JP2010147624A - Communication device, search processing method and search processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device, capable of more efficiently performing destination search using a voice input, and provide a search processing method and a search processing program. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU sets a recognition result obtained by voice recognition processing in a first search term. Furthermore, the CPU sets kanji obtained by processing for converting Kana into Kanji in a second search term (step S140). Then, the CPU extracts an entry, including the first search term in the "how it is read" of the entry and including the second search term in the "name" of the entry among entries that are registered in an address book (step S142). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a search processing method, and a search processing program capable of searching for a target destination from a plurality of destinations registered in advance, and more particularly to a technique for searching for a destination by voice recognition.

  In general, in a multi-function peripheral (MFP) equipped with a facsimile function, a scan function, and the like, a destination of a facsimile or an e-mail can be registered in advance. Such a destination registration function is often referred to as an “address book” or the like.

  In general, in such an address book, destinations are sequentially registered every time there is an opportunity. Therefore, many destinations are often registered with long-term use. Therefore, there is a demand for a function for efficiently searching for a target destination from a large number of destinations.

  By the way, as such a destination, in addition to destination information such as a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and a file server address that should be the destination, information that allows the user to determine the destination (for example, a name such as “Mr. AAA”) Is included. For this reason, in many cases, a device for increasing the search efficiency by arranging or distinguishing such information in alphabetical order has been put into practical use.

  A configuration has also been proposed in which a destination is designated by voice input instead of a key operation. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-313808 (Patent Document 1) discloses a facsimile apparatus that efficiently designates a transmission destination by voice and prevents erroneous calls.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-166152 (Patent Document 2), when performing broadcast communication with a plurality of destinations, further collation is omitted for destination information that matches a search key. In addition, a configuration is disclosed in which the time required for collation is shortened and an input error of the other party is prevented.
JP 2001-313808 A JP 2007-166152 A

  As disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-313808 (Patent Document 1), it is possible to expect efficient search by designating a destination based on a voice input from a user. On the other hand, since the voice quality, tempo, rhythm, intonation, etc. by the user vary depending on the user, it is not easy to always accurately recognize the user's utterance content. That is, at the present time, it is difficult to maintain the recognition rate for the user's utterance content at 100%.

  In view of such a situation, when a plurality of destinations having the same or similar pronunciation are registered, it is difficult to select any one based only on the voice input from the user. . On the other hand, the user may need to rephrase many times, which may reduce the search efficiency.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a search processing method, and a search processing program capable of performing more efficient destination search using voice input. Is to provide.

  A communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of destinations, a control unit that searches for a destination from the storage unit according to a user instruction, a communication unit that transmits data according to the searched destination, and voice input A voice input unit that receives the voice input unit; and a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice input. The control unit sets the recognition result of the first voice input received by the voice input unit in the search waiting state as the first search condition, and sets the content input subsequent to the first voice input as the second search condition. Then, a destination satisfying both the first and second search conditions is extracted from the plurality of destinations stored in the storage unit.

  Preferably, the control unit sets, as the second search condition, a recognition result of the second voice input received by the voice input unit subsequent to the first voice input.

  Alternatively, preferably, the communication device further includes a character input unit that accepts a character input by a user, and the control unit sets a character input accepted by the character input unit subsequent to the first voice input as a second search condition. .

  In addition, or preferably, the communication device further includes a character input unit that receives a character input by a user, and the control unit receives a second voice input that is received by the voice input unit following the first voice input in response to a user operation. One of the recognition result and the character input accepted by the character input unit subsequent to the first voice input is set as the second search condition.

  Preferably, the communication device further includes a display unit, and the control unit extracts a destination satisfying the first search condition from a plurality of destinations stored in the storage unit, and displays the extraction result on the display unit. The extraction result is narrowed down based on the second search condition, and the display content of the display unit is updated to the narrowing result.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of destinations includes a name including a kanji and a reading of the name, and the control unit refers to a file in which the kanji and the reading of the kanji are associated with each other, A Chinese character having a reading corresponding to the search condition is specified, and a destination including the specified Chinese character in its name is extracted as a destination satisfying the second search condition.

  Alternatively, preferably, each of the plurality of destinations includes a name divided into a first part and a second part, and the control unit performs a first search for the first part for each of the plurality of destinations. It is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied, and whether or not the second search condition is satisfied for the second portion is determined.

  Preferably, the control unit determines that the first search condition is satisfied even for a destination similar to the recognition result of the first voice input.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a search processing method for searching for a destination according to a user request from a plurality of destinations registered in advance is provided. The search processing method includes a step of waiting for a search according to a user operation, a step of accepting a first voice input from a user in the search wait state, a step of executing voice recognition for the first voice input, A step of setting a recognition result of the first voice input as a first search condition, a step of accepting contents input subsequent to the first voice input and setting as a second search condition, and a plurality of destinations, Extracting a destination that satisfies both the first and second search conditions.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a search processing program for searching for a destination according to a user request from a plurality of destinations registered in advance is provided. The search processing program executes a step of entering into a search waiting state in response to a user operation in the computer, a step of receiving a first voice input from a user in the search waiting state, and voice recognition for the first voice input. A step of setting a recognition result of the first voice input as a first search condition, a step of accepting contents input subsequent to the first voice input and setting as a second search condition, and a plurality of destinations Among these, a step of extracting a destination satisfying both the first and second search conditions is executed.

  According to the present invention, more efficient destination search can be performed using voice input.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the embodiments of the present invention described below, representative examples of the communication apparatus according to the present invention include a facsimile transmission / reception function, a network communication function, a scanning function, a printing function, and a copying function (monochrome and / or color). An example of a multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) equipped with a plurality of functions will be described. As will be described later, the communication apparatus according to the present invention may be realized by a personal computer or the like.

[Embodiment 1]
<Appearance configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external view of MFP 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of operation panel 8 of MFP 1 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, MFP 1 according to the present embodiment can typically use a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and an Internet protocol network (IPN). That is, the MFP 1 can send a facsimile to the other party through the public switched telephone network, and can send an e-mail or transfer a file to the other party through the Internet network. MFP 1 according to the present embodiment efficiently searches for a destination, which is a transmission destination of various types of information, to the other party based on voice input from the user.

  The MFP 1 includes a scanner 2, an automatic document feeder 3, a print engine 4, a paper feeder 5, a controller 6, and an operation panel 8.

  The scanner 2 reads image information from a document such as a facsimile transmission. Specifically, the scanner 2 irradiates light from a light source toward a passing document, and receives light reflected by the document out of the irradiated light by an imaging element or the like. The scanner 2 can read image information from a document placed on the platen glass. Image information read by the scanner 2 is subjected to predetermined image processing and converted into input image data.

  The scanner 2 is connected to an automatic document feeder 3 for continuously feeding documents. The automatic document transport unit 3 includes a document feed table, a delivery roller, a registration roller, a transport drum, a paper discharge table (all not shown), and the like. That is, the automatic document feeder 3 feeds the document to be read placed on the document feeding table to the scanner 2 one by one by the operation of the feed roller according to the user operation.

  The print engine 4 forms an image on the recording paper based on the image data read by the scanner 2 or the like. Specifically, the print engine 4 includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, a static eliminator, a fixing device, and a cleaning unit (all not shown). Provides print processing by operating.

  The paper supply unit 5 includes at least one paper supply tray, and supplies recording paper set in a predetermined paper supply tray by a roller or the like in synchronization with the print processing in the print engine 4.

  The control unit 6 is an overall processing unit that controls the entire MFP 1, and executes various controls and operations according to user operations.

  The operation panel 8 includes various input keys that accept user operations and a display that displays various information to the user. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 8 includes a rectangular touch panel 16 and a key input unit 12 disposed on the bottom thereof.

  The touch panel 16 is arranged on a liquid crystal panel (LCD) for displaying various information in the MFP 1 and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) generated by the control unit 6 and senses the press. And a pressure-sensitive unit that receives a user operation. Typically, the touch panel 16 has buttons and icons arranged on the screen for receiving user operations on the MFP 1. When the pressure sensing unit detects that a user operation has been performed on a position corresponding to each of these buttons and icons, the operation content assigned to the corresponding button is transmitted to the control unit 6 and the like.

  Furthermore, a voice recognition start key 14 is provided on the side of the operation panel 8 to instruct the start of voice recognition in response to voice input from the user. The voice input from the user is acquired by the microphone 10 that is electrically connected to the operation panel 8. That is, the voice uttered by the user is converted into an electrical signal by the microphone 10 and then transmitted to the operation panel 8.

<Internal configuration>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of MFP 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 6 includes a system interface 22, an input image processing unit 24, a memory 26, an output image processing unit 28, a data storage unit 30, a FAX communication unit 32, and an IP communication unit. 34.

  The input image processing unit 24 performs predetermined preprocessing on the image information read by the scanner 2 and outputs input image data. The preprocessing includes noise removal and contrast adjustment. The input image output from the input image processing unit 24 is temporarily stored in the memory 26.

  The system interface 22 supervises control of each unit included in the control unit 6 and each unit outside the control unit 6. Specifically, the system interface 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20. The CPU 20 is an arithmetic device that provides a search processing method according to the present embodiment by reading a program stored in advance in a ROM or hard disk (not shown) into a RAM or the like and executing it.

  The memory 26 typically includes a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores an input image in a nonvolatile manner. The input image temporarily stored in the memory 26 is read by the CPU 20 and sent to the output image processing unit 28.

  The output image processing unit 28 performs image processing corresponding to the output destination on the input image read from the memory 26. More specifically, if the output destination is the print engine 4, the output image processing unit 28 executes processing such as gradation value correction. On the other hand, if the output destination is the FAX communication unit 32, the output image processing unit 28 executes processing such as conversion to a binary image or a grayscale image.

  The FAX communication unit 32 is electrically connected to another MFP or the like via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and transmits the image data output from the output image processing unit 28 to the other party or from the other party. Receive images.

  The IP communication unit 34 is electrically connected to a personal computer or the like via the Internet network, and transmits image data and various files output from the output image processing unit 28 to the other party or receives data from the other party. To do.

  The data storage unit 30 is a nonvolatile data storage unit, and typically includes a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, a semiconductor recording medium such as a flash memory, and the like. The data storage unit 30 holds an address book 36 in which a destination of a facsimile or electronic mail is registered in association with at least information for specifying the destination. As will be described later, in the address book 36 according to the present embodiment, destination information such as a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and a file server address to be a destination is registered in association with the name or name of the destination. Yes. In the address book 36 according to the present embodiment, a destination name or “reading” of the name can be registered.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of registered contents of address book 36 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of entries can be registered in address book 36. Each entry defines four items of “type”, “name”, “reading”, and “registration contents”. In the “type” item, information for specifying the type of the registered destination is stored. As an example, if the value of “type” is “1”, it indicates “facsimile”, and if the value is “2”, it indicates “e-mail”. Information for identifying the registered destination is stored in the item “name”. In the “reading” item, the pronunciation or nickname of the registered destination is stored. In the item “Registration contents”, a facsimile number, an e-mail address, a file server address (URL: Uniform Resource Locator), and the like are stored.

  Referring to FIG. 3 again, the data storage unit 30 also holds a kanji-reading correspondence list 38. This kanji-reading correspondence list 38 records “reading” of each kanji in association with kanji candidates. Therefore, when any “reading” is input, it is possible to selectively extract the kanji having the “reading”.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows an application executed by CPU 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in CPU 20, an operating system (OS) including a function for controlling hardware and the like is executed. As an example of a driver that mediates between this operating system and hardware, a voice input driver 42, a key input driver 44, and a touch panel driver 46 are executed at any time or as necessary.

  The audio input driver 42 converts the audio signal acquired by the microphone 10 into digital data such as a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal that can be handled by the operating system. The key input driver 44 converts it into data indicating the type of the operated key in accordance with a signal output from the key input unit 12 in response to a user operation. The touch panel driver 46 performs display control of the display constituting the touch panel according to a command from the operating system, and indicates a position on the touch panel operated by the user according to a signal output from the touch panel according to a user operation. Convert to data.

  Further, a voice recognition application 48 is executed on the operating system. The voice recognition application 48 executes voice recognition processing on voice input from the user input via the voice input driver 42. That is, the voice recognition application 48 refers to the voice recognition library 50 stored in advance, and sequentially outputs a recognition result (character string) based on the voice input from the user.

  A user interface (user IF) application 52 is also executed in conjunction with the voice recognition application 48. The user IF application 52 displays an interactive menu screen or the like on the touch panel. Typically, the user IF application 52 provides a screen for searching for a specific destination from the address book 36, or displays a search result of a destination that satisfies the search condition input on the input screen. Or provide a screen.

  The search application 54 is a subject that executes destination search processing according to the present embodiment. As will be described later, the search application 54 is based on the contents of the voice input from the user recognized by the voice recognition application 48 and the contents input by the user operation. Extract the search conditions. This search result is passed to the user IF application 52. In particular, search application 54 according to the present embodiment performs a destination search based on a composite condition including a plurality of search conditions.

<Example of operation screen according to this embodiment>
Hereinafter, as an example of a destination search operation according to the present embodiment, (1) contents uttered by the user (hereinafter also referred to as “first search term”) and characters input by the user following the user's utterance ( (Hereinafter also referred to as “second search term”), (2) content that the user first uttered (hereinafter also referred to as “first search term”), and the user's utterance, Furthermore, an example of a destination search that selectively uses two compound conditions, that is, a compound condition with uttered content (hereinafter also referred to as “third search term”).

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first search term is used as a search key for the address “read” registered in the address book 36. Chinese characters are set in the second search term and used as a search key for the registered contents of the destination registered in the address book 36. That is, the second search term is used to extract a plurality of destinations having a specific Chinese character. The kanji set in the second search term is also referred to as “unique kanji”. On the other hand, hiragana is set in the third search term, and after obtaining a kanji candidate having this “reading”, it is used to extract a destination having the acquired kanji candidate. Note that the reading set in the third search term is also referred to as “unique reading”.

  That is, in the destination search process of (1) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “second search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to. In the destination search process (2) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “third search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation screen example (part 1) for searching for a destination according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  6 and 7, it is assumed that the contents as shown in FIG. 4 are registered in the address book 36. In order to facilitate understanding of the effect of the destination search according to the present embodiment, two destinations “Hidetaka Iwai” and “Hidetaka Iwai” having the same “reading” of “Iwai Hidetaka” have already been registered. It shall be.

  Referring to FIG. 6, when the user performs an operation for transmitting a facsimile or the like, first, screen 102 is displayed on operation panel 8. The screen 102 displays a list of destinations registered in the address book 36 in a selectable state. This screen 102 is typically displayed before the scanner 2 reads image information from the document, and corresponds to a search waiting state.

  When the user presses the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) while the screen 102 is displayed, the voice input from the user can be accepted. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like the screen 104. When the screen 104 is displayed, if there is a voice input from the user, the voice recognition can be executed in response thereto.

  When the user presses the “continuous input” button 104a while the screen 104 is displayed, the screen transitions to the “continuous input mode”. In this continuous input mode, a destination search based on a composite condition is possible. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 106. On this screen 106, an “Input Kanji” button 106a and an “Input Kana” button 106b are displayed in a selectable manner. The button 106a is used to select a destination search based on a composite condition of the above-mentioned (1) content uttered by the user (first search term) and characters (second search term) input by the user following the user's utterance. Accept. On the other hand, the button 106b is based on the composite condition of the above-mentioned (2) content that the user first uttered (first search term) and content that the user uttered following the user's utterance (third search term). Accept destination search selection.

  It is assumed that, while the screen 106 is displayed, the user utters “Iwata Hidetaka” after pressing the “Kanji input” button 106 a. Then, the voice uttered by the user is recognized and a character string is output as a recognition result.

  When the voice input from the user is detected, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like the screen 108. Further, the recognition result (character string) based on the voice input from the user is reflected in the input dialog on the screen 108. On this screen 108, a plurality of buttons for accepting input of characters from the user are arranged in a keyboard.

  It is assumed that the user operates the key on the screen 108 and inputs the character string “Ei” following the utterance “Iwai Hidetaka”. This Hiragana “Ei” is treated as “Unique”. The screen 110 shows a state where the recognition result “Iwai Hidetaka” uttered by the user and the input result “Ei” are reflected in the input dialog. Furthermore, when the user presses the “conversion” button 110a, kana-kanji conversion processing for hiragana “e” is executed. It is assumed that the user has converted the hiragana “e” into the kanji “English” by this kana-kanji conversion process. This Chinese character “English” is treated as “Inherent Kanji”. The kana-kanji conversion process is a known technique and will not be described in detail.

  On the screen 112, the input dialog includes a recognition result (first search term) of “Iwai Hidetaka” uttered by the user and a kanji character “English” (second search term) that is the result of kana-kanji conversion. Indicates the state that is reflected. Furthermore, when the user presses the “OK” button 112a, a destination search based on a composite condition including “Iwai Hidetaka” and “English” is executed.

  An example of the destination search result is shown on the screen 114. As shown in the screen 114, of two destinations “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Iwai Hidetaka” having the same “reading” “Iwai Hidetaka”, the destination including the Chinese character “English” “Iwai Hidego” It can be seen that only is extracted.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation screen when the user presses the “reading kana input” button 106 b while the screen 106 is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 7, screens 102, 104, and 106 are the same as those in FIG. It is assumed that, while the screen 106 is displayed, the user utters “Iwata Hidetaka” after pressing the “Reading Kana” button 106b. Further, it is assumed that the user utters “e” following this utterance. Note that the user may be requested to press the voice recognition start key 14 in order to clearly distinguish between the first utterance and the subsequent utterance.

  When the voice input from the user is detected, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 116. Further, on the screen 116, the recognition result “first search term” uttered by the user (first search term) and “read” (third search term) “Ei” are reflected in the input dialog.

  Subsequently, when the user presses the “OK” button 116 a, a destination search based on the composite condition including “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Ei” is executed. In the case of the screen 116, “Iwai Hidetaka” first uttered by the user is used as a “reading” as it is for destination search. On the other hand, for “Ei” uttered further by the user following the first utterance, a Chinese character having it as “reading” is used as a destination search condition. More specifically, by referring to the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 held by the data storage unit 30, a candidate for kanji corresponding to the voice input from the user is selected.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of registered contents of the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 defines a plurality of kanji and “reading” associated with each “kanji”. For example, the character “English” is associated with “Hide” and “Ei”, and the character “Hide” is associated with “Hide” and “Syu”. “Kakae” and “Ei” are associated with kanji.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, among the destinations registered in the address book 36 shown in FIG. 4, “Yomi” includes “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Name” includes “English” and “Sakae”. , One containing either is extracted. As a result, as shown in the screen 118, among the two destinations “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Iwai Hidetaka” having the same “reading” “Iwai Hidetaka”, the destination including the Chinese character “English” “Iwai” Only “Engyo” is extracted.

  In either case of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the search result may not be displayed until it is narrowed down to one destination. At this time, the acceptance of the composite condition is continued until it is narrowed down to one destination.

<Processing procedure>
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a destination search processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are provided when the CPU 20 included in the system interface 22 executes a program.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, first, CPU 20 determines whether or not a transmission operation by the user has been accepted (step S100). If the transmission operation by the user is not accepted (NO in step S100), the process of step S100 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation by the user is accepted (YES in step S100), CPU 20 displays a destination list screen (screen 102 in FIGS. 6 and 7) on touch panel 16 (step S102). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S104). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S104), the process in step S104 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S104), CPU 20 determines whether the user operation is a press of “continuous input” button 104a (FIGS. 6 and 7). It is determined whether or not (step S106). If the user operation is not pressing the “continuous input” button 104a (NO in step S106), other processing is executed (step S108).

  On the other hand, when the user operation is pressing of the “continuous input” button 104a (YES in step S106), the CPU 20 waits for pressing of the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) (step S110). After pressing the voice recognition start key 14, the CPU 20 displays a selection screen for “Kanji input” or “Yomikana input” on the touch panel 16 (step S 112). Subsequently, in response to the user operation, the CPU 20 determines which one of “Kanji input” and “Yomikana input” has been selected (step S114).

  When “Kanji input” is selected (in the case of “Kanji input” in step S114), that is, when the “Kanji input” button 106a is pressed, the CPU 20 executes the processing from step S120. On the other hand, when “input reading” is selected (in the case of “input reading” in step S114), that is, when the “input reading” button 106b is pressed, the CPU 20 performs the processing from step S150 onward. Execute.

  In step S120, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 has been pressed. If the voice recognition start key 14 is not pressed (NO in step S120), the process waits until the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S120), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S122). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S124). If the voice recognition process has not succeeded (NO in step S124), the processes in and after step S122 are repeated. On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S124), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the first search term (step S126). Further, the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 108 in FIG. 6) reflecting the acquired first search term on the touch panel 16 (step S128).

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S130). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S130), the process of step S130 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S130), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S132). If the button operated by the user is a character input button (“character input” in step S132), the CPU 20 accepts a character string corresponding to the button operated by the user (step S134). Then, the process of step S132 is repeated.

  If the button operated by the user is the “conversion” button 110a (“conversion” in step S132), the CPU 20 executes kana-kanji conversion processing for the currently accepted character string (step S136). ). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the “OK” button 112a has been pressed (step S138). If “OK” button 112a is not pressed (NO in step S138), the process of step S132 is repeated.

  When “OK” button 112a is pressed (YES in step S138), CPU 20 sets the kanji obtained by the kana-kanji conversion process as the second search term (step S140). Further, the CPU 20 performs a destination search registered in the address book 36 based on the first search term and the second search term (step S142). More specifically, the CPU 20 extracts the entries registered in the address book 36 that include the first search term in the “reading” and the second search term in the “name”.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of searched destinations (step S144). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S144), the processes in and after step S120 are repeated. On the other hand, when there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S144), CPU 20 executes the processing in step S180 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, in step S150, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed. If the voice recognition start key 14 is not pressed (NO in step S150), the process waits until the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S150), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 performs a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S152). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S154). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S154), the processes in and after step S152 are repeated. On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S154), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the first search term (step S156).

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 has been pressed again (step S158). If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed again (NO in step S158), the process waits until the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again (YES in step S158), the CPU 20 waits for a voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S160). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S162). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S162), the processes in and after step S160 are repeated. On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S162), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the third search term (step S164).

  Further, the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 116 in FIG. 7) reflecting the acquired first search term and second search term on the touch panel 16 (step S166). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the “OK” button 116a has been pressed (step S168). If “OK” button 116a is not pressed (NO in step S168), the process of step S168 is repeated.

  When “OK” button 116a is pressed (YES in step S168), CPU 20 performs a destination search registered in address book 36 based on the first search term and the third search term ( Step S170). More specifically, the CPU 20 first refers to the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 to acquire a kanji having “reading” in the third search term. Then, the CPU 20 includes the first search term in “Yomi” among the entries registered in the address book 36, and any Kanji acquired from the Kanji-Yomi correspondence list 38 in “Name”. Extract what it contains.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of searched destinations (step S172). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S172), the processes in and after step S152 are repeated. On the other hand, when there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S172), CPU 20 executes the processing from step S180 onward.

  In step S180, the CPU 20 displays the destination acquired in step S142 or step S170 on the touch panel 16 in a selectable manner. Further, when the displayed destination is selected, the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S182). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

<Voice recognition processing>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a more detailed processing procedure of the speech recognition processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 20 starts speech recognition in response to pressing of speech recognition start key 14 (step S10). After the start of the voice recognition, the CPU 20 is in a state where it can accept voice input from the user. Subsequently, when there is a voice input from the user, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process (step S12). In this voice recognition process, the CPU 20 sequentially outputs a character string corresponding to the voice input with reference to a vocabulary database held in advance. Thereafter, when there is a blank period longer than a predetermined period in the voice input, the CPU 20 determines that the voice input from the user is finished (step S14). And various processes are performed using the recognition result output by the speech recognition process (step S16).

<Operation / Effects of First Embodiment>
According to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, first, the result of speech recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term (first search condition), and the content input by the user subsequently is the first. 2 Search term (second search condition) is set. Alternatively, the result of the speech recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term (first search condition), and the content further uttered by the user subsequently is the third search term (second search condition). Set to Then, a destination that satisfies both the first search condition and the second search condition is extracted from the address book 36.

  For this reason, it is possible to first narrow down to a target destination based on the contents of the subsequent input after uttering “reading” of a part of the destination to identify destination candidates. Therefore, even when the accuracy of voice recognition is not 100%, a target destination can be efficiently searched.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even if the “reading” of the entire destination name is not accurately remembered, if the “reading” of at least one Chinese character included in the name can be recognized, the destination search is performed. Can be done. For this reason, even if the name includes a kanji character having a special “reading” used for a personal name or the like, the intended destination can be efficiently searched.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment described above, the configuration in which the destination search is performed after the first search term and the second search term or the first search term and the third search term are input in advance has been exemplified. However, since it is impossible to know in advance what kind of destination is registered in the address book, the second search is performed when a plurality of destination candidates are extracted after performing a destination search by voice input. A usage pattern in which a search term or a third search term is additionally input is also assumed. Therefore, Embodiment 2 of the present invention exemplifies a configuration that allows such usage.

  Since the external view and internal configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 described above, detailed description will not be repeated. Also, the registration contents of the address book 36 are the same as those in FIG. 4, and the registration contents of the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 are also the same as those in FIG.

<Example of operation screen according to this embodiment>
Hereinafter, as an example of a destination search operation according to the present embodiment, after a destination search is executed based on the content uttered by the user (first search term), (1) the user further inputs following the user's utterance An example is shown in which further narrowing down is performed based on the character (second search term) or (2) the content further uttered by the user following the user's utterance (third search term).

  In the destination search process of (1) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “second search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to. In the destination search process (2) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “third search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 3) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In any of the cases shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, it is assumed that the contents as shown in FIG. 4 are registered in the address book 36. In order to facilitate understanding of the effect of the destination search according to the present embodiment, two destinations “Hidetaka Iwai” and “Hidetaka Iwai” having the same “reading” of “Iwai Hidetaka” have already been registered. It shall be.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when the user performs an operation for transmitting a facsimile or the like, first, screen 132 is displayed on operation panel 8. The screen 132 displays a list of the destinations registered in the address book 36 in a selectable state. This screen 132 is typically displayed before the scanner 2 reads image information from the document, and corresponds to a search waiting state.

  When the user presses the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) while the screen 132 is displayed, the voice input from the user can be accepted. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 134. When the screen 134 is displayed, if there is a voice input from the user, the voice recognition can be executed in response thereto.

  It is assumed that the user utters “Iwai Hidetaka” while the screen 134 is displayed. Then, the voice uttered by the user is recognized and a character string is output. Subsequently, a destination search is performed based on the recognized “Iwai Hidetaka”. As shown in FIG. 4, in the address book 36, two destinations “Hidetaka Iwai” and “Hidetaka Iwai” having the same “reading” of “Iwai Hidetaka” are registered. The search result is displayed on the screen 136.

  On this screen 136, an “input Kanji” button 136 a and an “input reading” button 136 b are displayed so as to be selectable. The button 136a accepts a request for narrowing down based on the character (second search term) further input by the user following the above-mentioned (1) user utterance. On the other hand, the button 136b accepts a narrowing request based on the content (third search term) further uttered by the user following the above-mentioned (2) user utterance.

  When the user presses the “Kanji input” button 136a while the screen 136 is displayed, the operation panel 8 displays a screen 138 in which a plurality of buttons that accept input of characters from the user are arranged in a keyboard. . It is assumed that the user operates the keys on the screen and inputs the characters “E” while the screen 138 is displayed. Also, on the screen 138, the hiragana “Ei” input by the user is reflected in the input dialog.

  Further, when the user presses the “conversion” button 138a, kana-kanji conversion processing for hiragana “e” is executed. It is assumed that the user has converted the hiragana “e” into the kanji “English” by this kana-kanji conversion process. This Chinese character “English” is treated as “Inherent Kanji”.

  Screen 140 shows a state in which the input dialog reflects the Chinese character “English” (second search term) as a result of the kana-kanji conversion by the user. Further, when the user presses the “OK” button 140 a, only a plurality of destinations displayed on the screen 136 are narrowed down to those whose “name” includes “English” which is “unique Kanji”. As a result, as shown in the screen 142, of the two destinations “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Iwai Hidetaka” having the same “reading” “Iwai Hidetaka”, the destination including the Chinese character “English” “Iwai” The contents of the screen are updated so that only “Engyo” is displayed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show examples of operation screens when the user presses the “Reading Kana” button 136b while the screen 136 is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 13, screens 132, 134, and 136 are the same as those in FIG. When the user presses the “input reading” button 136b while the screen 136 is displayed, the operation panel 8 displays a screen 144 on which a plurality of buttons for accepting input of characters from the user are arranged in a keyboard. The It is assumed that the user operates the keys on the screen and inputs the character “Ei” while the screen 144 is displayed. This Hiragana “Ei” is treated as “Unique”. In addition, the screen 144 shows a state in which “i” input by the user is reflected in the input dialog.

  Further, when the user presses the “OK” button 144 a, the Chinese character having the input “unique character” is acquired from the Chinese character-reading correspondence list 38, and among the plurality of destinations displayed on the screen 136, the “ Narrowed to names that contain kanji acquired based on "Unique Yomi" in "Name". As a result, as shown in the screen 146, of the two destinations “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Iwai Hidetaka” having the same “reading” “Iwai Hidetaka”, the kanji “ The contents of the screen are updated so that only “Ei Go Iwai”, which is a destination including “English”, is displayed.

  Instead of the configuration in which the “unique reading” as shown in FIG. 13 is input by operating a button on the screen, it may be input by voice input from the user. Hereinafter, such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14, it is assumed that the user presses voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) after pressing “input reading” button 136b while screen 136 is displayed. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user utters “e”. Then, the voice uttered by the user is recognized and a character string is output. Subsequently, a screen 148 reflecting the recognized “Ei” is displayed. This recognized “e” is treated as “unique read”.

  After that, a kanji character having the input “ei” as “reading” is acquired from the kanji-reading correspondence list 38, and among the plurality of destinations displayed on the screen 136, the “name” is based on “ei”. Narrow down to only those containing kanji acquired. As a result, as shown in the screen 146, of the two destinations “Iwai Hidetaka” and “Iwai Hidetaka” having the same “reading” “Iwai Hidetaka”, the kanji “ The contents of the screen are updated so that only “Ei Go Iwai”, which is a destination including “English”, is displayed.

<Processing procedure>
15 and 16 are flowcharts showing a destination search processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are provided when the CPU 20 included in the system interface 22 executes a program.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, first, CPU 20 determines whether or not a transmission operation by the user has been accepted (step S200). If the transmission operation by the user is not accepted (NO in step S200), the process of step S200 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation by the user is accepted (YES in step S200), the CPU 20 displays the destination list screen (screen 132 in FIGS. 12 to 14) on the touch panel 16 (step S202). Subsequently, the CPU 20 waits for pressing of the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) (step S204). After the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed, the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S204). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S206). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S206), the processes in and after step S204 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S206), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the first search term (step S208). Subsequently, the CPU 20 performs a destination search registered in the address book 36 based on the first search term (step S210). More specifically, the CPU 20 extracts an entry registered in the address book 36 that includes the first search term in its “reading”. Then, CPU 20 displays the destination acquired in step S210 on touch panel 16 so as to be selectable (step S212). Further, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a plurality of destinations are extracted in step S210 (step S214). If a plurality of destinations are not extracted in step S210 (NO in step S214), the CPU 20 executes the processing from step S290 onward.

  If a plurality of destinations are extracted in step S210 (YES in step S214), CPU 20 further displays a selection screen for “Kanji input” or “input reading” on touch panel 16 (step S216).

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S218). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S218), the process of step S218 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S218), CPU 20 responds to the user operation by responding to the user operation with any destination, “Kanji input”, “Yomikana input”. It is determined which of these has been selected (step S220).

  When any one of the destinations is selected (“Destination” in step S220), that is, when a specific one of the plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 is designated, the CPU 20 registers the registered contents of the corresponding destination. Is transferred to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S222). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

  On the other hand, when “Kanji input” is selected (in the case of “Kanji input” in step S220), that is, when the “Kanji input” button 136a is pressed, the CPU 20 executes the processing from step S230. On the other hand, when “input reading” is selected (in the case of “input reading” in step S222), that is, when the “input reading” button 136b is pressed, the CPU 20 performs the processing from step S250 onward. Execute.

  In step S230, first, the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 138 in FIG. 12) on the touch panel 16. Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S232). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S232), the process of step S232 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S232), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S234). If the button operated by the user is a character input button (“character input” in step S234), the CPU 20 accepts a character string corresponding to the button operated by the user (step S236). Then, the process of step S232 is repeated.

  If the button operated by the user is the “conversion” button 138a (“conversion” in step S234), the CPU 20 executes kana-kanji conversion processing for the currently accepted character string (step S238). ). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the “OK” button 140a has been pressed (step S240). If “OK” button 140a is not pressed (NO in step S240), the process of step S240 is repeated.

  When “OK” button 140a is pressed (YES in step S240), CPU 20 sets the kanji obtained by the kana-kanji conversion process as the second search term (step S242). Further, the CPU 20 narrows down a plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 based on the second search term (step S244). More specifically, the CPU 20 narrows down the plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 to those whose “name” includes the second search term.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of narrowed destinations (step S246). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S246), the processes in and after step S232 are repeated. On the other hand, when there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S246), CPU 20 executes the processing in step S290 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, in step S250, first, the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 144 in FIG. 13) on the touch panel 16. Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 has been pressed (step S252). If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed (NO in step S252), the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S254). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S254), the process of step S254 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S254), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S256). When the user operated button is a character input button (“character input” in step S256), the CPU 20 receives a character string corresponding to the user operated button (step S258). Then, the process of step S256 is repeated. On the other hand, when the button operated by the user is “OK” button 144a (“OK” in step S256), CPU 20 sets the currently accepted character string as the third search term (step S260). Further, the CPU 20 narrows down a plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 based on the third search term (step S262). More specifically, the CPU 20 first refers to the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 and extracts the kanji having “reading” of the third search term. Then, the CPU 20 narrows down the plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 to those whose “name” includes any of the Chinese characters extracted from the Chinese character-reading correspondence list 38.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of narrowed destinations (step S264). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S264), the processes in and after step S250 are repeated. On the other hand, when there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S264), CPU 20 executes the processing in step S290 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S252), the CPU 20 updates the display of the touch panel 16 on the keyboard input screen (screen 148 in FIG. 14) (step S270), and the user Wait for voice input. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S272). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether the voice recognition process is successful (step S274). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S274), the processes in and after step S272 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S274), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the third search term (step S276). Further, the CPU 20 narrows down a plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 based on the third search term (step S278). More specifically, the CPU 20 first refers to the kanji-reading correspondence list 38 and extracts the kanji having “reading” of the third search term. Then, the CPU 20 narrows down the plurality of destinations extracted in step S210 to those whose “name” includes any of the Chinese characters extracted from the Chinese character-reading correspondence list 38.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of narrowed destinations (step S280). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S280), the processes in and after step S250 are repeated. On the other hand, when there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S280), CPU 20 executes the processes in and after step S290.

  In step S290, the CPU 20 displays the destinations narrowed down in step S242, step S260, or step S278 on the touch panel 16 so as to be selectable. Further, when the displayed destination is selected, the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S292). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 2>
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, the result of voice recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term (first search condition), and a destination satisfying the first search condition is set. Extracted and presented to the user. Then, the user inputs new contents with reference to the scheduled destination. The subsequently input content is set in the second search term (second search condition) or the third search term (second search condition). Then, based on the second search condition, narrowing down is performed on the destination extracted first.

  For this reason, the user utters a part of “address” of the destination, searches for a destination candidate, and further inputs necessary search conditions based on the search result, so that the target destination can be obtained. Can be narrowed down to. Therefore, the user only needs to additionally input necessary search conditions according to the similarity of the destinations already registered in the address book 36. Therefore, the target destination can be searched efficiently.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even if the “reading” of the entire destination name is not accurately remembered, if the “reading” of at least one Chinese character included in the name can be recognized, the destination search is performed. Can be done. For this reason, even if the name includes a kanji character having a special “reading” used for a personal name or the like, the intended destination can be efficiently searched.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the configuration in which voice recognition is performed with respect to voice input from the user is illustrated. However, there may be a case where the user's voice quality, tempo, rhythm, intonation, etc. are affected and misrecognized. Therefore, Embodiment 3 exemplifies a configuration for performing efficient destination search even when such erroneous recognition occurs.

  Since the external view and internal configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 described above, detailed description will not be repeated.

<Example of operation screen according to this embodiment>
Hereinafter, an example of a destination search operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In order to facilitate understanding of the effect of the destination search according to the present embodiment, the address book 36 includes two destinations “Eigo Iwai” and “Iwaiwa” having the same “reading” of “Iwai Hidetaka”. It is assumed that two addresses “Hidetaka Iwaki” and “Hidetaka Iwaki” having the same “reading” of “Ii Hidetaka” and “Iwaki Hidetaka” are registered.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the concept of destination search according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 2) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 17, when the user performs an operation for transmitting a facsimile or the like, first, screen 152 is displayed on operation panel 8. The screen 152 displays a list of destinations registered in the address book 36 in a selectable state. This screen 152 is typically displayed before the scanner 2 reads image information from the document, and corresponds to a search waiting state.

  When the user presses the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) while the screen 152 is displayed, the voice input from the user can be accepted. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 154. When the screen 154 is displayed, if there is a voice input from the user, the voice recognition can be executed in response thereto.

  It is assumed that the user utters “Iwaii” while the screen 154 is displayed. Then, voice recognition processing is executed for the voice uttered by the user. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the utterance “Iwai” is misrecognized as “Iwaki”. The screen 156 displays the result of the destination search based on the erroneously recognized “Iwaki”. That is, out of the destinations registered in the address book 36, “Iwaki Eigo” and “Iwaki Hidetaka” including “Iwaki” in “Yomi” are extracted.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in a destination search based on voice input, a destination having “reading” similar to the recognized voice is also set as a search target. As an example of the criterion for determining similarity, a range in which a vowel is the same and a consonant is different can be set as a similar range for some or all of the sounds constituting the recognized voice. For example, between “Iwaki” and “Iwaii”, the first sound and the second sound match each other and the third sound is different, but the vowels of the third sound of both are “i”. . In such a case, “Iwaki” and “Iwaii” are determined to be similar to each other.

  In the present embodiment, as a result of determining such similarity, a destination having “Iwaii” similar to “Iwaki” recognized as speech is extracted from the address book 36. That is, as shown on the screen 158, in addition to “Iwaki Eigo” and “Iwaki Hidetaka” having “reading” that completely matches the voice recognition result, “Iwaki” having “reading” similar to the voice recognition result Eigo and Hidetaka Iwaki are additionally extracted. Since these destinations are displayed so as to be selectable, the user can more efficiently select a desired destination among the destinations selected from the address book.

  FIG. 18 shows the concept of such a similar range. As shown in FIG. 18, “reading” “Iwaki” and “reading” “Iwaii” have a similar relationship with each other. Then, from the address book 36, destinations included in each are extracted as candidates.

  As an example of the procedure for determining similarity as described above, two “readings” are compared to identify different sounds, and it is determined whether the vowels of the different sounds match each other. The similarity may be determined only when the number of different sounds is a predetermined number or less.

  On the other hand, when a search is performed based on a character input by a button operation by the user, the above similarity determination is not performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, when the user presses the destination search button 152a in a state where the screen 152 is displayed, a screen 160 on which a plurality of buttons that accept input of characters from the user are arranged is displayed. The When the user operates the keys on the screen to input the characters “Iwai” and then presses the “OK” button 160a while the screen 160 is displayed, a screen 162 representing the search result is displayed. . In this screen 162, out of the destinations included in the address book 36, those whose “reading” includes “Iwaii” are extracted. In this destination search, a destination including “Iwaki” similar to “Iwaii” in its “reading” is not extracted.

<Processing procedure>
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a destination search processing procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 20 is provided when the CPU 20 included in the system interface 22 executes a program.

  Referring to FIG. 20, first, CPU 20 determines whether or not a transmission operation by the user has been accepted (step S300). If the transmission operation by the user is not accepted (NO in step S300), the process of step S300 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation by the user is accepted (YES in step S300), CPU 20 displays a destination list screen (screen 152 in FIGS. 17 and 19) on touch panel 16 (step S302). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) has been pressed (step S304).

  When the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S304), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S306). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S308). If the voice recognition process has not succeeded (NO in step S308), the processes in and after step S306 are repeated. On the other hand, if the speech recognition process is successful (YES in step S308), CPU 20 performs a destination search based on the recognition result obtained by the speech recognition process (step S310). Subsequently, the CPU 20 extracts a destination having “reading” similar to the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process (step S312). Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

  If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed (NO in step S304), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the “destination search” button 152a has been pressed (step S320). If “search for destination” button 152a has not been pressed (NO in step S320), the processes in and after step S304 are repeated.

  When the “search for destination” button 152a is pressed (YES in step S320), the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 160 in FIG. 19) on the touch panel 16 (step S322). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S324). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S324), the process in step S324 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S324), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S326). If the button operated by the user is a character input button (“character input” in step S326), the CPU 20 accepts a character string corresponding to the button operated by the user (step S328). And the process after step S324 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the button operated by the user is “OK” button 160a (“OK” in step S326), CPU 20 performs a destination search based on the currently accepted character string (step S330). Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

  In step S340, the CPU 20 determines whether one or more destinations have been extracted. If no destination has been extracted (NO in step S340), the processing in step S304 and subsequent steps is repeated.

  On the other hand, if one or more destinations have been extracted (YES in step S340), CPU 20 displays on touch panel 16 one or more destinations extracted in step S310 or step S330. (Step S342). Further, when the displayed destination is selected, the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S344). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the processing for searching for a destination in a similar range based on the voice input uttered by the user or the character input input by the user has been exemplified. Needless to say, it can be incorporated into Form 1 or 2.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 3>
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the purpose in the predetermined similar range is extracted with respect to the recognition result of the voice uttered by the user. Therefore, even when the accuracy of voice recognition is not 100%, a target destination can be efficiently searched.

[Embodiment 4]
In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where “Kanji” is included in the destination is illustrated. On the other hand, the fourth embodiment exemplifies a configuration for efficiently searching for a destination whose registered content is mainly alphabetic.

  Since the external view and internal configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 described above, detailed description will not be repeated.

<Example of operation screen according to this embodiment>
The destination search according to the present embodiment is similar to the above-described first embodiment, and (1) the contents uttered by the user (first search term) and the characters (first search) input by the user following the user's utterance. (2 search terms), (2) compound conditions of the content that the user first uttered (first search term) and content that the user further uttered following the user's utterance (third search term), The destination search is performed based on the two compound conditions.

  In the destination search process of (1) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “second search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to. In the destination search process (2) above, “first search term” corresponds to “first search condition” of the present invention, and “third search term” corresponds to “second search condition” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the effect of destination search according to the present embodiment, in the following description, it is assumed that address book 36A having registration contents as shown in FIG. 21 is used. Referring to FIG. 21, a plurality of entries in which three items of “type”, “name”, and “registration contents” are defined are registered in address book 36A. Similar to the address book 36 shown in FIG. 4, information for specifying the registered destination type is stored in the “type” item. Information for identifying the registered destination is stored in the item “name”. In the item “Registration contents”, a facsimile number, an e-mail address, a file server address (URL: Uniform Resource Locator), and the like are stored. In the address book 36A, the “read” item defined in the address book 36 shown in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  Hereinafter, an example of a destination search operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 1) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a destination search operation screen example (part 2) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 22, when the user performs an operation for transmitting a facsimile or the like, first, screen 162 is displayed on operation panel 8. The screen 162 displays a list of destinations registered in the address book 36A in a selectable state. This screen 162 is typically displayed before the scanner 2 reads image information from the document, and corresponds to a search waiting state.

  When the user presses the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) while the screen 162 is displayed, the voice input from the user can be accepted. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 164. When the screen 164 is displayed, if there is a voice input from the user, the voice recognition can be executed in response thereto.

  Assume that the user utters “James Bean” while the screen 164 is displayed. Then, the voice uttered by the user is recognized. Subsequently, a destination search is performed based on the recognition result. As shown in FIG. 21, two destinations “James Bean” and “James Bean” having the same or similar “reading” as the voice uttered by the user are registered in the address book 36A. The destination is displayed on the screen 166 as a search result.

  When the user presses the “Input” button 166 a while the screen 166 is displayed, the display on the operation panel 8 changes as shown in the screen 168. On this screen 168, a character (second search term) input by the user following the user's utterance is received. More specifically, it is assumed that the user operates the key on the screen 168 and inputs the character “BEAN” following the utterance of “James Bean”. Further, when the user presses the “OK” button 168 a, the plurality of destinations displayed on the screen 166 are narrowed down to those including “BEAN” input in “Name”. As a result, as shown in the screen 170, “James Bean” which is the destination including the input character “BEAN” out of the two destinations “James Bean” and “James Bean” searched when “James Bean” is spoken. "Is extracted.

  On the other hand, FIG. 23 shows an example of an operation screen when the user presses the “Successive” button 164a while the screen 164 is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 23, screens 162 and 164 are the same as those in FIG. It is assumed that the user utters “James Bean” after pressing the “Successive” button 164a while the screen 164 is displayed. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user utters “B”, “E”, “A”, and “N” following this utterance. Note that the user may be requested to press the voice recognition start key 14 in order to clearly distinguish between the first utterance and the subsequent utterance.

  When such a voice input from the user is detected, a destination search based on a composite condition is executed in which the first recognition result “James Bean” is the first search term and the subsequent recognition result “BEAN” is the third search term. The That is, out of the destinations registered in the address book 36A, those having the same or similar “reading” as the first search term and including the third search term in its name are extracted. As a result of this search, “James Bean” is displayed as selectable results on the screen 174.

<Processing procedure>
24 and 25 are flowcharts showing a destination search processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are provided when the CPU 20 included in the system interface 22 executes a program.

  Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, first, CPU 20 determines whether or not a transmission operation by the user has been accepted (step S400). If the transmission operation by the user is not accepted (NO in step S400), the process of step S400 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation by the user is accepted (YES in step S400), CPU 20 displays a destination list screen (screen 162 in FIGS. 22 and 23) on touch panel 16 (step S402). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) has been pressed (step S404). If the voice recognition start key 14 is not pressed (NO in step S404), the process of step S404 is repeated.

  When the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S404), the CPU 20 determines whether or not the “Successive” button 164a is pressed (step S406). When “Successive” button 164a is not pressed (NO in step S406), CPU 20 waits for a voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S408). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S410). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S410), the processes in and after step S408 are repeated. On the other hand, if the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S410), CPU 20 performs a destination search based on the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process (step S412).

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S414). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S414), the process of step S414 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S414), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S416). If any destination is selected (“destination” in step S416), the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S418). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed. On the other hand, when the button operated by the user is the “Input” button 166a (“Input” in step S416), the CPU 20 displays a keyboard input screen (screen 168 in FIG. 22) on the touch panel 16 (step S420). . Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether any user operation has been performed on the touch panel 16 (step S422). If any user operation is not performed on touch panel 16 (NO in step S422), the process of step S422 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if any user operation is performed on touch panel 16 (YES in step S422), CPU 20 determines the type of button operated by the user (step S424). If the button operated by the user is a character input button (“character input” in step S424), the CPU 20 receives a character string corresponding to the button operated by the user (step S426). And the process after step S422 is repeated.

  If the user-operated button is “OK” button 168a (“OK” in step S424), CPU 20 extracts in step S412 based on the currently accepted character string (second search term). The plurality of destinations are narrowed down (step S428). More specifically, the CPU 20 narrows down the plurality of destinations extracted in step S412 to those whose “name” includes the second search term.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there are a plurality of narrowed destinations (step S430). If there are a plurality of searched destinations (YES in step S430), the processes in and after step S414 are repeated. On the other hand, if there are not a plurality of searched destinations (NO in step S430), the process proceeds to step S460.

  On the other hand, when “Successive” button 164a is pressed (YES in step S406), CPU 20 waits for a voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S440). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether the voice recognition process is successful (step S442). If the speech recognition process has not succeeded (NO in step S442), the processes in and after step S440 are repeated. On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S442), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the first search term (step S444).

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 has been pressed again (step S446). If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed again (NO in step S446), the process waits until the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again (YES in step S446), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S448). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S450). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S450), the processes in and after step S448 are repeated. On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S450), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the third search term (step S452).

  Furthermore, CPU 20 performs a destination search registered in address book 36A on touch panel 16 based on the acquired first search term and third search term (step S454). More specifically, the CPU 20 extracts addresses registered in the address book 36A that have the same or similar “reading” as the first search term and include the third search term in its name. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S460.

  In step S460, the CPU 20 displays the destination acquired in step S424 or S454 on the touch panel 16 so as to be selectable. Further, when the displayed destination is selected, the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S462). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 4>
According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, first, the result of speech recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term (first search condition), and the content input by the user subsequently is the first. 2 Search term (second search condition) is set. Alternatively, the result of the speech recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term (first search condition), and the content further uttered by the user subsequently is the third search term (second search condition). Set to Then, a destination that satisfies both the first search condition and the second search condition is extracted from the address book 36.

  For this reason, first, after uttering a part of the pronunciation of the destination and specifying a candidate for the destination, it is possible to narrow down to the target destination based on the contents of the subsequent input. Therefore, even when the accuracy of voice recognition is not 100%, a target destination can be efficiently searched.

[Embodiment 5]
In the above-described fourth embodiment, the configuration in which a series of names are registered without distinguishing between a first name and a second name (family name) has been illustrated. On the other hand, the fifth embodiment exemplifies a configuration for more efficiently searching for a destination by distinguishing and registering a family name and a second name.

  Since the external view and internal configuration of the MFP according to the present embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 described above, detailed description will not be repeated.

<Example of operation screen according to this embodiment>
The destination search according to the present embodiment includes two conditions, that is, a composite condition of content first uttered by the user (first search term) and content further uttered by the user following the user's utterance (second search term). A destination search is performed based on the compound condition. The “first search term” corresponds to the “first search condition” of the present invention, and the “second search term” corresponds to the “second search condition” of the present invention.

  As will be described later, when the first name and the second name are distinguished and registered as a destination, the first name is searched based on the “first search term”, and the second name is searched based on the “second search term”. By doing so, the search efficiency can be further increased.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the effect of destination search according to the present embodiment, address book 36B having registration contents as shown in FIG. 26 is used in the following description. Referring to FIG. 26, a plurality of entries in which four items of “type”, “1stname”, “2ndname”, and “registration contents” are defined are registered in address book 36B. Similar to the address book 36 shown in FIG. 4, information for specifying the registered destination type is stored in the “type” item. Information for specifying each registered destination is stored in the items “1stname” and “2ndname”. In the item “Registration contents”, a facsimile number, an e-mail address, a file server address (URL: Uniform Resource Locator), and the like are stored.

  Hereinafter, an example of the destination search operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination search operation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 27, when the user performs an operation for transmitting a facsimile or the like, first, screen 182 is displayed on operation panel 8. The screen 182 displays a list of destinations registered in the address book 36B in a selectable state. This screen 182 is typically displayed before the scanner 2 reads image information from the document, and corresponds to a search waiting state.

  When the user presses the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) while the screen 182 is displayed, the voice input from the user can be accepted. At this time, the display on the operation panel 8 changes like a screen 184. When the screen 184 is displayed, if there is a voice input from the user, the voice recognition can be executed in response thereto.

  Assume that the user utters “James” while the screen 184 is displayed. Then, the voice uttered by the user is recognized. This recognition result is set as the first search term, and a destination search is performed based on the first search term. This first search term is compared with the contents registered in “1stname” of the address book 36B. As shown in FIG. 26, in the address book 36 </ b> B, the contents registered in “1stname” include “James Brown”, “James Smith”, “James Bean”, and “James Bean” as destinations including voices uttered by the user. Four are registered, and these four destinations are displayed on the screen 186 as search results.

  It is assumed that the user further utters “Brown” while the screen 186 is displayed. Note that the user may be requested to press the voice recognition start key 14 in order to clearly distinguish between the first utterance and the subsequent utterance. Then, the voice subsequently uttered by this user is recognized. This recognition result is set as the second search term, and narrowing down is executed based on the second search term. That is, among the plurality of destinations displayed on the screen 186, the contents registered in “2ndname” are narrowed down to those including the second search term. As a result, as shown in the screen 188, it can be seen that only “James Brown” that is a destination including “Brown” is extracted from the four destinations searched when “James” is uttered.

<Processing procedure>
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a destination search processing procedure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 28 is provided when the CPU 20 included in the system interface 22 executes a program.

  Referring to FIG. 28, first, CPU 20 determines whether or not a transmission operation by the user has been accepted (step S500). If the transmission operation by the user is not accepted (NO in step S500), the process of step S500 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission operation by the user is accepted (YES in step S500), CPU 20 displays a destination list screen (screen 182 in FIG. 27) on touch panel 16 (step S502). Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 (FIG. 2) has been pressed (step S504). If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed (NO in step S504), the process of step S504 is repeated.

  When the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed (YES in step S504), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes voice recognition processing in response to voice input by the user (step S506). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S508). If the speech recognition process is not successful (NO in step S508), the processes in and after step S506 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S508), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the first search term (step S510). A destination search is performed based on one search term (step S512). Specifically, the CPU 20 extracts an entry registered in the address book 36B that includes the first search term in its “1stname”.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition start key 14 has been pressed again (step S514). If the voice recognition start key 14 has not been pressed again (NO in step S514), the process waits until the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again (step S514).

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition start key 14 is pressed again (YES in step S514), the CPU 20 waits for voice input by the user. Then, the CPU 20 executes a voice recognition process in response to the voice input by the user (step S516). After executing the voice recognition process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the voice recognition process is successful (step S518). If the speech recognition process has not succeeded (NO in step S518), the processes in and after step S516 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the voice recognition process is successful (YES in step S518), the CPU 20 sets the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition process as the second search term (step S520). Based on the two search terms, a plurality of destinations extracted in step S510 are narrowed down (step S522). More specifically, the CPU 20 narrows down the plurality of destinations extracted in step S510 to those that include the second search term in “2ndname”.

  Subsequently, the CPU 20 displays the destinations narrowed down in step S522 so as to be selectable on the touch panel 16 (step S524). Further, when the displayed destination is selected, the CPU 20 passes the registered contents of the corresponding destination to the FAX communication unit 32 or the IP communication unit 34 (step S526). Thereafter, necessary communication processing is executed.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 5>
According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, first, the result of speech recognition of the content uttered by the user is set as the first search term, and subsequently the result of speech recognition of the content further uttered by the user is the first. Set to 2 search terms. Then, “1stname” registered in the address book 36B is searched for whether or not the first search term is included, and “2ndname” is searched for whether or not the second search term is included.

  Therefore, even when a destination search based on a composite condition including the first search term and the second search term is performed, the search target can be limited, and the search process can be further speeded up.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the MFP 1 is illustrated as a typical example of the communication apparatus according to the present invention. However, the information apparatus according to the present invention may be realized using a personal computer that executes a communication application or the like. In this case, the search processing program according to the present invention is installed in the personal computer so that the personal computer functions as the communication device according to the present invention, or the search processing method according to the present invention is executed on the personal computer. be able to.

  In addition, the search processing program according to the present invention may execute a process by calling necessary modules out of program modules provided as a part of the operating system at a predetermined arrangement and timing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the operating system. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The search processing program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  Furthermore, part or all of the functions realized by the search processing program according to the present invention may be configured by dedicated hardware.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an external view of an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of an operation panel of MFP 1 shown in FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of an MFP according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration content of the address book according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the application performed with CPU according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 1) of the destination search according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 2) of the destination search according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration content of the kanji-reading corresponding list according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the destination search according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the destination search according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the more detailed process sequence of the speech recognition process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 1) of the destination search according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 2) of the destination search according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 3) of the destination search according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the destination search processing procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the destination search processing procedure according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 1) of the destination search according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the concept of the destination search according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 2) of the destination search according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the destination search according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration content of the address book according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 1) of the destination search according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation screen example (the 2) of the destination search according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the destination search according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the destination search according to Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the registration content of the address book according to Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the example of an operation screen of the destination search according to Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the destination search processing procedure according to Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  2 scanner, 3 automatic document feeder, 4 print engine, 5 paper feeder, 6 control unit, 8 operation panel, 10 microphone, 12 key input unit, 14 voice recognition start key, 16 touch panel, 22 system interface, 24 input image Processing unit, 26 memory, 28 output image processing unit, 30 data storage unit, 32 FAX communication unit, 34 IP communication unit, 36, 36A, 36B address book, 38 kanji-reading correspondence list, 42 voice input driver, 44 key input Driver, 46 Touch panel driver, 48 Voice recognition application, 50 Voice recognition library, 52 application, 54 Search application.

Claims (10)

A storage unit for storing a plurality of destinations;
A control unit for retrieving a destination from the storage unit according to a user instruction;
A communication unit for transmitting data according to the searched destination;
A voice input unit for receiving voice input;
A voice recognition unit for recognizing the voice input;
The controller is
The recognition result of the first voice input received by the voice input unit in the search waiting state is set as the first search condition,
The content input subsequent to the first voice input is set as a second search condition,
A communication apparatus that extracts a destination that satisfies both the first and second search conditions from the plurality of destinations stored in the storage unit.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a recognition result of a second voice input received by the voice input unit subsequent to the first voice input as the second search condition. A character input unit that accepts a character input by the user;
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets a character input accepted by the character input unit subsequent to the first voice input as the second search condition. A character input unit that accepts a character input by the user;
The control unit receives a second voice input recognition result received by the voice input unit following the first voice input in response to a user operation, and received by the character input unit following the first voice input. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the input characters is set as the second search condition. A display unit;
The controller is
After extracting the destination satisfying the first search condition from the plurality of destinations stored in the storage unit, and displaying the extraction result on the display unit,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extraction result is narrowed down based on the second search condition, and the display content of the display unit is updated to the narrowing result. Each of the plurality of destinations includes a name including kanji and a reading of the name,
The controller is
Referring to a file that associates the kanji and the kanji of the kanji, identifying kanji having a kanji corresponding to the second search condition;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a destination including the specified kanji in its name is extracted as a destination that satisfies the second search condition. Each of the plurality of destinations includes a name partitioned into a first part and a second part;
The control unit determines, for each of the plurality of destinations, whether or not the first search condition is satisfied with respect to the first part, and the second search with respect to the second part. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not a condition is satisfied.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the first search condition is satisfied even for a destination similar to the recognition result of the first voice input. A search processing method for searching for a destination according to a user request from a plurality of destinations registered in advance,
A step of waiting for a search according to a user operation;
Receiving the first voice input from the user in the search waiting state;
Performing speech recognition on the first speech input;
Setting the recognition result of the first voice input as a first search condition;
Receiving the content input subsequent to the first voice input and setting it as a second search condition;
A search processing method comprising: extracting a destination satisfying both the first and second search conditions from the plurality of destinations. A search processing program for searching for a destination according to a user request from a plurality of destinations registered in advance, the search processing program,
A step of waiting for a search according to a user operation;
Receiving the first voice input from the user in the search waiting state;
Performing speech recognition on the first speech input;
Setting the recognition result of the first voice input as a first search condition;
Receiving the content input subsequent to the first voice input and setting it as a second search condition;
A search processing program for executing a step of extracting a destination satisfying both the first and second search conditions from the plurality of destinations.

Images