JP2018157370A - Information processing device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to improve a recognition rate in speech recognition.
An information processing apparatus includes: a first input unit that inputs a processing sound generated when the information processing apparatus performs a predetermined process; a second input unit that inputs a voice that causes the information processing apparatus to perform voice recognition; A setting unit configured to set a priority for the process; and a control unit configured to change a state of the predetermined process based on the priority.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called voice recognition technique is known in which an information processing apparatus has a microphone and recognizes voice by the microphone.

  In voice recognition, the image forming apparatus temporarily stops the image reading operation or the image printing operation. Thus, a method is known in which the influence of noise generated by a device in speech recognition is reduced and the recognition rate of speech recognition is improved (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in speech recognition, first, the image forming apparatus generates noise data by simulating the operation of the movable part that operates during job execution. Next, the image forming apparatus erases the noise data from the received audio data. In this way, a method for removing noise and improving the recognition rate of voice received during job execution is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, in voice recognition, home appliances determine the urgency of each operation. And a household appliance suppresses or stops the operation | movement determined with no urgency for a predetermined period. In this way, a method for improving the speech recognition rate by suppressing or stopping an operation that generates sound is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  However, the conventional method has a problem that the recognition rate in speech recognition is low.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve a recognition rate in speech recognition.

In one aspect, an information processing apparatus includes a first input unit that inputs a processing sound generated when the information processing apparatus performs a predetermined process;
A second input unit for inputting a voice to be recognized by the information processing apparatus;
A setting unit for setting a priority for the process;
A control unit that changes a state of the predetermined process based on the priority.

  The recognition rate in voice recognition can be improved.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the whole process by the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sound input by the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a setting of the priority by the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen which the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention displays. It is a flowchart which shows the example of control by the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example of information processing device>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, an image forming apparatus 100 that is an example of an information processing apparatus is an apparatus configured as illustrated. Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus having the illustrated configuration will be described as an example. Specifically, the illustrated image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a secondary transfer mechanism called a tandem method in color image formation.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an intermediate transfer unit. The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt 10 that is an endless belt. Further, in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is hung on three respective support rollers 14 to 16 and rotated clockwise.

  The intermediate transfer member cleaning unit 17 removes the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 10 when the image forming process is performed.

  The image forming apparatus 20 includes a cleaning unit, a charging unit 18, a charge eliminating unit, a developing unit, and a photoreceptor unit 40.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 may represent each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) (hereinafter, appropriately indicated by symbols shown in parentheses). ) Respectively. Each image forming device 20 is installed between the first support roller 14 and the second support roller 15. In FIG. 1, image forming apparatuses 20 corresponding to the respective colors are installed in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in the transport direction of the intermediate transfer belt 10, respectively. This is an example. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100.

  The light beam scanning device 21 irradiates a photoconductor drum included in each photoconductor unit 40 with a light beam for image formation.

  The secondary transfer unit 22 includes two rollers 23 and a secondary transfer belt 24. Specifically, the secondary transfer belt 24 is an endless belt. Further, the secondary transfer belt 24 is wound around two respective rollers 23 and rotates. Further, in FIG. 1, the roller 23 and the secondary transfer belt 24 are installed so as to push up the intermediate transfer belt 10 and press it against the third support roller 16. Furthermore, the secondary transfer belt 24 transfers an image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10 to a recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, paper or a plastic sheet.

  The fixing unit 25 performs a fixing process. The fixing unit 25 includes a fixing belt 26 and a pressure roller 27. The fixing belt 26 is an endless belt. Further, the fixing belt 26 and the pressure roller 27 are installed so as to press the pressure roller 27 against the fixing belt 26. First, in the fixing process, a recording medium on which a toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 25. Next, the fixing unit 25 performs heating. In this way, the fixing unit 25 fixes the image on the recording medium.

  The sheet reversing unit 28 reverses the front and back surfaces of the recording medium. The sheet reversing unit 28 is used when an image is formed on the front surface and then an image is formed on the back surface.

  An automatic paper feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 400 conveys a recording medium onto the contact glass 32 when a start button is pressed by the user and there is a recording medium on the paper feeding table 30. On the other hand, when there is no recording medium on the sheet feeding table 30, the automatic sheet feeder 400 uses the image reading unit 300 to read the recording medium on the contact glass 32 (top plate) placed by the user. Start.

  The image reading unit 300 includes a first carriage 33, a second carriage 34, an imaging lens 35, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 36, and a light source.

  The image reading unit 300 operates the first carriage 33 and the second carriage 34 in order to read the recording medium on the contact glass 32.

  The light source in the first carriage 33 emits light toward the contact glass 32. Next, the light emitted from the light source in the first carriage 33 is reflected by the recording medium on the contact glass 32. Further, the reflected light is reflected toward the second carriage 34 by the first mirror in the first carriage 33. Subsequently, the light reflected toward the second carriage 34 passes through the imaging lens 35 and forms an image on the CCD 36 which is a reading sensor.

  The image forming apparatus 100 uses the CCD 36 to generate image data corresponding to each color such as Y, M, C, and K.

  When the start button is pressed by a user or the like, or when there is a print request from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), the image forming apparatus 100 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 10. Furthermore, when there is a facsimile output instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 rotates the intermediate transfer belt 10.

  When the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10 is started, the image forming device 20 starts an image forming process. When the toner image is transferred, the recording medium is sent to the fixing unit 25. Next, the fixing unit 25 performs a fixing process, whereby an image is formed on the recording medium.

  The paper feed table 200 includes a paper feed roller 42, a paper feed unit 43, a separation roller 45, and a transport roller unit 46. The paper feed unit 43 may have a plurality of paper feed trays 44. Further, the transport roller unit 46 includes a transport roller 47.

  The paper feed table 200 selects one paper feed roller 42 among the paper feed rollers 42. Next, the paper feed table 200 rotates the selected paper feed roller 42.

  The paper feed unit 43 selects one paper feed tray 44 from the plurality of paper feed trays 44 and sends the recording medium from the paper feed tray 44. Next, the recording medium to be sent out is separated into one sheet by the separation roller 45 and is put in the transport roller unit 46. Further, the conveyance roller unit 46 sends the recording medium to the image forming apparatus 100 by the conveyance roller 47.

  Subsequently, the recording medium is sent to the registration roller 49 by the conveyance roller unit 46. Next, the recording medium sent to the registration roller 49 is abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped. Further, when the toner image is sent to the secondary transfer unit 22, the recording medium is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 22 at a timing when transfer is performed to a predetermined position.

  Note that the recording medium may be sent from the manual feed tray 51. For example, when a recording medium is sent from the manual feed tray 51, the image forming apparatus 100 rotates the paper feed roller 50 and the paper feed roller 52. Next, the paper feed roller 50 and the paper feed roller 52 separate one recording medium from a plurality of recording media on the manual feed tray 51. Further, the paper feed roller 50 and the paper feed roller 52 send the separated recording medium to the paper feed path 53. Next, the recording medium sent to the paper feed path 53 is sent to the registration roller 49. The processing after the recording medium is sent to the registration roller 49 is the same as when the recording medium is sent from the paper feed table 200.

  The recording medium is fixed by the fixing unit 25 and discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. Next, the recording medium discharged from the fixing unit 25 is sent to the discharge roller 56 by the switching claw 55. Further, the discharge roller 56 sends the recording medium to be sent to the paper discharge tray 57.

  Further, the switching claw 55 may send the recording medium discharged from the fixing unit 25 to the sheet reversing unit 28. In this case, the sheet reversing unit 28 reverses the front surface and the back surface of the recording medium to be fed. Next, similarly to the front surface, the reversed recording medium is subjected to image formation on the back surface, so-called double-sided printing, and the recording medium is sent to the paper discharge tray 57.

  On the other hand, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is removed by the intermediate transfer body cleaning unit 17. When the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is removed, the image forming apparatus 100 prepares for the next image formation.

<Hardware configuration example>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a hardware configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100H1, a storage device 100H2, an interface 100H3, an input device 100H4, an output device 100H5, a microphone 100H6, a speaker 100H7, a sensor 100H8, and the like. .

  The CPU 100H1 is an arithmetic device and a control device. For example, the CPU 100H1 performs a calculation for realizing a predetermined process based on a program or the like.

  The storage device 100H2 is a main storage device such as a memory, for example. Note that the storage device 100H2 may further include an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk.

  The interface 100H3 inputs and outputs data to and from an external device by wire or wireless. For example, the interface 100H3 is an IC (Integrated Circuit), a connector, an antenna, or a combination thereof.

  The input device 100H4 inputs a user operation. For example, the input device 100H4 is a mouse, a keyboard, or a combination thereof.

  The output device 100H5 outputs a processing result or the like to the user. For example, the output device 100H5 is a display device or the like.

  The input device 100H4 and the output device 100H5 may be integrated devices such as a touch panel.

  The microphone 100H6 collects sound generated around the image forming apparatus 100. The sound collected by the microphone 100H6 is converted into data.

  The speaker 100H7 is an output device that causes the user UR to output notification sound, voice, music, or the like.

  The sensor 100H8 detects a person around the image forming apparatus 100 using, for example, infrared rays.

<Example of overall processing>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of overall processing performed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Example of processing sound input> (Step SA)
In step SA, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a processing sound. For example, step SA is the following process.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing sound input by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, it is assumed that data indicating executable processing (hereinafter referred to as “processing list”) is input to the image forming apparatus 100 in advance. For example, the processing list is input when the image forming apparatus 100 is shipped from a factory. In the process list, parameters such as process names that can identify processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 100 are listed. Specifically, the processing list is, for example, a list shown in the following (Table 1).

以下、上記（表１）に示す各処理を画像形成装置１００が実行可能とする。また、上記（表１）に示す各処理のうち、例えば、「プリント処理（天板使用）」と、「プリント処理（ＡＤＦ使用）」とは、いずれかの処理が排他的に実行される。同様に、「プリント処理（両面、高速）」と、「プリント処理（両面、中速）」と、「プリント処理（両面、低速）」ともいずれかの処理が排他的に実行される。

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 100 can execute the processes shown in Table 1 above. Of the processes shown in (Table 1), for example, “print process (using the top plate)” and “print process (using ADF)” are executed exclusively. Similarly, any one of “print processing (both sides, high speed)”, “print processing (both sides, medium speed)”, and “print processing (both sides, low speed)” is executed exclusively.

<Example of Reading Processing List> (Step SA01)
In step SA01, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the processing list. When the process list is read, the image forming apparatus 100 can grasp the executable process. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a plurality of processes are input to the process list, and a process number is set for each process.

<Execution example of each process> (Step SA02)
In step SA02, the image forming apparatus 100 executes each predetermined process. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 executes each process in the order of process numbers. The predetermined process is, for example, a process for forming an image on a recording medium, a so-called printing process, or the like. In addition, the process is a process of reading an image formed on a recording medium, a so-called scan process or the like. Note that the type of processing is not limited to printing processing, scanning processing, and the like.

  The predetermined processing includes various types based on the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 and the like. For example, the predetermined process is set in advance.

  Further, it is assumed that the processing after step SA03 is performed in a state where the processing is executed in step SA02. Therefore, the processing after step SA03 is performed for each processing performed at step SA02.

<Example of processing sound input> (step SA03)
In step SA03, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a processing sound. That is, in step SA03, image forming apparatus 100 inputs a processing sound that is generated when the process is executed in step SA02. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can input a processing sound generated when a predetermined process is performed in an environment where the image forming apparatus 100 is used. Therefore, compared with the case where it is input in advance at a factory or the like, it is possible to input a processing sound corresponding to the environment in which the image forming apparatus 100 is used.

  The processed sound often becomes noise in speech recognition. Therefore, in the state where the processing sound is generated, noise due to the processing sound is generated.

<Determination example of whether voice recognition is possible> (step SA04)
In step SA04, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether voice recognition is possible. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 stores audio data for matching in advance. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 realizes voice recognition by correlating the voice uttered by the user to the image forming apparatus 100 and the voice indicated by the voice data.

  As described above, the determination is preferably performed based on the voice from the user that is input in an environment where the image forming apparatus 100 is used and while a predetermined process is being executed. When the determination is made in this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can grasp whether or not the voice recognition is possible under the predetermined environment while the process is being executed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can improve the recognition rate of voice recognition.

  Note that the voice recognition method is not limited to this method. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may remove noise from a voice uttered by the user with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 may realize voice recognition by taking a correlation between the voice after removing the noise and the voice indicated by the voice data.

  In the determination, for example, first, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the same words as the voice data input in advance to the user for voice recognition. Next, the user utters a word displayed on the image forming apparatus 100. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the uttered voice can be recognized as the voice indicated by the voice data input in advance. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not voice recognition is possible while the predetermined process executed in step SA02 is being performed.

  Note that the determination is not limited to this method. In the determination, for example, first, while the predetermined process is not being performed, the voice uttered by the user and uttered by the image forming apparatus 100 is stored as voice data. Next, the image forming apparatus 100 selects and reproduces the same voice as the voice uttered by the user from voice data inputted in advance through a speaker or the like. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the sound reproduced by the speaker as sound data. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 compares the parameters of the two stored audio data. For example, the parameters to be compared are sound pressure and frequency characteristics. Then, through the comparison, the image forming apparatus 100 calculates a difference value. In this way, if the obtained difference value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that voice recognition is possible.

  In addition, the sound data input to the image forming apparatus 100 in advance may be data obtained by correcting parameters of sound data of sound by the user.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may perform the determination by calculating the correlation between the sound output from the speaker and the sound uttered by the person and outputting the sound considering the correlation from the speaker. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can make a determination even if a person does not utter many times.

<Example of determination result storage> (step SA05)
In step SA05, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the determination result. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 stores the determination result in the processing list. That is, step SA02 to step SA04 are performed for each process input in advance in the process list. Therefore, the determination result in step SA04 is obtained for each process. In step SA05, the image forming apparatus 100 stores each determination result in association with each process in the process list.

<Judgment example of whether all processes are completed> (step SA06)
In step SA06, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether all the processes are completed. That is, in step SA06, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether all the processes indicated by the process list have been determined in step SA04. Specifically, when the process numbers are “1” to “10” in the process list, the image forming apparatus 100 performs step SA02 for a predetermined process having the process numbers “1” to “10”. It is determined whether or not step SA05 has been performed.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that all processes have been completed (YES in step SA06), image forming apparatus 100 completes the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that all processes have not been completed (NO in step SA06), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SA02.

<Priority setting example> (step SB)
Returning to FIG. 3, in step SB, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the priority. For example, step SB is the following process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of setting priority by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Example of Reading Processing List> (Step SB01)
In step SB01, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the processing list. For example, step SB01 is the same process as step SA01. Therefore, when the processing list is read, the image forming apparatus 100 can grasp the executable processing.

<Display example of setting screen> (step SB02)
In step SB02, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen. For example, the setting screen is the following screen.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed by the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a setting screen PNL as illustrated. Note that the setting screen PNL is displayed on the touch panel. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that when the user presses a button displayed on the setting screen PNL, each operation indicated by the button can be input.

  As illustrated, in this example, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a processing list LI on the setting screen PNL. As shown in the figure, the process list LI displays the processes side by side based on the list shown in the above (Table 1), for example, in descending order of priority values. The processing list LI is an example of priority data. Accordingly, the priority data may be in other formats instead of the list format.

  In the setting screen PNL, “priority” is a priority set by the user, an initial value, or the like. In the following description, the processes are changed by the subsequent control in order from the process with the lower “priority” value. Therefore, in the example shown in the figure, “scanning process (using the top plate)” whose “priority” is “1” is the process to be changed first.

  For example, “priority” is set by a priority change button BTN2 or the like. For example, the example shown in the figure is an example in which a process with a “priority” of “2” is selected. When the priority change button BTN2 is pressed, the “priority” is changed in the process of “priority” “2”. Specifically, when the priority change button BTN2 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 moves the currently selected process upward. In other words, in the illustrated example, when the priority change button BTN2 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 switches between a process in which the “priority” is “2” and a process in which the “priority” is “1”. . For example, as described above, the priority is set by a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as the priority change button BTN2.

  Note that the priority setting method is not limited to the illustrated method. For example, the priority may be set by a numerical value or the like.

  “Process name” is the name of each process that can identify each process.

  The “process sound level” is the volume of the process sound uttered when each predetermined process is executed. That is, the “processed sound level” is input by analyzing voice data generated when step SA03 is performed.

  The “determination result” is the determination result in step SA04. That is, the “determination result” indicates whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 can perform voice recognition while the process indicated by the “process name” is being executed.

  “Implementation of voice recognition during processing” is a setting for whether or not voice recognition is executed while each process is being executed. For example, “execution” or “non-execution” is set by an execution setting button BTN1 or the like. When “execution” is set, voice recognition is executed while a predetermined process is being executed. On the other hand, when “not implemented” is set, voice recognition is not executed while a predetermined process is being executed. In this example, when the execution setting button BTN1 is pressed, “execution” and “non-execution” are switched.

<Setting example of priority etc.> (step SB03)
In step SB03, the image forming apparatus 100 sets priorities and the like. For example, the priority and the like are set on the setting screen PNL as shown in FIG. In this example, the setting is reflected in the image forming apparatus 100 when the determination button BTN3 is pressed. On the other hand, when the cancel button BTN4 is pressed, the setting input on the setting screen PNL is not reflected on the image forming apparatus 100 and becomes invalid. The setting screen PNL is not limited to the illustrated screen.

<Control example> (step SC)
Returning to FIG. 3, in step SC, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the processing. For example, step SC is the following process.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Judgment example of whether or not to perform voice recognition> (step SC01)
In step SC01, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not to perform voice recognition. For example, when the user sets to perform voice recognition, the image forming apparatus 100 determines to perform voice recognition. For example, in the image forming apparatus 100, the word “voice recognition” is set in advance as a word for starting voice recognition. In such a case, when the voice “voice recognition” is input, the image forming apparatus 100 performs voice recognition. Note that the start of voice recognition may be set by a button or the like.

  As described above, when a word for starting speech recognition is set, the image forming apparatus 100 can easily recognize a word for starting speech recognition. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may generate a relatively large amount of processing sound at the time of activation because various devices are initially set. As described above, even when a large amount of processed sound is generated, if a word for starting speech recognition is set, the image forming apparatus 100 can easily recognize the word for starting speech recognition with high accuracy.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sensor or the like, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that voice recognition is to be performed if a person can be detected by the sensor. By doing so, the image forming apparatus 100 can stop the voice recognition and the like while no person is detected, so that the power consumption can be reduced.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that voice recognition is to be performed (YES in step SC01), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC02. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines not to perform voice recognition (NO in step SC01), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC01.

<Specific Example of Processing List Reading and Execution> (Step SC02)
In step SC02, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the processing list and identifies the process being executed. First, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the processing list LI that reflects the settings shown in FIG. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can grasp settings such as “determination result” and “implementation of voice recognition during processing” for each processing based on the processing list LI.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies the process being executed. For example, one of the processes indicated by the process list LI may be being executed based on a user operation or the like. The image forming apparatus 100 identifies which process is in such a state.

<Judgment example of whether or not there is a "non-execution" process in the process being executed> (step SC03)
In step SC <b> 03, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether there is a “non-execution” process in the process being executed. First, the process being executed can be specified by step SC02. Then, whether or not each identified process being executed is a “non-execution” process is set to “non-execution” in the “execution of speech recognition during process” in the process list LI read out in step SC02. It can be judged by whether or not.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is a “non-execution” process (YES in step SC03), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC04. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is no “non-execution” processing (NO in step SC03), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC05.

<Example of waiting for processing completion> (step SC04)
In step SC04, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the process to be completed. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs a message such as “Please wait for a while until voice recognition is started” to the user by an output device or the like.

  Step SC04 is performed when the “non-execution” process that is set so that voice recognition is not performed during the process is being executed (NO in step SC03). Alternatively, step SC04 is performed when a process that cannot be stopped halfway is being executed (NO in step SC08). Accordingly, in step SC04, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the completion of “non-execution” processing or processing that cannot be interrupted.

<Judgment example of whether or not there is an "impossible" process in the process being executed> (step SC05)
In step SC <b> 05, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether there is an “impossible” process in the process being executed. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether there is a process in which the “determination result” is determined to be “impossible” in the processes being executed.

  If the process of “determination result” is “impossible” is being executed, the speech recognition cannot be executed due to noise or the like, or the recognition rate is often low. Therefore, in step SC05, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not voice recognition is not possible as described above.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is an “impossible” process being executed (YES in step SC05), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC06. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there is no “impossible” process in the process being executed (NO in step SC05), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC11.

  Hereinafter, steps SC06 to SC09 show control examples for changing processing.

<Judgment example of whether or not the operation speed can be changed> (step SC06)
In step SC06, image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the operation speed or the like can be changed. The predetermined process includes a process that can change the process step by step, such as a printing process. On the other hand, the predetermined process includes a process for determining whether or not to perform the process, that is, a process having two options. Accordingly, in step SC06, it is determined whether or not the target process is a process that can be changed in stages.

  For example, the operation speed is the processing speed of the print processing shown in FIG. Therefore, the operation speed of the printing process can be changed in stages, such as “high speed”, “medium speed”, “low speed”, and “stop”. The target that can be changed in stages is not limited to the operation speed. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the target that can be changed step by step may be an item other than the operation speed as long as it is a parameter whose processing sound level changes.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that the operation speed or the like can be changed (YES in step SC06), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC07. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that the operation speed or the like cannot be changed (NO in step SC06), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC08.

<Example of changing operation speed> (Step SC07)
In step SC07, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the operation speed and the like. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, when the printing process is being executed at “high speed”, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the operation speed from “high speed” to “low speed”. The change is made so that the “processed sound level” is lowered. Further, the change is performed by skipping the “non-execution” process like “medium speed” in this example.

<Judgment example of whether or not the change for stopping the process is possible> (step SC08)
In step SC08, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether it is possible to change to stop the processing. For example, it is assumed that whether or not the process can be stopped is set in the image forming apparatus 100 in advance. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the target process is a process that is set to be able to be stopped.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that the process can be stopped (YES in step SC08), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC09. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that the process cannot be stopped (NO in step SC08), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC04.

<Example of change to stop detection and processing to stop> (Step SC09)
In step SC <b> 09, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the timing to stop the process and performs a change to stop the process.

  First, the image forming apparatus 100 detects the timing to stop. For example, a case where a reading process such as a scanning process for reading an image formed on a recording medium, an image forming process such as a printing process for forming an image on the recording medium, or both processes is performed is the target of step SC09. Suppose that it is processing. In the reading process or the image forming process, a plurality of pages may be processed. In such a case, it is desirable for the image forming apparatus 100 to detect the completion timing for the page in the processing.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 performs the timing for stopping the processing at a page break or the like. In this way, the image forming apparatus 100 can prevent the reading process or the image forming process from stopping in the middle of the page. Therefore, in the reading process or the image forming process, the image forming apparatus 100 can improve the quality of the image forming or the image reading when the process is changed at the timing when the process for the page is completed.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 100 stops the processing at the detected timing.

<Specific Example of Processing List Reading and Executing Processing> (Step SC10)
In step SC10, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the process list and identifies the process being executed. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 identifies the process being executed by the same method as in step SC02 and the like.

  Each process is changed in steps SC06 to SC09. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the result of determining the change or the like in step SC10.

<Judgment example of whether or not there are a plurality of “permitted” processes in the process being executed> (step SC11)
In step SC <b> 11, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether there are a plurality of “permitted” processes in the process being executed. Each predetermined process may be executed in parallel. Accordingly, there may be a plurality of processes being executed. Thus, in step SC11, image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not a plurality of processes are performed in parallel.

  Next, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there are a plurality of “permitted” processes being executed (YES in step SC11), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC12. On the other hand, when image forming apparatus 100 determines that there are not multiple “permitted” processes in the process being executed (NO in step SC11), image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to step SC14.

<Judgment example whether or not the sum of the processed sound levels is equal to or less than the threshold value> (step SC12)
In step SC12, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the total processed sound level is equal to or less than a threshold value. That is, when a plurality of processes are being executed, the image forming apparatus 100 sums up “process sound levels” (FIG. 6) of the processes being executed. Further, it is desirable that the sum of the processing sound levels is converted into a power amount and summed up. For example, conversion to electric energy is performed based on the following formula (1).

Electric energy = 10 × log10 (P2 / P1) (1)

P1: Reference value (1mW)
P2: “Processed sound level” (FIG. 6)

For example, it is assumed that two processes of “process sound level” of “60 (dB)” and “50 (dB)” are being executed. In this case, “60 (dB)” is first converted to “1000 (mW)” based on the above equation (1). Similarly, “50 (dB)” is converted to “100 (mW)”. Therefore, the total value of the electric energy is “1000 + 100 = 1100 (mW)”. Then, “1100 (mW)” is converted to “60.41 (dB)”.

  In addition, for example, a maximum value or the like among “processed sound levels” whose “determination result” is “possible” is set as the threshold.

  The determination may use frequency characteristics or the like. Specifically, the determination may be made by comparing the correlation of graphs with the horizontal axis representing frequency and the vertical axis representing sound pressure level.

  As described above, when the process is changed based on the total processed sound, the image forming apparatus 100 can improve the recognition rate of the voice recognition.

<Example of change based on priority> (Step SC13)
In step SC13, the image forming apparatus 100 changes processing based on the priority. In other words, in step SC13, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the processing in order from the lowest numerical value of “priority” based on the preset “priority” among the plurality of processes.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the process having the lowest priority among the processes being executed. Note that when the process is stopped, the image forming apparatus 100 monitors other processes and, for example, safely stops the process when the job is completed. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 may change the operation speed or the like if the operation speed or the like can be changed.

  As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 changes the processing based on the “priority” so that voice recognition is possible in step SC12 and step SC13.

<Voice recognition example> (step SC14)
In step SC14, the image forming apparatus 100 performs voice recognition. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 inputs a voice for voice recognition that is uttered by the user. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 realizes voice recognition by a so-called template matching method or the like that stores voice data for voice recognition in advance.

<Example of processing for undoing changes> (step SC15)
In step SC15, the image forming apparatus 100 restores the change. For example, in step SC13, the image forming apparatus 100 stops processing for voice recognition or slows down the operation speed. Therefore, in step SC15, when the voice recognition is completed, the image forming apparatus 100 returns the state of each process to the state before step SC13 is performed.

<Functional configuration example>
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 has a functional configuration including a first input unit 100F1, a second input unit 100F2, a setting unit 100F3, and a control unit 100F4 as illustrated. The image forming apparatus 100 preferably has a functional configuration further including a detection unit 100F5 and a determination unit 100F6 as illustrated. Hereinafter, the functional configuration shown in the figure will be described as an example.

  The first input unit 100F1 performs a first input procedure for inputting a processing sound generated when the image forming apparatus 100 performs a predetermined process. For example, the first input unit 100F1 is realized by a microphone 100H6 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The second input unit 100F2 performs a second input procedure for inputting, from the user UR, a voice VO that causes the image forming apparatus 100 to perform voice recognition. For example, the second input unit 100F2 is realized by a microphone 100H6 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The setting unit 100F3 performs a setting procedure for setting the priority PP for processing. For example, the setting unit 100F3 is realized by the input device 100H4 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The control unit 100F4 performs a control procedure for changing the state of a predetermined process based on the priority PP. For example, the control unit 100F4 is realized by the CPU 100H1 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  The detection unit 100F5 detects a person such as the user UR. For example, the detection unit 100F5 is realized by a sensor or the like included in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The determination unit 100F6 recognizes the voice VO and determines whether voice recognition is possible. For example, the determination unit 100F6 is realized by the CPU 100H1 (FIG. 2) or the like.

  With the configuration as described above, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the first input unit 100F1 to determine what processing sound is generated when a predetermined process is executed. You can see below.

  Then, the second input unit 100F2 allows the image forming apparatus 100 to input a voice VO and perform voice recognition. Next, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the control unit 100F4 to change the predetermined processing state so that the processing sound is reduced so that the recognition rate in voice recognition is improved. The control by the control unit 100F4 is performed based on the priority PP as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

  The priority PP is set, for example, on the setting screen PNL shown in FIG. Thus, when the priority PP is set on the setting screen PNL, priority data such as the processing list LI as shown in FIG. 6 can be generated. If there is such priority data, the image forming apparatus 100 can grasp the order of processing to be changed based on the priority PP.

  Specifically, when an image forming process such as a scanning process or a printing process is being executed, the image forming apparatus 100 causes the control unit 100F4 to perform each process so that the processing sound is reduced. Change the operation speed to slow down or stop each process. As described above, when the process is changed, the processing sound is reduced, that is, noise in voice recognition is reduced. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can improve the recognition rate in voice recognition.

<Other embodiments>
The image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be an apparatus having hardware different from the illustrated apparatus or an apparatus that executes different processing.

  Note that all or part of the control method according to the present invention may be realized by a program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in a low-level language such as an assembler or a high-level language such as C language. . That is, the program is a computer program for causing a computer such as an information processing apparatus or an information processing system including one or more information processing apparatuses to execute a control method.

  The program can be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is a flash memory, a flexible disk, an optical disk such as a Blu-ray disk, an SD (registered trademark) card, or an auxiliary storage device. Furthermore, the program can be distributed through a telecommunication line.

  Further, the information processing system has two or more information processing devices connected to each other by a network or the like, and a plurality of information processing devices are virtualized, distributed, parallel, or redundantly configured for all or part of various processes. Each may be processed.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

100 image forming apparatus 100F1 first input unit 100F2 second input unit 100F3 setting unit 100F4 control unit 100F5 detection unit 100F6 determination unit UR user VO voice PP priority LI processing list

JP 2010-136335 A JP 2016-168707 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-200782

Claims (10)

A first input unit for inputting a processing sound generated when the information processing apparatus performs a predetermined process;
A second input unit for inputting a voice to be recognized by the information processing apparatus;
A setting unit for setting a priority for the process;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that changes a state of the predetermined process based on the priority.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority data that associates the process with the priority is generated for each process.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sequentially changes the plurality of processes executed by the information processing apparatus based on the priority. The processing includes at least reading processing for reading an image formed on a recording medium and image forming processing for forming an image on the recording medium.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit changes the processing when processing for a page is completed in the reading processing or the image forming processing. A word for starting the speech recognition is set,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voice recognition is performed when the voice indicating the word is input. A detection unit for detecting a person;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the voice recognition is performed when the person is detected. When a plurality of the processes are executed,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the process based on a total of the processed sounds of the processes. A determination unit that recognizes the voice and determines whether the voice recognition is possible;
The information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determination by the determination unit is performed based on the voice input while the processing is being executed in an environment where the information processing apparatus is used. Processing equipment. A control method performed by the information processing apparatus,
A first input procedure in which the information processing apparatus inputs a processing sound generated when the information processing apparatus performs a predetermined process;
A second input procedure in which the information processing apparatus inputs a voice to be recognized by the information processing apparatus;
A setting procedure in which the information processing apparatus sets a priority for the processing;
A control method including: a control procedure in which the information processing apparatus changes a state of the predetermined process based on the priority. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method,
A first input procedure in which the computer inputs a processing sound generated when the computer performs a predetermined process;
A second input procedure in which the computer inputs voice to be recognized by the computer;
A setting procedure in which the computer sets a priority for the processing;
A program for causing the computer to execute a control procedure for changing a state of the predetermined process based on the priority.

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