Information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing device for preventing wrong operation by voice recognition during telephone conversation in the case of using a microphone for voice operation as a microphone for telephone conversation.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a voice input part for acquiring voice data, a voice data analysis processing part for performing predetermined processing in accordance with a voice recognition result obtained by analyzing the voice data, an operation part for receiving a command from a user, a voice data transmission part for transmitting the voice data to a telephone line, and a control part for controlling the voice input part, the voice data analysis processing part, the operation part, and the voice data transmission part. The operation part is provided with a telephone conversation start key for receiving a telephone conversation start command by the telephone line, and the control part causes the voice data transmission part to transmit the voice data acquired by the voice input part, and does not perform the predetermined processing by the voice data analysis processing part in the case that the operation part receives the telephone conversation start command by the telephone line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, and more particularly to an information processing device capable of using a microphone for voice operation as a microphone for telephone calls. [Background technology]

[0002] Some facsimile machines can be connected to an external telephone (or a handset dedicated to FAX communication). Such external telephones for fax and voice calls are used when you want to use a common number for both a facsimile machine and a regular telephone, so they are mainly used for home use and are rarely used for business purposes.

[0003] However, when communicating with a fax machine that does not have a direct line to the outside, it may be necessary to speak to the representative of the other party before transmitting the fax. For example, before sending a fax, a user may pick up the receiver of an external telephone (go off-hook) and talk to the representative of the destination party to provide the destination fax number, etc.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, voice control technology has become possible, using AI to recognize users' voices and operate devices.

[0005] As an example of a device using such voice operation technology, a device has been proposed that allows voice operation by voice from an external telephone or handset for calling, rather than providing a separate microphone for voice operation of the facsimile device. For example, a copier or facsimile that can be operated using voice recognition from a user's voice via a handset has been disclosed (see, for example, US Pat. No. 5,333,633). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-209378 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when the microphone for voice operation is also used for calling, there is a risk of erroneous operation occurring if a FAX voice call is made while the voice recognition mode is active.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device that prevents erroneous operation due to voice recognition during calls when the microphone for voice operation is also used as a microphone for calls. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing device according to this disclosure comprises a voice input unit that acquires voice data, a voice data analysis processing unit that performs predetermined processing according to the voice recognition result obtained by analyzing the voice data, an operation unit that accepts commands from a user, a voice data transmission unit that sends the voice data to a telephone line, and a control unit that controls the voice input unit, the voice data analysis processing unit, the operation unit, and the voice data transmission unit, wherein the operation unit has a call start key that accepts a command to start a call on the telephone line, and the control unit, when the operation unit accepts a command to start a call on the telephone line, causes the voice data acquired by the voice input unit to be sent to the voice data transmission unit, and does not perform the predetermined processing by the voice data analysis processing unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to this disclosure, when a microphone for voice operation is also used as a microphone for calls, it is possible to realize an information processing device that prevents erroneous operations due to voice recognition during calls. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image transmission system including a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main board and a FAX board of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of FAX transmission / reception processing (mainly reception processing) on ​​the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine of FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of FAX transmission / reception processing (mainly transmission processing) on ​​the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine of FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of off-hook processing on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice reception process on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice speech process on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of audio processing on the main board side of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In this disclosure, the "voice input unit that acquires voice data" is, for example, a microphone provided on the main body, but it may also be an external AI speaker connected. The "call start key for accepting a call start command on the telephone line" is not limited to a physical hard key, and may be, for example, a soft key displayed on the display unit of a touch panel. An example of "when the operation unit receives a command to start a call on the telephone line" is when an on-hook key displayed on a touch panel is pressed.

[0013] Further, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0014] The information processing device according to this disclosure may further include a first board on which a microphone input terminal and a circuit related to the audio input unit are provided, a second board on which a circuit related to the audio data transmission unit that sends the audio data to the telephone line is provided, and a digital signal line connecting the first board and the second board, and when the operation unit receives a command to start a call on the telephone line, the control unit may digitize the audio input from the microphone on the first board, compress it, and transmit the resulting digital audio data to the second board, and may expand the audio data on the second board and convert it to analog form, thereby sending the resulting analog audio data to the telephone line.

[0015] For example, the "first board" is a main body board provided in a main body, and the "second board" is a FAX board for sending and receiving FAX.

[0016] In this way, audio data acquired from the microphone on the main board is digitally compressed and transmitted to the board for calls, making it possible to realize an information processing device that does not require a dedicated handset for calls or an external telephone connection.

[0017] The information processing device according to the present disclosure may further include a FAX transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving FAX image data to and from an external FAX machine.

[0018] In this way, an information processing device can be realized that has a FAX sending / receiving function and prevents erroneous operation due to voice recognition during a call when the microphone for voice operation is also used as a microphone for a FAX voice call.

[0019] In the information processing device according to this disclosure, among the circuits related to the voice data analysis processing unit, at least a circuit for frequency component resolution for voice recognition may also be used for compressing and decompressing the voice data.

[0020] In this way, it is possible to realize an information processing device that is capable of compressing, expanding, and transmitting audio data from the first board to the second board without the need for additional circuits.

[0021] The present disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of an image transmission system 100 including a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that is an embodiment of an information processing device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image transmission system 100 including a digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0023] 1, in an image transmission system 100 disclosed herein, a digital multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to an internal exchange 2 through a public line network 3. The public line network 3 may be not only an analog telephone line network, but also a digital network that guarantees compatibility with voice communication.

[0024] In the example of FIG. 1, an internal exchange 2 is connected to two FAX machines, two internal telephones, and a main telephone.

[0025] The digital multifunction machine 1 is a device such as an MFP that digitally processes image data and has a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and an email transmission function.

[0026] It should be noted that the digital multifunction device 1 is not limited to a FAX machine, but may be any type of device as long as it has at least a voice-operated function and a function for transmitting voice data to an external device.

[0027] The extension exchange 2 is a device that distributes external calls to a main telephone number to any of the extension telephones and FAX machines.

[0028] The user of Digital MFP 1 contacts the main telephone operator and provides the fax machine and extension number to which the user wishes to connect.

[0029] The extension exchange 2 is not limited to connecting to the outside, but may also connect extension telephones to each other.

[0030] <Outline of Digital Multifunction Printer 1> Next, the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a memory unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, an operation panel 16, a FAX transmission / reception unit 17, an audio input unit 18, an audio output unit 19 and an audio data analysis processing unit 20.

[0032] Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

[0033] The control unit 10 is a part that comprehensively controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), various interface circuits, and the like.

[0034] In order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, the control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor, motors, clutches, and the operation panel 16.

[0035] The image data acquisition unit 11 detects and reads an original placed on a platen or an original conveyed from an original tray, and generates image data. Moreover, the image data acquisition unit 11 acquires image data from an external FAX machine or the like via the public line network 3 . Furthermore, the image data acquisition unit 11 may acquire image data recorded on a USB or the like, or may be a combination of these.

[0036] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto a sheet of paper.

[0037] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize various functions of the digital multifunction device 1. For example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or other storage medium is used.

[0038] The storage unit 13 stores data necessary for executing a job, such as information about a job such as printing, and image data. The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as an area for storing data being configured as a hard disk drive and an area for storing programs being configured as a flash memory unit.

[0039] The image processing unit 14 is a part that converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal based on a job command such as printing input from the operation unit 162, and processes the image data so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

[0040] The communication unit 15 is a part that communicates with external devices such as the extension exchange 2 via the public line network 3 or a network not shown, and transmits and receives data to and from these external devices.

[0041] The operation panel 16 is composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive touch panel arranged on top of the display panel to detect the position touched by a finger, and is equipped with a display unit 161 and an operation unit 162.

[0042] The display unit 161 is a part that displays various types of information. Display unit 161 is, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of the operating system and application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 161 .

[0043] The operation unit 162 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a section that receives commands from the user.

[0044] The FAX transmission / reception unit 17 is a part that transmits and receives FAX image data and voice data to and from an external FAX machine via the public line network 3 .

[0045] The voice input unit 18 is a part that converts voice input through a microphone for voice operation and voice communication into voice data.

[0046] Note that the audio input unit 18 may input separately prepared audio data (analog audio data or digital audio data) instead of inputting audio from a microphone.

[0047] Furthermore, the voice input unit 18 is not limited to being provided in the digital multifunction device 1, but may be, for example, a device in which voice is input from an external AI speaker by connecting the AI ​​speaker to the digital multifunction device 1.

[0048] The audio output unit 19 converts audio data received from the main telephone line, internal telephone lines, etc. via the public line network 3 and outputs the converted data from a speaker.

[0049] The voice data analysis processing unit 20 is a part that extracts the characteristics of the voice data acquired by the voice input unit 18 and performs predetermined processing based on the analyzed voice recognition results.

[0050] In the voice data analysis processing unit 20, a circuit for frequency component resolution for voice recognition (for example, Fourier transform or discrete cosine transform) may also be used for compressing and expanding voice data.

[0051] In this way, it is possible to realize a digital multifunction machine 1 capable of compressing, expanding, and transmitting audio data from the main board (audio input unit 18) to the FAX board (FAX transmission / reception unit 17) without the need for additional circuits.

[0052] Furthermore, the voice data analysis processing unit 20 is not limited to being provided in the digital multifunction peripheral 1, but may be provided in, for example, an external voice recognition server.

[0053] <Main board and FAX board configuration> Hereinafter, the configurations of the main body board and the FAX board of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main body board and a FAX board of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the main board (audio input unit 18) includes an AD converter that converts an analog audio signal input from a microphone terminal into a digital audio signal, and a voice recognition circuit that performs voice recognition on the digital audio signal.

[0056] The speech recognition circuit includes a speech compression circuit, and performs each of the processes of feature conversion (speech compression), phoneme extraction, pattern matching, and language model shaping in a step-by-step manner.

[0057] When sending voice, the voice recognition circuit compresses the voice and then sends the data to the FAX board. On the other hand, during speech recognition, the processing of feature conversion, phoneme extraction, pattern matching and language model shaping is carried out, the contents of the output sentence are judged, and predetermined processing is carried out.

[0058] The main board is connected to the FAX board by a serial or parallel digital signal line, and the digital voice signal compressed by the voice compression circuit of the main board is transmitted to the FAX board via the digital signal line.

[0059] On the other hand, the FAX board (FAX transmission / reception unit 17) is equipped with an audio expansion circuit that expands (decodes) the compressed state of the digital audio signal received from the main board, and a DA converter that converts the expanded digital audio signal into an analog audio signal.

[0060] In this way, the analog voice signal input from the microphone terminal is converted and compressed into a digital voice signal on the main board, and then transmitted to the FAX board via the digital signal line.

[0061] The digital voice signal transmitted to the FAX board is expanded and converted into an analog voice signal, which is then transmitted from the LINE terminal to the extension exchange 2 via the public line network 3.

[0062] With the above-described configuration, a dedicated handset for calls or an external telephone connection is not required, and therefore a digital multifunction peripheral 1 can be realized in which the microphone for voice operation can also be used as a microphone for calls.

[0063] (Variation 1) As a first modification, when compressing with a codec based on frequency components for voice conversation, low-load processing may be achieved by not decoding frequencies other than those of the human voice.

[0064] (Variation 2) As a second modification, a codec using a linear prediction method suitable for compressing voice may be used in inter-board communication to perform processing optimized for voice calls.

[0065] As in Modifications 1 and 2, by limiting the use to voice conversations, it is possible to utilize the system for low-load processing.

[0066] (Variation 3) In addition, as a third variant, when digital compression is performed at the time of microphone input, such as in the case of a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connected microphone, the compressed digital audio signal may be sent as is to the FAX board, where the digital audio signal may be expanded and converted into an analog audio signal.

[0067] By using a Bluetooth-connected microphone in this way, it is possible to reduce the delay caused by the reconversion of the audio signal.

[0068] Next, a FAX transmission / reception process of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of FAX transmission / reception processing (mainly reception processing) on ​​the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine 1 of FIG.

[0070] In step S101 of FIG. 1, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not the line is in use (step S101).

[0071] If the line is in use (if the determination in step S101 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S101.

[0072] On the other hand, if the line is not in use (if the determination in step S101 is No), the control unit 10 determines in step S102 whether or not a line call has been made (step S102).

[0073] If there is no line call (if the determination in step S102 is No), in step S103, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there has been a FAX transmission or an off-hook operation (step S103).

[0074] An example of an off-hook operation is when the on-hook key is pressed on the FAX operation screen displayed on display unit 161. For example, when the "on-hook key" is pressed in the on-hook state (line unconnected), the state becomes off-hook (line connected) (off-hook operation). On the other hand, when the "on-hook key" is pressed in the off-hook state (line connected), the state becomes on-hook (line unconnected state) (on-hook operation). In this way, the user can switch between the on-hook state and the off-hook state each time he or she presses the "on-hook key."

[0075] If there is no FAX transmission or off-hook operation (if the determination in step S103 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S101.

[0076] On the other hand, if a FAX transmission or an off-hook operation has been performed (if the determination in step S103 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the determination in step S201 in FIG.

[0077] Furthermore, if a line call has been made in step S102 (if the determination in step S102 is Yes), in step S104, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the number of calls is equal to or greater than a predefined value (step S104).

[0078] If the number of rings is less than the predefined value (if the determination in step S104 is No), in step S105, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an off-hook operation has been performed (step S105).

[0079] If an off-hook operation has not been performed (if the determination in step S105 is No), in step S106, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the call has ended (step S106).

[0080] If the call has not ended (if the determination in step S106 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S104.

[0081] On the other hand, when the call is ended (when the determination in step S106 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S101.

[0082] Furthermore, in step S104, if the number of rings is equal to or greater than the predefined value (if the determination in step S104 is Yes), in step S107, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the line sound setting is enabled (step S107).

[0083] If the line sound setting is enabled (if the determination in step S107 is Yes), in step S108, the control unit 10 connects the line and turns on the line sound and speaker output (step S108). After that, the control unit 10 performs the determination in step S110.

[0084] Also, in step S105, if an off-hook operation has been performed (if the determination in step S105 is Yes), the control unit 10 also performs the process of step S108.

[0085] On the other hand, if the line sound setting is invalid in step S107 (if the determination in step S107 is Yes), in step S109, the control unit 10 connects the line (step S109).

[0086] After the line is connected in step S108 or S109, in step S110, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a CNG signal is detected (step S110).

[0087] The CNG (CalliNG) signal is a request signal sent from the calling party when sending a FAX, and by receiving this CNG signal the receiving party recognizes the sender.

[0088] When a CNG signal is detected (when the determination in step S110 is Yes), in step S111, the control unit 10 turns off the output of the line sound speaker (step S111).

[0089] Next, in step S112, the control unit 10 performs a FAX receiving process (step S112).

[0090] After performing the FAX receiving process, in step S113, the control unit 10 disconnects the line (step S113), and then returns the process to the determination in step S101.

[0091] On the other hand, if a CNG signal is not detected in step S110 (if the determination in step S110 is No), in step S114, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the start key has been pressed (step S114).

[0092] If the start key is pressed (if the determination in step S114 is Yes), the process in step S111 is performed.

[0093] On the other hand, if the start key has not been pressed (if the determination in step S114 is No), then in step S115, it is determined whether or not a busy tone has been detected (step S115).

[0094] When a busy tone is detected (determination in step S115 is Yes), in step S116, the control unit 10 turns off the output of the line sound speaker (step S116), and then performs the process of step S113.

[0095] On the other hand, if a busy tone has not been detected (if the determination in step S115 is No), in step S117, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a FAX cancel operation has been accepted (step S117).

[0096] When the FAX cancel operation is received (when the determination in step S117 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S116.

[0097] On the other hand, if the FAX cancel operation has not been accepted (if the determination in step S117 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S110.

[0098] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of FAX transmission / reception processing (mainly transmission processing) on ​​the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine 1 of FIG.

[0099] In step S201 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the line sound setting is enabled (step S201).

[0100] If the line sound setting is enabled (if the determination in step S201 is Yes), in step S202, the control unit 10 connects the line and turns on the line sound and speaker output (step S202). After that, the control unit 10 performs the determination in step S204.

[0101] On the other hand, if the line sound setting is invalid in step S201 (if the determination in step S201 is No), in step S203, the control unit 10 connects the line (step S203).

[0102] Next, in step S204, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the destination address has been input (step S204).

[0103] If the destination address has not been input (if the determination in step S204 is No), in step S205, the control unit 10 performs a destination address input process (step S205).

[0104] After the destination address is input, in step S206, the control unit 10 performs a document reading process (step S206).

[0105] On the other hand, if the destination address has not been input (if the determination in step S204 is No), the control unit 10 performs the process in step S206.

[0106] Next, in step S207, the control unit 10 performs a dialing process including issuing a CNG signal (step S207).

[0107] Next, in step S208, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a CED signal has been detected (step S208).

[0108] The CED (CallED) signal is a response signal sent from the receiving side in response to the CNG signal sent from the calling side. When the calling side receives this CED signal, it knows that it may begin sending a fax to the receiving side.

[0109] When the CED signal is detected (when the determination in step S208 is Yes), in step S209, the control unit 10 turns off the output of the line sound speaker (step S209).

[0110] Next, in step S210, the control unit 10 performs a FAX receiving process (step S210). After performing the FAX receiving process, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S113 in FIG.

[0111] On the other hand, in step S208, if the CED signal is not detected (if the determination in step S208 is No), in step S211, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the start key has been pressed (step S211).

[0112] If the start key has been pressed (if the determination in step S211 is Yes), the process in step S209 is performed.

[0113] On the other hand, if the start key has not been pressed (if the determination in step S211 is No), then in step S212, it is determined whether or not a busy tone has been detected (step S212).

[0114] When a busy tone is detected (determination in step S212 is Yes), in step S213, the control unit 10 turns off the output of the line sound speaker (step S213), and then returns the process to step S113 in FIG.

[0115] On the other hand, if a busy tone has not been detected (if the determination in step S212 is No), in step S214, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a FAX cancel operation has been accepted (step S214).

[0116] When the FAX cancel operation is received (when the determination in step S214 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S213.

[0117] On the other hand, if the FAX cancel operation has not been accepted (if the determination in step S214 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S208.

[0118] Next, audio processing linked to an on-hook operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of off-hook processing on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0120] In step S1 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not an off-hook operation or a line connection has been detected (step S1).

[0121] When an on-hook operation or line connection is detected (if the determination in step S1 is Yes), in step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an off-hook operation has been performed before the start of FAX transmission / reception (step S2).

[0122] An example of an off-hook operation before starting a FAX transmission or reception is when a user presses an on-hook key to talk to a caller.

[0123] If there is no off-hook operation before the start of FAX transmission / reception (if the determination in step S2 is No), in step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an on-hook operation or line disconnection has been detected (step S3).

[0124] When an on-hook operation or line disconnection is detected (when the determination in step S3 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S1.

[0125] On the other hand, if an off-hook operation has been performed before the start of FAX transmission / reception (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S4, the control unit 10 causes the audio output unit 19 to start outputting audio on the FAX line (step S4).

[0126] Next, in step S5, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the off-hook linked microphone function is enabled (step S5).

[0127] If the off-hook linked microphone function is enabled in the system settings, etc., the voice input from the microphone will be sent over the communication line in conjunction with the off-hook operation. On the other hand, if the off-hook linked microphone function is disabled, even if the user performs an off-hook operation, the voice input from the microphone is not transmitted to the communication line.

[0128] If the off-hook linked microphone function is enabled (if the determination in step S5 is Yes), in step S6, the control unit 10 enables microphone audio compression data communication (step S6).

[0129] Next, in step S7, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a FAX transmission / reception start operation has been performed by pressing the start key while the phone is off-hook (step S7).

[0130] On the other hand, if the off-hook linked microphone function is not enabled in step S5 (if the determination in step S5 is No), the control unit 10 performs the determination in step S7.

[0131] Next, if it is determined in step S7 that no operation to start FAX transmission / reception has been performed (if the determination in step S7 is No), in step S8, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a CNG signal or a CED signal has been detected (step S8).

[0132] If the CNG signal or the CED signal has not been detected (if the determination in step S8 is No), in step S9, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an on-hook operation or a line disconnection has been detected (step S9).

[0133] If neither an on-hook operation nor line disconnection is detected (if the determination in step S9 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S7.

[0134] On the other hand, if an on-hook operation or line disconnection is detected (if the determination in step S9 is Yes), in step S10, the control unit 10 disables microphone audio compression data communication (step S10).

[0135] In the next step S11, the control unit 10 causes the audio output unit 19 to end the output of the audio on the FAX line (step S11), and then returns the process to the determination in step S1.

[0136] Furthermore, if a FAX transmission / reception start operation is performed in step S7 (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), or if a CED signal is detected in step S8 (if the determination in step S8 is Yes), in step S12, the control unit 10 disables microphone audio compression data communication (step S12).

[0137] In the next step S13, the control unit 10 causes the audio output unit 19 to end the output of audio on the FAX line (step S13).

[0138] After that, in step S14, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the call has ended (step S14).

[0139] When the call is ended (when the determination in step S14 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S1.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice reception process on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine 1 of FIG.

[0141] In step S21 of FIG. 7, if the microphone voice compression data communication is enabled (if the determination in step S21 is Yes), in step S22, the control unit 10 turns on the voice utterance function (step S22).

[0142] Next, in step S23, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the microphone audio compression data communication is disabled (step S23).

[0143] If the microphone compressed voice data communication is enabled (if the determination in step S23 is No), in step S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not compressed voice data has been received from the voice input unit 18 (step S24).

[0144] When compressed audio data has been received from the audio input unit 18 (the determination in step S24 is Yes), in step S25, the control unit 10 expands the compressed audio data (step S25).

[0145] In the following step S26, the control unit 10 accumulates the voice data in the storage unit 13 (step S26), and the process returns to the determination in step S23.

[0146] On the other hand, in step S24, if compressed audio data has not been received from the audio input unit 18 (if the determination in step S24 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S23.

[0147] Furthermore, in step S23, if the microphone audio compression data communication is disabled (if the determination in step S23 is Yes), in step S27, the control unit 10 turns off the audio speech function (step S27).

[0148] Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S21.

[0149] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a voice utterance process on the FAX board side of the digital multifunction machine 1 of FIG.

[0150] In step S31 of FIG. 8, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is any remaining voice storage data in the storage unit 13 (step S31).

[0151] If there is remaining voice accumulation data in the storage unit 13 (if the determination in step S31 is Yes), in step S32, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the voice utterance function is OFF (step S32).

[0152] If the voice utterance function is OFF (if the determination in step S33 is Yes), in step S33, the control unit 10 erases all voice accumulation data accumulated in the storage unit 13 (step S33).

[0153] If the voice utterance function is ON (if the determination in step S33 is No), in step S34, the control unit 10 transmits the voice accumulation data accumulated in the storage unit 13 (step S34).

[0154] In the next step S35, the control unit 10 erases the transmitted voice accumulation data from the storage unit 13 (step S35).

[0155] Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S31.

[0156] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of audio processing on the main board side of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0157] 9, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the microphone voice processing function of the voice input unit 18 is enabled (step S41). The microphone voice processing function may be enabled when the microphone voice recognition function or the microphone voice compression data communication is enabled, and may be disabled when both are disabled.

[0158] If the microphone voice processing function of the voice input unit 18 is enabled (if the determination in step S41 is Yes), in step S42, the control unit 10 determines whether or not microphone voice compressed data communication is enabled (step S42).

[0159] If the microphone audio compressed data communication is enabled (if the determination in step S42 is Yes), in step S43, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the microphone audio compressed data communication has been disabled (step S43).

[0160] If the microphone audio compression data communication is enabled (if the determination in step S43 is No), in step S44, the control unit 10 compresses the audio data acquired from the microphone (step S44).

[0161] In the next step S45, the control unit 10 transmits the voice compression data to the FAX board (step S45).

[0162] Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S43.

[0163] On the other hand, in step S43, if the microphone audio compressed data communication is disabled (if the determination in step S43 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S41.

[0164] If the microphone voice compression data communication is disabled in step S42 (if the determination in step S42 is Yes), the control unit 10 determines in step S46 whether or not the microphone voice recognition function is enabled (step S46). The microphone voice recognition function may be configured to be able to be switched ON / OFF at any time by operating an icon on the screen, etc.

[0165] If the microphone voice recognition function is disabled (if the determination in step S46 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S41.

[0166] On the other hand, if the microphone voice recognition function is enabled (if the determination in step S46 is Yes), in step S47, the control unit 10 determines whether or not microphone voice compression data communication is enabled (step S47).

[0167] If the microphone audio compression data communication is disabled (if the determination in step S47 is No), in step S48, the control unit 10 causes the audio data analysis processing unit 20 to extract the characteristics of the audio data (step S48).

[0168] In the following step S49, the control unit 10 causes the voice data analysis processing unit 20 to perform analysis processing of the voice data (step S49).

[0169] Here, if the digital multifunction device 1 is operating in the FAX mode, when the user says "Set telephone number 0123-**-6789" or "0123-**-6789", 0123-**-6789 is set as the destination, and when the user says "Begin" or "Start", the set document is read and the FAX transmission is carried out. When operating in copy mode, if the user says "Magnification 85%" or "85%", the copy magnification will be set to 85%, and if the user says "Begin" or "Start", the set original will be read and copying will be performed.

[0170] Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S46.

[0171] On the other hand, if the microphone audio compressed data communication is enabled (if the determination in step S47 is Yes), the control unit 10 performs the process of step S44.

[0172] As shown in Fig. 9, when microphone voice compression data communication is enabled, voice data analysis is not performed, and when a call is started by operating the on-hook key and the microphone voice compression data is enabled, the digital multifunction machine cannot be operated by voice commands. In this way, a digital multifunction machine 1 can be realized that has the function of allowing voice operation using the microphone for FAX voice calls and prevents erroneous operation during FAX voice calls.

[0173] This disclosure can be realized in either a system in which an AI speaker is connected to a digital multifunction printer 1 alone, or a system in which the digital multifunction printer 1 and an AI speaker are connected to a voice recognition server.

[0174] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects. In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1: digital multifunction device, 2: extension exchange, 3: public line network, 10: control section, 11: image data acquisition section, 12: image formation section, 13: storage section, 14: image processing section, 15: communication section, 16: operation panel, 17: FAX transmission / reception section, 18: voice input section, 19: voice output section, 20: voice data analysis processing section

Claims

1. a voice input unit for acquiring voice data; a voice data analysis processing unit that performs a predetermined process in response to a voice recognition result obtained by analyzing the voice data; An operation unit that receives commands from a user; a voice data transmitting unit for transmitting the voice data to a telephone line; a control unit that controls the voice input unit, the voice data analysis processing unit, the operation unit, and the voice data transmission unit, the operation unit includes a call start key for receiving a call start command on the telephone line, The control unit of this information processing device is characterized in that when the operation unit receives a command to start a call on the telephone line, the control unit causes the voice data acquired by the voice input unit to be sent to the voice data transmission unit, and does not perform the predetermined processing by the voice data analysis processing unit.

2. a first substrate on which a microphone input terminal and a circuit related to the audio input unit are provided; a second board provided with a circuit related to the voice data transmission unit that transmits the voice data to the telephone line; a digital signal line connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; The information processing device of claim 1, wherein when the operation unit receives a command to start a call on the telephone line, the control unit digitizes and compresses the voice input from the microphone on the first board, and sends the resulting digital voice data to the second board, and expands and analogizes the voice data on the second board, and sends the resulting analog voice data to the telephone line.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a FAX transmission / reception unit for transmitting and receiving FAX image data to and from an external FAX device.

4. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a circuit for frequency component resolution for voice recognition, among the circuits related to said voice data analysis processing section, is also used for compressing and expanding said voice data.

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