JP2020088644A - Device and compound machine with voice output function, and voice output control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device with a voice output function capable of preventing a conference from being disturbed with voice even when the device is disposed inside or near a conference room.SOLUTION: When voice output processing is called, the device with a voice output function determines whether or not to reduce the volume of voice output by the voice output processing to a volume lower than a predetermined volume or zero, on the basis of at least the number of persons present near the device. In a case where a result of the determination is affirmative, the device reduces the volume of voice output by the voice output processing to a volume lower than the predetermined volume or zero.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a device with a voice output function, a multi-function peripheral (MFP), and a voice output control method.

MFPs that can be connected to a personal computer via a network are widely used. In addition, electronic blackboards that have a built-in personal computer or are connected to a personal computer have become widespread. It is also possible to arrange such an MFP and an electronic blackboard in a conference room and send a material or a display image that needs to be printed at the conference from the electronic blackboard to the MFP so that the MFP can print it. ..

However, since the MFP has various functions, there are many workplaces where the MFP is placed near the conference room instead of in the conference room so that the user can use various functions outside the conference.

JP, 2014-2690, A JP, 2006-1255, A

By the way, an MFP with a voice output function is set to emit a voice in various situations such as when a person is detected by a human sensor, when toner runs out, when a print job starts or ends.

In addition, when the MFP is connected to a network or the like, printing is performed by a print command from the outside (a person other than the user directly) via the network, and depending on the settings of the MFP, sound is output to the outside. In some cases.

If an MFP with audio output function is installed in or near the conference room, audio from an MFP unrelated to the conference will be emitted, and the audio will interfere with the conference or will not be available to the conference participants. There is a problem of giving pleasure.

If a voice unrelated to the conference is output from the MFP, the progress of the conference may be hindered, and it is desired to prohibit the voice output or lower the voice level during the conference.

Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which an electronic blackboard and an MFP cooperate with each other to determine that a conference is in progress when a predetermined application is activated on the electronic blackboard, and limit printing from the MFP. In the present invention, it is not determined that the conference is in progress unless a predetermined application of the electronic blackboard is activated. Therefore, when the predetermined application is not used or the electronic blackboard is not used, it is not determined that the conference is in progress.

Patent Document 2 discloses an invention that reduces the silent mode and the warning sound when the surrounding brightness is dark, but does not disclose the function of meeting determination.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a device with a voice output function, a multi-function peripheral, and a voice that can prevent the conference from being disturbed by voice even if the conference room is placed inside or near the conference room An object is to provide an output control method.

According to the invention,
Based on at least the number of persons near the device with the voice output function when the voice output process is called, whether to set the volume of the voice output by the voice output process to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero. There is provided a device with a voice output function, which is characterized in that the volume of the voice output by the voice output processing is set to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero if the determination result is affirmative.

Further, according to the present invention,
Based on at least the number of persons near the device with the voice output function when the voice output process is called, whether to set the volume of the voice output by the voice output process to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero. A sound output control method is provided, which is characterized in that the sound output volume by the sound output processing is set to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero if the determination result is affirmative.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to function as the above-mentioned device with a voice output function.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the conference from being disturbed by voice even if the conference is arranged inside the conference room or near the conference room.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the outline|summary of embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the compound machine by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering BT device information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for voice-related registration in the initial setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the Bluetooth detection unit (monitoring unit) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a voice output process included in the MFP operation sequence (S4 (FIG. 4)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another method for voice-related registration in the initial setting according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart for explaining another audio output process included in the MFP operation sequence (S4 (FIG. 4)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a part of processing when the method shown in FIG. 8 is divided. 9 is a flowchart for explaining another process when the method shown in FIG. 8 is divided. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention corresponding to the method shown in FIG. 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, MFP 800 is installed in conference room 700 or in the vicinity thereof. A personal computer 701 is connected to the MFP 800, and an electronic blackboard 703 is connected to the personal computer 701. Note that the location where the MFP 800 is installed is not limited to the conference room 700, and may be, for example, a corner where a table and chairs are placed, such as in a workplace, a shared office, or a public facility.

The MFP 800 has a voice output function. However, if there is a possibility that the voice output by the voice output function may interfere with the presentation or the conference, the voice output can be limited.

For example, the MFP 800 has BT devices 301#1 to 301#X (X=X in the figure) of a number threshold value N or more of Bluetooth devices (hereinafter, referred to as “BT devices”) registered in the MFP 800 in the conference room 700 in advance. When 6), X≧N, N, for example, 3) is detected by the Bluetooth detection unit 300, it is determined that a conference is in progress, and a function to prohibit audio output from the MFP 800 or control (decrease) the volume is provided. ..

Note that the MFP 800 may be replaced with another device having an audio output function (for example, an image forming device, an image reading device, an image display device, an information processing device, a mobile terminal, an audio device).

The BT device is, for example, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tag that can be carried by a person at all times, but may be another type such as a smartphone or a tablet.

2 and 3 show the configuration of the multi-function peripheral 800 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the multifunction peripheral 800 includes a document reading device 820 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (image forming unit main body) 830 that forms an image on a sheet, a document reading device 820, and a multifunction peripheral. An operation panel section 843 for operating the machine body 830 and an arithmetic processing section 841 for controlling the document reading device 820 and the multifunction machine body 830 based on the operation of the operation panel section 843 are provided.

In addition to using the document reading device 820 alone to read an image and using the multi-function peripheral 830 alone to form an image, these can be interlocked to copy an image. Further, the multi-function peripheral 800 may include a storage device and a facsimile device. The storage device can store the image read by the document reading device 820 and the image received by the facsimile device. The facsimile device can transmit an image read by the document reading device 820 or an image stored in the storage device and can receive an image from the outside. Furthermore, the multi-function peripheral 800 may include a communication interface 104 for connecting to a personal computer via a network. A personal computer connected to the multi-function peripheral 800 can use the functions of the multi-function peripheral for data that can be managed by the personal computer. The storage device here may be the HDD 203 or the EEPROM 205, but may also be an external storage device connected to the multifunction peripheral 800 directly or via a network.

The document reading device 820 includes an automatic document feeding unit SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 that automatically feeds a document, and a reading device body 822 that reads an image of the document. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the reading device main body 822 is provided with a document table 826.

The multi-function device main body 830 includes a sheet feeding unit 10 that feeds a sheet, a manual feeding unit 20 that can manually feed the sheet, and a sheet feeding unit 10 or a sheet that is fed by the manual feeding unit 20. An image forming unit 30 that forms an image.

The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a sheet stacking unit 11 that stacks sheets, and a separating and feeding unit 12 that separately feeds the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 one by one. The sheet stacking unit 11 includes an intermediate plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13, and the intermediate plate 14 rotates when feeding a sheet and lifts the sheet upward. The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds the sheet lifted by the middle plate 14, and a pair of separation rollers 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one. ..

The manual sheet feeding unit 20 includes a manual sheet feeding tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation sheet feeding unit 22 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the manual sheet feeding tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the main body 830 of the multifunction peripheral, and when manually fed, the sheets can be stacked by fixing the manual feed tray 21 at a predetermined angle. The separation feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 that feeds the sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, a separation roller 24 and a separation pad 25 that separate the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one. I have it.

The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y to 31K that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K described below. An exposure device 32 that exposes the surface of the photoconductor drum, a transfer unit (transfer unit) 33 that transfers the toner image formed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to a sheet, and a fixing unit 34 that fixes the transferred toner image to the sheet. And are equipped with. The alphabets (Y, M, C, K) added to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

Each of the four process cartridges 31</b>Y to 31</b>K is configured to be removable from the multifunction machine body 830 and can be replaced. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K have the same configuration except that the color of the image to be formed is different, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms the image of yellow (Y) will be described, and the process cartridge 31M will be described. Description of ~31K is omitted.

The process cartridge 31Y includes a photoconductor drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y that charges the photoconductor drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 740Y, and a photoconductor. And a drum cleaner 743Y for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device body (not shown in detail) for developing the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) for supplying toner to the developing device body. The toner cartridge is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the developing device main body, and when the stored toner runs out, it can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced.

The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) that emits laser light, a plurality of mirrors (not shown) that guide the laser light to the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and the like. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries the toner images formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K to the intermediate transfer belt 35. 36Y to 36K, a secondary transfer roller 37 that secondarily transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 35 onto a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched around a driving roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (holds) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the driving roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip portion NP. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that is in pressure contact with the heating roller 34a.

The operation panel unit 843 includes a display unit 845 that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 that allows the user to input an instruction to the document reading device 820 and the multifunction peripheral body 830. In the present embodiment, the operation panel unit 843 is arranged on the front side of the reading device body 822. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper of FIG. 3, and the back side corresponds to the back side of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the arithmetic processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841a for driving and controlling the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820, and various programs for operating the CPU 841a. The memory 841b stores various information used by the CPU 841a. The arithmetic processing unit 841 integrally controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the document reading device 820 based on the operation of the operation panel unit 843 by the user, Form an image on the sheet.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 800 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 201, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 205, an HDD (Hard Disk drive) 203, a clock 204, an image processing unit 102, and a BT. A detection unit 300, an audio circuit unit (audio output unit) 400, a speaker driving unit 500, and a speaker 501 are provided.

The ROM 201 is a non-rewritable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be executed by the CPU and immutable data used by the program. The EEPROM 205 is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and holds data written by the CPU 841a or the like that executes a program, as described later. The HDD 203 holds image data and data described below. The clock 204 counts the date and time. The CPU 841a can read data and date and time from the ROM 201, the EEPROM 205, and the HDD 203.

The image processing unit 102 processes an image read by the document reading device 820, an image to be output to the image forming unit 30, and the like.

The BT detection unit 300 performs processing such as detection of BT devices #1, #2,..., #i,... As described below. The BT detection unit 300 includes a CPU 300a, a ROM 300b that holds a program or data executed by the CPU 300a, and a RAM 300c to/from which data is read/written by the CPU 300a.

The audio circuit unit (audio output unit) 400 drives the speaker driving unit 500 with an audio signal in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 841a, and thereby audio is output from the speaker 501. In particular, the audio circuit unit 400 can adjust the volume based on the instruction from the CPU 841a, and can output the predetermined utterance content as audio from the speaker 501 based on the instruction from the CPU 841a.

Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the arithmetic processing unit 841) by the multifunction peripheral 800 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 30 forms the image of the read document fed by the document automatic feeding unit 824 and read by the reading device main body 822 on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 10. An image forming operation will be described as an example.

When an image formation start signal is transmitted by the input to the input unit 847 of the operation panel unit 843 by the user, the read document placed on the document automatic feeding unit 824 is automatically moved toward the document reading position by the user. The image is fed and the image is read by the reading device main body 822 at the document reading position.

When the image of the document is read by the reading device main body 822, the exposure device 32 irradiates the plurality of laser beams corresponding to the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K based on the read image information of the document. At this time, the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are precharged by the chargers 741Y to 741K, respectively, and the laser light corresponding to each of the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K is applied to the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. An image is formed. Then, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y to 742K, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K. ) And black (K) toner images are formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drums 740Y to 740K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the transferred toner images (full-color toner images) are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt. While being carried by 35, it is conveyed to the nip portion NP.

In parallel with the above-mentioned image forming operation, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are separated by the separating and feeding unit 12 one by one, and are fed to the sheet conveying path 26 by the pickup roller 15. The skew is corrected by the registration roller pair 27 located upstream of the nip portion NP in the sheet conveying direction, and the sheet is conveyed to the nip portion NP at a predetermined conveying timing. The full-color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred to the sheet conveyed to the nip portion NP by the secondary transfer roller 37.

The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and the sheet is discharged by the discharging roller pair 18 to the outside of the apparatus. The sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus are stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit 19.

When images are formed on both sides of the sheet (first side and second side), the discharge roller pair 18 is reversely rotated before the sheet having the image formed on the first side is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 17 and is conveyed again to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 17. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface and discharged to the outside of the apparatus. The sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus are stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit 19.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, when the power button is pressed to supply power to the MFP 800, the CPU 841a executes initial setting (S1). In the initial setting, the CPU 841a, CPU port settings necessary for operation, clearing of the RAM 841b, and fetching of data from the EEPROM 205, HDD 203, and clock 204 are executed.

After that, the CPU 841a executes the initial sequence for starting up the MFP 800 (S2), and enters the ready state in which the operation of the MFP 800 can be executed (YES in S3).

In this embodiment, in order to execute the function, it is necessary to set necessary data in the memory. In FIG. 4, when the MFP operation sequence (S4) is repeated, it is necessary to shift to various setting modes. Yes (YES in S5).

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for registering the BT device information in order to previously register the BT device to be monitored will be described.

The HDD 203, which is a type of non-volatile memory, has an area for storing Bluetooth device information (hereinafter referred to as “BT device information”) and the like.

When the BT device information automatic acquisition mode is entered in the data setting mode (YES in S11), the CPU 841a issues an information transfer request to the Bluetooth detection unit (hereinafter referred to as "BT detection unit") 300 (S12). The BT detection unit 300 transfers the currently detected BT device information to the CPU 841a (S13).

When the BT device information manual acquisition mode is entered in the data setting mode (NO in S11), the CPU 841a accepts the BT device information input by the user via the user interface (S15).

The CPU 841a temporarily displays the BT device information acquired in the BT device information automatic acquisition mode or the BT device information manual acquisition mode on the operation panel unit 843. Then, the CPU 841a stores the BT device information regarding the BT device selected as the monitoring target by the operator using the operation panel unit in the area of the HDD 203 for storing the BT device information and the like (S14).

In the BT device information manual acquisition mode, after the BT device information input by the user via the user interface is accepted (S15), the BT device information is stored in the HDD 203 without being temporarily displayed on the operation panel unit 843. You can Alternatively, BT devices that are not monitored may be registered. It is also possible to display a list of monitored or unmonitored BT devices on the operation panel and deregister the BT device selected by the user in the list.

An area for storing BT device information and the like may be provided in the EEPROM 205 instead of the HDD 203.

Further, it is not always necessary to perform pairing between the MFP 800 and the BT device.

Let M be the number of BT devices to be monitored whose BT information is stored in the area for storing the BT device information to be monitored in the HDD 203 or the EEPROM 25.

Therefore, the number of BT devices selected as a monitoring target by the operator using the operation panel is M. Even if the BT device has acquired the BT device information in the BT device information automatic acquisition mode or the BT device information manual acquisition mode, there is a BT device that is not selected as a monitoring target by the operator using the operation panel. It is also possible to register the BT device information relating to the above so that it can be selected as a monitoring target later. Alternatively, the BT device already selected as the monitoring target may be excluded from the monitoring target, the BT device information may be left, and the BT device may be selected again.

When the setting mode is completed (S16), the process returns to S2.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a method for performing registration related to voice setting will be described.

According to the basic setting of the voice output, the voice output from the MFP can be enabled or disabled during the normal operation (S4: during the MFP operation sequence). That is, if the basic settings for voice output are valid, the audio output from the MFP is valid during normal operation, but if the basic settings for voice output are invalid, even during normal operation. , The voice output from the MFP is disabled.

Further, when the basic setting of the voice output is valid, it is possible to control the valid/invalid of the voice output and the volume control by using the BT device information.

In this embodiment, the EEPROM 205 stores setting data relating to control of audio output.

At the time of producing the MFP 800, initial setting data regarding control of voice output is registered in the EEPROM 205.

Then, after the start by turning on the power or the like, if the MFP operation sequence is executed through the initial setting (S1) and the like (S4), and if the setting mode regarding voice output is entered by the user's instruction or the like (S5). YES), the method for registering the voice settings shown in FIG. 6 is executed.

In this method, first, the initial setting data is read from the EEPROM 205, and a screen representing it is displayed on the operation panel unit. In particular,
-Valid setting of voice output is enabled/disabled-Valid output control using BT device information is enabled/disabled-When voice output control using BT device information is enabled, how many (N) or more (here , N≦M) when registered BT devices are detected, the audio output is suppressed (including prohibition). ・When the audio output is suppressed, how much volume should be set (volume output is prohibited when the volume is zero). Corresponding to)
Display information about.

Then, the setting change by the user or the like is accepted (S21, S22, S23, S24), and the setting data representing the changed content is written back to the area for this data provided in the EEPROM 205 or the HDD 203 (S25). ). Then, the process returns to S2.

The operation of the Bluetooth detection unit (monitoring unit) 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

When power is supplied to the MFP when the power is turned on, the CPU 300a included in the BT detection unit 300 performs initial settings (S301) necessary for operation, clears the RAM 300c included in the BT detection unit 300 (S302), and the like.

Then, BT monitoring is started (S303), and in BT device information acquisition (S304), BT device information wirelessly transmitted is acquired. The number of BT devices grasped from the BT device information is zero when there is no BT device that can effectively receive Bluetooth radio waves, and there are Y Y BT devices that can effectively receive Bluetooth radio waves nearby. Y when you are Here, Y is a natural number.

The BT device information B acquired in 304 most recently executed is compared with the BT device information A stored in the RAM included in the BT detection unit 300 in the previous cycle (S305).

If they do not match (NO in S305), the BT device information A is updated with the BT device information B, and this is stored in the RAM included in the BT detection unit 300 (S306). Specifically, the difference between the BT device information B and the BT device information A is detected, and the BT device information A is updated with this difference. Further, the BT device information A may be simply replaced with the result of the BT device information B detected this time.

For example, if the BT devices indicated by the BT device information A are BT#1, BT#2, BT#3 and the BT devices indicated by the BT device information B are BT#2, BT#3, BT#4. , BT#1 is deleted, and BT#4 is added so that the BT device information A is updated.

If they match (YES in S305), S306 is bypassed.

Next, if there is a transfer request of S12 or S44 (described later) from the CPU (YES in S307), S308 and S309 are executed, and if there is no transfer request of S12 or S44 from the CPU (in S307). NO), S308 and S309 are bypassed. Then, after waiting for a fixed time (for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds) (S310), the BT monitoring (S303) is restarted.

In S308 and S309, the BT device information at the stage of proceeding to S307 is transferred to the CPU 841a.

Therefore, the CPU 841a can always obtain the latest BT device information from the BT detection unit 300.

Next, the audio output process included in the MFP operation sequence (S4 (FIG. 4)) will be described with reference to FIG. This is mainly executed by the CPU 841a.

In the MFP operation sequence (S4), the voice output process is called when the MFP performs a predetermined action that requires voice output. For example, when the MFP starts a certain function, the voice output process is called when notifying or guiding the user of something.

When the voice output process is called, it is first checked whether or not the basic setting of voice output is valid in the setting data stored in the EEPROM 205 (S41).

If invalid (NO in S41), voice output is omitted.

If it is valid (YES in S41), it is checked whether or not the control of the audio output using the BT device information is valid in the setting data stored in the EEPROM 205 (S42).

If it is invalid (NO in S42), the specified volume is set in the audio circuit unit 400 (S50), and the audio circuit unit 400 is caused to output audio using the speaker drive unit 500 and the speaker 501 (S51).

If it is valid (YES in S42), the registered BT device information is read from the HDD 203 (S43), and the BT device information transfer is requested to the BT detection unit 300 (S44).

In response to this, the BT detection unit 300 transfers the latest BT device information to the CPU 841a (S307, S308, S309). The latest BT device information includes information about all currently detected BT devices.

If the acquisition of the BT device information (S45A) is completed (YES in S45B), the MFP is currently selected based on the BT device information of each BT device acquired in S45A and the BT device information of the BT device registered as the monitoring target. The number X of valid BT devices existing in the vicinity of is calculated (S46). Here, the valid BT device is a BT device registered as a monitoring target in the HDD. Therefore, the number of valid BT devices is checked by checking whether or not each BT device grasped based on the BT device information acquired in S45A is a registered BT device grasped from the BT device information read from the HDD. X can be obtained.

Next, if the effective number X is less than the number threshold N (NO in S47), the specified volume is set in the audio circuit unit 400 (S50), and the speaker drive unit 500 and the speaker are used in the audio circuit unit 400. A voice is output (S51).

On the other hand, if the effective number X is equal to or larger than the number threshold N (YES in S47), the volume in the setting data stored in the EEPROM 205 is checked (S48).

If the volume is zero (YES in S48), the voice output is omitted.

On the other hand, if the volume is not zero (NO in S48), the volume in the setting data stored in the EEPROM 205 is set in the voice circuit unit 400 (S49), and the speaker drive unit 500 and the speaker are set in the voice circuit unit 400. It is used to output a voice (S51).

Although not described above, when the information of the BT device registered in the MFP is constantly detected (for example, a person who carries out the normal work with the BT device is installed in the place where the MFP is installed). However, if the BT device is continuously detected for a certain period of time, the number of such devices may be excluded from the effective number X.

As shown in FIG. 9, the voice output time zone setting (S26) may be added to the voice-related settings described with reference to FIG. The number of voice output time zones may be one or plural. By default, it may be possible to output audio all day.

In the determination in S41 (FIG. 8), even if the basic setting of the voice output is valid, this is considered invalid when the time is not included in the voice output time zone. For this purpose, for example, the method shown in FIG. 8 is changed to the method shown in FIG. In the method shown in FIG. 10, a method of determining whether or not the current time belongs to the voice output time zone is added to the beginning of the method shown in FIG. 8 (S52). If it does not belong (NO in S52), the voice output is omitted, and if it belongs and enters (YES in S52), the process proceeds to S41.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 8 is called when the MFP performs a predetermined operation that requires voice output. Then, if the number X of audio output effective units is equal to or greater than the unit threshold N, the volume is reduced to zero or a predetermined amount (YES in S47, S42, S50).

Therefore, when it is necessary for the MFP to output a voice, the valid voice output number X grasped by the MFP 800 is compared with the number threshold N.

Here, the effective number of voice output X grasped by the MFP 800 is the number grasped by the BT detection unit 300 immediately before the start of S307 in each iteration of the method shown in FIG.

The method shown in FIG. 8 can be divided into the method shown in FIG. 11 and the method shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 11 is changed to the method shown in FIG.

As a result, it becomes possible to compare the average number of effective audio output units X′ with the unit number threshold N for a certain period of time, which is traced back in the past from the time when the MFP performs a predetermined operation that requires audio output.

[Third Embodiment]
The individual BT devices may not be counted as valid BT devices unless the detection time exceeds a predetermined time.

[Fourth Embodiment]
You may combine 2nd Embodiment and 3rd Embodiment. In other words, at each time point, the BT devices whose detection period has been retroactively counted from that time point for the first predetermined time or longer are counted, and the average audio output of the counts for the second predetermined time period retroactively counted from the time point when judgment is required The effective number X′ may be obtained and compared with the number threshold N.

[Fifth Embodiment]
For example, a specific BT device such as a BT device attached to the electronic blackboard may be excluded from the detected BT devices in order to count the effective number.

In addition, the BT device that is always provided in the conference room may be excluded from the detected BT devices in order to count the effective number.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the sound output is prohibited both when the sound output is prohibited and the condition for reducing the volume is satisfied, and when the predetermined application is executed on the electronic blackboard even if the condition is not satisfied. Or reduce the volume. Taking the case based on the first embodiment as an example, when the number X of detected BT devices to be monitored is greater than or equal to a threshold value N, and when the number X is less than the threshold value, a predetermined application is executed on the electronic blackboard. In both cases, the audio output may be prohibited or the volume may be reduced. When the second embodiment to the fifth embodiment are basically used, the conditions to be satisfied are different. However, even when such a condition is satisfied, the predetermined application can be executed on the electronic blackboard even if the condition is not satisfied. In both cases, the audio output may be prohibited or the volume may be reduced.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, audio output is performed both when the condition for prohibiting audio output and reducing the volume is satisfied, and when the condition is not satisfied and the conference is reserved in the conference room reservation system. You may prohibit or reduce the volume. Taking the case based on the first embodiment as an example, in the conference room reservation system, the number X of detected BT devices to be monitored is greater than or equal to a threshold N and the number is less than the threshold. In both cases where the conference is reserved, audio output may be prohibited or the volume may be reduced. In the case where the second to fifth embodiments are basically used, the conditions to be satisfied are different. However, when the conditions are satisfied and whether the conditions are not satisfied, the conference is reserved in the conference room reservation system. In both cases, the audio output may be prohibited or the volume may be reduced.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The voice control may be performed as in the above embodiment, and the use of the MFP may be restricted. That is, when controlling the voice, the operation by the user may not be accepted. Further, if it is in operation (for example, while making a large number of copies), it may be interrupted.

Further, the voice control may be performed as in the above embodiment, and the operation mode of the MFP 800 may be switched to the silent mode.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In S46 of the first embodiment, based on the BT device information of each BT device acquired in S45A and the BT device information read from the HDD in S43, the valid BT devices currently existing in the vicinity of the MFP are identified. Calculate the number X. For this purpose, it is checked whether or not each BT device grasped based on the BT device information acquired in S45A is a registered BT device grasped from the BT device information read from the HDD.

Therefore, it is possible to recognize in S46 the BT device that has acquired the BT device information in S45A and has not been registered.

Such a BT device capable of additionally registering a BT device may be displayed on a screen or the like and registered if the user permits.

[Tenth Embodiment]
If the same person owns a plurality of registered BT devices, such a person may be counted as a plurality of persons in the first embodiment.

In order to avoid this, in the tenth embodiment, the number of persons is used instead of the number of registered BT devices. That is, in the first embodiment, the effective number X and the number threshold N are compared in the determination of S47, but instead, the number X'and the number threshold N'are compared. For this purpose, a table showing a one-to-N relationship between a person and a BT device is used. If a BT device is detected, it is determined that there is a corresponding person in this table. Then, the number of persons determined to be present is counted.

For example, when the person P1 owns the BT devices E1-1 and E1-2, the person P2 owns the BT devices E2-1 and E2-2, and the person P3 owns the BT devices E3-1 and E3-2, If E1-1, E3-1, and E3-2 are detected, it is determined that the persons P1 and P3 are present.

[Eleventh Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, if the type of meeting is different depending on the day of the week, the time zone or the date, the time zone, etc., the number threshold N may be different.

[Twelfth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the number-of-units threshold may be adjusted according to the expected number of guests or the actual number of guests in a meeting or the like. For example, if the number of guests is Z, the number threshold may be changed from N to NZ.

[Thirteenth Embodiment]
The voice control may be performed as in the above-described embodiment, and the voice output may be prohibited or the volume may be reduced in a specific time zone such as nighttime or lunch break. The time may be repeated every day, may be a weekly time period, may be a monthly time period, or may be an irregular time period.

[Thirteenth Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the number of people near the MFP is calculated based on the BT device that performs Bluetooth communication, but the number of people near the MFP is calculated based on the device that performs other communication. Good.

For example, even if the MFP has the function of a WiFi (registered trademark) base station, the distance to the WiFi device connected to the MFP is measured by the radio field intensity, and the number of WiFi devices whose distance is less than a predetermined value is obtained. Good.

The above-mentioned device with a voice output function can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the audio output control method performed by the above-mentioned multifunction peripheral can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by the computer reading and executing the program.

The program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and can be supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a magnetic recording medium (for example, flexible disk, magnetic tape, hard disk drive), magneto-optical recording medium (for example, magneto-optical disk), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R/W, and semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)) are included. In addition, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit or the main characteristics thereof. Therefore, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example and should not be limitedly interpreted. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can be used to control the audio output from the device.

300 Bluetooth detection unit 301 Bluetooth device 800 MFP
830 Multifunction device main unit 841 Arithmetic processing unit 820 Original reading device 843 Operation panel unit 102 Image processing unit

Claims (14)

Based on at least the number of persons near the device with the voice output function when the voice output process is called, whether to set the volume of the voice output by the voice output process to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero. A device with a voice output function, which makes a determination and, if the determination result is affirmative, sets the volume of the voice output by the voice output processing to a volume below a predetermined volume or to zero. The device with a voice output function according to claim 1,
The number of people near the device with voice output function is the number of people near the device with voice output function at the time when the voice output process is called, or retroactively from the time when the voice output process is called. A device with a voice output function, which is an average number of persons near the device with a voice output function in a predetermined period over a predetermined period. The device with a voice output function according to claim 1 or 2,
A device with a voice output function, characterized in that the number of persons is obtained based on the number of devices that have been detected to be in the vicinity of the device. The device with a voice output function according to claim 3,
A device with a voice output function, characterized in that the number of devices that have been detected to be in the vicinity of the device is corrected by the number of devices that can be constantly detected by a detection device that can detect such devices. The device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A device with a voice output function, characterized in that the judgment is made by comparing the number of persons near the device with a voice output function with a predetermined threshold value. The device with a voice output function according to claim 5,
The device with a voice output function, wherein the threshold is adjustable. The device with a voice output function according to claim 6,
The device with a voice output function, wherein the threshold value is adjusted according to at least one of an expected conference type and the number of guests expected in the conference. A device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A device with a voice output function, which makes the determination result affirmative while a predetermined application is being executed on the electronic blackboard. A device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A device with a voice output function, which makes the judgment result affirmative in a specific time zone. The device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A device with an audio output function, which limits use of the device if the result of the determination is positive. A device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A device with a voice output function, which stops the operation or operates in a silent mode when the determination result is affirmative. The device with a voice output function according to claim 1, wherein the device is a multi-function peripheral. Based on at least the number of persons near the device with the voice output function when the voice output process is called, whether to set the volume of the voice output by the voice output process to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero. A method for controlling voice output, characterized in that the volume of voice output by the voice output processing is set to a volume less than a predetermined volume or zero if the determination result is affirmative. A program for causing a computer to function as the device with a voice output function according to any one of claims 1 to 11.