JP2007293126A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which even an inexperienced user can accurately and speedily set a sheet to a manual feed tray and copying error can be prevented. <P>SOLUTION: When the manual feed tray is selected by the user, a voice guidance of operation procedure for setting the sheet to the manual feed tray is outputted from a voice guidance part 30. When the sheet is set to the manual feed tray, the voice guidance regarding parameters (sheet size, sheet type) set to the manual feed tray is outputted from the voice guidance part 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that includes voice guidance means for outputting various operation procedures by voice.

In an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer, or a multifunction machine having these functions, a procedure for setting a sheet on which an image is formed is output as a voice in order to improve user convenience. One having a guidance function (guidance function) is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such an image forming apparatus, in addition to a paper feed cassette (automatic supply unit) that automatically supplies a sheet on which an image is formed, a manual feed tray (manual supply unit) that manually supplies a sheet on which an image is formed is provided. Although generally provided, a technique for automatically detecting the size of a sheet set on the manual feed tray and notifying the user of the detection result by voice is also proposed (Patent Document 2, etc.). .
JP 2003-316564 A JP 2004-10315 A

  In an image forming apparatus, the manual feed tray is usually closed, and an unaccustomed user often cannot understand how to set a sheet on the manual feed tray. A type of image in which the size of the sheet set on the manual feed tray is not automatically detected as in Patent Document 2, but the size of the sheet set on the manual feed tray is set by user operation input and stored. There is also a forming device. In such a type of image forming apparatus, if the user forgets to set the sheet size of the manual feed tray, or if the user does not know the operation procedure of the setting, the size of the image forming apparatus is different from the set size. There is a problem that the sheet is set in the manual feed tray, resulting in a miscopy.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an image forming apparatus capable of accurately and quickly setting a sheet on a manual feed tray even by an unfamiliar user by providing voice guidance to the operation procedure for setting the sheet on the manual feed tray. The purpose is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing miscopying by voice guidance of parameters set in a manual feed tray.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an automatic feeding unit that automatically feeds a sheet on which an image is formed, a manual feeding unit that manually feeds a sheet on which an image is formed, and a voice guidance unit that outputs the operation procedure by voice. In the image forming apparatus capable of selecting the automatic supply unit or the manual supply unit, a reception unit that receives selection of the manual supply unit, and the manual supply unit when the manual supply unit is selected. And a control means for controlling the voice guidance means to output a voice in an operation procedure for setting a sheet.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the selection of the manual feed unit (manual feed tray) is received, the voice guidance means outputs the operation procedure of sheet setting to the manual feed unit (manual feed tray). Therefore, the user sets the sheet to the manual feed unit (manual feed tray) accurately and quickly without being confused.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an automatic feeding unit that automatically feeds a sheet on which an image is formed, a manual feeding unit that manually feeds a sheet on which an image is formed, and a voice guidance unit that outputs the operation procedure by voice. In the image forming apparatus capable of selecting the automatic supply unit or the manual supply unit, a detection unit that detects whether or not a sheet is set in the manual supply unit and the manual supply unit Storage means for storing the parameters of the sheet, and when the detection means detects that the sheet is set in the manual feed unit, the voice guidance means outputs the parameters stored in the storage means by voice And a control means for controlling to do so.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when it is detected that a sheet is set in the manual feed unit (manual tray), the sheet parameters (size, size) set in the manual feed unit (manual tray) are detected. Type) is output by the voice guidance means. Therefore, the user does not set a sheet having parameters (size, type) different from the set sheet parameters (size, type) in the manual feed unit (manual tray), and miscopying is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the selection of the manual feed unit (manual feed tray) is received from the user, the voice guidance is provided for the procedure for setting the sheet in the manual feed unit (manual tray). Even a simple user can set the sheet accurately and easily in the manual feed unit (manual feed tray).

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a sheet is set in the manual feed unit (manual feed tray), the parameters (size and type) being set in the manual feed unit (manual tray) stored in the storage unit are voiced. Since guidance is provided, even an inexperienced user can prevent erroneous setting of a sheet that does not match the set parameters (size and type), and the occurrence of miscopying can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction peripheral (facsimile multifunction peripheral) as an image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a voice guidance section 30 described later. In addition to the original facsimile function and copy function, the multifunction machine has a function of receiving an e-mail from an external terminal device via a network and a printer function of printing out input image data. Device.

  The multifunction machine includes an MPU (Microprocessor Unit) 1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a memory control unit 4, an image memory 5, a print image processing circuit 6, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) print head. 7. Printer mechanism control circuit 8, LAN (Local Area Network) interface 9, operation / display control unit 10, scanner 11, codec 12, modem 13, NCU (Network Control Unit) 14, voice guidance unit 30 and the like Yes.

  The MPU 1 is connected to the above-described hardware units of the multifunction peripheral via the bus 31 and controls them, and executes various software functions according to a control program stored in the ROM 2. The ROM 2 stores various software control programs necessary for the operation of the multifunction peripheral. The RAM 3 stores temporary data generated when the software is executed. The RAM 3 has a manual sheet parameter storage area 3a for storing sheet parameters (size and type) set in the manual feed tray. Specifically, the parameters to be set are the sheet size A3, B4, A4, B5, and the like, and the sheet type is plain paper, OHP sheet, envelope, postcard, cardboard, and the like.

  The image memory 5 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and stores image data obtained by reading a document, image data received from an external device such as another facsimile machine, and the like under the control of the memory control unit 4. The LED print head 7 prints an image corresponding to the image data processed by the print image processing circuit 6 on a sheet supplied from a paper feed cassette (automatic supply unit) or a manual feed tray (manual supply unit). The printer mechanism control circuit 8 controls the operation of the printer including the LED print head 7. The printer mechanism control circuit 8 receives the detection result (output) of the manual feed tray sheet sensor 8a that detects the presence or absence of sheets in the manual feed tray (the set state of sheets on the manual feed tray).

  The LAN interface 9 is connected to an external device such as another multifunction peripheral or a personal computer via the LAN, and exchanges data with the external device. The operation / display control unit 10 receives a user operation input on at least a key operation unit 10b having a cursor key 10a and a touch screen 10d of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 10c, and displays a screen showing an operation state of the multifunction device, A screen that prompts the user to input an operation, a screen that issues a warning to the user, and the like are displayed on the LCD panel 10c.

  The scanner 11 reads an original with an optical system using, for example, a CCD, and outputs the read image data. The codec 12 compresses / decompresses image data according to a predetermined compression method. The modem 13 is connected to the bus 31 and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. Similarly, the modem 13 is directly connected to the NCU 14 connected to the bus 31. The NCU 14 is hardware that performs operations for closing and opening a line with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and connects the modem 13 to the PSTN as necessary.

  The voice guidance unit 30 includes a sub MPU 21, a ROM 22, a SRAM 23, a voice decoder 24, an AFE (Analog Front End) 25, an analog amplifier 26, a speaker 27, and the like. The sub MPU 21 is connected to the MPU 1 via the serial bus 32, and is connected to the above hardware components of the voice guidance unit 30 via the bus 33. The ROM 22 stores a control program for voice guidance and a voice guidance message. The SRAM 23 stores temporary data generated when the software is executed.

  The voice decoder 24 decodes the encoded voice guidance message read from the ROM 22 into voice waveform data. The AFE 25 converts the voice waveform data into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the analog amplifier 26. The analog amplifier 26 amplifies this analog signal and outputs it to the speaker 27.

  When voice guidance is performed, the data of the necessary voice waveform decoded by the voice decoder 24 is sent to the analog amplifier 26 via the AFE 25 and is output from the speaker 27 as voice. The voice guidance guides various processing operations for the multifunction peripheral. In the present invention, the voice guidance function for the sheet setting operation on the manual feed tray and the sheet parameters (size, At least a voice guidance function.

  The operation of the multifunction machine of the present invention will be described below. In the MFP according to the present invention, when the manual feed tray is selected by the user, the voice guidance unit 30 outputs the voice guidance of the operation procedure for setting the sheet on the manual feed tray. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure in the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of screen display in the multifunction peripheral of the present invention.

  The MPU 1 determines whether any soft key of the touch screen 10d is pressed when the standby screen for setting the copy condition as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the LCD panel 10c (see FIG. 4A). Step S1). When a soft key other than “Sheet” is pressed (S1: [Other Keys]), the operation ends.

  When the soft key “Sheet” is pressed (S1: [Sheet]), the MPU 1 displays a sheet selection screen as shown in FIG. 4B on the LCD panel 10c (Step S2), and the sheet by the cursor key 10a. Is selected from the user (step S3).

  When “manual feed” is selected by the user, the cursor points to “manual feed” as shown in FIG. In this state, the MPU 1 determines whether any of the soft keys on the touch screen 10d has been pressed (step S4).

  When the soft key “OK” is pressed (S4: [OK]), the MPU 1 outputs a voice guidance of an operation procedure for setting a sheet on the manual feed tray (step S5), and the operation ends. For example, the voice guidance unit 30 “sets a sheet in the manual feed tray. First open the manual feed tray, raise the sheet set lever, and then set the sheet with the print side up. Please lower the sheet set lever. "

  When the soft key “Close” is pressed in the screen display of FIG. 4C (S4: [Close]), the MPU 1 displays the standby screen shown in FIG. S6), the operation ends.

  As described above, in the MFP according to the present invention, when the selection of the manual feed tray is received from the user, the operation procedure of the sheet setting to the manual feed tray is guided by voice, so even an inexperienced user can enter the manual feed tray. The sheet can be set accurately and quickly.

  Further, in the multifunction machine according to the present invention, when a sheet is set on the manual feed tray, the voice guidance unit 30 outputs voice guidance regarding the size and type as the sheet parameter set in the manual feed tray. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure in the multifunction peripheral of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of screen display in the multifunction peripheral of the present invention.

  When the standby screen for setting the copy condition as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the LCD panel 10c, the MPU 1 displays “ It is determined whether or not there is a change from “without sheet” to “with sheet” (step S11). If there is no change (S11: NO), the operation ends.

  When the state is changed from “without sheet” to “with sheet” (S11: YES), the MPU 1 reads out the parameters (size and type) of the sheet set in the manual feed tray from the RAM 3 (manual sheet parameter storage area 3a). (Step S12), a manual feed tray setting screen as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the LCD panel 10c (Step S13).

  Then, the MPU 1 outputs voice guidance indicating the sheet size and type set in the manual feed tray (step S14), and the operation ends. For example, the voice guidance unit 30 indicates that “the currently set sheet is plain paper of size A4. Press“ Yes ”if this is OK, or“ No ”to change. "Is output.

  In the MFP according to the present invention, since the parameters set in the manual feed tray are guided by voice, the user does not set a sheet different from the set parameters (size and type) in the manual feed tray, and miscopying is performed. Can be eliminated.

  Although the multi-function device has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be similarly applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a copier, a facsimile machine, and a printer.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a voice guidance part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display in the multifunctional device (image forming apparatus) of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display in the multifunctional device (image forming apparatus) of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MPU
2 ROM
3 RAM
3a Manual sheet parameter storage area 6 Print image processing circuit 7 LED print head 8 Printer mechanism control circuit 8a Manual tray sheet sensor 21 Sub MPU
22 ROM
23 SRAM
24 voice decoder 25 AFE
26 Analog amplifier 27 Speaker 30 Voice guidance section

Claims (2)

An automatic supply unit that automatically supplies a sheet on which an image is formed; a manual feed unit that manually supplies a sheet on which an image is formed; and a voice guidance unit that outputs an operation procedure by voice. In an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a manual supply unit,
A receiving unit that accepts selection of the manual feeding unit, and a control unit that controls the voice guidance unit to output a voice when a manual feeding unit is selected. An image forming apparatus comprising: An automatic supply unit that automatically supplies a sheet on which an image is formed; a manual feed unit that manually supplies a sheet on which an image is formed; and a voice guidance unit that outputs an operation procedure by voice. In an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a manual supply unit,
Detection means for detecting whether or not a sheet has been set in the manual feed section, storage means for storing parameters of the sheet to be set in the manual feed section, and sheet in the manual feed section by the detection means An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the voice guidance unit to output the parameter stored in the storage unit when the detected setting is detected.

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