JP4282283B2 - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionImage formationapparatus,LograToIn particular, the present invention relates to a user interface for a user who is not familiar with operations of OA equipment, ATMs, ticket vending machines and the like to learn various operations.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As various devices become more sophisticated, user interfaces for users to use and operate these functions have become more complex.
Taking the copier as an example, the setting items in the conventional analog copier were about “copy setting”, “magnification setting”, “double-sided copy”, “sorting presence / absence”, and “density setting”. The latest digital copiers require a wide range of operations, such as vertical / horizontal independent scaling, simple bookbinding, an aggregation function that aggregates multiple pages into one sheet, an editing function that allows you to set spelling and date stamps, and a document storage function. It is said.
However, since the physical size of the operation panel is limited, buttons and the like corresponding to all functions cannot be provided.
[0003]
With respect to such a problem, in the “copying machine mode input method” of Japanese Patent No. 2554325, various functions are set in a predetermined order so that they can be set relatively easily. .
When various function settings of the copier are performed in a predetermined order such as <original size>, <paper cassette>, <magnification setting>, <double-sided mode>, <sorting presence / absence>, <density setting>, etc. A setting item is assigned to the numeric keypad for each of these functions, and the numeric keypad is used to set the setting items.
[0004]
For example, a “2” key for <original size> A4, a “1” key for <paper cassette> tray 1, a “1” key for <magnification setting> same size, and <double-sided mode> For example, the “2” key is used for single-sided original / double-sided printing, the “2” key for <with / without sorting>, and the “1” key for <density setting> automatic density. By inputting “2, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1” and determining the correspondence between predetermined numerical values and functions, it is possible to set complicated functions using only the numeric keypad.
[0005]
However, in the method of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 2554325, when there are a very large number of setting items such as the latest digital copier, all that need not be changed even when only one setting is desired to be changed. The setting item must be entered, and the operation becomes complicated.
Furthermore, at present, with more than tens of functions to support, it is virtually impossible to remember all these numbers and order.
[0006]
In the case of a device with a large number of setting items as described above, since it is difficult to assign all functions to hard keys, recently, a touch panel has been increasingly used. Conversely, it may be difficult to use.
For example, a user who has a visual disability cannot use a key such as a touch panel that cannot be discriminated by touch feeling at all. Further, even when using from a wheelchair, it is impossible to operate the touch panel by groping because the liquid crystal screen installed on the upper part of the apparatus cannot be seen.
[0007]
On the other hand, in the “composite device” disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-117258, a composite device having functions such as copying, FAX, and printer is operated by voice guidance. This is a method of prompting input of numbers and the like following voice guidance and setting various settings in a series of exchanges. Furthermore, another tactile sensation is given to the hard keys that are frequently used so that the user can easily identify the keys.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the navigation method using voice guidance such as that described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-117258, the voice guides are reproduced in the preset order, so even if only simple settings are desired, all the set values are set. You will have to answer the voice guides and set up time will be very long.
If the function of the voice guide is narrowed down to shorten the setting time, it is not possible to set the function that is not guided, and the device cannot be used.
In addition, it is difficult to change a setting value that has already been input during setting.
[0009]
  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and assists a user who is not familiar with the operation of an electronic device or the like to use various functions of the electronic device or the like.Image formationDevice, itsImage formationA program for executing the functions of the deviceTheThe purpose is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention isImage formationThe deviceWhen performing various settings for image formation by operating a function key, in an image forming apparatus that provides voice guidance for the explanation of the function assigned to the function key, when the function key is pressed for a predetermined time, Voice guidance is provided to explain the function assigned to the function key, and selection of the function key is confirmed when the function key is pressed and a predetermined time is exceeded.It is characterized by that.
[0011]
MaClaims of the present invention2Claims1In the image forming apparatus described above, when a function key for instructing start of image formation is pressed for a predetermined time, after performing voice guidance of contents set up to that time, image formation is started with the set contents And
[0012]
  Further, the claims of the present invention3Is a program for executing, on a computer, a process for performing voice guidance on the explanation of the function assigned to the function key when performing various settings for image formation by operating the function key of the image forming apparatus. The function key isFirstWhen the key is pressed for a predetermined time, voice guidance for explaining the function assigned to the function key is performed, and the function key is kept pressed.The firstPredetermined timeLonger second predetermined timeA function to confirm the selection of the function key is executed on the computer.The
[0016]
With the above configuration, a user who is not familiar with the operation of the electronic device or the like can learn the operation using the voice guidance.
Further, even if the user does not know the operation of the key, the meaning of the key is provided in a more easily understood form, so that the user can operate with confidence while checking the key, and the operation method can be easily learned.
[0017]
Further, since no actual operation is performed during the voice guidance, a user who is not familiar with the operation method can learn the operation method with peace of mind without generating waste or cost.
In addition, since an actual operation instruction can be given to the setting items set during the voice guidance, it is not necessary to repeat the same operation in the normal operation mode, and operation is not wasted.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to an operation device with voice guidance of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the description of this embodiment, it is assumed that the operation device with voice guidance of the present invention is incorporated in an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals). However, the installation target of the operation device with voice guidance according to the present invention is not limited to the MFP, and any device having a variety of functions (for example, an OA device, an ATM, a ticket vending machine, or the like) can be incorporated. Similar effects can be expected.
[0019]
A. MFP incorporating the operation device with voice guidance of the present invention
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP incorporating an operation device with voice guidance according to the present invention.
1, an MFP 100 includes a host connection device 101 for connecting a host and the MFP, a FAX line connection device 102 for connecting to a FAX line, a network connection device 103 for connecting to a network such as a LAN, and the MFP. An operation unit 104 for performing various setting operations, a scanner device 105 that scans an image from a document table and creates image data, a printer engine 106 having an image forming device and a paper supply / discharge device, control of the entire MFP, printer language Control controller 107 for processing, facsimile control, scanner control, user recognition processing, sound output control, image data editing processing, control for MFP operation, etc., facsimile received image data, communication record and image data used for each function are stored Storage device 108, and the sound and sound according to the user's operation result. A speaker for outputting sound, consisting of a sound output device 109 such as headphones.
[0020]
In such an MFP 100, when the printer function is used, print data transmitted from the host via the host connection device 101 or print data transmitted from a computer connected via the network connection device 103 is received. The data is temporarily stored in the reception buffer of the control controller 107, developed into image data by the control controller 107 in accordance with printer language processing, sent to the printer engine 106, and printing is executed.
When using the copy function of the MFP 100, printing is executed by sending the image data read from the scanner device 105 to the printer engine 106 in accordance with an instruction from the controller 107.
[0021]
If the user is a person who can handle this MFP 100 freely, a copy instruction is given in accordance with the picture information displayed on the operation panel of the operation unit 104, and the image data read by the scanner device 105 is temporarily stored in the storage device 108. After the image data editing process of the control controller 107 executes image data editing, superimposing a plurality of images, etc., the image data is printed by the printer engine 106, or the FAX line connection device 102 is stored. Can be sent by FAX.
If the user is a person who cannot handle the MFP 100 freely, the sound or sound output to the sound output device 109 is the operation status in response to an operation instruction given by an input device such as a numeric keypad that can be identified by the user. Check the operation status from and operate the copy function.
In addition, even when the user is not familiar with the function of the MFP 100, voice guidance that outputs the operation status to the sound output device 109 in response to an operation instruction given by an input device such as a numeric keypad that can be identified by the user Check the operation status from and operate the copy function.
[0022]
Further, image data read by the scanner device 105 of the MFP 100, facsimile image data obtained via the FAX line connection device 102, and image data obtained via the network connection device 103 are converted into the host connection device 101 and the network connection device 103. It can also be used to reprocess the image data sent to the computer via the computer and received by the computer application.
Further, the MFP 100 can obtain image data from an image data server connected to the Internet via the network connection device 103 and print it by the printer engine 106.
The above facsimile and network communication operations can be performed in the same manner as the copy function.
[0023]
B. Operation unit and operation panel
FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation unit 104 in the MFP 100 in which the operation device with voice guidance of the present invention is mounted.
In the center of the operation unit 104, a liquid crystal display unit (LCD) 201 and a touch panel are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 201 displays setting items for functions (FAX, copy, printer, etc.) incorporated in the MFP 100, and the user operates the MFP 100 by setting values in the displayed setting items. I do. The function is switched by a function key 205 provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 201.
On the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 201, various keys such as a numeric keypad 202, a clear / stop key 203, and a start key 204 that are commonly used for each function are arranged.
[0024]
C. Operations on this MFP
(1) Structure of hierarchical menu
It is difficult to remember if all the operation functions are made into multiple menus as they are, so all the operation items that can be operated are classified according to the function for each function such as FAX function, copy function, printer function, scanner function, NetFile function handled by MFP. Then, the classification is further subdivided to create a single menu having a multi-level tree structure.
[0025]
For example, in the copy function shown in FIG. 3, when there are more detailed setting items such as “magnification” and “both sides”, “magnification” and “both sides” are set as one hierarchical name, A hierarchy name to be selected such as “same size”, “enlargement”, “reduction”, etc. is further placed under the hierarchy, and the hierarchy name becomes a final setting item such as “115%” or “93%”. Subdivide. Hereinafter, the hierarchy name and the setting item are collectively referred to as an operation item.
[0026]
There are the following types of operation items on this hierarchical menu.
・ Selectable items that can be selected only once in the same hierarchy
For example, “115%” or “122%” under the “enlargement” level
・ Toggle item that can toggle function ON / OFF
For example, “Whether to sort” under the “Finisher” level
・ Numeric items that can be set
For example, the number of copies
・ Operation items that start some operation
For example, creating a destination list registered with the FAX function
[0027]
For example, in the case of the copy function, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the name of the first layer is set to (number of copies, original, paper, scaling, double-sided, finisher, etc.) and subdivided into the second layer, the third layer, etc. Keep it.
Also, as shown in FIG. 4, numbers correspond to the operation items (hierarchy names and setting items) of each layer, and by specifying these numbers, the operation items can be directly selected without following each layer. You can choose.
[0028]
(2) Hierarchy menu operation
Next, a method for operating the hierarchical menu as described above will be described.
In order to move and select the operation items arranged on the above-described hierarchical menu, a direction movement key or a key that can be substituted for it is used. In the following description, the numeric keypad 202 is used instead. FIG. 5 shows a representative example of functions assigned to each key.
[0029]
That is, moving up and down the hierarchy is performed by pressing a key arranged in the vertical direction in the numeric keypad, and adjacent items in the same hierarchy are carried out using keys arranged in the horizontal direction in the numeric keypad.
In FIG. 5, the hierarchy is moved up by pressing the “move up (“ 2 ”)” key, and the hierarchy is moved down by pressing the “move down (“ 8 ”)” key.
Further, the same level is traced to the left by pressing the “move left” (“4”) key, and the same level is traced to the right by pressing the “move right” (“6”) key.
When the user instructs to move to the lower layer of the hierarchical menu, if there are a plurality of lower layer operation items, the user moves to the next operation item by a predetermined method.
[0030]
Furthermore, in FIG. 5, when the user does not know which level is in the middle of setting, or when he wants to select again from the beginning, for example, by pressing the “return to top (“ 1 ”)” key. From any hierarchy, it is possible to return to the top hierarchy (in the example of FIG. 4, “the number of copies” of the first hierarchy).
[0031]
Further, in FIG. 5, when the hierarchical menu is operated by the above-described keys and selection of a desired setting item (or numerical value input) is completed, a “setting (“ # ”)” key is used to confirm the setting item. Press.
[0032]
In FIG. 5, when the “mode change (“ 5 ”)” key is pressed for a long time (3 seconds or more), the current mode is changed. This mode includes a normal operation mode and a learning mode in which voice guidance is provided for a user who is not familiar with the operation of the device.
[0033]
If the current mode is “learning mode”, pressing the “mode switching (“ 5 ”)” key for a long time (3 seconds or more) switches to the “normal operation mode”.
If the current mode is “normal operation mode”, the headset is switched to “learning mode” by connecting the headset to the MFP 100 and pressing the “mode switching (“ 5 ”)” key for a long time (more than 3 seconds). To the headset headphones
“You have entered the learning mode. In this mode, the explanation will be displayed when you press the key, and the operation of the key will be confirmed by holding down the key for 2 seconds. The set content will be notified by voice when you press the start key. Will not print, but again press and hold 5 for 3 seconds to return to normal operating mode. "
The explanation of how to use the learning mode is played as voice guidance.
[0034]
After entering the learning mode, the voice guidance is output to the headphones as follows in the operation of the numeric keypad 202, the start key 204, etc. described above.
When a key is pressed for a short time (2 seconds or less), explanations about each key flow.
For example,
When the “1” key is pressed, “Returns to menu number 1.”
When the “2” key is pressed, “Up one menu level.”
If the “#” key is pressed, “Set key has been pressed.”
Voice guidance is given.
[0035]
Further, by continuing to press the same key as it is (for example, pressing it for 2 seconds or more), it is assumed that the user has selected the key, and the voice guidance is given for the situation due to the selection of the key.
For example,
When the “2” key is confirmed, “1. Setting the number of copies” follows the explanation of the key.
When the “6” key is confirmed, following the explanation of the key, “2. Original setting. There is a menu below.”
Voice guidance is given.
[0036]
The explanation of the case where the direction movement key or the setting key is kept pressed differs depending on which of the hierarchical menus is set or what setting item is set to a value.
For example, if you press the “8” key for a long time (2 seconds or more) while you are currently in “3. Paper” in the hierarchy menu, you will see “31. Voice guidance is performed.
For example, after selecting “32. Paper” in “3. Paper” and pressing the “#” key for a long time (2 seconds or more), after “Setting key was pressed.” The voice guidance “Paper is set to A4” is performed.
By performing the voice guidance in this way, the user can perform an operation while confirming the type of the pressed key and the set content.
[0037]
In addition, when the copy start key is pressed for a short time (less than 2 seconds) in this learning mode, the actual copy is not performed, and the contents of the items set up to that point are voice-guided. Success or failure can be judged.
For example, after setting
・ Darkness: Darkness 2
・ Paper: A3
・ Enlargement: 141%
When the start key is pressed for a short time (2 seconds or less), a voice guidance “Copying is performed with darkness of the original 2 and paper A3 and enlargement 141%” is performed.
[0038]
Furthermore, if you press the start key for a long time (2 seconds or more) and instruct to actually execute the copy, you can check the settings that have been made so far, and each time you return to the normal operation mode, You don't have to repeat the same operation.
[0039]
Further, instead of keeping the key pressed for a long time (two seconds or more) as described above, the key may be selected and confirmed when the same key is pressed twice.
[0040]
FIG. 6 shows an example of voice guidance when an operation of “performing 122% enlarged copy” is performed. To do this, move from “Copies” in the top menu to “Original” → “Paper” → “Scaling” → “Same size” → “Enlarged” → “115%” → “122%” Can be set. When this is indicated with the numeric keypad,
6 (Press for 2 seconds) → 6 (Press for 2 seconds) → 6 (Press for 2 seconds) → 8 (Press for 2 seconds)
→ 6 (Press for 2 seconds) → 8 (Press for 2 seconds) → 6 (Press for 2 seconds) → # (Press for 2 seconds)
→ Start (press for 2 seconds)
The actual copy is made by pressing in order.
Here, the initial position of the hierarchical menu when the MFP is started up is the “number of copies” of the top menu, but from the middle of the operation, it moves to the top menu by pressing the “1” key for a long time (2 seconds or more). After that, the above operation can be performed reliably without getting lost on the hierarchical menu.
[0041]
The first line of FIG. 6 shows the explanation of the voice guidance when the learning mode is entered, and the second to fourth lines confirm the key type by pressing each key for a short time.
The ninth line is a warning message that the “8 (Move Down)” key cannot be pressed because there is no setting item under the hierarchical menu “41. Same size setting”.
[0042]
D. Functional configuration in MFP
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an MFP incorporating the operation device with voice guidance according to the present invention.
7 includes at least an operation input unit 310, an operation control unit 320, an audio output unit 330, an audio storage unit 340, and a function execution unit 350.
[0043]
The operation input unit 310 inputs instructions from various function keys and numeric keys. In the normal operation mode, the input value is transferred to the operation control unit 320, and the function execution unit 350 executes the MFP function.
In the learning mode, various operation instructions are input from the direction movement key for moving the hierarchical structure of the hierarchical menu, various keys for selecting / determining operation items, the numeric keypad, and the like, and delivered to the operation control unit 320.
[0044]
The operation control unit 320 instructs the user to use which function such as a copy function or a facsimile function, and controls the initial setting for the operation and operations such as displaying various input operations and processing results thereof. I do.
The operation control unit 320 is initially in a normal operation mode. When the user presses the mode switching key for 3 seconds or more and the user inserts a headset equipped with headphones and a microphone, “the learning mode is entered.- Voice guidance such as “...” Flows, and then the learning mode is controlled.
[0045]
The operation control unit 320 manages the current position on the hierarchical menu in the learning mode.
When the state of the input key passed from the operation input unit 310 is pressed for a short time, the description of the key is output to the headphones by voice.
When the start key is pressed for a short time, actual copying is not performed, and the contents of the items set up to that time are voice-guidanced.
[0046]
When the input key passed from the operation input unit 310 is pressed for a long time (2 seconds or more), in the case of a key accompanied by movement on the hierarchical menu, it is checked whether or not the movement destination exists on the hierarchical menu. If it exists, the current position is moved to the destination position, and the state of the destination is output to the headphones by voice. When the key does not move (for example, a setting key), the function processing given to the key is performed, and the result is output to the headphones by voice guidance.
When the setting key is pressed for a long time (2 seconds or longer), the selected situation is output to the headphones by voice guidance before the setting key is pressed.
When the start key is pressed for a long time (2 seconds or more), the contents set for copying are voice-guided and actual copying is executed.
[0047]
Instead of pressing the key as described above for a long time (two seconds or more), the key may be selected when the same key is pressed twice.
[0048]
In the learning mode, the voice output unit 330 takes out voice guidance or the like for various operations using the numeric keypad from the voice storage unit 340 in accordance with an instruction from the operation control unit 320, converts the voice guidance into the voice, and outputs the voice to the headphones.
The voice storage unit 340 connects the voice information for the hierarchy name or setting item name necessary for voice guidance in the order of the guides in a tree structure format, and registers them in one of the following data formats.
・ Recorded voice data
・ Data compressed by CELP (code excited linear prediction)
・ Text data for speech synthesis
[0049]
Function execution unit 350 stores setting values for various setting items passed from operation control unit 320 in the memory of MFP 100 determined according to the function (for example, a copy function or a facsimile function), and actually executes the function. Let
[0050]
E. MFP operation
The operation of the MFP configured as described above will be described by taking the copy function operation as an example.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for the copy function operation.
First, when the mode switching key is pressed for a long time (3 seconds or more) (YES in step S1), the current setting mode is switched (step S2), and the process returns to step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
When switching from “normal operation mode” to “learning mode”, press the mode switch key and connect a headset with headphones and microphone to the MFP. Voice guidance is made.
On the other hand, if the current mode is “learning mode”, the mode is switched to “normal operation mode”.
[0051]
Next, when the direction movement key (up / down / left / right) is pressed (YES in step S3), if the key is pressed for a short time, voice guidance of the key is performed (step S4), and the next operation instruction To return to step S1.
On the other hand, if the key has been pressed for a long time (2 seconds or more), the hierarchical menu is moved up and down or moved to an adjacent item in the same hierarchy, the destination is voice-guided (step S4), and the next operation instruction To return to step S1.
The operation control unit 320 manages where in the hierarchical menu by recording the moving destination on the hierarchical menu as the current position.
[0052]
Next, when the “return to top (“ 1 ”)” key is pressed (YES in step S5), if the key is pressed for a short time, voice guidance of the key is performed (step S6). The process returns to step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
On the other hand, if the key has been pressed for a long time (2 seconds or more), it moves to the operation item (“number of copies”) in the first menu of the highest hierarchy, and the destination is voice-guided (step S6) Return to step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
The operation control unit 320 manages the current position so as to be an operation item in the first menu of the highest hierarchy.
[0053]
Next, when the “setting (“ # ”)” key is pressed (YES in step S7), if the key is pressed for a short time, voice guidance of the key is performed (step S8), and the next The process returns to step S1 to process the operation instruction.
On the other hand, if the key is pressed for a long time (2 seconds or more), the selection of the setting item at the current position selected before the setting key is pressed is confirmed, and the status is output to the headphones by voice guidance. (Step S8), the process returns to Step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
[0054]
Next, when the setting for each setting item is completed and the “start” key is pressed (YES in step S9), if the key is pressed for a short time, the actual copy is not performed, and so on. The content of the item set to is voice-guided (step S10), and the process returns to step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
On the other hand, if the key is pressed for a long time (2 seconds or longer), the content set for copying is output to the headphones with voice guidance, the setting content is set to the MFP and the actual copy is executed. Then (step S10), the process returns to step S1 to process the next operation instruction.
[0055]
On the other hand, if it is other than the above-mentioned key (mode switching, direction movement, return to top, setting, start) (NO in step S9), the function corresponding to the key is executed (step S11), and the next operation instruction To return to step S1.
[0056]
F. Computer-implemented operation device with voice guidance
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Each function constituting the operation device with voice guidance of the above-described embodiment is programmed, written in advance on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and this CD-ROM is mounted with a medium driving device such as a CD-ROM drive. The object of the present invention can be achieved by mounting these programs on a computer, storing these programs in the memory or storage device of each computer, and executing them.
[0057]
As a recording medium, a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, nonvolatile memory card, etc.), an optical medium (for example, DVD, MO, MD, CD-R, etc.), a magnetic medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) Either may be sufficient.
[0058]
Further, the case where the operating system or the like performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the loaded program and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0059]
Furthermore, the above-described program is loaded into the memory provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit, and based on the instructions of the program, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing. And the case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the processing.
[0060]
When the above-described program is stored in a storage device such as a magnetic disk of a server computer and downloaded from a user computer connected via a communication network and distributed, the storage device of the server computer is also a recording medium of the present invention. include.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a user who is not familiar with the operation of an electronic device or the like can learn the operation using voice guidance.
Further, even if the user does not know the operation of the key, the meaning of the key is provided in a more easily understood form, so that the user can operate with confidence while checking the key, and the operation method can be easily learned.
[0062]
Further, since no actual operation is performed during the voice guidance, a user who is not familiar with the operation method can learn the operation method with peace of mind without generating waste or cost.
In addition, since an actual operation instruction can be given to the setting items set during the voice guidance, it is not necessary to repeat the same operation in the normal operation mode, and operation is not wasted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP incorporating an operation device with voice guidance according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation unit.
FIG. 3 is a list example of copy functions.
FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a hierarchical menu related to a copy function.
FIG. 5 is a functional layout example of a numeric keypad.
FIG. 6 is an example of voice guidance output.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an MFP incorporating the operation device with voice guidance according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for a copy function operation;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... MFP, 101 ... Host connection device, 102 ... FAX line connection device, 103 ... Network connection device, 104 ... Operation unit, 105 ... Scanner device, 106 ... Printer engine, 107 ... Control controller, 108 ... Storage device, 109 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Sound output device 201 ... Liquid crystal display part 202 ... Ten key, 203 ... Stop key, 204 ... Start key, 205 ... Function key, 310 ... Operation input part, 320 ... Operation control part, 330 ... Sound output part, 340 ... Voice storage unit, 350... Function execution unit.

Claims (3)

When the function key is operated to perform various settings for image formation, and the function key is pressed for a first predetermined time in the image forming apparatus that provides voice guidance of the function assigned to the function key . The voice guidance for explaining the function assigned to the function key is performed, and the selection of the function key is confirmed when the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time is exceeded while the function key is pressed. An image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a function key for instructing start of image formation is pressed for a predetermined period of time, voice guidance of contents set up to then is performed, and image formation is started with the set contents An image forming apparatus. A program for executing, on a computer, a process for voice guidance of a description of a function assigned to a function key when performing various settings for image formation by operating a function key of the image forming apparatus. When the key is pressed for a first predetermined time, voice guidance for explaining the function assigned to the function key is performed, and a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time with the function key held down. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of confirming selection of the function key when the number of keys is exceeded.

Images