JP4244764B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function.

Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals, copiers, facsimile machines, printers, etc., voice messages indicate how to deal with troubles (such as paper jam, out of paper, out of toner, etc.) and setting registration operation methods such as one-touch registration. A device having a voice guidance function to utter a voice is known. If the operation is performed according to the procedure according to the contents of the voice guidance, there is an advantage that a user who is unfamiliar with the operation can perform the operation smoothly as compared with the operation while referring to the instruction manual.
In some image forming apparatuses having such a voice guidance function, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a voice guidance is output after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307512

However, the conventional image forming apparatus has the following problems.
As the number of times the user operates the multifunction device increases, the time required for the operation can often be shortened as a result of getting used to the operation. Depending on the content of the voice guidance, there is a content that, once listened to, does not need to be listened again at the next operation.
For this reason, if the voice guidance is output after the elapse of a predetermined time for each operation, the voice guidance becomes troublesome for some users. In other words, there are some users who feel annoyed and annoying gradually as the voice guidance, which was necessary before they become accustomed to the operation, gradually improves.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the annoyance caused by voice guidance by controlling the time until voice guidance is output in an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems will be described.
In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function for outputting voice guidance after a predetermined time corresponding to the contents of voice guidance has elapsed, and the user corresponds to voice guidance. Timer means for measuring an operation time required for performing the operation, and control means for controlling to change the predetermined time based on the operation time measured by the timer means, the control means comprising: When the operation time measured by the timer means exceeds the predetermined time, the predetermined time is changed from the current predetermined time to the operation time.

In the present invention, an upper limit is provided for the predetermined time to be changed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, among the plurality of operations that are consecutive in the operation order from the first operation to the nth operation, the first operation is not set with the corresponding predetermined time, and the user does not set the first operation. If the operation is not performed correctly, voice guidance is output immediately after the operation.

As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the frequency at which the voice guidance is output can be reduced by learning the timing of outputting the voice guidance according to the user's ability. It is possible to reduce the annoyance (degree to which the user feels annoyance) due to the guidance.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, even if an extremely long time is required for the operation, it is possible to prevent the predetermined time from becoming extremely large.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to prevent useless output of voice guidance when the user is not in a range where the voice guidance can be heard, and the operation is performed, but the correct operation is not performed. In this case, since the voice guidance with the content for guiding the first operation is output, if there is a user who is operating the multifunction peripheral, the voice guidance can be output to the user.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a control configuration of a multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a voice guidance procedure of the multifunction machine, and FIG. 3 is a table for associating the contents of voice guidance with a predetermined time. It is a figure which shows an example.

  First, a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine having a facsimile function and a copy function will be described with reference to FIG. The multifunction device includes a CPU (main control unit) 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an image reading unit 14, an image recording unit 15, a display unit 16, an image memory 17, a codec (encoder / decoder) 18, which are control means. A modem 19, an NCU (network control circuit) 20, an operation unit 21, and an audio output unit 23 are provided, and the above-described units are connected via a bus 10 so as to communicate with each other.

  The CPU 11 is a control unit that controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral based on an input operation or the like in the operation unit 21. Further, the CPU 11 has a built-in timer 25 and functions as a timer means. The ROM 12 stores a control program for controlling the multifunction machine. The ROM 12 stores voice guidance data, operation screen data, and data for a predetermined time associated with the contents of the voice guidance. The RAM 13 temporarily stores various information such as the control state of the multifunction machine.

  The image reading unit 14 optically scans (scans) a manuscript such as a photograph, document, or drawing, measures the intensity of the reflected light or transmitted light, performs AD conversion (analog-digital conversion), A document image that is image data is output. The image recording unit 15 is configured by an electrophotographic printer, and records (prints) a document image output from the image reading unit 14 and a received image received via the modem 19 on a recording sheet. The image memory 17 temporarily stores image data such as a document image read by the image reading unit 14 and a received image received via the modem 19.

  On the other hand, the codec 18 functions as an encoder, and encodes (encodes) the original image read by the image reading unit 14 by, for example, the MH, MR, or MMR method in order to transmit the image via the bus 10. . On the other hand, it functions as a decoder and decodes (decodes) encoded image data. The modem 19 modulates transmission / reception data and demodulates reception data based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to ITU (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation. An NCU (network control circuit) 20 performs connection control with a communication line (telephone line), and detects transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to a telephone number (including a facsimile number) of a destination.

  The display unit 16, which is a display means, is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), displays various information (character messages) such as the operation state of the multifunction device, and displays an operation procedure when using the copy function or the facsimile function. Used to do. The CPU 11 reads the operation screen data stored in the ROM 12, and displays and outputs the read operation screen data on the display unit 16 as an operation screen.

  The operation unit 21 includes, as input means for operating the multifunction device, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies and a destination telephone number, a one-touch key for registering a facsimile destination telephone number, copying or facsimile transmission, and the like. Various operation keys 30 such as a start key to be started and a mode switching key for switching between a copy function and a facsimile function are provided. The input operation of each operation key 30 is transmitted to the CPU 11, and the multifunction peripheral is controlled based on this input operation. The operation key 30 includes a voice guidance key 31 for instructing voice guidance (output).

The multifunction machine of this embodiment has a voice guidance function. The voice guidance function is a function that outputs voice guidance corresponding to the operation state of the multifunction peripheral and guides the operation procedure of the multifunction peripheral to the user. As an example, guidance is provided on how to deal with troubles (paper jam, out of paper, out of toner, etc.) and operation methods for setting registration (registering one-touch keys, etc.). When outputting voice guidance, voice output means (for example, a voice output circuit including a speaker) 23 is activated. The CPU 11 reads the voice guidance data stored in the ROM 12 and outputs the read voice guidance data from the voice output means 23 as voice guidance. The volume level (volume) of the voice guidance output from the voice output means 23 can be adjusted by operating, for example, a volume adjustment dial provided on the operation unit 21.
If the multifunction device is in a state where voice guidance can be output, the voice guidance is also output from the voice output means 23 by pressing the voice guidance key 31. In this case, for example, the voice guidance key 31 may be configured to be switched on and off (or blinkable), and the voice guidance key 31 may be lit (or blinked) when the voice guidance can be output.

  For example, when trouble occurs in the multifunction device, voice guidance is started. The CPU 11 reads the corresponding voice guidance data stored in the ROM 12 and guides the occurrence of trouble, the location where the trouble occurs, the operation necessary for solving the trouble, and the like. Specifically, when a paper jam has occurred, “Paper jam has occurred” regarding the occurrence of a paper jam, “Paper jam has occurred at the paper feed unit” regarding the location where the paper jam has occurred, The voice output means 23 outputs voice guidance such as “Open the jam access cover and remove the jammed paper”, “Close the jam access cover”, etc., for the opening / closing operation of the cover necessary for the cancellation.

  In the multi-function peripheral, setting registration such as registration of a one-touch key is performed by operating an operation key 30 disposed on the operation unit 21. Similarly in this case, the CPU 11 reads the corresponding voice guidance data stored in the ROM 12 and guides the operation keys 30 to be sequentially operated.

  In the voice guidance function of this embodiment, even when the multifunction device is in a state where voice guidance can be output, voice guidance is not output immediately (except when the user does not perform the correct operation) The voice guidance is output after a predetermined time T has elapsed in association with the content of the voice guidance, and if the user performs a correct operation within the predetermined time T, the voice guidance is not output. That is, the time (operation time) T ′ required for correct operation by the user is measured, and when the operation time T ′ exceeds the predetermined time T, voice guidance is output. In this embodiment, when the voice guidance is output, that is, when the time T ′ required for the operation exceeds the predetermined time T, the control is performed so as to change the predetermined time T at this time. ing.

  The predetermined time T is determined in advance in association with the content of the voice guidance, and a series of operations performed by the user (for example, a series of operations for solving a certain trouble and a series of operations for setting registration). Each operation is determined in advance and stored in the ROM 12. For example, it is stored as a table as shown in FIG. In the table of FIG. 3, the first operation, the second operation, the third operation,..., The first operation, the second operation, the third operation,. n operations are included. Here, the nth operation is the last operation performed by the user in a series of operations.

A predetermined time for each operation in the series of operations is set for each operation content. Speaking of a series of operations A in the table of FIG. 3, for the first operation, the second operation, the third operation,..., The nth operation, the corresponding voice guidance data, Operation screen data to be displayed on the display unit 16 is stored in the ROM 12, and a predetermined time T for outputting the corresponding voice guidance is set as Ta1, Ta2, Ta3,..., Tan and stored in the ROM 12. Yes. The same applies to the series of operations B,. If the series of operations are different, the first operation, the second operation, the third operation,..., Voice guidance data corresponding to the nth operation, operation screen data, predetermined times T1, T2, T3 ,..., Tn are different.
As described above, the data of the predetermined time T associated with the content of the voice guidance is stored in the ROM 12 together with the voice guidance data. Note that the predetermined time T1 for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the first operation may not be set as described later (see FIG. 2).

  However, if the user does not perform the correct operation, the voice guidance indicating that the user did not perform the correct operation immediately after the operation and the content of guidance for the correct operation are output, not after the predetermined time T has elapsed. The Here, the correct operation means an operation that matches (corresponds to) the content of the operation screen of the display unit 16 or the content of the voice guidance. This is when an operation different from the content of the operation screen or the content of the voice guidance is performed. Note that the voice guidance data for guiding that the user did not perform the correct operation is stored in the ROM 12.

Next, the flow of changing the predetermined time T for outputting the voice guidance will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As described above, the voice guidance function is a function that guides the user on a troubleshooting method, a setting registration operation method, and the like. When trouble occurs in the multi-function peripheral or setting registration operation is started (step S1), the CPU 11 displays an operation start screen on the display unit 16 (step S2). The content of the operation start screen is a screen corresponding to the first operation, and guides the user to the first operation. For example, when a paper jam occurs, a text message “Please open the jam access cover” and the position of the jam access cover are displayed on the display unit 16 as an operation screen. Thus, by displaying the operation start screen on the display unit 16, the user is prompted to perform the first operation. At this time, a buzzer or the like may be sounded to notify a user who is away from the multifunction peripheral to perform the first operation. Moreover, you may output the audio | voice guidance which guides 1st operation. However, in this case, the predetermined time T1 for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the first operation is not set in consideration of the case where there is no user in the range where the voice guidance can be heard (for example, at night). More specifically, if a predetermined time T1 is set and the same control as a predetermined time T2 described later is performed on the predetermined time T1, the following problem occurs. For example, when the user is not in a range where the voice guidance can be heard, such as at night, and it takes more time than necessary to perform the first operation, the amount of change with respect to the predetermined time T1 increases extremely at once. . For this reason, it is considered that the predetermined time T1 for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the first operation does not need to be set in advance.

  Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has operated the multifunction device (step S3). If the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the operation has not been performed, this determination is repeated in step S3 until it is determined that the operation has been performed.

In step S4, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation performed by the user is a correct operation (first operation), in other words, the content of the operation start screen on which the operation performed by the user is displayed on the display unit 16. It is determined whether or not it matches. If the result of determination is that the operation is correct, the CPU 11 activates the timer 25 built in the CPU 11 (step S6). As described above, the timer 25 is started by using the first operation as a trigger. The timer 25 measures the time required for the next second operation by the user.
On the other hand, if it is not the correct operation, the CPU 11 outputs a voice guidance indicating that the user has not performed the correct operation and a voice guidance with contents for guiding the correct operation (first operation) (step S5). The process proceeds to step S3. For example, when the user opens a cover different from the contents of the operation start screen, a voice guidance such as “the location where the cover is opened is incorrect. Please open the jam access cover at the rear of the main body” is output.
In the above, since the predetermined time T1 for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the first operation is not set, it is possible to prevent useless voice guidance output when the user is not in a range where the voice guidance can be heard and After displaying the content prompting the first operation (step S2), it is determined whether or not the user has performed the operation (step S3), and the operation was performed, but the correct operation was not performed. In this case, since voice guidance with contents for guiding correct operation is output (step S5), if there is a user who operates the multifunction peripheral, the voice guidance can be output to the user.

Next, the CPU 11 displays the next operation screen on the display unit 16 (step S7). This operation screen is a screen corresponding to the second operation, and guides the user to the second operation. By displaying the operation screen on the display unit 16 in this manner, the user is prompted to perform the second operation. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has operated the multifunction machine (step S8). If the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S9.
In step S9, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the time t measured by the timer 25 has passed the predetermined time T2. The predetermined time T2 is a predetermined time for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the second operation, and is predetermined and stored in the ROM 12 in association with the second operation (content of the voice guidance). As a result of the determination, when the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (t <T2), the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (t> T2), the CPU 11 outputs voice guidance (step S10), and proceeds to step S11. At this time, in step S10, a voice guidance with contents for guiding the user to the second operation is output.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has operated the multifunction device (step S11). If the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the operation has not been performed, this determination is repeated in step S11 until it is determined that the operation has been performed.

In step S12, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation performed by the user is a correct operation (second operation), in other words, the content of the operation screen on which the operation performed by the user is displayed on the display unit 16. It is determined whether or not it matches. As a result of the determination, if the operation is not correct, the CPU 11 outputs the audio guidance indicating that the user did not perform the correct operation and the audio guidance with the content for guiding the correct operation (second operation) (step S13). ), The process proceeds to step S11.
On the other hand, if the operation is correct, the CPU 11 stops the timer 25 (step S14). At this time, a time t measured from the start to the stop of the timer 25 is defined as an operation time T2 ′. This operation time T2 ′ is the time required for the user to perform the second operation (correct operation).

Next, in step S15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation time T2 ′ is longer than the predetermined time T2. If the result of determination is larger (T2 ′> T2), the CPU 11 sets T2 ′ larger than T2 as a new predetermined time instead of the current predetermined time T2, and stores it in the ROM 12 (step S16). ). That is, in step S16, the CPU 11 changes the predetermined time T for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the second operation from the current predetermined time T2 to the operation time T2 ′, and for the subsequent second operation, The voice guidance is output when a predetermined time T2 ′ has elapsed from the time measured by 25. As described above, when the time T2 ′ required for the operation exceeds the current predetermined time T2, that is, when the voice guidance is output, the current predetermined time T2 is changed and extended. Yes. At this time, the predetermined time to be extended is (T2′−T2), which is a value obtained by subtracting the current predetermined time T2 from the operation time T2 ′ at this time. As a result, in step S16, control is performed to add the difference (T2′−T2) between the operation time and the predetermined time to the current predetermined time T2.
After step S16, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S16 is not large (T2 ′ ≦ T2), the CPU 11 starts the timer 25 again (step S17).

  Next, the CPU 11 displays the next operation screen on the display unit 16 (step S18). This operation screen is a screen corresponding to the third operation, and guides the user to the third operation. By displaying the operation screen on the display unit 16 in this way, the user is prompted to perform the third operation. The control of the third operation is substantially the same as the control (from step S6 to step S16) in the case of the second operation described above.

Then, for the subsequent n-th operation, substantially the same control as the control for the second operation (from step S6 to step S16) is repeatedly performed. In this case, for the nth operation, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the time Tn ′ required for the nth operation by the user is longer than the predetermined time Tn until the voice guidance corresponding to the nth operation is output. Is determined (step S21). If the result of determination is not great (Tn ′ ≦ Tn), this control is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if larger (Tn ′> Tn), the CPU 11 sets Tn ′ larger than Tn as a new predetermined time instead of the current predetermined time Tn, and stores it in the ROM 12 (step S22). This control is finished.
That is, in step S22, the CPU 11 changes the predetermined time T for outputting the voice guidance corresponding to the n-th operation from the current predetermined time Tn to the operation time Tn ′, and for the subsequent n-th operation, the timer 11 The voice guidance is output when a predetermined time Tn ′ has elapsed from the time measured by 25. As described above, when the time Tn ′ required for the operation exceeds the current predetermined time Tn, that is, when the voice guidance is output, the current predetermined time Tn is changed and extended. Yes. At this time, the predetermined time to be extended is (Tn′−Tn), which is a value obtained by subtracting the current predetermined time Tn from the operation time Tn ′ at this time. As a result, in step S22, control is performed to add the difference (Tn′−Tn) between the operation time at this time and the current predetermined time to the current predetermined time Tn.

  As described above, when the voice guidance is output after a predetermined time T that is predetermined in association with the content of the voice guidance, that is, an operation (correct operation) corresponding to the voice guidance is performed. When the time T ′ required for the time exceeds the predetermined time T, the predetermined time is controlled to be changed from the current predetermined time T to the operation time T ′. At this time, the predetermined time to be changed is (T′−T), which is a value obtained by subtracting the current predetermined time T from the operation time T ′ at this time. In other words, control is performed such that the difference (T′−T) between the operation time at this time and the current predetermined time is added to the current predetermined time T. With such control, for subsequent operations, voice guidance is not output if the time measured by the timer 25 has passed the predetermined time T before the predetermined time T ′ has elapsed. And voice guidance is output when predetermined time T 'passes.

  As described above, in the multi-function peripheral, the frequency at which the voice guidance is output can be reduced by learning the timing for outputting the voice guidance according to the user's ability. Degree of feeling).

In the above, when the time T ′ required for performing the operation corresponding to the voice guidance exceeds the predetermined time T corresponding to the content of the voice guidance, the predetermined time is the current predetermined time. T is changed to operation time T ′. Therefore, as the operation time T ′ increases, the predetermined time changed according to the operation time T ′ also increases.
For this reason, you may make it provide an upper limit with respect to predetermined time. In this case, an upper limit for the predetermined time is set in advance and stored in the ROM 12. For example, an upper limit as shown in the table of FIG. 3 can be provided. According to the table of FIG. 3, the upper limit of the predetermined time for the second operation of the series of operations A is “Ta2max”. In this way, by setting an upper limit in advance for a predetermined time, for example, when an extremely long time is required for the operation, such as when a call is made during a trouble solving operation, In addition, the predetermined time can be prevented from becoming extremely long.

  In addition, in a single operation, the predetermined time to be changed is (T′−T), but an upper limit for the time to be changed may be provided. You may make it provide the upper limit with respect to this changed time together with the upper limit with respect to the predetermined time itself mentioned above.

The figure which shows one Example of the control structure of the multifunctional device to which this invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for voice guidance of a multifunction peripheral. The figure which shows an example of the table which matches the content of audio | voice guidance, and predetermined time.

Explanation of symbols

11 CPU
12 ROM
23 Voice output means 25 Timer

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus having a voice guidance function for outputting voice guidance after a predetermined time has elapsed in association with the contents of voice guidance,
Timer means for measuring an operation time required for the user to perform an operation corresponding to the voice guidance;
Control means for controlling to change the predetermined time based on the operation time measured by the timer means;
With
The control unit changes the predetermined time from the current predetermined time to the operation time when the operation time measured by the timer unit exceeds the predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an upper limit is provided for the predetermined time to be changed. From the first operation to the n-th operation, among the plurality of the operations that are consecutive in the operation order, the predetermined time is not set for the first operation, and the user does not correctly perform the first operation. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a voice guidance is output immediately after the operation.

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