecting one of the resolution levels provided in a plurality of stages, or performing an operation for instructing to follow the default resolution, Judge that it is set.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S180 is affirmative (S180: Yes), it is determined whether an audio file corresponding to an operation to be performed by the user after the resolution set is stored in the memory card (S182). Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “03” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S184: Yes), an audio guidance (for example, “when to send”) based on the audio file is reproduced (S186). This can prompt the user to set the transmission reservation time. If an operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, “1” is added to the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file (S188).

  If the determination in S184 is negative (S184: No), the processing in S186 and S188 is skipped.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission reservation time is set by the user (S190). If the determination in S190 is negative (S190: No), the process waits. Note that the transmission reservation time is determined to be set, for example, by performing an operation for inputting a specific time or by performing an operation for instructing immediate transmission.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S190 is affirmative (S190: Yes), it is determined whether an audio file corresponding to the operation to be performed by the user after the transmission summary time setting is stored in the memory card (S192). . Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “04” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S194: Yes), an audio guidance based on the audio file (for example, “choose partner”) is reproduced (S196). As a result, the user can be prompted to set a destination for facsimile transmission. If the user performs an operation corresponding to the voice guidance before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, “1” is added to the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file (S198).

  If the determination in S194 is negative (S194: No), the processing in S196 and S198 is skipped.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the continuation of the guidance process at the time of facsimile transmission will be described. Next, it is determined whether or not a facsimile transmission destination has been set (S200). If the determination in S200 is negative (S200: No), the process waits.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S200 is affirmative (S200: Yes), it is determined whether or not an audio file corresponding to the operation to be performed by the user after the partner setting is stored in the memory card (S201). Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “05” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S202: Yes), an audio guidance (for example, “telephone number input”) based on the audio file is reproduced (S204). As a result, the user can be prompted to input the telephone number of the facsimile transmission destination. If the user performs an operation corresponding to the voice guidance before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, “1” is added to the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file (S206).

  If the determination in S202 is negative (S202: No), the processes in S204 and S206 are skipped.

  Then, it is determined whether a telephone number has been input (S208). If the determination in S208 is negative (S208: No), the process waits. Because it is assumed that the destination setting and the telephone number input are simultaneously specified by selecting the destination from a telephone directory (not shown), operating a shortening button (not shown), or the like, for example. In this case, both S200 and S208 are affirmative.

  On the other hand, if the determination in S208 is affirmative (S208: Yes), it is determined whether an audio file corresponding to the operation to be performed by the user after the telephone number input is stored in the memory card (S210). Here, it is determined whether or not there is an audio file that includes the function number “03” of the facsimile transmission function and the operation procedure number “06” in the file name.

  If there is an audio file (S212: Yes), an audio guidance (for example, “call”) based on the audio file is reproduced (S212). As a result, the user can be prompted to input a call start. If the operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the end of the voice guidance reproduction, “1” is added to the value of the flag 594 included in the file name of the voice file (S212). The process ends.

  If the determination in S212 is negative (S212: No), the processes in S214 and S216 are skipped, and the process ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the voice guide presence / absence confirmation process (S160). First, it is determined whether a memory card is inserted in the memory card slot 22 (S1602). If a memory card is inserted (S1602: Yes), it is determined whether or not the guide folder 51 (see FIG. 3A) is present in the memory card (S1604).

  When the guide folder 51 exists (S1604: Yes), whether or not an audio file corresponding to the next user operation is stored in the memory card is determined by the function number 591 given to the file name of the audio file and the operation procedure. A determination is made based on the number 592 (S1608). If the determination in S1608 is affirmative (S1608: Yes), it is determined that there is an audio file (S1610), and the audio guide presence / absence confirmation process ends.

  On the other hand, if any one of the determinations in S1602, S1604, and S1608 is denied (S1602: No, S1604: No, or S1608: No), it is determined that there is no audio file (S1612), and the audio guide presence / absence confirmation process is performed. finish.

  The voice guide presence / absence confirmation processing (S172, S182, S192, S201, S210) shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 includes the voice guide presence / absence confirmation processing (S160) described with reference to FIG. Since only the differences are the same, the illustration and detailed description are omitted.

  As described above, according to the MFP 1, the voice guidance can be reproduced with a simple operation of inserting the memory card into the memory card slot 22, and the voice guidance function can be effectively utilized. Also, since the audio file is stored in a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the MFP 1, the amount of use of the built-in memory can be saved. In addition, each user has a dedicated memory card, and a single MFP 1 is shared by a plurality of users by storing in the memory card audio files according to personal preferences and understanding of operation. Even in this case, it is possible to reproduce only the voice guidance according to each user's preference and the degree of understanding of the operation.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment has been described as having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a direct printing function. However, the MFP 1 is a multi-function device having some of the functions described above. Even if it exists, this invention is applicable.

  Further, although the presence / absence of the audio file is edited for each operation procedure, the presence / absence of the audio file may be edited in units of functions. That is, for a function that has an audio file, all audio files related to that function are stored in the memory card, and for a function that has no audio file, the entire audio file related to that function is deleted from the memory card. May be.

  Further, the MFP 1 may be configured to add identification information to an audio file in which the value of the file name flag 594 of the audio file exceeds a predetermined value (identification information adding unit). In this way, when the memory card storing the audio file is inserted into the MFP 1 or PC and the audio data is selected on the display of the MFP 1 or PC with reference to the stored contents, the value of the flag 594 is affected. Unnecessary audio files can be easily deleted with reference to the identification information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the memory card is mounted in the memory card slot 41 of the PC 31 or the memory card slot 22 of the MFP 1. For example, a USB memory connected to the USB interfaces 18 and 36 instead of the memory card slot may be used. This is an example of a storage medium. The present invention can also be applied when a memory card is attached to an external device such as a card reader connected to the USB interface 36 or the network I / F 40. In this case, the USB interface 36 or the network I / F 40 corresponds to the connection means described in the claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the selection screen table 341 has been described as an example in which the selection screen table 341 is created every time the audio data editing program 351 is activated. The created selection screen table 341 is stored in a non-volatile memory, and when the voice data editing program 351 is activated, the voice file of the memory card is analyzed, and only the changed contents are selected screen table 341. The data may be updated.

FIG. 2 is a connection diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention and a PC. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an MFP and a PC. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the folder tree screen displayed on the display apparatus of PC, (b) is a figure explaining the information provided to the file name of audio | voice data. It is a figure which shows an example of a selection screen table. It is a figure which shows an example of the audio | voice guide selection screen displayed on a display apparatus by starting of an audio | voice data editing program. It is a flowchart which shows the audio | voice data edit process performed in PC. It is a flowchart which shows a selection screen table creation process. It is a flowchart which shows a voice guide selection screen display process. It is a flowchart which shows an audio | voice guide selection process. It is a flowchart which shows an audio guide file addition / deletion process. 6 is a flowchart showing guidance processing at the time of facsimile transmission executed by the MFP. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. It is a flowchart which shows an audio guide presence confirmation process.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (an example of an external device or MFP)
22 Memory card slot (an example of a mounting part)
31 PC (an example of an information processing device or a computer)
37 Input device (an example of input means)
41 Memory card slot (an example of connection means)
62 Operating Procedure (Voice Guidance)
361 Voice data editing program 594 flag (an example of number data)
3416 Management Information S6 Example of Folder Generation Unit S8 Example of Management Information Creation Unit S9 Example of Function Display Unit or Function Display Step S10 Example of Rewrite Unit S14 Example of Audio Data Editing Unit or Audio Data Editing Step S160, S172 Determination of Existence of Audio Data Examples of means S182, S192 Examples of voice data presence / absence judgment means S201, S210 Examples of voice data presence / absence judgment means S164, S176 Examples of voice reproduction means S186, S196 Examples of voice reproduction means S204, S214 Examples of voice reproduction means S168, S178 Example of number recording means S188, S198 Example of number recording means S206, S216 Example of number recording means

Claims (15)

An information processing apparatus comprising input means for inputting user instructions and connection means to which a storage medium is detachably connected or connected via a network,
Function display means for displaying an external device having a plurality of functions and capable of reproducing voice guidance related to operation, and displaying the types of voice guidance that can be reproduced by the external device according to the functions of the external device;
Among the types of voice guidance displayed on the function display means, for voice guidance instructed to be added by the user using the input means, voice data for reproducing the voice guidance on the external device is acquired, and the connection An information processing apparatus comprising: audio data editing means for storing in a storage medium attached to the means. The function display means displays an operation procedure by which the external device can reproduce the voice guidance as the type of the voice guidance.
The voice data editing means acquires voice data for reproducing voice guidance for an operation procedure additionally designated by the user using the input means among the operation procedures displayed by the function display means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The function display means displays the choice of a voice data provider together with the function or the operation procedure,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the voice data editing unit acquires voice data from a provider instructed by a user among options displayed by the function display unit. The voice data editing means includes
When audio data already stored in the storage medium is instructed by the user to select a provider different from the audio data provider, the already stored audio data is acquired from the provider instructed to select 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is replaced with audio data. The voice data editing means includes
Of the operating procedures in which audio data has already been stored in the storage medium, the audio data corresponding to the operating procedure is deleted from the storage medium for the operating procedure instructed by the user to delete using the input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided. Analyzing the audio data in the storage medium attached to the connection means, comprising management information creating means for creating information on the presence or absence of the audio data in the storage medium as management information,
The function display means includes a function or operation procedure in which audio data is stored in a storage medium according to the management information created by the management information creation means, and a function or operation procedure in which audio data is not stored in the storage medium; The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the information is displayed separately. The management information created by the management information creating means includes information related to a provider of each audio data stored in the storage medium,
In accordance with a user instruction input from the input means, rewriting means for rewriting information on the presence or absence of audio data or information on the provider of audio data included in the management information,
The voice data editing means acquires, deletes, or replaces voice data in accordance with management information rewritten by the rewriting means, on condition that a user gives a predetermined determination instruction via the input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The storage medium is detachably attached to the external device, and voice guidance based on voice data stored in the storage medium is reproduced on the external device,
The external device stores, as count data, the number of times that an operation corresponding to the voice guidance is executed by the user before the end of the playback of the voice guidance, in association with each of the voice data corresponding to each voice guidance in the storage medium. To remember,
The function display means refers to the frequency data, and distinguishes and displays an operation procedure corresponding to audio data whose value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and an operation procedure corresponding to audio data less than the predetermined value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Folder generating means for generating in the storage medium a folder associated with the function of the external device;
9. The voice data editing unit according to claim 1, wherein the voice data editing unit classifies and stores the acquired voice data for each function according to a folder generated by the folder generation unit. Information processing device.   10. The voice data editing means stores voice data created based on voice uttered by a user as voice data for reproducing the voice guidance in the storage medium. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. A multi-function machine having a mounting portion on which a storage medium is detachably mounted,
When the user performs an operation, audio for determining whether audio data for reproducing audio guidance corresponding to the operation to be performed by the user after the operation is stored in the storage medium mounted on the mounting unit Data existence judgment means,
A multifunction device comprising: voice reproduction means for reproducing voice guidance based on the voice data when the voice data presence / absence judgment means judges that voice data is stored.   The voice data presence / absence determining means is based on the data name of the voice data stored in the storage medium, and the presence / absence of voice data for reproducing voice guidance corresponding to the next user operation following the previous user operation The multifunction device according to claim 11, wherein: Number-of-times recording means for recording, for each voice guidance, number-of-times data indicating the number of times that an operation corresponding to the voice guidance has been executed by the user before the end of reproduction of the voice guidance by the voice reproduction means;
The multifunction device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising identification information adding means for adding identification information to voice data corresponding to voice guidance in which the number of times recorded by the number of times recording means is a predetermined value or more. .   14. The multifunction device according to claim 13, wherein the number recording means records the number data in a data name of voice data corresponding to each voice guidance. An audio data editing program executed by a computer comprising an input means for inputting a user instruction and a connection means to which a storage medium is detachably connected or connected via a network,
A function display step for displaying an external device having a plurality of functions and capable of reproducing voice guidance related to an operation, and displaying a type of voice guidance that can be reproduced by the external device according to a function of the external device;
For voice guidance instructed to be added by the user using the input means among the types of voice guidance displayed in the function display step, obtain voice data for reproducing the voice guidance on the external device, and An audio data editing program for causing the computer to execute an audio data editing step to be stored in a storage medium attached to the means.

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