JPH04238535A - Operation manual generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the availability of explanation data and processing speed in respect of an operation manual generating device by editing and generating an operation manual necessary for using a machine by combining freely the explanation data of operating contents in accordance with the request of an operator, and outputting it, and simultaneously, transferring the explanation data of low frequency in use to an external storage means. CONSTITUTION:Equipment stores the explanation data of the operating contents necessary in every processing step required for offering communication service in an instruct information storage means 21, and when the request for the operation manual arises, it edits and generates the operation manual by combining the explanation data of the operating contents at every processing step required for the communication service corresponding to the request into the operation manual by an editing control means 23, and transmits it to a communication terminal. Besides, it stores previously the frequency in use of every explanation data, and transfers the explanation data of the low frequency in use to the external storage means, and deletes it from the instruct information storage means 21.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an operation manual creation device, and more particularly, to an operation manual creation device that edits, creates, and outputs an operation manual necessary for performing the functions of a device according to an operator's request. Regarding equipment.

0002

[Prior Art] Information processing equipment, word processors, etc.
As the functions of communication devices such as A-devices and facsimile mail devices become more sophisticated, the operations become more complex.
In order to fully utilize the functions of a device, detailed knowledge of the device is required. For this reason, devices have traditionally been accompanied by detailed operating manuals, and operators operate the devices while referring to the operating manuals.

However, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated, operation manuals also become more detailed and thick, making it difficult to make full use of the operation manuals. Therefore, in the past, the equipment itself was equipped with a so-called help function, and when the operator became unable to understand how to operate the equipment, by inserting a help key, etc., the meaning of the key and information matching the operator's request were displayed on a display. It is being displayed on the In such conventional help functions, regardless of the operating status of the device,
When the help key is pressed, help information created in advance is displayed on the display. However, simply displaying such pre-prepared help information on a display does not provide help information appropriate to the operator's skill level or stage of operation.

[0004] Conventionally, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-24
As described in Publication No. 3518, the user's input history information and the output information from the application system are analyzed, help items are narrowed down and displayed as a help item table,
When the user selects several items that he/she wants to know in sequence, help information most suitable for the item that the user wants to know is retrieved and displayed based on the user's selection. This help information is created in advance for each help item that the user may request and is stored in the storage unit, and if there is no help information corresponding to the help item selected by the user, the help item selection will be disabled. Expand the range as appropriate and decide which help information to display. Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-262120, when the same operator or operators belonging to the same group perform a certain number of operations, or when the operator determines that certain guidance information is unnecessary, It has been proposed to display only appropriate and necessary guidance information in accordance with the operator's proficiency level by prohibiting the display of this guidance information during the next operation process when an instruction is given. The guidance information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the proficiency level of the operator, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of guidance information and displayed.

Furthermore, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 63-66623, the user can obtain desired information from data regarding the user's personal data and operation history, and data regarding the installation environment and operation history of the terminal device. A method has been proposed that detects an operating method that allows the user to reach a service that is likely to be available in the shortest time and provides it to the user via a display, thereby providing help information that corresponds to the individual's level of proficiency.

[0006] The help information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the proficiency level of the user, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of help information and output. Also, conventionally,
As described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821, there is a means for storing a series of operation procedures for each operation of an application program, and a means for storing guide help information for each unit of operation. A means for storing the guide request as a set, a means for identifying the guide request from the user/application program, and a means for identifying the guide request from the user/application program. means for creating a series of operation procedure sequences from to the end of the operation; means for searching the guide help information for messages corresponding to each of the listed series of operation procedure sequences; and means for searching the guide help information retrieved by the said means. A means for synthesizing and displaying is provided, and guide request contents (
Using a state flow table in which the state and state flow of the application program are stored in advance, an operation procedure state string is created from the state at the time of the guide request to the desired processing, and then each of the operation procedure state strings is A method has been proposed that searches for guidance messages for a particular computer, and finally synthesizes them in the same order as the procedure and outputs the results for display. The guide help information in this case is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation.
Guide help messages for each unit are not edited freely to match the application program, but are synthesized according to a preset sequence of procedures.

[0007]

Problem to be Solved by the Invention However, such conventional help functions, especially,
Regarding the help functions described in Publication No. 8, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-262120, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-66623, even if they output help information that corresponds to the individual's proficiency level, etc. Help information is created in advance and stored in a storage unit, etc., and the help information is selected and output as appropriate depending on the individual's proficiency level from among these multiple pieces of help information, making it impossible to adequately respond to a wide range of requests. Not only that, the more you try to meet a wide range of requests, the more you need a large capacity storage unit to store help information.
There was a problem that the cost was high.

[0008] Furthermore, the help function described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821 allows users to search for guides on specific operating procedures to perform the desired process from the time they have trouble with the operation. In order to display the guide information, it is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation, but the guide information is not synthesized by freely combining help messages for each unit. Even in this conventional example, there is a problem that it does not sufficiently meet a wide range of demands, and that a large-capacity storage unit is required to meet a wide range of demands, resulting in an increase in cost.

[0009]Furthermore, conventional help functions are positioned as supplementary functions to the operation manual attached to the device, and it is assumed that the user has thoroughly read the operation manual to some extent. When a beginner operates the device or loses the operating manual attached to the device, there is a problem that the help function is not sufficient and the device cannot be fully utilized.

[0010] Particularly today, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated and diversified, their operation methods become more complex, and the operation manuals attached to the devices are also thicker and more complicated. It has become difficult to read the manual carefully and master the operating methods. Therefore, unlike conventional help functions, there is a need for an improved man-machine interface that allows users to fully utilize the device without having to read the operating manual attached to the device.

[0011] Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed that, when an operation manual is requested along with the input of data necessary for creating an operation manual, the operations in the processing steps to be executed to realize the functions of the device are executed in the processing step. has proposed an operation manual creation device that creates and outputs an operation manual by freely combining explanatory data for each operation (Japanese Patent Application No. 16365/1999). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately edit and create the operating manual requested by the operator and provide it while reducing the storage capacity of data for creating the operating manual.

However, as the types of equipment increase and the functions of equipment become more sophisticated and diversified, the amount of storage of explanatory data of operation contents increases in the above-mentioned operation manual creation device. Search time is required, and the processing time for creating an operating manual is slowed down. Furthermore, as the amount of explanatory data increases, it becomes necessary to increase memory, increase the number of communication channels, or install a separate operation manual creation device if the operation manual creation device is applied to communication equipment. . Therefore, there is a demand for efficient management of explanatory data for creating operation manuals.

[0013]

[Means for solving the problem] The invention according to claim 1 includes:
A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the contents of the operation are recorded as operation data. an input means for taking in the data as input, a data storage means for extracting and storing the data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data taken in by the input means, and storing data explaining the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. A combination of instruction information storage means to perform the operations, and explanatory data of the operation contents at each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means by analyzing the data stored in the data storage means necessary to realize the intended function. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual; an external storage means for storing less frequently used explanation data among the explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means; and operations stored in the instruction information storage means. a usage frequency detection means for detecting the usage frequency of the content explanatory data within a predetermined period for each explanatory data; a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data detected by the usage frequency detection means; and a usage frequency. Explanation data management for searching the frequency of use of each piece of explanatory data stored in the storage means, transferring explanatory data with a usage frequency below a predetermined frequency to an external storage means for storage, and deleting the explanatory data from the instruction information storage means. and output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means in a predetermined expression form, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the invention is executed by performing a predetermined operation. A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, the device comprising an input means for capturing the operation contents as operation data when an operation is performed on the device, and an input means for capturing the operation data. a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data;
an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of operation contents required for each of the above processing steps; and a system information storage means for storing various system information inputted in advance to realize each function of the device. , analyze the data stored in the data storage means, combine the explanation data of the operation contents in each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means, and incorporate the system information stored in the system information storage means to achieve the purpose. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for realizing the functions to be performed; an external storage means for storing explanation data that is less frequently used among the explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means; A usage frequency detection means for detecting the frequency of use of the explanation data of operation contents stored in the information storage means within a predetermined period for each explanation data; and a use for storing the usage frequency for each explanation data detected by the usage frequency detection means. Frequency storage means searches the usage frequency of each explanatory data stored in the usage frequency storage means, and transfers and stores explanatory data below a predetermined usage frequency to the external storage means, and also stores the explanation from the instruction information storage means. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that it comprises an explanatory data management means for deleting data, and an output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means in a predetermined expression form, When a predetermined operation is performed, the communication terminal receives operation data corresponding to the content of the operation from the communication terminal, and has a communication function that executes a combination of multiple processing steps according to the operation data to realize multiple functions. A device for creating an operation manual for a device, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data received by the reception control means. a data storage means, an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of operation contents required for each of the above processing steps, and an instruction information storage means that analyzes the data stored in the data storage means and stores the analyzed data in the instruction information storage means. Editing control means that edits and creates an operation manual necessary for realizing the desired function by combining the explanation data of the operation contents in each processing step, and the use of the explanation data of the operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means External storage means for storing infrequent explanation data; Usage frequency detection means for detecting the frequency of use within a predetermined period of explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means for each explanation data; and Usage frequency detection means. a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data detected by the means; and an external storage means for searching the usage frequency for each explanatory data stored in the usage frequency storage means and storing explanatory data with a predetermined usage frequency or less. an explanatory data management means for transmitting and storing the explanatory data on the instruction information storage means and deleting the explanatory data from the instruction information storage means; and a transmission control means for transmitting the operation manual created by the editing control means to the communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, when a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and in response to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function that realizes a plurality of functions by combining and executing a plurality of processing steps, the device comprising: a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal; and a reception control means. data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the received data; and instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation content required for each of the above-mentioned processing steps;
A system information storage means for storing various system information that has been inputted in advance to realize each function of the device, and each process that analyzes the data stored in the data storage means and stores it in the instruction information storage means. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function by combining explanatory data of operation contents in steps and incorporating system information stored in a system information storage means; and an instruction information storage means. external storage means for storing less frequently used explanation data among the explanation data of the operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means; A usage frequency detection means for detecting, a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data detected by the usage frequency detection means, and a usage frequency for each explanatory data stored in the usage frequency storage means for searching and predetermining the usage frequency for each explanatory data. explanatory data management means that transfers and stores explanatory data with a usage frequency of less than or equal to the instruction information storage means to an external storage means and deletes the explanatory data from the instruction information storage means; and an operation manual created by the editing control means in response to a request from a communication terminal a transmission control means for transmitting data to the communication terminal according to the request;
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, the device is a facsimile mail device,
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the third or fourth aspect, the device is a device having a communication function, and the reception control means includes an OMR processing means for analyzing OMR data. The invention according to claim 7 is characterized by:
The device according to claim 6 is characterized in that the device is a facsimile mail device.

[0014]

[Operation] In the invention as claimed in claim 1, for each processing step of a device that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is stored in the instruction information storage means. determines the functions requested by the operator from the data input to the equipment,
The editing control means creates an operation manual by freely combining the explanation data of the operation contents for each processing step and provides it to the operator. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the storage unit for storing explanatory data, and to provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of demands of operators.
Further, it is possible to realize the intended functions of the device even without an attached operation manual. Further, the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the explanation data of the operation content stored in the instruction information storage means is retrieved and stored, and the explanation data whose usage frequency is less than the predetermined usage frequency is externally stored from the instruction information storage means. The explanatory data is transferred to a storage device and stored, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, it can be handled without increasing the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means, and the processing speed for creating an operating manual can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve the man-machine interface and fully utilize the functions of the device.

[0015] In the invention according to claim 2, when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the equipment is input in advance, when creating the operation manual according to claim 1, the system information is incorporated into the operation manual. By creating a system, the system information can be entered and operated by operating the operation manual according to its contents, and even if the operator has forgotten or does not know the system information, the operation can be performed according to the operation manual. By doing so, it is possible to realize the intended functions of the device, further improve the man-machine interface, and make the functions of the device easier and more fully utilized. Further, the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the usage frequency of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means is retrieved and stored, and the usage frequency is stored in an external storage from the instruction information storage means. The explanatory data is transferred to the device and stored, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, it can be handled without increasing the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means, and the processing speed for creating an operating manual can be improved.

[0016] The invention as claimed in claim 3 provides a communication device that combines a plurality of processing steps to provide various communication services (functions), and for each processing step, the operation content on the communication terminal necessary for that processing step is determined. storing explanatory data in the instruction information storage means, determining the type of communication service requested by the operator from the data input to the communication equipment, and using the editing control means to determine the type of communication service that should be executed in order to realize the communication service. The explanatory data of the operation contents at each processing step is freely combined, edited and created as an operation manual, and sent to the communication terminal. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage unit for storing explanatory data is reduced, and
It is possible to provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of demands of operators of communication terminals. As a result, even beginners can easily request the communication service of the desired communication device according to the received operation manual even without the attached operation manual, and the man-machine interface can be improved. It is possible to fully utilize the functions of Further, the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the usage frequency of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means is retrieved and stored, and the usage frequency is stored in an external storage from the instruction information storage means. The explanatory data is transferred to the device and stored, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means does not need to be increased, new communication channels need not be added, or operation manual creation devices have not been increased. In addition to being able to respond sufficiently, it is also possible to improve the processing speed of creating an operation manual.

[0017] The invention according to claim 4 is a device having a communication function that receives an operation inquiry from a communication terminal, and when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is input in advance. When creating the operation manual in Section 3, by incorporating this system information and creating the operation manual, the system information can be input and operated by operating the operation manual according to its contents, and the system information can be easily input by the operator. Even if you have forgotten or do not know about the communication function, you can realize the functionality of the device with the desired communication function by following the instructions in the operating manual. It is possible to more easily and fully utilize the functions of a device from a communication terminal. Further, the instruction information storage means searches for and stores the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means, and retrieves the explanation data whose usage frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined usage frequency from the instruction information storage means. The explanatory data is transferred to and stored in an external storage device, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means does not need to be increased, new communication channels need not be added, or operation manual creation devices have not been increased. In addition to being able to respond sufficiently, it is also possible to improve the processing speed of creating an operation manual.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, in a facsimile mail device, inquiries regarding operations are received from the facsimile device itself and a communication terminal, and the functions of the facsimile device itself are realized as desired by the operator and the services of the facsimile mail device are utilized. By creating an operating manual for the operations necessary to do this and sending it to the communication terminal, the functions of the facsimile mail device can be easily and fully utilized from the facsimile mail device itself and the communication terminal. Further, the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the explanation data of the operation content stored in the instruction information storage means is retrieved and stored, and the explanation data whose usage frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined usage frequency is stored from the instruction information storage means in an external storage. The explanatory data is transferred to the device and stored, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means does not need to be increased, new communication channels need not be added, or operation manual creation devices have not been increased. In addition to being able to respond sufficiently, it is also possible to improve the processing speed of creating an operation manual.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in a device having a communication function, the device receives an operation inquiry or communication service using an OMR sheet from a communication terminal, provides the communication service, or provides the communication device for the purpose of the operator. By creating the operation manual necessary to use the functions and sending it to the communication terminal, it is possible to make communication service requests and operation inquiries from the communication terminal even more easily, and the man-machine interface is further improved. This makes it possible to more easily and fully utilize the services of devices equipped with communication functions from communication terminals. Also,
The instruction information storage means searches for and stores the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means, and stores the explanation data whose usage frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined usage frequency from the instruction information storage means into an external storage device. Transfer and memorize,
The explanation data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means does not need to be increased, new communication channels need not be added, or operation manual creation devices have not been increased. In addition to being able to respond sufficiently, it is also possible to improve the processing speed of creating an operation manual.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in a facsimile mail device, a communication service request or operation inquiry is received from a communication terminal using an OMR sheet, and the communication service is provided or a service of the facsimile mail device is provided for the purpose of an operator. By creating the operation manual necessary to use the communication terminal and sending it to the communication terminal,
To make it easier to make communication service requests and operation inquiries to the facsimile mail device, to further improve the man-machine interface, and to make the services of the facsimile mail device easier and more fully utilized from a communication terminal. I can do it. Further, the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the usage frequency of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means is retrieved and stored, and the usage frequency is stored in an external storage from the instruction information storage means. The explanatory data is transferred to the device and stored, and the explanatory data is deleted from the instruction information storage means. Therefore, only frequently used explanation data can be stored in the instruction information storage means, and the speed of searching for explanation data can be improved. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the storage capacity of the instruction information storage means does not need to be increased, new communication channels need not be added, or operation manual creation devices have not been increased. In addition to being able to respond sufficiently, it is also possible to improve the processing speed of creating an operation manual.

[0021]

[Example] The following is a detailed explanation based on an example. 1 and 2 are block diagrams of a facsimile mail device 1 applied to the operation manual creation device of each invention of the present application, and the facsimile mail device 1 includes a system control unit 2,
Disk control units 3, 4, floppy disk device 5, hard disk devices 6, 7, host interface unit 8
and communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn. System control unit 2, disk control units 3 and 4, host interface unit 8, and communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn
are connected by a system bus 9.

The system control unit 2 has an internal memory, a floppy disk device 5, or a hard disk device 6.
, 7, controls each part of the facsimile mail device 1 according to the programs stored in the floppy disk device 5 and the hard disk devices 6 and 7, in particular writes and reads image data to and from the floppy disk device 5 and the hard disk devices 6 and 7, and also controls each communication processing unit FCU.
1 to FCUn, and executes the sequence as the facsimile mail device 1. The facsimile mail device 1 has various communication services such as a proxy communication function, a simultaneous broadcast function, a confidential communication function, a specified time transmission function, a bulletin board service function, a post office box function, and a serial communication function. , these functions (communication services) are executed and controlled by controlling each communication processing unit FCU1 to FCUn. In addition, in order to use each of these functions of the facsimile mail device 1, a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile machine) connected to the facsimile mail device 1 must perform certain operations on the facsimile mail device 1 to request a communication service. According to the present invention, as will be described later, the communication terminal can request the facsimile mail device 1 for an operation manual indicating the operation contents of this communication service request.

[0023] Disk control section 3 and disk control section 4
controls the drive of the floppy disk device 5 and the hard disk devices 6, 7, and sends basic programs and various data as a facsimile mail device to the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk devices 6, 7, such as data sent from a communication terminal. It stores messages and messages sent from the host device (described later). The floppy disk device 5 or the hard disk devices 6, 7 transfers infrequently used explanation data from the communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn, which will be described later, among the explanation data of operation contents necessary for creating an operation manual according to each invention of the present application. receive and accumulate.

A host device, such as a computer device, is connected to the host interface section 8, and the host interface section 8 executes communication control with the host device. What is connected to the host interface unit 8 is not limited to a host device such as a computer device, but may be, for example, another facsimile mail device or the like. In addition, this host interface section 8
For example, a DMAC (direct memory access controller) that directly connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1, a communication control unit that connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1 via a line, etc. are used.

[0025] The communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn are provided as many as the number of storage lines.
As shown in FIG. 2, the communication processing unit FCU1 of CUn includes a network control unit 11, a modem 12, a communication control unit 13,
manual generation buffer 14, encoding/decoding section 15,
Channel control section 16, control program storage section 17, OM
R processing unit 18, data storage unit 19, storage memory 20,
Instruction information storage unit 21, system information storage unit 2
2, an editing control section 23, a bus control section 24, and the like.

A line L1 is connected to the network control unit 11,
For example, a telephone line is connected as the line L1. The network control unit 11 is a so-called AA-NCU, and performs automatic call origination and call termination processing. The modem 12 modulates the transmitted signal and demodulates the received signal. The communication control unit 13 exchanges facsimile control signals with a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile machine) connected via the line L1, and executes a facsimile communication procedure.

[0027] In the manual generation buffer 14, operating manuals for various inventions of the present application, which will be described later, are expanded. Coding·
The decoding unit 15 encodes the message using a predetermined encoding method, and also decodes the encoded message. The control program storage unit 17 stores a basic program as the communication processing unit FCU1, a management processing program for explanation data of operation contents of each invention of the present application, an operation manual generation/output processing program, etc. It controls each part of the communication processing unit FCU1 according to the program in the control program storage unit 17 to execute the sequence as the communication processing unit FCU1, and also executes the explanatory data management process and the operation manual generation/output process of each invention of the present application. In particular, the channel control unit 16 searches the usage frequency of explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 (described later) every predetermined period, and stores the explanation data with low usage frequency from the instruction information storage unit 21 on a floppy disk. Transfer to disk 5 or hard disk 6, 7,
An explanation data management process of deleting from the instruction information storage section 21 is performed. Therefore, the channel control unit 16 includes a usage frequency detection means for detecting the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the explanation data stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 for each explanation data, and a usage frequency detection means for detecting the usage frequency of each explanation data and searching for the usage frequency of each explanation data to obtain a predetermined value. The explanatory data management means is configured to transfer and store explanatory data of which usage frequency is less than or equal to the floppy disk 5 or hard disks 6 and 7, which are external storage means, and to delete the explanatory data from the instruction information storage section 21. There is.

[0028] The OMR processing unit (OMR processing means) 18:
Detection of whether the received message is an OMR sheet message,
When the received message is an OMR sheet message, marks and mark positions on the OMR sheet are detected from the received message on the OMR sheet, and the detection results are stored in the storage memory 20. The data storage unit (data storage means) 19 stores data necessary for creating an operation manual among the data (telegrams, dial tone, etc.) sent from the other party's communication terminal via the line L1, and stores the data necessary for creating the operation manual. The data required for creation includes, for example, an operation manual request command, the type of operation manual requested (i.e., the type of service function that the other operator requests from the facsimile mail device 1), and the type of other operator (for example, the other party's terminal). ID, operator ID, etc.), and data indicating the proficiency level of the other operator. In particular, the data storage section 19
has a usage frequency storage area, and stores usage frequency data of the explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage section 21, which will be described later, for each explanation data in this usage frequency storage area. Therefore, the data storage unit 19 constitutes a usage frequency storage unit that stores the usage frequency of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage unit 21.

As mentioned above, the storage memory 20 has an OM
The detection result of the message on the OMR sheet detected by the R processing section 18, the message other than the OMR sheet, and the explanation data of the operation content stored in the instruction information storage section 21 are transferred to the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk devices 6 and 7. It can be used for temporary storage and also for floppy disk device 5.
and the messages in the hard disk devices 6 and 7 to the communication processing unit FC.
It is temporarily stored when transmitting via U1, or temporarily stored when transferring explanation data of operation contents to communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn.

The instruction information storage unit (instruction information storage means) 21 stores operation details on the communication terminal required for each of a plurality of processing steps to realize the communication service (function) provided by the facsimile mail device 1. Store descriptive data for. That is, when requesting a communication service from the facsimile mail device 1, a certain operation is required for each of the processing steps P0 to P11, as shown in FIG. Explanatory data explaining the operation details on the communication terminal required for each P11 is stored in advance. Therefore, the instruction information storage unit 21 only needs to store explanatory data for each of the processing steps P0 to P11 necessary to realize each function of the facsimile mail device 1, and the There is no need to memorize multiple types of help information that correspond to individual proficiency levels. The instruction information storage unit 21 also assigns a data number to each explanation data to be stored. It also stores the number of explanatory data that it stores. The number of data stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 and the data No. of each explanation data. is managed by the channel control section 16.

The system information storage section (system information storage means) 22 connects the facsimile mail device 1 to the line LI1.
Predetermined system information necessary for requesting the functions (communication services) of the facsimile mail device 1 from a communication terminal connected via a communication terminal is stored, and this system information includes, for example, user ID. NO. , destination ID. N
O. and destination telephone number (Tel.NO.).

When the editing control unit (editing control means) 23 receives a request for an operating manual, it analyzes the data stored in the data storage unit 19 and determines the type of service information requested by the other operator and the operating manual. type (i.e.
Explanatory data for each of the processing steps P0 to P11 necessary for determining the functions of the facsimile mail device 1 intended by the operator and the operator's proficiency level, and requesting the communication service of the facsimile mail device 1 for the purpose is read from the instruction information storage section 21 and edited and created as an operation manual in the manual generation buffer 14. Further, at this time, if system information necessary to request the communication service is stored in the system information storage unit 22, an operation manual is created by incorporating this system information.

[0033] This facsimile mail device 1 houses lines L1 to Ln for each communication processing unit FCU1 to FCUn, and performs facsimile communication with a partner communication terminal connected via these lines L1 to Ln. Let's do it. When the facsimile mail device 1 receives a communication service request from a communication terminal connected via the lines L1 to Ln, it analyzes the service code of the requested communication service and provides the communication service. This communication service request can be made using an OMR sheet, or can also be made using a tone signal or the like.

When the other party's communication terminal makes a communication service request using an OMR sheet, the facsimile mail device 1 reads the mark position of the OMR sheet using the OMR processing section 18, and stores the reading result in the storage memory 2.
Expand to 0. The channel control unit 16 analyzes the contents of the storage memory 20, determines the type of communication service request, and executes the requested communication service. For example, when the requested communication service is a time-specific transmission service, the facsimile mail device 1 temporarily stores the received encoded message in the storage memory 20, encodes and
After decoding in the decoding unit 15 and re-encoding using a predetermined encoding method, or directly via the bus control unit 24 to the floppy disk 5 or hard disk 6.
, 7. Thereafter, at the specified transmission time, the message is read from the floppy disk 5 or the hard disks 6 and 7, and the communication processing units FCU1 to FC that are free are
The data is transferred to Un via its bus control unit 24. The communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn temporarily store the transferred message in the storage memory 20, and re-encode it using a predetermined encoding method in the encoding/decoding unit 15, or directly send it to the designated destination. Send.

Note that the network control unit 11, modem 12, communication control unit 13, and OMR processing unit 18 constitute reception control means for receiving operation data from a communication terminal, and the network control unit 11, modem 12, communication control unit The section 13 is an editing control section 23
It constitutes a transmission control means that transmits the operation manual created by the above to the communication terminal. Next, the effect will be explained.

As described above, when a service request is received from a communication terminal, the facsimile mail apparatus 1 provides the requested service, but if the operator of the communication terminal does not know how to operate the service, the facsimile mail apparatus 1 The operator receives an operation manual request from the operator, creates an operation manual corresponding to the service (function of the facsimile mail device 1) requested by the operator, and sends it to the communication terminal.

That is, when the operator of the communication terminal requests the facsimile mail device 1 for an operating manual, he first calls the facsimile mail device 1 and requests the operating manual. This operating manual requires
This can be done using a tone signal by performing key operations according to voice guidance from the facsimile mail device 1, or the operation manual can be requested using an OMR sheet. for example,
When requesting an operation manual using an OMR sheet, the OMR sheet created in advance for requesting an operation manual is
An operation manual request is made using the MR sheet (see FIG. 4) 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, this OMR sheet 30 for requesting an operation manual includes a start mark 30a, an initial inclination permissible limit determination mark 30b, a guide mark 30c, a mode switching mark 30d, and a field shape, like a normal OMR sheet. It has a number 30e, a free area division designation mark 30f, an end mark 30g, etc., as well as marks specially provided for requesting an operation manual, such as an inquiry mark 30h, a voice guidance required/unnecessary mark 30i, and a mail type (service information). type) mark 30j, whether or not time is designated, and designated time mark 30k.

[0038] The operator of the communication terminal must complete the OMR sheet 3.
When requesting an operation manual using 0, all that is required is to make a call to the facsimile mail device 1, have the communication terminal (for example, a facsimile device) read the OMR sheet 30, and send it. Next, processing in the facsimile mail device 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 5 to 17.

The facsimile mail device 1 is shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.
As shown in , when there is an incoming call (step S1), the user ID is received (step S2), and the received user ID
Check whether D is registered (step S
3). This user ID is the facsimile mail device 1
This information is stored in the system information storage unit 22. If the received user ID is not registered, error processing is performed (step S4), and a check is made to see if the user ID should be re-entered (step S5). If re-input is to be performed, the process returns to step S2 and the user I
If D is received and there is no re-input, error handling and line disconnection are performed, and this flow ends (steps S6 and S7).

If the received user ID is registered in step S3, it is checked whether the ordering is by PB tone (step S8), and if it is PB ordering, the PB ordering is received (step S9). After completing the reception of PB ordering,
Check whether the ordering is normal (step S
10) When the ordering is performed normally, reception of the message is started (step S11). When the reception of all the messages is completed (step 12), it is checked whether the messages were received normally (step S13),
If the message is received normally, the lines L1 to L
n is disconnected and the reception process ends (step S14).

[0041] In step S13, if the message is not received normally, error processing is performed and then the lines L1 to Ln are disconnected (steps S15 and S14). Further, in step S10, if the ordering using the PB tone is not performed normally, error handling (for example, feedback to the communication terminal that the ordering was not performed normally) is performed (step S16).
), check whether it is re-entered (step S1
7). If re-input is to be performed, the process returns to step S9 and the ordering by PB tone is received; if re-input is not performed, error processing (for example, feedback to the communication terminal to disconnect the line, etc.) is performed. ), the lines L1 to Ln are disconnected (step S15).
, S14). Steps S9 to S17 described above are the flow of the normal communication service request receiving process of the facsimile mail device 1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the ordering is not by PB tone, the message is received (step S18), and whether the received message is an OMR sheet message or an OMR for inquiry, that is, for requesting an operation manual. Check whether it is a sheet (step S19)
, S20). If the request is not an inquiry request (operation manual request), ordering processing using the OMR sheet is performed (step S21). That is, the received OMR
The OMR processing section 18 reads the mark position on the OMR sheet from the message on the sheet and develops it in the storage memory 20. The contents of the OMR sheet developed in the storage memory 20 are analyzed by the channel control section 16 to determine the ordering contents. to judge. It is checked whether the ordering has been performed normally (step S22), and if the ordering has not been performed normally, after performing error processing, the line L
1 to Ln are cut (steps S23, S14). If the ordering is performed normally, the message is received, and when all the messages are received normally, the line L1~
This flow is ended by disconnecting Ln (step S11~
S15).

When an inquiry request (operation manual request) is made in step S20, it is checked whether the inquiry processing (operation manual request) using the OMR sheet has been carried out normally (step S25), and if it has not been carried out normally, , after error processing, line L
1 to Ln are cut (steps S33, S34). If the inquiry request is successfully made, the line L1
-Ln is cut (step S26). An analysis of the inquiry (analysis of the request contents of the operation manual) is performed (step S27). Next, it is checked whether the contents of the inquiry request are normal (step S28), and if the contents of the inquiry request are not normal, an error process is performed, for example,
This flow is ended by notifying the communication terminal that the contents of the inquiry request are not normal (step S29).
. If the inquiry content is normal, a process is performed to collect usage frequency data of explanation data of the operation content necessary to create an operation manual corresponding to the inquiry content (step S30), and usage frequency data for each explanation data is collected. When the collection of data is completed, the usage frequency data in the usage frequency storage area of the data storage unit 19 is updated (incremented) for each descriptive data. When the usage frequency data collection/update processing is completed, operation manual editing processing and operation manual output processing are performed, and this flow is ended (steps S31 and S32).

Next, the inquiry analysis process in step S27 will be explained. Each communication processing unit FCU1 to FCU
n is the received OMR sheet 30 for requesting an operation manual.
The OMR processing unit 18 reads the mark position on the OMR sheet 30 from the message and expands it into the storage memory 20.The channel control unit 16 analyzes the content of the OMR sheet expanded into the storage memory 20 and requests the operation manual. Determine the content of the request.

That is, the channel control unit 16 analyzes the contents expanded in the storage memory 20, and first determines whether voice guidance is necessary or not, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (step R1). If it is determined that there is a mark at the key position of the voice guidance mark 30i on the OMR sheet, set the system parameter d0 to a0 (step R2), and mark the negative position of the voice guidance mark 30i on the OMR sheet. If it is determined that there is, the system parameter d0 is set to a1 (step 3). Here, the system parameters are the values for each processing step P0 to P11 shown in FIG. 3 to the next processing step P.
Which processing step P0~ is next when moving to 0~P11?
This is a parameter that determines whether to proceed to P11, and is shown in Figure 1.
As shown in 0, the information is stored in a buffer for storing system parameters formed in the instruction information storage section 21. Note that the system parameter d0 indicates the necessity or non-necessity of voice guidance, and the system parameter d1,
d2 and d3 are important for selecting a post office box, bulletin board, and specifying the time.
Destination ID. No. or enter your phone number (
Tel. No. ) to select input, etc., and d
4 stores a parameter indicating whether or not to broadcast simultaneously.

[0046] Once the channel control unit 16 has set whether or not voice guidance is necessary and its system parameters,
Next, it is determined whether or not it is a post office box service (step R4).
. If it is not a post office box service, the system parameter d
1 to b2 and P.O. Box No. (Serial number given to the message that the user puts in the post office box) is checked (steps R5 and R6). P.O. Box N
O. If there is a PO Box No. is stored in the system information storage section 22, and the process proceeds to the next step (step R7). If there is none, proceed to the next step.

If it is not a post office box service in step R4, it is checked whether it is a bulletin board service (step R8), and if it is a bulletin board service, the system parameter d1 is set to b1 and the bulletin board number is set to b1. (Serial number given to the message posted by the user on the bulletin board) is checked (steps R9 and R10). Bulletin board No. When there is, the bulletin board No. is stored in the system information storage unit 22 and proceeds to the next step (
Step R11), bulletin board NO. If there is no, proceed to the next step.

In step R4, if it is not a bulletin board service, it is checked whether it is a normal message (step R1).
2) If the message is not a normal message, error handling is performed and the flow ends (step R13). If it is a normal message, the system parameter d1 is set to d2 and the process moves to the next step (step R14). Once the system parameters have been set depending on whether it is a post office box, a bulletin board, or an ordinary message, a check is then made to see if the time is specified (step R15), and if the time is not specified, the system parameter d2 is set to d3. (Step R16). This system parameter d3 will be set again in later processing. When specifying the time, the system parameter d2 is set to b3 (step R17), and it is checked whether the specified time is normal (step R18). If the specified time is not normal, error processing is performed and this flow is ended (step R19), and if the specified time is normal, the specified time is stored in the system information storage unit 22 and the destination is Tel. No. It is checked whether the designation is made by (steps R20, R21). If the destination is Tel. N
O. When specified, the system parameter d3 is set to b4 (step R22), and the process proceeds to the next step. If the destination is Tel. No. If not specified, the destination is ID. NO. It is checked whether the designation is made by (step R25). If the destination is Tel. NO. But again, ID.
NO. However, if it is not specified, it is considered an error, and
After performing error handling, this flow ends (step R19). The destination is ID. NO. When specified, the system parameter d3 is set to b5 (step R26), and a check is made to see if it is a broadcast service (step R27). If the service is not a broadcast service, the system parameter d4 is set to c2 (step R28), and if the service is a broadcast service, the system parameter d4 is set to c1 (step R29). After setting each system parameter in this way, a service code is determined from the set system parameters and stored in the register (step R30). In other words, by detecting and setting system parameters, the type of function (service) requested by the operator of the communication terminal is determined, and an operation manual corresponding to the type of service requested by the operator of this communication terminal is then created. do.

Next, this operation manual editing/creation process will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The editing control unit 23 first sets the counters α, β, γ.
is set (reset) to "0" (step Q1), and the code of processing step Pα is stored in the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q2). After storing the code of the processing step Pα in the manual generation buffer 14, the editing control unit 23 inputs the system parameters of this processing step Pα (system parameters d0 to d0 set in FIGS. 8 and 9 above) from the instruction information storage unit 21. d4, etc.) (step Q3) and check whether the system parameter is "0" (step Q4). If the system parameter is "0", the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the system parameter "0" and the code of the next processing step Pα are read out in processing step Pα and stored in the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q5). On the other hand, when the system parameter is not "0", the value of the system parameter dβ is read from the system information storage unit 22 (step Q6), and the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the processing step Pα and the system parameter dβ and the address of the next processing step Pα are read. Code instruction information storage unit 21
, and input it into the manual generation buffer 14 as address Aγ (step Q7). That is, the processing step Pα and the system parameter dβ correspond as shown in FIG. 13, and when the processing step Pα and the system parameter dβ are determined, the next processing step Pα is determined and the corresponding Then, the explanatory data for the processing step Pα is determined. Therefore, by freely combining the processing step Pα and the system parameter dβ, the next processing step Pα can be freely set, and the explanatory data necessary for the operation in this processing step Pα can be freely combined. can.

In this way, first, the next processing step Pα corresponding to the processing step P0 and the system parameter d0 is
When the address setting of the explanatory data of the system parameter dβ is completed, β+1 is set as the parameter β (
Step Q8), it is checked whether it is the final processing step Pα (step Q9). If it is not the final processing step Pα, the process returns to step Q3 and similarly, the next processing step Pα and the explanation data manual generation buffer 1 are performed based on the system parameters for each processing step Pα.
4 (steps Q3 to Q8). When the above processing is repeatedly executed up to the final processing step Pα, as shown in FIG. The address of the explanation data at Pα is expanded. Therefore, by freely setting the system parameter dβ, a processing step Pα corresponding to each of the plurality of communication services provided by the facsimile mail device can be set, and each processing step Pα corresponding to the target communication service can be explained. Data can be freely combined.

Next, the service code stored in the system information storage section 22 is read out (step Q11),
The corresponding header section is taken out and expanded to the header position 40a of the operation manual in the manual generation buffer 14, as shown in FIG. 15 (step Q12). Here, the counter γ is set to "0" (step Q13), and the explanatory data stored at the address Aγ is read out and developed in the character data area 40b of the operation manual of the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q14). In addition, explanatory figures (instruction information storage unit 2
1 with the explanatory data of the processing step Pα,
Alternatively, it is stored independently regardless of explanatory data. ) and the system information (Tel. NO., ID. NO., etc.) stored in the system information storage unit 22, and the image area 40c of the manual generation buffer 14 is read out.
(Step Q15). When the expansion of each data at the corresponding address γ into the manual generation buffer 14 is completed, it is checked whether the data is the final data (step Q1).
6) If the data is not the final data, increment the counter γ by 1 (γ=γ+1) and return to step Q14. Similarly, explanatory data, explanatory figures, and system information for each address Aγ entered in the manual generation buffer 14 are expanded to the manual generation buffer 14, and when the processing is completed for all addresses Aγ, the operation manual editing/generation process is terminated. do.

In this way, manual generation buffer 1
The operating manual developed in 4 is outputted from the facsimile mail device 1 to the communication terminal that has requested the operating manual, and the communication terminal can receive an operating manual 50 as shown in FIG. The operator of the communication terminal who has received the operation manual can receive the intended communication service of the facsimile mail device 1 by looking at the transmitted operation manual and performing the operations described in the operation manual. can.

[0053] This output process may be performed directly when the generation of the operation manual is completed, or alternatively, it may be sent to the post office box of the facsimile mail device 1 and a request is made from the communication terminal to send the operation manual of the post office box. It may be transmitted at any point in time, and the output method is not limited. Furthermore, when there is a request for an operation manual, the facsimile mail device 1 analyzes the service code and provides the operation manual for the requested communication service, as described above. , Figure 7
As shown in step S30, the usage frequency of the explanation data used for editing and creating the requested operation manual is collected, and the usage frequency data in the data storage section 19 is updated.

[0054] The channel control unit 16 searches the usage frequency storage area of the data storage unit 19 at a predetermined time, and checks the usage frequency for each explanation data of the operation content stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 from the usage frequency storage area. Then, the explanatory data management process is performed. That is, channel control section 1
6, the total number of explanatory data stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 and the No. 6 of the explanatory data at a predetermined time, as shown in FIG. The first value of No. is set (step T1), and the set No. The use frequency storage area of the data storage unit 19 is searched for the usage frequency data of the descriptive data of the set No. It is checked whether the usage frequency of the explanatory data is lower than a preset usage frequency value (predetermined value) (steps T2 and T3). If it is not lower than the predetermined value, it is checked whether the analysis of all usage frequencies of the total number of set explanatory data has been completed (step T4), and if the analysis of the usage frequencies of all explanatory data has not been completed, No. of the following explanation data. is set, and the process returns to step T2 (step T5). No. set in the same way. The usage frequency of the descriptive data of the No. is analyzed (steps T2 and T3), and the frequency of use of the descriptive data of the No. When the usage frequency of the explanation data of the No. is lower than a predetermined value, the No. The instruction information storage unit 21 stores the explanation data of
, and transfers it to the floppy disk 5 or hard disks 6 and 7, and also reads the corresponding No. from the instruction information storage section 21. Delete descriptive data for (
Step T6). Once the descriptive data transfer process is complete,
Decrement (subtract) the total number of data set as the total number of data stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 by 1 (step T7), and check whether the analysis of all usage frequencies of all the set total data numbers has been completed. Please check (step T4). If the analysis of usage frequency of all explanatory data is not completed, the next explanatory data No.
is set (step T5), and similarly, the set N
o. Analyze the usage frequency of the explanatory data (Step T
2, T3).

[0055] The above process is repeatedly executed for all explanatory data until it is completed, and the usage frequency of all explanatory data is analyzed, and explanatory data whose usage frequency is less than a predetermined frequency is transferred to the floppy disk 5 or hard disk 6, 7, and the corresponding When the deletion of the explanation data from the instruction information storage section 21 is completed, the number of data decremented in step T7 is updated as the total number of data stored in the instruction information storage section 21, and the process is ended (step T8).

[0056] Therefore, the instruction information storage section 2
1 stores only explanatory data whose frequency of use is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, thereby improving the usability of the instruction information storage section 21 that stores explanatory data of operation contents. As a result, even if the total amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the number of channels does not need to be increased by adding new communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn, and the facsimile mail device 1 as an operation manual creation device can be added. without any
can be dealt with appropriately. In addition, since the instruction information storage unit 21 can store only explanation data that is used more frequently than a predetermined value, the search speed of explanation data can be improved, and the operation manual editing/creation process can be improved. The processing speed can be improved. As a result, the processing time from when the operator of the facsimile mail device 1 itself or the communication terminal requests an operation manual until it receives the operation manual can be shortened, and the usability of the facsimile mail device 1 as an operation manual creation device can be improved. Convenience can be improved.

Further, in the above embodiment, the total number of explanatory data to be stored in the instruction information storage section 21 is stored, and each explanatory data is assigned a data number. Since the explanatory data is managed by being assigned, the management process of the explanation data can be performed at high speed, and the processing speed of the operation manual creation process can be improved. In the above embodiment, a case is explained in which an operation manual is requested from a communication terminal, but the operator of the facsimile mail device itself can operate the facsimile mail device itself or operate the facsimile mail device from the keyboard etc. The same can be applied to the case where an operation manual is requested regarding the operation of a service request.

In this way, the facsimile mail device 1 as a device provides an operation manual for the operations necessary to realize the functions of the device requested by the operator, and explanatory data for each processing step necessary to realize the functions. You can freely combine, edit, create, and output. As a result, it is possible to generate and provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of operator demands without using a large-capacity storage device. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation manual for the series of operations necessary to realize the functions of the device, from the beginning to the completion of the operation. functions can be reliably realized. therefore,
can improve the man-machine interface,
The functions of the equipment can be fully utilized.

[0059] Furthermore, in a facsimile mail device as a device equipped with a communication function, a request for an operation manual is received from a communication terminal, and an operation manual for operations necessary to realize the function desired by the operator receiving the request is sent. , it is possible to freely combine and edit and create explanatory data for each processing step necessary to realize the function, and send it to the communication terminal. As a result, it is possible to generate and provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of demands of operators of communication terminals without using large-capacity storage means. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation manual for a series of operations from the beginning to the completion of the operation necessary for requesting communication services for communication equipment, making it easy to use even for beginners or even if there is no operation manual attached to the equipment. Communication services can be used. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be improved and the communication service of the communication device can be fully utilized.

[0060]Furthermore, the facsimile mail device as a communication device receives an inquiry request for operation using an OMR sheet and a communication service request from a communication terminal,
It is possible to provide communication services, edit and create operation manuals necessary for requesting communication services for the purpose of the requesting operator, and send them to the communication terminal, and facsimile mail as communication equipment from the communication terminal Requests for communication services and inquiries regarding operation of devices can be made even more easily. As a result, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the communication service of the communication device can be more easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal.

Furthermore, when creating an operation manual, if system information is stored in the system information storage unit 22 in advance, the system information is incorporated to edit and create the operation manual, so the operator can By operating the contents as they are, it is possible to request the desired communication service from the facsimile mail device. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be further improved,
Communication services of communication devices can be used more easily and fully.

Furthermore, the communication terminal manages the usage frequency of the explanation data of the operation contents used for creating the operation manual, and stores the explanation data that is used less frequently from the instruction information storage unit (instruction information storage means) 21 to external storage. Since the data is transferred to the instruction information storage section 21 and deleted from the instruction information storage section 21, it is possible to improve the usability of the instruction information storage section 21 that stores explanation data of operation contents. As a result, even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, the number of channels does not need to be increased by adding new communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn, and the facsimile mail device 1 as an operation manual creation device can be added. can be dealt with appropriately. In addition, since only the explanatory data that is used more frequently than a predetermined frequency can be stored in the instruction information storage unit 21, the search speed of explanatory data can be improved, and the operation manual editing/creation process can be improved. The processing speed can be improved. As a result, the processing time from when the operator of the facsimile mail device 1 itself or the communication terminal requests the operation manual to when the operation manual is received can be shortened, and the usability of the facsimile mail device 1 as an operation manual creation device can be improved. Convenience can be improved.

[0063]

According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, for each processing step of a device that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is stored. Determine the function requested by the operator from the data input to the equipment, and create an operation manual by freely combining explanatory data of the operation contents for each processing step to describe the operations in the processing steps that should be executed to realize that function. Since the manual can be created and provided to the operator, it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the storage unit for storing explanatory data, and it is also possible to provide an operation manual that can sufficiently respond to a wide range of operator requests. . Therefore, even a beginner can realize the intended functions of the device even without an operation manual attached to the device, and the man-machine interface can be improved. As a result, the functions of the device can be fully utilized. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means. In addition, the processing speed of the operation manual creation process can be improved.

According to the invention set forth in claim 2, when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is inputted in advance, it is possible to incorporate these system information when creating the operation manual set forth in claim 1. Since an operation manual can be created, system information can also be inputted by operating the operation manual according to its contents. Therefore, even if the operator has forgotten or does not know the system information, by operating it according to the operating manual, the intended equipment function can be realized.
The man-machine interface has been further improved, making it easier and more effective to utilize the functions of the equipment. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means. The usability of the system can be improved, and the processing speed of the operation manual creation process can also be improved.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in a device equipped with a communication function, an operation inquiry from a communication terminal is received, an operation manual necessary for realizing the intended function of the device is created, and the communication Since the information can be transmitted to the terminal, the functions of the device equipped with the communication function can be easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to the external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means.
The usability of the instruction information storage means can be improved, and even if the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, it can be handled without adding communication channels or operation manual creation devices. The processing speed can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when a device equipped with a communication function receives an operation inquiry from a communication terminal and various system information necessary for realizing the function of the device is input in advance, Claim 3 above
When creating an operation manual, this system information can be incorporated into the operation manual, so by operating the operation manual according to its contents, the system information can also be inputted. Therefore, even if the operator forgets or does not know the system information, by operating according to the operating manual, the equipment can realize the desired communication function, further improving the man-machine interface. The functions of a device equipped with a communication function can be more easily and fully utilized from a communication terminal. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means. Even if the amount of explanatory data to be memorized increases, it can be handled without adding communication channels or operation manual creation equipment, and the processing speed of operation manual creation processing can be improved. can be done.

According to the invention set forth in claim 5, the facsimile mail device receives operation inquiries from the facsimile device itself and the communication terminal, and realizes the functions of the facsimile device itself as desired by the operator and services of the facsimile mail device. Since the operation manual for the operations necessary to use the facsimile mail device can be created and provided to the operator and sent to the communication terminal, the service of the facsimile mail device can be easily and easily accessed from the facsimile mail device itself or the communication terminal. It can be fully utilized. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means. Even if the amount of explanatory data to be memorized increases, it can be handled without adding communication channels or operation manual creation equipment, and the processing speed of operation manual creation processing can be improved. can be done.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, in a device equipped with a communication function, a communication service request or operation inquiry is received from a communication terminal using an OMR sheet, and the communication service is provided or an operator's purpose is met. Users can edit and create operation manuals necessary to use the functions of communication devices and send them to the communication terminal, making it even easier to request communication services and make operational inquiries from the communication terminal. can do. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the services of devices equipped with communication functions can be more easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means.
It is possible to improve the usability of the instruction information storage means, and even when the amount of explanatory data to be stored increases, it can be handled without adding communication channels or operation manual creation devices. The processing speed can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the facsimile mail device accepts communication service requests and operation inquiries from communication terminals using OMR sheets;
It is possible to create an operation manual necessary for providing communication services or to use the service of the facsimile mail device for the purpose of the operator and send it to the communication terminal, so it is possible to request communication service to the facsimile mail device This makes it even easier to make inquiries regarding information and operations. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the services of the facsimile mail device can be more easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal. In addition, the usage frequency of each explanation data in the instruction information storage means is managed, and explanation data that is used less frequently is transferred to an external storage means and deleted from the instruction information storage means. Even if the amount of explanatory data to be memorized increases, it can be handled without adding communication channels or operation manual creation equipment, and the processing speed of operation manual creation processing can be improved. can be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile mail device to which an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication processing unit of a facsimile mail device to which the operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application is applied.

FIG. 3 is a transition diagram of processing steps of a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

[Figure 4] OM for requesting operation manual according to each invention of the present application
A diagram showing an R sheet.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the basic processing of a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the basic processing of the facsimile mail device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the basic processing of the facsimile mail device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing part of an operation manual request analysis process in a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation manual request analysis process of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system parameter storage buffer of a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of operation manual editing/creation processing in a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation manual editing/creation process of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the status of processing steps and system parameters stored in an instruction information storage unit of a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing address settings for processing steps and explanatory data stored in a manual generation buffer of a facsimile mail device as an operation manual generation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing each data of the operation manual developed in the manual generation buffer of the facsimile mail device as the operation manual generation device according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation manual edited and created according to each invention of the present application.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing management processing of explanatory data for editing and creating an operation manual in a facsimile mail device as an operation manual creation device according to each invention of the present application.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Facsimile mail device 2 System control section 3, 4 Disk control section 5 Floppy disk device 6, 7 Hard disk device 8 Host interface section 11 Network control section 12 Modem 13 Communication control section 14 Manual generation buffer 15 Encoding/decoding section 16 Channel Control unit 17 Control program storage unit 18 OMR processing unit 19 Data storage unit 20 Accumulation memory 21 Instruction information storage unit 22 System information storage unit 23 Edit control unit 24 Bus control unit 30 OMR sheet for operation manual request 30h
Inquiry mark 30i Voice guidance required/unnecessary mark 30j
Mail type (service type) mark 30k
Whether or not time is specified and specified time mark 40a
Header section 40b Character data area 40c Image data area

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps that are executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the An input means for importing operation contents as operation data, a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data input by the input means, and operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. A function whose purpose is to combine instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of , and explanatory data of operation contents at each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means by analyzing the data stored in the data storage means. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for realizing the above, and an external storage means for storing explanation data that is used less frequently among the explanation data of the operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means;
a use frequency detection means for detecting the use frequency within a predetermined period of the explanation data of the operation content stored in the instruction information storage means for each explanation data; and a use frequency detection means for storing the use frequency for each explanation data detected by the use frequency detection means. a usage frequency storage means for searching the usage frequency of each explanatory data stored in the usage frequency storage means, and transmitting and storing explanatory data with a predetermined usage frequency or less to an external storage means, and from the instruction information storage means. An operation manual creation device comprising: explanation data management means for deleting the explanation data; and output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means in a predetermined expression form. 2. A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps that are executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the device performs a plurality of functions. An input means for importing operation contents as operation data, a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data input by the input means, and operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the device; a system information storage means for storing various system information entered in advance to realize each function of the device; and an analysis of the data stored in the data storage means. and combine the explanatory data of the operation contents for each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means and incorporate the system information stored in the system information storage means to edit the operation manual necessary to realize the desired function.・Editing control means to be created; external storage means for storing less frequently used explanation data among the explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means; and explanation data of operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means. usage frequency detection means for detecting the usage frequency within a predetermined period for each descriptive data;
A usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency of each explanatory data detected by the usage frequency detection means, and a usage frequency storage means for searching the usage frequency of each explanatory data stored in the usage frequency storage means to find explanatory data with a predetermined usage frequency or less. an explanation data management means for transferring and storing the explanation data in an external storage means and deleting the explanation data from the instruction information storage means; and an output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means in a predetermined expression form; An operation manual creation device characterized by: 3. When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function for realizing a function, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from among the data received by the reception control means. A data storage means for extracting and storing necessary data, an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps, and an instruction information storage means for analyzing and installing the data stored in the data storage means. editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function by combining explanatory data of operation contents in each processing step stored in the tract information storage means;
An external storage means for storing infrequently used explanation data of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means, and an external storage means for storing the usage frequency within a predetermined period of the operation content explanation data stored in the instruction information storage means. A usage frequency detection means for detecting each explanatory data, a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data detected by the usage frequency detection means, and a usage frequency for each explanatory data stored by the usage frequency storage means. an explanation data management means for searching for explanation data whose use frequency is less than a predetermined frequency and transferring the explanation data to an external storage means for storage and deleting the said explanation data from the instruction information storage means; and an operation manual created by the editing control means. An operation manual creation device comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting data to a communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. 4. When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function for realizing a function, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from the data received by the reception control means. A data storage means for extracting and storing necessary data, an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation content required for each of the above processing steps, and an instruction information storage means for storing data that explains the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps, and input operations in advance to realize each function of the device. A system information storage means for storing various system information that has been performed, and a system information storage means that analyzes the data stored in the data storage means and combines explanation data of the operation contents at each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means, and also stores system information. Incorporates the system information stored in the storage means to edit and edit the operation manual necessary to achieve the desired function.
An editing control means for creating, an external storage means for storing less frequently used explanation data among the explanation data of the operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means, and an external storage means for storing the explanation data of the operation contents stored in the instruction information storage means. A usage frequency detection means for detecting the usage frequency for each explanatory data within a predetermined period, a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data detected by the usage frequency detection means, and a usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency for each explanatory data. an explanation data management means for searching the frequency of use of each explanation data, transferring the explanation data with a usage frequency below a predetermined frequency to an external storage means for storage, and deleting the explanation data from the instruction information storage means; and editing control. An operation manual creation device comprising: transmission control means for transmitting an operation manual created by the means to a communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. 5. The operation manual creation device according to claim 1, wherein said device is a facsimile mail device. 6. The device is a device equipped with a communication function, and the reception control means is an OMR device that analyzes OMR data.
5. The operation manual creation device according to claim 3, further comprising processing means. 7. The operation manual creation device according to claim 6, wherein the device is a facsimile mail device.