JP2006345041A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily acquire a desired guidance even if resources are limited. <P>SOLUTION: A network composite machine 100 acquires guidance data corresponding to a predetermined operation condition from a guidance data accumulating server 200 connected via a network 150, and stores the acquired guidance data into a data storage 120 for reproduction. When an instruction of reproducing the guidance data is made during a series of operations after a data acquiring section 104 acquires the guidance data, an output processor 106 reads the corresponding guidance data from the storage 120 and outputs the data. A data writer and eraser 108 erases the guidance data from the storage 120 after completion of the series of operations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a network connection function.

  For example, in a device that prints printing data on a document, such as a facsimile machine or a printer, guidance is required to operate the device, such as a paper jam or replacement of a drum or ink cartridge. Often becomes. However, for example, paper jams vary depending on the situation. If guidance data corresponding to all situations is prepared in the apparatus, a large-capacity memory is required. In recent years, multi-function machines in which a printer, a copy function, a scanner function, and the like are integrated in a facsimile apparatus have been widely used. Handling of such a multifunction device is complicated. For this reason, the memory capacity required for guidance data is increasing. In addition, new functions may be added after the product purchase, and in such a case, new guidance is required. Further, the product provider may prepare new guidance data that is easier to use and useful in accordance with a trouble fed back from the user after the product sale.

Patent Document 1 discloses an operation having a scanner, a voice guidance memory for storing voice data used for voice guidance, a voice output unit for converting voice data into voice, and a dedicated key for voice guidance. A facsimile apparatus including a display unit and a system control unit that controls the whole is disclosed. Here, the system control unit is a control for reading a card on which voice guidance data is described as an image with a scanner, extracting voice data for voice guidance from the read image data, and reproducing the voice using the voice output unit. I do. As a result, it is described that a facsimile apparatus having a voice guidance function with low cost and high user convenience is provided.
JP 2002-176579 A

  However, as described above, when the apparatus has various functions and handling becomes complicated, it is difficult for the user to select appropriate guidance by himself. For example, in the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a user presses a guidance key, guidance for a desired function is reproduced if it is in the memory in the apparatus. On the other hand, when there is no desired guidance in the apparatus, input of a card in which voice guidance data is described as an image is prompted. However, when the handling is complicated and there are a large number of cards corresponding to various functions, it is troublesome for the user to manage the card or select an appropriate card.

  In Patent Literature 1, data for voice guidance is downloaded from a server that has been set in advance using a communication function under the control of the system control unit, and the downloaded voice data is converted into voice using voice output means. The structure to reproduce is also described. In this apparatus, when there is no guidance for a function corresponding to the memory in the apparatus and there is no card, the apparatus is connected to a server to download voice guidance data. That is, the voice guidance data is distributed to the memory, card, and server in the apparatus. However, if guidance data is distributed at a plurality of locations, management on the apparatus side becomes complicated, and user management becomes complicated and time-consuming.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a user to easily obtain desired guidance even when resources are limited and to improve user convenience.

  According to the present invention, from a predetermined guidance data storage server connected via a network, a data acquisition unit that acquires guidance data corresponding to a predetermined operation state, and the guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit are output. An output processing unit, a reproduction data storage unit for storing guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit, and a data erasing unit for deleting the guidance data stored in the reproduction data storage unit, The processing unit reads out the corresponding guidance data from the reproduction data storage unit and outputs the guidance data when there is an instruction to reproduce the guidance data during a series of operations after the data acquisition unit acquires the guidance data. Then, the data erasure unit, after the series of operations, completes the guidance from the reproduction data storage unit. The image processing apparatus is provided, characterized in that to erase the data.

  Here, the image processing apparatus may be an apparatus that prints printing data on a document, such as a facsimile machine or a printer.

  In recent years, infrastructures such as ADSL (Asymmetry Digital Subscriber Line) and FTTH (Fiber To The Home) have been established, and can always be connected to a network such as the Internet at a low price. Therefore, a device having a network connection function can easily acquire necessary data from other terminals connected via the network. According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, guidance data is acquired from a predetermined guidance data storage server via a network as necessary. Therefore, even when the apparatus resources are limited, a user can easily provide desired guidance. Can be obtained.

  The acquired guidance data is stored so that it can be played back during a series of operations. If you want to immediately play back the guidance data that the user has played back once, the guidance data will be stored in the network again. Can be played without getting through. The series of operations can be a period from when an instruction to output guidance data is given to when the guidance data output process ends and the normal operation mode of the image processing apparatus returns. Therefore, convenience for the user can be achieved. On the other hand, the guidance data is erased after a series of operations. Therefore, when the guidance data is reproduced next time, the guidance data is acquired from the guidance data storage server. Thereby, the latest data can be reproduced. Moreover, since guidance data can be downloaded from the guidance data storage server except during a series of operations, management of guidance data can be simplified.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention can further include an instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user and a display unit, and the data acquisition unit is configured to perform the predetermined processing based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit. Menu data of the guidance data can be acquired from the guidance data storage server, the output processing unit can display the menu data on the display unit, and the data acquisition unit includes the instruction receiving unit. When there is an instruction to obtain guidance data for the menu data displayed on the display unit, the corresponding guidance data can be obtained from the predetermined guidance data server.

  In this way, the user can select the guidance data while looking at the menu data. Therefore, it is possible for the user to grasp what items the guidance menu is for, and to easily obtain guidance data desired by the user.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a menu storage unit that stores the menu data acquired by the data acquisition unit, and the data erasing unit is The menu data can be erased. Here, the predetermined condition can be, for example, when the image processing apparatus is turned off, or when the image processing apparatus is turned off and then turned on. In addition, the predetermined condition may be after a predetermined time has elapsed since the data acquisition unit acquired the menu data. In this way, new data can be held for the menu data in the image processing apparatus. Thereby, the user can grasp the guidance data that can be acquired at that time.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include an operation monitoring unit that monitors an operation state of the own device, and the data acquisition unit is configured to be in a predetermined operation state based on a monitoring result of the operation monitoring unit. Sometimes, guidance data corresponding to the operating state can be acquired from the predetermined guidance data storage server.

  Here, the predetermined operation state is, for example, when an error occurs in the image processing apparatus. Thereby, the guidance data which a user requires can be acquired automatically.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention may further include an operation information storage unit that stores an operation state and its identification information in association with each other, and the data acquisition unit is based on the identification information corresponding to the operation state, Guidance data corresponding to the operation state can be acquired from the predetermined guidance data storage server.

  As a result, even when the guidance data is updated in the guidance data storage server, the image processing apparatus side simply designates the identification information and transmits a guidance data acquisition request to the guidance data storage server. Data can be acquired.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, even when resources are limited, a user can easily obtain desired guidance, and user convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus can be a network multifunction machine that integrates a facsimile, a printer, a copy, a scanner function, and the like. Here, the network multifunction peripheral is, for example, a network facsimile apparatus or an MFP (Multi Functional Peripheral).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of network multifunction peripheral 100 in the present embodiment.
The network multifunction peripheral 100 includes a communication control unit 102, a data acquisition unit 104, an output processing unit 106, a data writing / erasing unit 108 (data erasing unit), an input receiving unit 110 (instruction receiving unit), an operation monitoring unit 112, and a printing unit. 114, a display unit 116, an operation unit 118, a reproduction data storage unit 120, a menu storage unit 121, and an operation information storage unit 122.

  The guidance data storage server 200 stores guidance data of the network multifunction peripheral 100 and menu data of guidance data. The guidance data storage server 200 is provided by the manufacturer of the network multifunction peripheral 100, for example. In the present embodiment, the guidance data storage server 200 stores guidance data for each operation of the network multifunction peripheral 100 in association with identification information for each operation. In the present embodiment, guidance data storage server 200 stores each item of the menu in association with the identification information of each operation.

  Each component of the network multifunction peripheral 100 is centered on an arbitrary computer CPU, memory, a program that realizes the components shown in the figure loaded in the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk for storing the program, and a network connection interface. It is realized by any combination of hardware and software. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications to the implementation method and apparatus. Each drawing described in the embodiment shows a block of functional units, not a configuration of hardware units. In FIG. 1, the configuration of parts not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted.

  Here, the guidance data can be character data, still image data, moving image data, or audio data including characters and image data. In the following embodiments, a case where the guidance data is character data displayed on the display unit 116, or still image data or moving image data including characters and image data will be described as an example.

  The communication control unit 102 transmits / receives data to / from the guidance data storage server 200 via the network 150. The network 150 is an external network such as the Internet.

  The operation monitoring unit 112 monitors the operation state of the network multifunction peripheral 100. The operation information storage unit 122 stores an internal program for operating the network multifunction peripheral 100. In the operation information storage unit 122, identification information is associated with the internal program for each operation.

  The data acquisition unit 104 acquires necessary guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 via the communication control unit 102 based on a user instruction or based on an instruction from the operation monitoring unit 112. When acquiring guidance data, the data acquisition unit 104 acquires identification information of a corresponding operation by the operation monitoring unit 112. The data acquisition unit 104 transmits the operation identification information to the guidance data storage server 200 together with the guidance data acquisition request. The guidance data storage server 200 transmits operation guidance data corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the network multifunction peripheral 100 to the network multifunction peripheral 100 according to a predetermined procedure. Thereby, the network multifunction peripheral 100 can acquire guidance data regarding a desired operation.

  In this way, in the guidance data storage server 200, by storing the guidance data in association with the identification information of each operation, even if the content of the guidance data is changed, the guidance data is changed based on the identification information. Since it is possible to specify the operation corresponding to the above, it becomes easy to manage the guidance data. From the network MFP 100, the latest guidance data can be acquired simply by specifying identification information and transmitting a guidance data acquisition request to the guidance data storage server 200.

  Further, the data acquisition unit 104 acquires menu data of guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 via the communication control unit 102 based on a user instruction or based on an instruction from the operation monitoring unit 112. As described above, each item in the menu is associated with identification information of each operation. Therefore, when the user designates a menu item and makes a guidance data acquisition request, the guidance data storage server 200 transmits guidance data of an operation specified by the identification information associated with the item to the network multifunction peripheral 100. Can be sent to.

  The data writing / erasing unit 108 stores the menu data acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 in the menu storage unit 121 or deletes the menu data stored in the menu storage unit 121. Further, the data writing / erasing unit 108 stores the guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 in the reproduction data storage unit 120 or erases the guidance data stored in the reproduction data storage unit 120.

  The output processing unit 106 displays a menu of guidance data stored in the menu storage unit 121 on the display unit 116. Further, the output processing unit 106 outputs the guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 or the guidance data stored in the reproduction data storage unit 120 to the display unit 116 or the like. The output processing unit 106 can also output guidance data to the printing unit 114 or output to a voice output unit (not shown).

  The operation unit 118 is, for example, an operation button, a switch, a lever, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like. The touch panel can be displayed on the display unit 116. The input receiving unit 110 receives various instructions input from the user via the operation unit 118.

  In the present embodiment, the data acquisition unit 104 acquires guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 under the following circumstances, for example.

  (1) The operation monitoring unit 112 monitors the operation state of the network multifunction device 100, and refers to the operation information storage unit 122 when an error occurs and corresponds to the operation of the network multifunction device 100 at that time. The identification information is read out and notified to the data acquisition unit 104. The data acquisition unit 104 acquires corresponding guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 based on the identification information notified from the operation monitoring unit 112. At this time, the operation monitoring unit 112 can also refer to the menu data in the menu storage unit 121 to determine whether there is guidance data corresponding to the corresponding operation. The operation monitoring unit 112 can notify the data acquisition unit 104 of an instruction to acquire guidance data only when guidance data corresponding to the corresponding operation exists.

  (2) The output processing unit 106 can display a “guidance display button” on the display unit 116 while the user operates the network multifunction peripheral 100. Further, the guidance display button can be realized by assigning an operation button or the like provided in the network multifunction peripheral 100 instead of being displayed on the display unit 116. When the user presses the “guidance display button”, the input receiving unit 110 inputs the instruction. The data acquisition unit 104 receives a guidance display instruction from the user, and the operation monitoring unit 112 acquires identification information corresponding to the operation of the network multifunction peripheral 100 at that time. The data acquisition unit 104 acquires corresponding guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 based on the identification information acquired from the operation monitoring unit 112.

  (3) The output processing unit 106 causes the display unit 116 to display the menu stored in the menu storage unit 121 based on a user instruction or at a predetermined timing. When the user selects a desired item from the menu and issues a guidance data display instruction, the input receiving unit 110 inputs the instruction. The data acquisition unit 104 receives a guidance display instruction from the user, and acquires identification information associated with the menu item selected by the user. The data acquisition unit 104 acquires corresponding guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 based on the identification information acquired from the input reception unit 110.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the network multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment.

  Prior to the processing in step S100, the data acquisition unit 104 can download a menu of guidance data from the guidance data storage server 200 based on settings or user instructions. The data write / erase unit 108 stores the menu acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 in the menu storage unit 121. The input receiving unit 110 can receive an instruction to display a guidance data menu. When the input receiving unit 110 receives a guidance data menu display instruction, the output processing unit 106 reads the menu from the menu storage unit 121 and causes the display unit 116 to display the menu. Note that the data writing / erasing unit 108 can erase the menu data from the menu storage unit 121 under a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition may be, for example, when the network MFP 100 is turned off, or when the network MFP 100 is turned on after being turned off. In addition, the predetermined condition can be defined as a predetermined time after the data acquisition unit 104 acquires the menu data. In this way, the network multifunction peripheral 100 can hold new data for the menu data. Thereby, the user can grasp the guidance data that can be acquired at that time.

  In another example, the output processing unit 106 can display a “guidance display button” on the display unit 116.

  When there is an instruction to display guidance data (YES in S100), the data acquisition unit 104 accesses the guidance data storage server 200 via the communication control unit 102 and the network 150, and downloads the corresponding guidance data. The guidance data display instruction is received by the input receiving unit 110 from the user via the operation unit 118 or is performed by an instruction from the operation monitoring unit 112. The operation monitoring unit 112 can instruct guidance data display when an error occurs in the network multifunction peripheral 100.

  Next, the data write / erase unit 108 stores the guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 in the reproduction data storage unit 120 (S104). Subsequently, the output processing unit 106 outputs the guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit 104 to the display unit 116 (S106). If there is a print instruction for the guidance data displayed on the display unit 116 (YES in S108), the printing unit 114 prints the guidance data (S110).

  Subsequently, the output processing unit 106 displays an inquiry as to whether to reproduce the guidance data on the display unit 116 (S112). For example, the output processing unit 106 can display a message such as “Do you want to play the current guidance?” On the display unit 116.

  When the user instructs the reproduction of the guidance data (YES in S112), the output processing unit 106 reads the guidance data from the reproduction data storage unit 120 (S118). Then, it progresses to step S106 and the same process is performed.

  In step S112, when the user instructs not to reproduce the guidance data (NO in S112), the data write / erase unit 108 erases the guidance data stored in the reproduction data storage unit 120 (S116).

  As described above, according to the network multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, guidance data is acquired from the guidance data storage server 200 via the network 150 as necessary, so that resources of the own apparatus are limited. However, the user can easily obtain desired guidance. The acquired guidance data is stored so that it can be played back during a series of operations. If you want to immediately play back the guidance data that the user has played back once, the guidance data will be stored in the network again. Can be played without getting through. On the other hand, the guidance data is erased after a series of operations. Therefore, when the guidance data is reproduced next time, the guidance data is acquired from the guidance data storage server 200. Thereby, the latest data can be reproduced. Further, since guidance data can be downloaded from the guidance data storage server 200 except during a series of operations, management of guidance data can be simplified.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. The embodiments are exemplifications, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. .

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the operation monitoring unit 112 instructs the data acquisition unit 104 to acquire guidance data when any error occurs has been described, but when the operation monitoring unit 112 detects any error The “guidance display button” and “menu” may be displayed on the display unit 116.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the network multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Network multifunction device 102 Communication control part 104 Data acquisition part 106 Output processing part 108 Data writing deletion part 110 Input reception part 112 Operation monitoring part 114 Printing part 116 Display part 118 Operation part 120 Data storage part 121 Menu storage part 122 Operation information storage unit 150 network 200 guidance data storage server

Claims (4)

A data acquisition unit for acquiring guidance data corresponding to a predetermined operation state from a predetermined guidance data storage server connected via a network;
An output processing unit that outputs guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit;
A reproduction data storage unit for storing guidance data acquired by the data acquisition unit;
A data erasure unit for erasing the guidance data stored in the reproduction data storage unit;
Including
The output processing unit, when there is an instruction to reproduce the guidance data during a series of operations after the data acquisition unit acquires the guidance data, the corresponding guidance data from the reproduction data storage unit. Read out,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the data erasure unit erases the guidance data from the reproduction data storage unit after the series of operations is completed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
An instruction receiving unit for receiving instructions from the user;
A display unit;
Further including
The data acquisition unit acquires menu data of the guidance data from the predetermined guidance data storage server based on the instruction received by the instruction reception unit,
The output processing unit displays the menu data on the display unit,
When there is a guidance data acquisition instruction for the menu data displayed on the display unit via the instruction receiving unit, the data acquisition unit acquires corresponding guidance data from the predetermined guidance data server. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
It further includes an operation monitoring unit that monitors the operation state of the own device,
The data acquisition unit acquires guidance data corresponding to the operation state from the predetermined guidance data storage server when the device is in a predetermined operation state based on a monitoring result of the operation monitoring unit. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
An operation information storage unit for storing the operation state and the identification information in association with each other;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires guidance data corresponding to the operation state from the predetermined guidance data storage server based on identification information corresponding to the operation state.

Images