JP2015210502A - Voice data output device and voice output system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a voice data output device which avoids storage capacity being wastefully occupied by voice data.SOLUTION: A voice data output device includes: an event detection part 10 for detecting an event occurring in the device or in another device; a text storage part 12 for storing text data corresponding to an event which is the event detected by the event detection part 10 and which is to be notified of; a voice conversion part 13 for converting the text data stored in the text storage part 12 into voice data; a transmission part 14 for transmitting the voice data which is converted by the voice conversion part 13 to a device 2 of the event notification destination which outputs the voice by using the voice data; and a determination part 15 for determining whether or not the device 2 of the event notification destination is in a state capable of acquiring the voice data. When the determination part 15 determines that the device 2 of the event notification destination is in a state capable of acquiring the voice data, the voice conversion part 13 converts the text data to the voice data, and the transmission part 14 transmits the voice data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio data output device and an audio output system that output audio data corresponding to an event to an event notification destination device (such as a personal computer).

  In a system having an event notification destination device (such as a personal computer) and a notification device for notifying the event notification destination device of an event, the event notification destination device is notified of various events occurring in the image forming device or the like. There is a technique for notifying a user of an event using audio data (stored in advance) corresponding to the event notified by the event notification destination device.

  In addition, although it is a technical field different from this application, patent document 1 and 2 are mentioned as reference information. Patent Document 1 describes that a child device arranged in each of a plurality of dwelling units of an apartment house detects an event, the event is notified to the parent device, and voice data is generated and output in the parent device. Patent Document 2 describes that voice is converted into text data by voice recognition in a voice memo function (a function of recording conversation contents during a call) included in a mobile phone.

JP 2007-172404 A JP-A-11-168552

  However, when the event notification destination device is not activated, the event notification is made after the event notification destination device is activated. When an audio data output device that outputs audio data corresponding to an event generated by speech synthesis to an event notification destination device is provided, it is generated until the audio data can be output to the event notification destination device. The stored audio data must be held in the storage unit, and the storage capacity may be wasted.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and its purpose is to avoid the audio data from being occupied unnecessarily by the audio data, and to output the audio data that can effectively use the memory capacity. An apparatus and an audio output system are provided.

  In order to achieve the object, the present invention takes the following means.

  That is, the audio data output device of the present invention includes an event detection unit that detects an event that occurs in its own device or another device, and text data corresponding to an event to be notified that is an event detected by the event detection unit. A text storage unit that stores the voice data, a voice conversion unit that converts text data stored in the text storage unit into voice data, and voice data converted by the voice conversion unit using the voice data. A transmission unit that transmits to the event notification destination device, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the event notification destination device is in a state where the audio data can be acquired. When the determination unit determines that data can be acquired, the voice conversion unit converts text data into voice data and transmits the data. There and transmits the voice data.

  According to this configuration, when the event notification destination device is in a state where voice data can be acquired, the text data corresponding to the event is converted into voice data and transmitted to the event notification destination device. Therefore, it can be avoided that the voice data is generated and the storage capacity is unnecessarily occupied when the event notification destination apparatus cannot acquire the voice data, and the storage capacity can be used effectively. In addition, when outputting sound in various sound modes, it is possible to avoid occupying the storage capacity wastefully and to use the storage capacity more effectively.

  In order to accurately determine whether or not the event notification destination device is capable of acquiring audio data, the determination unit determines whether or not an audio data output request has been received from the event notification destination device. Accordingly, it is preferable to determine whether or not the audio data can be acquired.

  As another determination method, the determination unit may determine whether or not the audio data can be acquired by determining whether or not the event notification destination device is activated. It is done.

  As another determination method, the event notification destination device can transition between a normal state that is a predetermined power state and an energy saving state that is a power state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state. Yes, the determination unit may determine whether the audio data can be acquired by determining whether the event notification destination device is in the energy saving state.

  In order to ensure the storage capacity accurately, the storage unit includes a deletion unit that deletes the audio data temporarily stored in the storage unit, and the transmission unit converts the audio data converted by the audio conversion unit to the event notification destination. It is preferable that the audio data is temporarily stored in the storage unit until transmission to the apparatus is completed, and the audio data is deleted by the deletion unit after transmission is completed.

  In order to improve convenience, the sound conversion unit can generate sound data in a plurality of sound modes, and is used for the event notification destination device, user, event, or a combination thereof, and the sound data. It is preferable that a voice mode information storage unit that stores voice mode information associated with a voice mode is provided, and that the voice conversion unit generates voice data in a voice mode corresponding to the voice mode information.

  An audio output system according to the present invention includes: an image processing apparatus in which various events relating to image processing occur; and the audio data output apparatus in which the event detection unit detects an event occurring in the image processing apparatus; The apparatus and the audio data output apparatus are connected to each other via a network.

  Since the present invention has the configuration described above, it is possible to avoid generating unnecessary voice data and occupying the storage capacity when the event notification destination device cannot acquire the voice data. Will be available. In addition, when outputting sound in various sound modes, it is possible to avoid occupying the storage capacity wastefully and to use the storage capacity more effectively.

The figure regarding the outline | summary and operation | movement of a system containing the audio | voice data output device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the text data used as the foundation of audio | voice data. The figure regarding the table which shows audio | voice mode information. The sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of each apparatus. The sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of each apparatus in other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an audio data output device and an audio output system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1, an audio data output device 1 includes one or more information processing devices 2 such as a personal computer, and one or more image processing such as a multifunction peripheral or a printer that generates various events related to image processing. The apparatus 3 is connected to a network (NW), and the image processing apparatus 3 and the audio data output apparatus 1 are connected to each other via a network (NW) so as to communicate with each other. Examples of the network (NW) include a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or wireless LAN using IP (Internet Protocol). The audio output system includes an audio data output device 1 and an image processing device 3.

  An outline of basic operations in this system will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the audio data output device 1 monitors the image processing device 3 that is an event generation source (see (1) in the figure) and detects an event that occurs in the image processing device 3 (in the figure ( 2)). The image processing apparatus 3 actively notifies the audio data output apparatus 1 when an event occurs in itself (see (2) in the figure). The audio data output device 1 notifies the information processing device 2 that is an event notification destination device that an event exists (see (3) in the figure). The information processing apparatus 2 transmits an audio data output request to the audio data output apparatus 1 (see (4) in the figure). The voice data output device 1 generates text data and converts it into voice data (see (5) in the figure). The audio data output device 1 transmits audio data to the information processing device 2 (see (6) in the figure). The information processing apparatus 2 outputs sound using the sound data from the speaker (see (7) in the figure). Of course, the text generation timing in (5) can be appropriately changed according to the implementation.

  In order to realize the above operation, the audio data output device 1 includes an event detection unit 10, an event storage unit 11, a text storage unit 12, a voice conversion unit 13, a transmission unit 14, a determination unit 15, and a deletion. Unit 16 and voice mode information storage unit 17. Each of these units 10 to 17 is a computer including a CPU, a memory (ROM, RAM), and a network interface (not shown), and a predetermined program stored in the memory is executed by the CPU so that software and hardware cooperate with each other. Realized.

  The event detection unit 10 detects an event that occurs in another device (image processing device 3). Specifically, it may be configured to monitor the image processing apparatus 3 and obtain event information that has occurred, or may be configured to voluntarily notify an event that has occurred by the image processing apparatus 3. . In the present embodiment, the audio data output device 1 and the image processing device 3 that is the event generation source are different devices. However, when both are mounted on a single device, the event detection unit 10 is in the own device. The event that occurs will be detected.

  The event storage unit 11 stores data related to the event detected by the event detection unit 10. In the present embodiment, all the data related to the event stored in the event storage unit 11 is stored regardless of whether or not to notify. Of course, the event storage unit 11 may be omitted depending on the implementation.

  The text storage unit 12 stores text data corresponding to the event detected by the event detection unit 10 and to be notified. In this embodiment, an event to be notified is an event requested from the event notification destination device 2 (information processing device 2). Of the events detected by the event detection unit 10, a notification determination unit (not shown) determines which event should be “notified event” according to the setting. In the present embodiment, the “event to be notified” is determined based on a preset setting, and the text data corresponding to the event is stored in the text storage unit 12. It is also possible to configure such that the event detected by is set as an event to be notified as it is, and text data corresponding to all events is stored in the text storage unit 12.

  An example of text data stored in the text storage unit 12 is shown in FIG. 2A. Here, nine pieces of text data A to H are shown. In the example of FIG. 2A, the text data represents the text to be converted into speech and the speech mode. The voice mode represents a language and a dialect.

  The voice conversion unit 13 converts the text data stored in the text storage unit 12 into voice data. The converted audio data is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown). In the present embodiment, the sound conversion unit 13 is configured to be able to generate sound data in a plurality of sound modes. The “speech mode” here means a combination of voice features such as languages such as Japanese and English, dialects such as standard words and Kansai dialect in Japanese, male or female voice, and speaking speed. If the voice mode is different, the voice will be different even if the text or event is the same.

  The transmission unit 14 transmits the audio data converted by the audio conversion unit 13 to the event notification destination apparatus 2 (information processing apparatus 2) that outputs the audio using the audio data.

  The determination unit 15 determines whether or not the event notification destination device 2 is in a state in which audio data can be acquired. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not an audio data output request is received from the event notification destination apparatus 2. If there is the output request, the determination unit 15 determines that the apparatus 2 that has requested the output is in a state in which audio data can be acquired.

  The deletion unit 16 deletes the audio data temporarily stored in the storage unit based on the operation of the transmission unit 14. Specifically, the audio data converted by the audio conversion unit 13 is temporarily stored in the storage unit until the transmission unit 14 finishes transmitting the event notification destination device 2. After the transmission by the transmission unit 14 is completed, the deletion unit 16 deletes the audio data.

  The audio mode information storage unit 17 stores audio mode information in which an event notification destination device, a user, an event, or a combination thereof is associated with an audio mode used for audio data. The sound mode information is used to enable specification of a sound mode for each event notification destination device, for each user, for each event, or for each combination thereof. The voice mode information can be appropriately changed by the user. The voice conversion unit 13 generates (converts) voice data in a voice mode corresponding to the voice mode information.

  An example of the audio mode information stored in the audio mode information storage unit 17 is shown in FIG. 2B. In the example of FIG. 2B, a voice mode is associated with a combination of a user and an event. In the present embodiment, user information is acquired when a voice data output request is received from the information processing apparatus 2, and voice mode information is obtained using the acquired user information and an event stored in the event storage unit 11 as a key. The voice mode is specified by referring to the text, and the text data is uniquely specified and stored in the text storage unit 12.

  Next, a simple operation of the system will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step (1), the event detection unit 10 of the audio data output device 1 monitors the information processing device 2 and detects an event. If an event is detected, data related to the event is stored in the event storage unit 11. In the next step (2), when the audio data output device 1 receives an audio data output request (event confirmation) from the information processing device 2, the determination unit 15 determines that the event notification destination device 2 (information processing device 2). Is in a state where audio data can be acquired. Then, the corresponding voice mode is specified in the voice mode information, the text data is uniquely specified, and the text data is stored in the text storage unit 12. In the next step (3), the voice conversion unit 13 converts the text data stored in the text storage unit 12 into voice data in a designated voice mode, and is temporarily stored in the storage unit. In the next step (4), the transmission unit 14 transmits the converted audio data to the information processing apparatus 2 (event notification destination apparatus). When the transmission is completed, the deletion unit 16 deletes the audio data. In the next step (5), the information processing apparatus 2 outputs sound using the sound data.

  As described above, the audio data output device 1 according to the present embodiment is an event detection unit 10 that detects an event that occurs in the own device or another device, and an event that is detected by the event detection unit 10 and should be notified. A text storage unit 12 that stores text data corresponding to an event, a voice conversion unit 13 that converts text data stored in the text storage unit 12 into voice data, and voice data converted by the voice conversion unit 13 A transmission unit 14 that transmits data to the event notification destination device 2 that outputs sound, and a determination unit 15 that determines whether the event notification destination device 2 is in a state in which audio data can be acquired. Prepare. When the determination unit 15 determines that the event notification destination apparatus 2 is in a state in which the voice data can be acquired, the voice conversion unit 13 converts the text data into the voice data, and the transmission unit 14 transmits the voice data.

  According to this configuration, when the event notification destination apparatus 2 can acquire voice data, the text data corresponding to the event is converted into voice data and transmitted to the event notification destination apparatus 2. Therefore, it can be avoided that the voice data is generated and the storage capacity is unnecessarily occupied when the event notification destination apparatus 2 cannot acquire the voice data, and the storage capacity can be used effectively. In addition, when outputting sound in various sound modes, it is possible to avoid occupying the storage capacity wastefully and to use the storage capacity more effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines whether or not audio data can be acquired by determining whether or not an audio data output request has been received from the event notification destination device 2. According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether audio data can be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, a deletion unit 16 that deletes audio data temporarily stored in the storage unit is provided, and the audio data converted by the audio conversion unit 13 is completely transmitted by the transmission unit 14 to the event notification destination apparatus 2. Until the transmission is completed, the deletion unit 16 deletes the audio data.

  According to this configuration, since the audio data is appropriately deleted by the deletion unit 16, it is possible to ensure the storage capacity accurately.

  In the present embodiment, the voice conversion unit 13 can generate voice data in a plurality of voice modes, and associates an event notification destination device, a user, an event, or a combination thereof with a voice mode used for the voice data. A voice mode information storage unit 17 that stores voice mode information is provided, and the voice conversion unit 13 generates voice data in a voice mode corresponding to the voice mode information.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the event by voice in a voice mode according to the user's preference, and it is possible to improve convenience.

  As a system using the audio data output device, the image processing device 3 in which various events relating to image processing occur, the audio data output device 1 in which the event detection unit 10 detects an event occurring in the image processing device 3, and The image processing apparatus 3 and the audio data output apparatus 1 are connected to each other via a network.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not only by the above description of the embodiments but also by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, the determination unit 15 may be configured to determine whether or not the voice data can be acquired by determining whether or not the event notification destination device 2 is activated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, if the voice data output device 1 transmits a ping packet conforming to ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) to the information processing device 2, a reply is sent from the activated device 2. Therefore, it is found that the event notification destination apparatus 2 is activated.

  In addition, the event notification destination device 2 (information processing device 2) can transition between a normal state that is a predetermined power state and an energy saving state that is a power state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state. In some cases, the determination unit 15 is configured to determine whether or not the voice data can be acquired by determining whether or not the event notification destination device 2 is in the energy saving state. Also good.

  The specific configuration of each unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Audio | voice data output device 2 ... Event notification destination apparatus (information processing apparatus)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Image processing apparatus 10 ... Event detection part 12 ... Text storage part 13 ... Audio | voice conversion part 14 ... Transmission part 15 ... Determination part 16 ... Deletion part 17 ... Audio | voice aspect information storage part

Claims (7)

An event detection unit for detecting an event occurring in the own device or another device;
A text storage unit for storing text data corresponding to an event to be notified which is an event detected by the event detection unit;
A voice conversion unit that converts text data stored in the text storage unit into voice data;
A transmission unit that transmits the audio data converted by the audio conversion unit to an event notification destination device that outputs audio using the audio data;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the event notification destination device is in a state where the audio data can be acquired;
When the determination unit determines that the event notification destination device is in a state where voice data can be acquired, the voice conversion unit converts text data into voice data, and the transmission unit transmits the voice data. An audio data output device.   2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the audio data can be acquired by determining whether or not an audio data output request is received from the event notification destination device. Audio data output device.   The audio data output device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the audio data can be acquired by determining whether or not the event notification destination device is activated. . The event notification destination device can transition between a normal state that is a predetermined power state and an energy saving state that is a power state in which power consumption is lower than the normal state.
The audio data according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the audio data can be acquired by determining whether or not the event notification destination device is in the energy saving state. Output device. A deletion unit for deleting audio data temporarily stored in the storage unit;
The voice data converted by the voice conversion unit is temporarily stored in the storage unit until the transmission unit finishes transmitting to the event notification destination device. After the transmission is completed, the voice data is deleted by the deletion unit. The voice data output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The voice conversion unit can generate voice data in a plurality of voice modes,
A voice mode information storage unit that stores voice mode information in which the event notification destination device, user, event, or combination thereof is associated with a voice mode used for the voice data;
The audio data output device according to claim 1, wherein the audio conversion unit generates audio data in an audio mode corresponding to the audio mode information. An image processing apparatus in which various events relating to image processing occur;
The audio data output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the event detection unit detects an event that occurs in the image processing device,
An audio output system in which the image processing device and the audio data output device are connected to each other via a network.

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