JPH03141763A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability by outputting guidance information, which are read out from a storing means, as sounds for each processing step corresponding to the input of a guide key. CONSTITUTION:In a facsimile equipment 1 to execute the transmission/reception processing of picture information, copy processing and management processing, when the desired guide key provided in an operation display part 2 is inputted, the guidance information for each processing step stored in a sound memory 6 are read out through a CPU 3 and synthesized by a sound synthesizing output device 7. Then, the synthesized sounds are outputted from a loudspeaker 8. By this sound guidance, the operability is improved and usability is more improved for the respective functions of the facsimile equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine with improved operability.

(Prior Art) Recently, with the spread of fusing devices, their functions have become more diverse and sophisticated. For example, memory transmission function,
It has various functions such as a broadcast transmission function, a confidential function, a specified time transmission function, and a copy function, and the operator selects these functions by operating the keys on the operation section.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, although the functions of such conventional facsimile devices are diversified and sophisticated, it is necessary to read the instruction manual in order to select and use these functions. See and operate
In particular, it was necessary to perform this by operating keys on the operation unit. Key operations performed while referring to the instruction manual are not only troublesome, but also difficult because the operations are performed while referring to the instruction manual.

(Object of the Invention) Therefore, the invention as claimed in claim 1 improves the operability of the facsimile machine by outputting voice guidance information corresponding to each processing step when the guide key is inserted. Aiming at improving the usability and convenience of the function, the invention as claimed in claim 2 is capable of registering guidance information in various storage media, thereby adapting the facsimile machine to the type and price of the facsimile machine. The invention as claimed in claim 3 further improves the operability of the facsimile machine by preparing guidance information according to the type and level of the operator. The purpose is to further improve the usability of each function of the factor ξ device.

(Structure of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides a method for outputting audio guidance information in a facsimile machine that performs image information transmission/reception processing, copying processing, management processing, etc. A guide key, a storage means for storing guidance information, an audio output means for outputting the guidance information in the storage means as audio, and when the guide key is inserted, guidance information corresponding to each processing stage is read out from the storage means and the guidance information is outputted as audio. A control means for outputting from the output means;
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the storage means uses a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, etc. This device is characterized by storing guidance information according to purpose, such as information, guidance information for women, guidance information for professional operators, etc.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given based on examples.

1 to 4 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the invention according to claims 1, 2, and 3.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine 1, which includes an operation display section 2, a CPU (Central
al Processing Unit) 3, RO
M (Read Only Memory) 4, RA
M CRandom Access Me+++ory
) 5, voice memory (storage means) 6, voice synthesis output section 7,
It includes a speaker 8, an audio input section 9, a microphone 10, a communication control section 11, a modem 12, a network control section 13, a scanner 14, a plotter 15, an encoding/decoding section 16, and the like.

The factor ξ device W1 is provided with operation keys such as a numeric keypad, YES key, NO key, guide key, and other various keys, as well as a display section.
In particular, commands and the like for guidance processing of the present invention are input. As a display unit, for example, an LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display) is used,
Displays input commands and information transmitted to the operator from the facsimile machine.

A basic program for the facsimile machine 1, a guidance processing program of the present invention, etc. are stored in the ROMd, and the CPU 3 controls each part of the facsimile machine 1 according to the program in the ROM4 to execute the sequence as the facsimile machine 1. , executes the guidance processing of the present invention.

The RAM 5 stores various data necessary for controlling the facsimile device 1, such as a destination telephone number, and various data necessary for the guidance processing of the present invention, such as, as will be described later.
Store parameters, indexes, etc.

Various media can be used as the audio memory 6,
For example, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, and even magnetic tape are used. Guidance information of the present invention is stored in advance in the audio memory 6, and its storage format is determined by the type of each medium.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that a ROM is used, and the voice memory 6 stores guidance information according to application, such as guidance information for beginners, guidance information for women, and guidance information for expert operators.

The speech synthesis output section 7 uses, for example, speech synthesis LS+, and synthesizes the guidance information read from the speech memory 6 into speech.

The speaker 8 amplifies and outputs the guidance information synthesized by the voice synthesis output section 7, and the voice input from the microphone 10 is converted into a signal by the voice input section 9. The speaker 8 and the microphone 10 constitute a handset 17, and the guidance information is heard from the speaker 8 of the handset 17.

The communication control unit 11 converts facsimile control signals with the other party's facsimile device and executes facsimile communication procedures.

The modem 12 modulates the transmitted signal and demodulates the received signal.

A line (for example, a public telephone line) L is connected to the network control unit 13, and the network control unit 13 automatically receives a call from the line, and also processes an automatic call to the line. conduct.

As the scanner 14, for example, a CCD (Charge
C.

An image scanner using an uploaded device is used, and the scanner 14 scans a document and reads image information of the document.

As the plotter 15, for example, a thermal storage device using a thermal element is used, and the plotter 15 records image information directly on thermal recording paper or indirectly on ordinary recording paper via an ink sheet.

The encoding/decoding unit 16 encodes image information using a predetermined encoding method, and also decodes the encoded information.

Next, the action will be explained.

Each invention of the present application is characterized in that when the guide key is inserted, guidance information corresponding to each processing step is outputted by voice. This guidance process will be explained below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

The following description assumes that a document is set and various functions are selected. When setting a manuscript and selecting various functions, a numeric keypad is used to input the department code, number of manuscripts, and fixed phrases.

Then, the CPU 3 determines whether the department code has been input (step S) or whether the number of original sheets has been input (step S2).
) or a fixed phrase selection code (step S, ), etc., and if a department code (for example, a 4-digit number) is input using the numeric keypad, the index code (I
NDEX) is set to "2" and the parameter is manually processed (step S4.35).

In this parameter input process, as shown in FIG.
YES” key, ’N○” key, or “Guide”
Please check the keys etc. Steps P2, P3, P4),
When the ``YES'' key is input, the parameter setting process
That is, input parameters are set as IN and PARA (step Ps). When the “No” key is input,
Manual parameter clearing process, i.e., input “0”,
It is set as PARA and key-in processing is performed (step P6, PI). Also, when the ``Guide'' key is input,
Guide processing is performed and the next key-in processing is performed (step P). When the above "YES" key is pressed, the parameter setting process is performed and this flow is ended, and the process returns to the flow shown in Figure 2 to set IN and PARA to the department parameters (BUM).
ON.

PARA) (step S6). IN, P
When the ARA setting is completed, similarly check the human power of the numeric keypad (steps 81 to S3), and if the number of manuscripts is manually operated, similarly set INDEX to "3" and perform parameter input processing (step S7, Ss). . When the parameter manual processing is completed, IN and PARA are set to the number of originals (G
ENKOU) to check the numeric keypad strength (step S1.5l-83), and when the standard writing skill is selected, similarly set INDEX to 4'' and perform parameter input processing (steps S1゜, Sz ).When the parameter manual processing is completed, IN and PARA are converted into fixed phrases (TE I
KE I) Check the settings in step s, 2), and check the input of the numeric keypad and start key (step 3).
1~Sz, S+z). In this way, by checking the human power of the numeric keypad, you can check the basic mode such as department code input, input of the number of manuscripts, or standard human power, that is, the processing stage, and use the INDEX to determine which mode it is currently in, that is, which processing stage. Remember it. As shown in FIG. 3, when the guide key is pressed during operation in that mode (step P), the guide process is performed (step P).
Step P,).

As shown in FIG. 4, this guide processing includes step Q1) in which the handset 17 is checked to see if it is off-hook, and if the handset 17 is not off-hook, an off-hook instruction such as "Please take the hand cent" is displayed on the operation display section 2. section and check if it goes off-hook (
Step Q2).

When handset 17 goes off-hook, “Start”
It is checked in steps Q3 and Q4) whether a key has been pressed or a "stop" key has been pressed. If the "stop" key has been pressed, it is determined that guidance is not necessary and the guide processing is terminated. When the "start" key is pressed, the corresponding guidance information is read out from the voice memory 6 based on the value of INDEX and output to the voice synthesis section 7 (step Q). This INDEX indicates the mode, that is, each processing stage as described above, and for example, I
When NDEX is "l", it indicates idling, and the guidance information is a simple explanation of how to use the facsimile machine l and how to set a document, and when INDEX is "°2", it indicates department code processing, and the guidance information is indicates the explanation of the department code and the input method, INDEX is "3" indicates the input process for the number of manuscripts, and the guidance information is
This includes an explanation of the number of manuscripts and an explanation of the input method. Note that this department code is a code that is determined for each destination when charge management is performed. Step Qh) in which the guidance information sent from the voice memory 6 is synthesized in the voice synthesis output section 7 and outputted as voice from the speaker 8;
The guidance information read out from the audio memory 6 is output to the plotter 15 and recorded on recording paper as a guide list (step Q).

This guidance information is stored in the voice memory 6 according to the level of operator, such as for beginners, for women, and for expert operators, and according to purpose, and can be selected by key operation as appropriate. Here, the guidance information for beginners refers to guidance information of basic key operations that are easy to understand even for beginners, and the guidance information for women refers to guidance information of a normal level using a male voice. Further, the guidance information for specialized operators refers to guidance information that provides advanced operation guidance using technical terms, and guidance information in a female voice may be included as guidance information for men. Furthermore, the user may be able to freely replace the contents of the audio memory 6, and in this case, it is possible to clarify in detail the parts that require particular attention.

Furthermore, a reference page of the instruction manual may be included in the content of the guidance information, and in this case, the instruction manual can be used effectively.

Therefore, the operator can operate the facsimile machine 1, particularly key operations, using voice guidance information from the handset 17, and can easily and easily utilize the functions of the facsimile machine 1. As a result, the usability and convenience of the facsimile device 1 can be improved.

Further, various storage media can be used as the audio memory 6, and the usability of each function of the facsimile device 1 can be improved by adapting it to the type and price of the facsimile device 1.

Further, it is possible to select and use guidance information according to the type and level of the operator, and it is possible to provide appropriate guidance information. Therefore, the operability of the facsimile device 1 can be further improved, and the usability of each function of the facsimile device 1 can be further improved.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the voice guidance is output from the speaker 8 of the handset 17, the guidance information may be leaked to others near where the fuji device l is installed, causing a nuisance at work or the like. Also, you will not feel embarrassed if others hear that you are listening to guidance information.

Further, in the embodiment described above, since the guidance information is recorded and output as a guide list, it is possible to check the guide list and perform operations reliably. However, the purpose of the present invention can be fully achieved even without outputting the guide list.

The above guidance processing and parameter manual processing are completed,
When the start key is pressed (step Sl:l), transmission processing is performed (step S +-), and INDEX is set to I.
11 and returns to the initial state (step 515).

In the above embodiment, the case of transmission has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to deal with each mode of the facsimile apparatus 1.

(Effects) According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, by inserting the guide key, guidance information corresponding to each processing step can be outputted by voice, so the operability of the facsimile machine can be improved. The usability and convenience of each function of the facsimile device can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the guidance information can be registered in various storage media, the usability of each function of the facsimile device can be improved by adapting it to the type and price of the facsimile device.

According to the invention set forth in claim 3, since the guidance information corresponding to the type and level of the operator is provided, the fuji ξ
The operability of the facsimile device can be further improved, and the usability of each function of the facsimile device can be further improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus, FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main processing of the facsimile apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the parameter input process, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the guidance process. 1...Facsimile machine, 2...Operation display section, 3...CPU, 4...ROM. 5...RAM, 6...Audio memory, 7...Speech synthesis output section, 8...Speaker 9...Audio input section , 10...Microphone, 11...Communication control section, 12...Modem, 13...Network control section, 14...Scanner, 15...Protector, 16... Encoding/decoding section, 17... Handset. Agent Patent Attorney Ariga

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In a facsimile machine that performs image information transmission/reception processing, copying processing, management processing, etc., a guide key for outputting voice guidance information, a storage means for storing guidance information, and guidance for the storage means A voice output means for outputting information as voice, a control means, and a control means for reading guidance information corresponding to each processing step from the storage means and outputting it from the voice output means when the guide key is inserted. A facsimile device featuring: (2) A facsimile device characterized in that a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or the like is used as the storage means. (3) A facsimile apparatus characterized in that the storage means stores guidance information according to application, such as guidance information for beginners, guidance information for women, and guidance information for expert operators.