JPS5814154A - Picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible that the operator grasps surely contents of voice outputs, by providing a voie information storage part, a voice information synthesizing part, a voice output part, a controlling means, and a means which emits preliminarily the reporting tone indicating the voice output. CONSTITUTION:A voice information storage part 90, a voice information synthesizing part 80 which ireads out voice information from the storage part 90 and synthesizes it, and a voice output part 100 which converts voice information synthesized in the synthesizing part 80 to voice and outputs it are provided. Further, a controlling means 40, which controls the synthesizing part 80 so that a voice corresponding to the operation state of the device is outputted, and a means which emits prelimiarily the reporting tone (such as chime tone) indicating a voice output for the voice output are provided. For example, said respective parts are provided in an electronic copying machine, and the operation state of the copying machine is reported to the operator with voice; and a human body detecting part 60 utilizing ultrasonic waves is provided to perform such control automatically that the volume of voice is reduced when the operator is present near the main body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with an audio output function.

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, image forming apparatuses such as electronic copying machines that are capable of reporting various operating states to the user by voice have been developed and are being put into practical use. However, in such electronic copying machines, the operator may not be able to reliably grasp the content of the voice due to the user's lack of attentiveness.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances,
The purpose is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows an operator to reliably understand the content of audio output.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral I denotes the main body of an image forming apparatus, such as an electronic copying machine. A document table 2 is provided on the -L side of the main body 1, and a maintenance opening/closing door 3 is pivotally supported on the front surface. be done. A human body detection sensor 4 is disposed below the door 3 .

This sensor 4 consists of an ultrasonic wave transmitting element 4a and an ultrasonic wave receiving element 4b, and detects whether or not there is a person near the front surface of the main body I using ultrasonic waves. Thus, the document table 2 is irradiated with light from the exposure lamp 5, and the document table 2 is exposed to light from the exposure lamp 5.
The reflected light from the upper original (not shown) is transmitted to the photoreceptor drum I by the mirror 6.7°8, the lens 9, and the mirror IO.
The photoreceptor drum II is exposed to light. In this case, the entire area of the document is irradiated with light due to the relative movement between the document table 2 and the exposure lamp 5. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum IZ in accordance with the information on the document, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 12 to become a visible image. This visible image is the paper feed cassette) ZJ or 1
4 to a recording sheet supplied via a paper conveyance guide 15, and the sheet is then supplied to a sorter 18 via a heat roller (thermal fixing device) 16 and a paper conveyance guide 17. Here, the paper conveyance guide 15.17 is provided with a paper detection switch 21.22. In addition, paper feed cassettes 13, 1
Paper no-detection switches 23 and 24 are provided at positions corresponding to 4, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the control circuit. 3
0 is an operation unit for inputting various operation commands. Reference numeral 40 denotes a main control section, which is mainly a 4-bit microcomputer, and performs various controls on the copying operation in accordance with commands from the operating section 30 and pre-stored programs. Reference numeral 50 denotes a display unit that displays the number of copies and various operating states. Reference numeral 60 denotes a human body detection section, which includes the sensor 4 described above. On the other hand, 70 is an abnormal state detection section, and various detection signals from this detection section 70 are supplied to the main control section 40.

Further, 80 is a voice information synthesis section, which is composed of a synthesizer controller 81 mainly composed of a 4-bit microcomputer and a voice information synthesis section 89, and based on commands from the main control section 40, it extracts voice information from the voice information storage section 90. reading,
It is something that synthesizes them. The audio information synthesized by the synthesizing unit 80 is converted into actual audio by the audio output unit 100, and is output at a volume corresponding to the detection result of the human body detection unit 60.

FIG. 4 shows FIG. 3 in detail. First, the operation unit 30 includes a copy button switch C0PY-B, a repeat button switch RPT-B, and a reset button switch R8T-B.
and a chime switch CHM-SW. The abnormal state detection unit 7o includes a paper switch PEP-8W, a cover switch CVR-8W, and a key counter switch Kg.
It has YC'l' and door switch DOOR-8W.

A DC voltage VaC is applied to these switches, and the output thereof is supplied to the main control section 40.

This main control unit -0 is composed of an encoder *1, a CPU 42, a decoder 43, a nonvolatile memory d4, a data selection circuit 45, and the like. Here, the encoder 41 converts the output of each of the switches described above into hexadecimal data. The CPU 42 operates the encoder circuit 4 based on the clock signal supplied via the system clock bus 11g.
Copy processing control and display/display according to the data supplied from 1.
Performs audio output control. The decoder 43 converts the output data of the CPU 42 into actual control signals. The non-volatile memory 11 receives a write signal WT (logic 11) supplied from a synthesizer controller 81 when synthesizing audio information.
9) stores data representing the content of the audio output output from the synthesizer controller 81. The data selection circuit 45 is a synthesizer controller 8K.
The inputs DB1 to D84 from are used as data select signals,
As a result, each of the switches and decoders 43. The output data of the human body detection section 60 and the nonvolatile memory 44 are selectively output.

Thus, the output of the data select circuit 45 is sent to the synthesizer controller 81 via the unidirectional 4-bit data bus 111.
supplied to A bidirectional four-hit data bus 112 is connected between the synthesizer controller 81 and the audio information synthesizer 89;
They are connected via a control bus Z13 and a clock bus 114. In this case, the data bus 111 is connected to the input terminals of the nonvolatile memory 44 and the data select circuit 5, respectively. A 4-bit data bus 115. It is connected by a clock bus 11g and a control bus 117.

The audio output section XOO includes a feedback amplifier 101. The feedback resistor r1. of this feedback amplifier 101. Analog switches 102 and 103 that are inserted into the circuits of R and 10 and respond to the output of the human body detection section 60, and an inverter circuit 10 that is inserted and connected between the analog switch 10B and the human body detection section 60.
4. Amplifier X that further amplifies the output of the feedback amplifier 101
It consists of an OS and a speaker 106 that converts the output of this amplifier 105 into audio. In this case, the value of the feedback resistance r,, r, is r, < r, and the feedback resistance r is determined according to the detection result of the human body detection section 60.

By inputting r, the gain of the feedback amplifier 101 changes, that is, the amount of sound produced changes. In addition,
The audio information synthesizer 89 has an oscillator 89a for generating a clock signal used for synthesizing audio information.

Furthermore, the display unit 50 includes driver circuits 51 and 62.5B that respond to the output of the decoder 43.

54, 55, 56, and the manual copy display lamp MN-LP driven by these driver circuits, the periodic inspection indicator lamp 811t'V-LP, the paper out indicator lamp PI13P-LP, ) the paper out indicator lamp T
l1ilP-L P, paper jam indicator lamp (hereinafter referred to as check lamp) CHK-LP, L for displaying the number of copies
Consists of BD57.58 etc.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the synthesizer controller 81. That is, the synthesizer controller 81 counts up the program counter 82, sequentially specifies addresses in the program memory (QM) 83, reads out the program, and inputs/outputs the read program and the input/output port 84. The accumulator 85 and data memo II (RA
M) II 6 and the result is output from the input/output port 84.

Furthermore, the table below shows the correspondence between the address of the ROM#O and the contents of that address. For example, voice information corresponding to the sentence "Please wait" from address N to -N and address 2s. are sequentially stored, and information indicating the end of the collection of voice information is stored at address N, -1''.

FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the human body detection circuit 60. 6X is a high frequency oscillation circuit, and the high frequency signal (carrier wave) as shown in FIG. , is modulated in the modulation circuit 63. In this way, the ultrasonic waves that bounce back from the target (human body or wall) at the seventh point from the modulation circuit 63 are received by the ultrasonic wave receiving element 4b and converted into the original modulated wave signal. This modulated wave signal is demodulated by the demodulation circuit 64 to become a signal as shown in FIG. 7d and is supplied to the comparison circuit 65. On the other hand, the output of the low frequency oscillation circuit 62 is delayed by the delay circuit 66 to become the signal shown in FIG. By comparing the phases of the signals d and e, the comparison circuit 65 outputs a PAN signal of logic 111 if there is a person near the front of the main body I. That is, for example, the frequency of the high frequency signal a is 401 KHz, the frequency of the low frequency signal is 100 Hz, and the length of the peak of the low frequency signal is 1 m5ec.
The length of the valley portion is 97 nsec. Further, it is assumed that the delay circuit 66 delays the signal by 1 tnsoe. If a person is near the front of the main body I, and the distance is 20 cFn, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the wave transmitting element 4a will travel approximately 40 cFn before hitting the person and entering the wave receiving element 4h.
If the speed of sound is 340 m/see, it takes about 1 u+sec. Therefore, the signals d and e have substantially the same phase, and the comparison circuit 65 outputs a PAN signal of logic 111.

If no person is near the front of main body I, signal d.

The phase of e is extremely different, and the output signal PA of the comparator circuit 65
N is logical 10 I.

Next, we will briefly explain what kind of operation is performed in the above configuration.

First, while controlling the copying operation, the CPUaa detects the presence or absence of an abnormal state using the abnormal state detection section 10, and monitors the operating state of the operating section 30. On the other hand, the synthesizer controller 81 monitors the timing of audio output through the 2 data select circuit 45. That is, for example, when a paper jam occurs, the CPU 42 turns on the check lamp CHK-LP. At this time, the input IDZ of the data select circuit 45
! + becomes logic 111, and data corresponding to the occurrence of a paper jam (data for instructing the content of audio output) is supplied to the controller 81. However, controller 8
1 sends a start command to the voice information synthesizer 89 via the control bus 11B, interprets the content of the data supplied from the main control unit 40, and determines what kind of pronunciation sentence the content corresponds to, that is, which address of the ROM 90. This determination result is sent to the data bus 11.
2 to the synthesizer 89. In this case, the write signal WT is supplied from the controller 81 to the nonvolatile memory 114 of the main control section 40, and the above-mentioned determination result supplied to the synthesizer 89 is thereby stored in the nonvolatile memory 44. Further, the controller 8Z sends an audio output start signal to the synthesizer 89 via the control bus 113.

The synthesizer 89 then starts synthesizing the audio information.

That is, the address designation data is transferred to the aOM 9o via the data bus 115, the content of the address, that is, the audio information is read out and synthesized, and a signal indicating that audio is being output is sent to the synthesizer controller 81 via the control bus 113. The synthesized audio information is amplified as an audio information signal by feedback amplifier 101 and amplifier Z05 and supplied to speaker 106, where it is output as actual audio. However, in this case, if the chime switch CHM-8W is turned on, the chime sound information in the δM90 is read out to the synthesizer 89 immediately before the above-mentioned audio output, and by synthesizing it, the octopus ping pong... A chime sound is output from the speaker 106. This is to inform the user that audio output will be performed. In addition, in this case, if there is a person near the front of the main body 1, the human body detection section 60 outputs the logic 11@ signal, and when the analog switch 102 is turned on, the feedback resistor r (small resistance value) is turned on. The amplification factor of feedback amplifier 101 becomes smaller. In other words, the pronunciation pick-up becomes smaller. Furthermore, control over the ROM 90 during this audio output is performed by a control bus 112.

Then, the synthesizer 89 stops the synthesis operation at the same time as the completion information is successively outputted from the R, 0M 90, and sends an audio output completion signal to the controller 81 via the control bus 113. Then, the controller 81 initializes its internal state and enters a waiting state until the timing of the next audio output.

By the way, as mentioned above, the data representing the content of the audio output is sequentially stored in the non-volatile memory 14 (), and when the audio output with the same content as the last audio output is repeated, the button switch PT-B is turned on. You can do it again with

Further, even when the power is turned off and then turned on again, the same audio output as the last audio output is performed again. This allows the user to confirm what kind of operation or maintenance was being performed when the power was cut off.

Next, how the audio output control is performed will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the power is turned on, the main control unit 40. A reset pulse is provided to controller 81 and synthesizer 89 to reset its internal counter, F/p.

Output F/F etc. are reset. Additionally, the contents of AM 86 in controller 81 are cleared. Then, in the controller 81, the program counter 82 counts up, causing the ROM&,? The program is read from , and step NXO is executed first. In this step NXO, a VOUT subroutine is executed to read the non-volatile menu and output audio accordingly.

Here, the VOUT subroutine will be explained. The controller 81 writes a VOC signal representing the content of the audio output into the nonvolatile memory 44 via the data bus 112. Next, in step NVO1, chime switch CHM
It is detected whether or not -8W is turned on, and if it is turned on, the process moves to step NVO2. This step N
At Vδ2, the chime sound output state is set. Thus, the controller 81 transmits the VBC signal representing the chime sound "ton ping pong u" from the input/output port 84 to the synthesizer 8.
9, and also receives a BUSY signal indicating that chime sound is being output from the synthesizer 89 via the input/output port 84, and if the BU8Y signal is at logic "Oo", that is, audio output is canceled, it indicates audio ratio custard. The 8RT signal is output from the input/output port 84 to the combiner 89. In this case, B
If the UOY signal is logic 11@, it means that chime sound information is being synthesized in the synthesizer 89, and the system is in a standby state. Therefore, the synthesizer 89 has 8RT
(When No. 8 is received, the address of 86M90 is specified according to the vbC signal, and chime sound information is sequentially read and synthesized. This synthesized chime sound information is sent to feedback amplifier 101 and amplifier 105 as a chime sound information signal. The signal is supplied to the speaker 106 via the chime, where it is converted into an actual chime sound.

When outputting a chime sound, the synthesizer 89 outputs the BU
The OY signal is set to logic 111, the 8RT signal issued from the controller 8I is reset, and the controller 8Z is put into a standby state. Then, when the end information is read from the combiner 89 (5M91), the combiner 89
stops the synthesis operation and sets the BUOY signal to logic 10'I. When the controller 81 receives this BU8Y signal °OI, the chime sound output ends. Next, the controller 81 reads the VδC signal representing the content of the audio output written in the non-volatile memory 44, and executes the same process as the above chime sound output in order to output the corresponding audio. Note that in step NVOJ, if the chime switch (:!HM-8W is not turned on), the process moves to step NVO3, and only audio output is performed without chime sound output.By the way, synthesizer 8
The synthesis of audio information (including chime sound information) in 9 is as follows:
This is done by calculating parameters such as voice intensity and pitch period that form each voice information, and the synthesized voice information is converted into an analog signal by an A/N converter, and then further filtered by a low-pass filter. By cutting the range, it becomes an audio information signal.

On the other hand, when step NXO ends, step NMO's RF! A PEAT (repeat) subroutine is executed. In this RFfPgAT subroutine, it is detected whether the repeat button switch PT-B in the operation section 30 is turned on, and if it is not turned on, nothing is done. When the repeat button switch RPT-B is turned on, the contents of the nonvolatile memory 44 are read out, and the audio output that was once performed is performed again in the same manner as in step NXO.

However, 几BPI! When the iAT subroutine ends, step NMI is executed next. This step NM
In I, the input/output port 84 receives a door switch signal from the door switch Dδ6-8W that responds to the maintenance door 3 of the main body 1, and sends it to the accumulator 85, where the door switch DOOR-8W is turned on (door 3 When it is confirmed that the DRC flag in RAMg6 is closed, the DRC flag in RAMg6 is reset and the next step NM, ? Move to.

In this case, if door switch DOOR-8W is off (door 3 is open), the process moves to step NDI and FL
The KgY flag, PBP flag, WAT flag, and DY flag 1 in iM86 are reset and the process moves to step ND2. Here, the DI'LC flag is used to output the voice "-Please close the door" once.

The KEY flag is used to output the voice message "Please insert the key counter" once.P
What is the EP flag? ・Insert paper ν audio output 1
It is for making the rotation. What is WAT flag?
This is to restart the voice output of ``Please wait.'' once. The RDY flag is 'copyable'.
This is to output the audio once. In step ND2, it is determined whether the DRC flag in the RAM 86 has been set (that is, whether the voice message "Please close the pad door" has already been output), and if it has not been reset, the DRC flag is set. If it is set, the process moves to step ND3, and if it is set, the process moves to step ND4. In step ND3, a mode for outputting the voice message "Please close the door" is set, and a VOUT subroutine for actually outputting the voice is entered. After executing this VOUT subroutine, the process returns to step NMO. On the other hand, in step ND4, the copy start operation, that is, the copy button switch C0PY-H
If the copy button switch CδPY-8 is turned on, the process moves to step ND3, returns to step NMO via the VOUT subroutine, and if the copy button switch CδPY-B is not turned on, the process directly returns to step NMO. . In this way, if the cover 3 is open, please close the door.'' is output once, and then every time the copy button switch CδPY-B is turned on, the same voice is output. This state continues until door 3 is closed.

Meanwhile, door 3 is closed and door switch DOOR, -8
If W is on, the DRC flag is reset as described above and the process moves to step NM2. In this step NMffi, it is determined whether or not the check lamp CHK-LP indicating the paper jam condition is lit. If it is lit (paper jam condition), the process moves to step N111', and if it is not lit, the CHK flag is turned on. It is reset and moves to step NM3. Here, what is the CHK flag?
Please remove the paper.This is to make the cod sound output once. Therefore, in step MHI, R
KEY flag, PBP flag, WAT flag in AM86,
Reset the lag and fLDY flag and proceed to step NH
Move to ff. In this step NH2, R4M86
It is determined whether or not the CHK flag within is set (that is, whether the voice message "Please remove the paper" has already been output), and if it is reset, the CHK flag is set and the process moves to step NM3. On the contrary, if it is set, the process moves to step NM4. Step NH
In step 3, a mode for outputting the voice message ``Please remove the paper'' is set, and the VδUT subroutine is entered. Then, when the audio output ends, the process moves to Stella 5fNH5, and if it is determined that door 3 is open, the process moves to step NH6, and conversely, if it is determined that door 3 is closed, the process moves to step NH4. In this case, upon transition to step NH4, the [PFIAT subroutine is executed. In step NH4, it is determined whether the copy button switch C0PY-B is on, and the copy button switch Cδ
If PY-B is turned on, the process moves to step NH3,
The process returns to step NH5 through the VδUT subroutine, and if the copy button switch C0PY-B is not turned on, the process directly returns to step NH5. In this way, if a paper jam occurs, the voice message "Please remove the paper" will be output once, and then the copy button switch CδPY-
The same audio output is performed every time B is turned on.
This state continues until door 3 is opened.

When the door 3 is opened and the process moves to step NH6, a reset button switch asT is pressed to issue a command to clear the paper jam state.
-B is on, and if reset button switch ft 8 T-B is turned on, the R8T flag in the input M86 is reset and the process moves to step Nll7, and if the reset button switch ft 8 T-B is not turned on, step N
Move to H8. Here, the R8T flag is used to output the voice message "Please press the reset button."

However, in step NH&, the copy button switch C0
Determine whether PY-H is on and press the copy button switch C0PY-
If B is turned on, the process moves to step NHII, and if it is not turned on, the process moves to step NH9. Step NHII
Now, set the mode for outputting the voice message ``Please press the reset button'' and enter the VδUT subroutine. When the voice output is finished, the process returns to step NH6. In step NH9, it is determined whether the door 3 is open. If the door 3 is open, the 1'L8T flag is reset and the process returns to step NH6. Conversely, if the door 3 is closed, the process proceeds to step NH1o.This step NH10
Then, it is determined whether the RAT flag is set, and if it is set, the process returns to step NH6, and if it is reset, the R8T flag is set and the process proceeds to step NHII, where audio is output. However, in this case, from steps NH9, 1o, rr to step NH
6, the FLEfPftAT subroutine is executed. In this way, when there is a paper jam, no sound is output when the door 3 is opened to remove the jammed paper, and when the copy button switch CδPY-B is turned on while the door 3 is opened to remove the jammed paper, the door 3 is closed, and when door 3 is closed and the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on, a voice message "Please press the reset button" is output, and this state is reset to the reset button switch ILsT.
-Continues until B is turned on.

Then, when the reset button switch a8'r-B is turned on, the 8T flag is reset as described above and the process moves to step NH7. In this step NH7, it is determined whether the check lamp CHK-LP is lit, and if it is not lit (that is, if the paper jam condition has been definitely cleared), the check lamp CHK-LP is determined to close the door 3 that is still open. The aforementioned steps NDI, ND2. Move to ND3,
- Outputs the voice message "Please close the door" and waits until door 3 is closed. On the other hand, check lamp CHK
- If the LP is lit (that is, if the paper jam condition has not been cleared), the process returns to step NH3, and the voice message "Please remove the paper sheet" is output. in this way,
By sequentially outputting audio according to the operating state, it is possible to inform the operator of the operating state and to allow the operator to perform reliable operations.

By the way, in step NM3, if the key counter switch KBYCT is off, that is, if the key counter (not shown) is missing, the process moves to step NKI, and if the key counter is installed, K in the RAM 86 is
The EY flag is reset and the process moves to the next step NM4.

In step NKl, the (7) PgP7 lag, WAT flag, and KEY flag in RAM #6 are reset, and the process moves to step NK2. If the KEY flag is set, the process moves to step NK4; conversely, if it is not set, the KEY flag is set and the process moves to NK3.In this step NK3, the sound of ・Please insert the key counter. The mode for outputting is set and the VOUT subroutine is entered. When the voice output is finished, the process returns to step NMO, and if the door 3 is closed and there is no paper jam, it waits until the key counter is attached. Step In NK4, copy button switch C0PY-
If 8 is turned on, the process moves to step NK3, and if it is not turned on, the process returns to step NMO. In this way, when the key counter is not installed, the voice ``Please insert the moth key counter'' will be issued once, and the same voice will be output every time the copy button switch CδPY-B is turned on. This state will continue until the key counter is attached.In this state, for example, when door 3 is opened, the sound of "please close the door" will be output, and when door 3 is closed, the sound will be output.・Outputs the voice message "Please insert the key counter."

In step NMJ, the paper out indicator lamp PEP-
It is determined whether the LP is lit, and if it is lit (out of paper in ZJ or 14), the process moves to step NPI, and if it is not lit, the PEP flag in the RAM 86 is reset and the process goes to the next step NM5. Transition. In step NPJ, the (7) W AT flag and 1'tDY7 lag in the RAM 86 are reset, and the process moves to step NP2.

In this step NP2, if the pgp flag is set, the process moves to step NP(; conversely, if it is not set, the PgP flag is set and the process moves to step NPj. In this step NP3, ・Insert the paper.・
The mode for audio output is set and the VδUT subroutine is entered. When the audio output ends, step NMO
When the door 3 is closed and there is no paper jam, if the key counter device is used, wait until paper is replenished and the out-of-paper indicator lamp goes out.In step NP4, if the copy button switch CδPY-B is turned on, The process moves to step NPJ to perform audio output, and returns to step NMO. If the copy button switch CδPY-B is not turned on, the process directly returns to step NMO. In this way, when there is no paper, the voice message ``Please insert paper'' is output once, and then the same voice is output every time the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on. This state continues until paper is replenished. However, in this case, door 3 is open and jammed.

When a key counter omission occurs, audio output is performed for each key counter in priority order (not at the same time).

In step NM5, the toner empty indicator lamp TBP
-If LP is lit (out of toner), step N
Move to TI, if not lit, next step NM2
Move to O. In step NTZ, T in RAM86
Determine whether the l3F flag is set, and if so, step NM;? If the TgP flag is not set, the TgP flag is set and the process moves to step NT2. Here, TF! The P flag is used to output the voice message "Please add toner" once. However, in step NT2,
Set the mode for outputting the voice message "Please add toner" and enter the VδUT subroutine. When the audio output ends, the process moves to step NM2O. In this way, when there is no toner, the voice output ``Please add toner I'' is performed once after the power is turned on, and after -8, no voice output is performed. This is based on the fact that even if there is no toner 4, copying is not immediately disabled, and the copy button switch c? It is also taken into consideration that if audio output is performed every time 5py-B is turned on, the operator will feel uncomfortable.

At step NM2O, the periodic inspection display lamp S 几V
- If LP is lit (regular inspection required), step N
The process moves to fLr, and if it is not lit, the process moves to step NM6. In step Nf%1, R, S in AM86
If the aV flag is set, the process moves to step NM6, and if it is not set, the process moves to step NItl.

In this step NEL2, a signal indicating "Call a butterfly serviceman..." is outputted from the input/output port 84, and the VOUT subroutine is entered to perform voice output. When the audio output ends, set the 8RV flag and proceed to step NM.
Move to 6. In general, for periodic inspections, please output the voice message ``Please call a service person'' once after turning on the power.After that, as long as the power is not cut off, the voice output will not be performed even during periodic inspections. Don't do it.

This is based on the fact that it does not immediately become impossible to copy even if it is in a periodic inspection state, and if the voice output is performed every time the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on, it will cause discomfort to the operator. We are taking into consideration the possibility that

At step NM6, a ready lamp (not shown)
If it is off (wait state), the process moves to step NWI, and conversely, if it is on (copyable state), the WAT flag in the RAM 86 is reset and the process moves to the next step NM7. Here, the WAT flag is used to output the voice "-Please wait" once.

When the ready dump is off, it means that the heat roller 16 has not reached the predetermined temperature, and if the WAT flag is set in step NWI, the process moves to step NWJ, and conversely, if it is reset, the process moves to step NWJ. W.A.
The T flag is set and the process moves to step NW2. In step NW2, a mode for outputting the voice message "Please wait" is set, and the VδUT subroutine is entered. When the audio output ends, the process returns to step NMI. In step NWJ, if the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on, the process moves to step NW2, where audio output is performed, and then returns to step NMZ, where the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on.
If it is not turned on, the process returns to step NMI. In this way, when in the wait state, the voice "Please wait..." is output once, and then the copy button switch C0 is pressed.
A similar audio output is performed every time PY-B is turned on, and this state continues until the ready lamp lights up. However, in this case, the door 3 is open and there is a paper jam.

If a key counter omission occurs, audio output is performed in priority order (not at the same time).

In step NM7, if the RDY flag in the 8-person MBe is reset, the process moves to step N11, and if it is set, the process moves to the next step NM&. That is, when the wait state changes to the ready state and the ready lamp lights up, the R and DY flags are reset, so the process moves to step NfLZ.
In this step NRZ, the It DY flag is set, and the mode for outputting the voice message ``You can copy...'' is entered, and the VOU'r subroutine is entered. When the audio output ends, the process moves to step NM&. In other words, when the state changes from the wait state to the ready state where copying is possible, the voice message "Copy ready" is output once.

Then, in step NM8, the copy button switch C[eta]PY-B is turned on to start the copying operation, and if the ready lamp is not turned off, the process moves to step NNI.

In step NNI, when a manual feed cover (not shown) for manual copying is opened and the manual copy display lamp MN-LP is lit, the process moves to step NNjl. When the manual copy display lamp MN-LP is off, the MN flag is reset and the process returns to step MNO. In step NN2, if the MN flag is set, the process returns to step MNO without outputting audio. When the MN flag is not set, a VδC signal representing the audio output of “Manual copy” is sent to the input/output port 84.
output and enter the VOUT routine.

When the audio output ends, the MN flag is reset and the process returns to step MNO. In other words, if the manual feed cover is opened in the ready state, at that point it is a manual feed copy.
・The audio output will be performed once, and no audio output will be performed thereafter until the manual feed cover is closed and opened again. Furthermore, when the paper jam 9 is empty, the door 3 is open, the key counter is missing, and the manual feed cover is open, no audio is output. Furthermore, when the manual feed cover is left open and the wait state is changed to the ready state, a voice message saying - Copying is possible... Manual feed copying is in progress is output. In this case, copy button switch C0
PY-B is turned on and a copying operation starts, resulting in another state. When the door 3 is opened in the ready state, 1 paper is jammed, the key counter is missing, and 9 papers are missing, the audio output is given priority in that order.

On the other hand, in Stella 7NM8, when the copying operation is started and the ready lamp is turned off, the R and DY flags are reset and the process moves to step NM9.

In step NM9, it is determined whether the MLT flag in kMBg is set, and if it is set, the process moves to the next step NMIO, and if it is reset, the MLT flag is set and the process moves to step NMIO. do. Here, the MLT flag is used to output a voice saying "Copying is complete" once when copying is completed when the number of copies is 10 or more.

Therefore, in step NMlO, it is determined whether the key counter is attached, whether a paper jam condition has occurred, whether a paper out condition has occurred, and whether the door 3 is closed. Time step NMf
Wait until the ready lamp lights up (copying is completed) due to the Z loop. Key counter is missing during copying operation.

Paper jam condition 9 When a paper out condition occurs or the door 3 is opened, the process moves to step NWO and audio output is performed in each case.

In step NMII, when the ready lamp is turned on due to the completion of the copying operation, the process moves to step NM12. In this step 12, if the MLT flag is set, the process moves to step NFI, where the MLT flag is reset, a mode is set for outputting the voice message "Copy completed", and the VOUT subroutine is entered. When the audio output is finished, the process moves to step NM13.Furthermore, in step NMZ2, if the MLT flag is reset, it is determined that the audio output has already been performed, and the process moves to step NMX3.In this way,
When copying 10 or more sheets, when copying is complete,
This will output the voice message "Copying completed" once.

In step 13, a cover switch cva provided on the document table cover (not shown) in the document table 2 is activated.
-sw is on (original cover closed), and if it is on, the process moves to step NMll; conversely, if it is not on, the process moves to step NVI, sets the Cv rough flag, and steps Move to NM1d.

Here, the CVR flag is used to determine whether the document cover is open or closed. However,
In step NM14, psN! from the human body detection section 60!
It is determined whether the number is J1++, @ t @. As mentioned above, this P8N signal is a logic @1" when there is a person near the main body 1, and a logic 10@ when there is no one. In this way, even if the PAN signal is a logic IOI, If so, proceed to step NM15, and logic 11
If it is 1, the process moves to step Nil. Step NM1
In step 5, if the CvRv lag has been reset, the process moves to step NT5J, where it is determined whether the 01ltG flag is set, and if it is set, the process returns to step NM13.

The OaG flag is used to output the voice ``Have you forgotten the manuscript?'' once. Step N
At δ1, if the δRG flag is reset, the δKG flag is set and the process moves to step Nδ2,
Here - Have you forgotten the manuscript?Set the mode for outputting the sound of the bell and enter the VOUT subroutine. When the audio output ends, the process returns to step NM13.

On the other hand, in step NMf5, if the CVaV lag is set (document cover open), the CVRV lag and the 0fLG flag are reset, the ftDY flag is set, and the process returns to step NMO. Also, step N
At step 81, if the ready lamp is off, the CV rough flag is reset and after executing the RgPBAT subroutine, the process returns to step NM9, whereas if the ready lamp is on, the process moves to step NB2. In this step NS2, when the door 3 is open and there is no paper jam, the Cv clearance flag is reset and the process returns to step NMO, and when the door 3 is closed and there is no paper jam, the process returns to step NMI3. In this way, if the operator leaves the main unit I with the document cover closed after copying is complete, there is a possibility that the operator may have forgotten the document.
The audio output is performed once. Further, even if the operator is already away from the main body 1 when copying is completed, the same voice output is performed once as long as the document table cover is closed.

When the operator opens the document cover after the voice output is finished, the initial state of step NMO is entered.

Such operations can be summarized as follows in terms of the relationship between audio output content and audio output timing.

(a) - Please wait When copy button switch CδPY-8 is turned on during immediate O wait.

O When the power is turned on.

(b) == Can be copied. When I changed from O weight to lady.

・After replenishing paper.

(C) “Please remove the paper.

When a 0 paper jam condition occurs.

0 Press the copy button switch C0PY-B while the paper is still jammed.
is turned on.

The power supply was turned on with the paper still jammed.

(d) = Please insert the paper. O When you run out of paper.

- When the copy button switch C0PY-B is turned on with no paper left.

O When the power is turned on without paper.

(e) Please add toner. O When toner is insufficient.

O When the power is turned on with insufficient toner.

(f) - Have you forgotten the original? - The original cover cannot be opened after copying is complete, or the operator leaves the main unit.

(g) -Press the reset button switch R8T-B- 0 After the paper jam condition is cleared or the optical system position is corrected, the door 3 is opened without the reset button switch a8T-B being turned on.
when the is closed.

(h) -= Please insert the key counter IIO
Copy button switch C0PY with key counter removed
- When B is turned on.

- When the power is turned on with the key counter removed.

(1. Close the cover. O With door 3 open, press the copy button switch CσPY-B.
is turned on.

0 When the power is turned on with door 3 open.

(j) - Please call a service person. ・When a periodic inspection condition occurs.

- When the power is turned on while a periodic inspection condition is occurring.

(k) ・Copying completed・ - When 10 or more copies have been completed.

(1) - Manual feed copy - 0 With the manual feed cover open, press the copy button switch C0P.
When Y-B is turned on.

0 When the power is turned on with the manual feed cover open.

(rn) ``Ping Pong... When the O chime switch CHM-8W is turned on, immediately before each of the above audio outputs is performed.

Therefore, the guidance information or warning information related to the electronic copying machine is emitted by voice, which allows the operator to leave the electronic copying machine and perform other tasks freely, reducing the burden on the operator. , it is possible to significantly improve work efficiency. Moreover, depending on the operating state, audio output can be performed each time the copy button switch C0PY-Bf is turned on.For example, when switching between a double cassette and a cassette to be used, if there is no paper in the switched cassette, audio output is performed immediately. It is very convenient.

In particular, if the chime switch CHM-8W is turned on, a chime sound will be emitted in advance when the audio output is triggered, so the operator can detect that audio output is about to occur, and the chime will be emitted. It is possible to reliably understand the content of the audio. Even though audio was output, if the content of the audio could not be grasped, if the repeat button switch (previously known as EAT-B) was turned on, the audio output that had been performed once would be performed again, making it very convenient for the operator. It is convenient for When radio waves are turned on, the same audio output as the last audio output that was performed before the power was cut off is performed again, so the operator can check whether the abnormal state has been cleared, for example. You can confirm it. When the operator is near the front of the main body I, the sound output is reduced so that the sound output does not make the operator feel uncomfortable, and when the operator is far from the main body I, the sound output is reduced. By increasing the size of the voice, the operator can surely understand the content of the voice.

When the maintenance door 3 is open and the copy button switch CQPY-B is turned on,
When the power is turned on, a voice message is output to the operator to close the door 3, so the operator can close the door 3 and immediately cancel the copy-disabled state. Therefore, quick copy processing becomes possible.

In the above embodiment, a case was described in which audio output was performed in Japanese, but for example, as shown in FIG.
9 (11 is divided into a Japanese audio information storage area 91 and an English audio information storage area 92 to store audio information in multiple languages, so that the address specification when outputting audio can be switched as necessary. If you set it to 1, you can output audio in the language of the desired country and take full advantage of the audio output function.Also, as shown in Figure 10, the Japanese audio information storage area The δM95 and the ROM 19g for storing English audio information may be provided independently, and if the δM can be replaced by using a socket, it will be possible to output audio in even more languages. Very convenient.

Also, the above actual Lt summer example 7: Yo・、Ichittei Nika f? Please make sure to emit a chime sound before the chime is heard. (S should come out and turn the buzzer teeth on) 4": j; f; 51- Knowledge (Support) S Sanira - ni Shichigetsu - and Ryuyo layer 1 In addition, the audio output to notify the completion of copying was made to go to line 7c when the number of copies was 10 or more, but the number of copies was There is no limit to this, and it may be set freely by the operator's operation, for example.Furthermore, although the human body detection unit 60 detects a human body using ultrasonic waves, infrared rays or the like may be used. ,CPU
(Although a 4-bit microcomputer is used for 2 and the synthesizer controller 8Z, any number of bits of the microcomputer may be used. In particular, one microcomputer may be used to control the copying operation and the audio output. By doing so, it is possible to significantly reduce costs.Also, the control device is not limited to a microcomputer; for example, the CPU 42 may be an ordinary copier signal processing circuit, and the synthesizer controller 81 may be a simple logic A circuit may also be used.Furthermore, although the application to an electronic copying machine has been described, it can also be applied to, for example, a laser printer, etc., as long as it forms an image.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without changing the gist.

As described above, according to the present invention, when performing audio output, a notification sound is emitted in advance to notify that the audio output will be performed, so that the operator can surely understand the contents of the audio output, and it is possible to avoid images that are suspicious. A forming device can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit. FIG. 4 is a detailed configuration diagram of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a specific example of the synthesizer controller, and FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing specific example 7 of the human body detection section. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation, and FIG. 9 and FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Main body, 4... Human body detection sensor, 40... Main control part, 60... Human body detection part, 80... Audio information synthesis part, 81... Synthesizer controller, 89... - Audio information synthesizer, 90... Audio information storage unit (ROM), 1
00...Audio output section, CHM...Chime switch. Applicant's attorney: Ben JJJI = I: Takeshi Suzue
Hiko8

Claims (1)

[Claims] An audio information storage unit, an audio information synthesis unit that reads audio information from the audio information storage unit and synthesizes it, and an audio output unit that converts the audio information synthesized by the synthesis unit into audio and outputs the audio information in an operating state. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for controlling the synthesizing section to output a corresponding sound; and means for emitting a notification sound in advance to indicate that the sound will be output when the sound is to be output.