JP2005196397A - Method and device for providing information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase convenience in dealing with a plurality of language systems, as when a user interface is displayed or when a management report is printed for output. <P>SOLUTION: Default language information is stored in a normal information setting storage part. Language information to be set by the general user is compressed and stored in a general language setting storage part. When either language setting is selected by the general user, it is used as it is expanded into a RAM. The language setting switching part of a control part changes language settings according to information coming from an operation managing part. If pieces of information for a plurality of different coding systems coexist in a device, then as measures against garbling, for example, the input range of languages other than major languages decided by the language settings of a machine manager is regulated to maintain the consistency of data entered to the device. The languages of the same coding system use the same font; when a coding system to be displayed varies, the font is changed. This makes the user aware of the inconsistency of language settings, thus urging him/her to carry out an appropriate process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information presentation method and an information presentation apparatus used for an information processing apparatus. More specifically, when displaying a user interface for smoothing the operation of the operator or clearly indicating the contents of processing, printing out a processing result or a management report, or displaying information input by the user or The present invention relates to a technology for dealing with a plurality of language systems in print output.

  In an information processing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a device), in order for a user with a different language background to operate a device while checking in the language of each person, a plurality of language messages and fonts can be implemented in the same storage means, There are known language setting functions that enable convenient screen display and switching by language, and multi-language character input (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-013163 JP 05-336279 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-075732. JP 2000-305690 A JP 11-052937 A JP 2002-328671 A

  This language setting function facilitates the operation of the operator or clearly indicates the processing contents according to the language selected by the operator from among a plurality of types of languages prepared in advance, such as Japanese, English, or French. This is a technique for displaying a character string for a user interface on a user interface display screen, printing out a processing result or a management report in the apparatus with a printer or the like, and supporting as many languages as possible with one storage means. .

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in a facsimile apparatus, various types of information in each language are prepared in a memory for each area where the apparatus is installed, and area selection information corresponding to the area where the apparatus is installed is stored in another memory. There has been proposed a mechanism for displaying or recording various information of a language specified by a region language specified by region selection information or an operator language.

  According to this mechanism, even in an operator in another language area, it is possible to easily select a different language by selecting an operator language, and the language setting is restored to the original area setting after the operation is completed. Usability and convenience of the facsimile apparatus can be improved. In addition, it is possible to output various information in the language of the installation area without manufacturing the apparatus for each area, thereby simplifying and facilitating the design and manufacturing management of the apparatus, and reducing the cost of the apparatus.

  Patent Document 2 discloses language type selection means for displaying fixed messages such as transmission / reception operations and input instructions, and a language for inputting arbitrary characters in a facsimile apparatus having character fonts in various languages. A mechanism has been proposed in which the type selection means is provided separately. According to this mechanism, the language type for character input can be switched between a fixed message display prepared in advance and a different message display at the operator's request, and character input is performed in a language different from the fixed message display. Input becomes possible.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, any language is used for display by displaying the language option in the selected language (native language) regardless of the language option selection on the language switching menu screen. However, a method for easily selecting a display language has been proposed.

  Also, in Patent Document 4, the choices in the language switching menu are displayed in a predetermined language (fixed language), and the language change screen is displayed regardless of which language is set as the display language. For example, a method has been proposed in which a number of users can easily make a transition to a language change screen by using a language that can be understood by many people.

  Further, in Patent Document 5, in the image display system, the display position of the content of each display item is adjusted and displayed so that the content of each display item indicated by the input display content data does not overlap each other on the display screen. Thus, there has been proposed a mechanism for avoiding overlapping display positions of display items even when the language to be displayed is changed.

  Further, in Patent Document 6, each language data corresponding to a plurality of languages is compressed and stored in the first storage means, and any compressed language data selected based on a user's desired language selection setting operation is decompressed. The number of supported languages is increased without increasing the capacity of the storage means by storing the language data in the second storage means and controlling the display data to be displayed on the display screen based on the expanded language data. At the same time, a technology that enables language switching has been proposed.

  However, in the language setting functions described in Patent Documents 1 to 6, there is a possibility that the user can freely switch the language setting, but the language setting function may be switched even for a portion that should not be switched originally.

  For example, a network-connectable device having a plurality of character data input / output means can be accessed from a multi-language environment, so that a plurality of language data may be stored in the device and coexist.

  In this case, if language data of a different encoding method exists in the device, garbled characters may occur when displayed or printed. Also, it may not be displayed correctly on a personal computer or workstation on the network. In other words, it is difficult to correctly control input / output of character information for both a local user used in the vicinity of the device and a remote user who uses the device via a network, and garbled characters may occur.

  These problems cannot occur when the language setting for the display menu is negotiated within the closed range of the device itself. However, when the character input is received and displayed on the display unit of the device, the network environment This is a difficult event to avoid when connecting to.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a mechanism for enabling the language setting to be switched and correctly performing input / output control of character information for both a local user and a remote user. For the purpose.

  An information presentation method according to the present invention presents predetermined information as visible information on a predetermined output medium based on a predetermined language setting in an information processing apparatus having a functional part that performs information processing instructed by a client. This is an information presentation method that controls language settings so that text information in document data is presented normally when document data containing text information input by the user is presented, regardless of the language state set. It was decided to.

  An information presentation apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus suitable for carrying out the information presentation method according to the present invention, and has a set language when presenting document data including character information input by a user. Regardless of the state, it is provided with a control unit that controls language setting so that character information of document data is normally presented.

  The inventions described in the dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the information presentation method and the information presentation apparatus according to the present invention. The information presentation method and information presentation apparatus according to the present invention can also be realized by software using an electronic computer (computer), and a program for this and a recording medium storing this program can be extracted as an invention. Is possible. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be distributed via wired or wireless communication means.

  For example, when controlling the language setting so that the text information of the document data is normally presented, an abnormal presentation due to a difference in the language setting between the machine administrator language setting part of the presentation result and the input character information. As long as it does not occur. For example, it is possible to avoid outputting characters in an abnormal state by restricting the output of either one of the characters as well as outputting both as normal character information.

  For example, information related to the language setting of input character data (for example, language type and encoding method) is stored in association with the character data as an attribute of the input character data, and the document data is displayed and printed. At the time of output, it is preferable to control the language setting with reference to information on the language setting stored in association with the character data.

  Alternatively, when the information regarding the language setting of the input character data is unknown, or when the information regarding the language setting of the input character data is not stored, the language setting of the input character data is determined by the information processing apparatus. The language setting may be controlled on the assumption that it is the same as the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the system.

  In addition, when the encoding method of the language setting of the input character data is the same as the encoding method of the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus, predetermined information is presented using the same font. You may do it.

  In addition, when the encoding method of the language setting of the input character data is different from the encoding method of the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing device, the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing device and Predetermined information may be presented using any one of the fonts set by the general user who is a user who uses the information processing function of the information processing apparatus.

  In addition, when print output of character information is requested from a client terminal on the network, the language information designation included in the character data to be presented, the language type of the operating system of the client terminal, and the information processing device are managed. The language type of the character information used for output may be determined according to the language setting order by the machine administrator, and predetermined information may be presented according to the determination result.

  According to the present invention, when document data including character information input by a user is presented, the language setting is controlled so that the character information of the document data is normally presented regardless of the set language state. I tried to do it.

  For example, when character information of a plurality of different encoding methods coexists on a device, the consistency of data input to the device can be improved by restricting the input range of languages other than the major language determined by the machine administrator language setting. keep. Alternatively, languages with the same encoding method use the same font, but when the encoding method to be displayed changes, the font is switched. Alternatively, as an error process, a message that informs the user of the mismatch of the language settings is presented to the user.

  As a result, even if character information of a plurality of different encoding methods coexists in the device, garbled characters can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of information processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information processing apparatus including an embodiment of an information presentation apparatus according to the present invention. The information processing apparatus 1 is a so-called multi-function machine (multifunction machine) having a copying function, a page printer function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function, for example, and is configured as a digital printing apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus 1 roughly forms a visible image on a predetermined recording medium based on an image reading unit 10 that reads a document, an image processing unit 20 that performs predetermined image processing, and image data that has been processed by the image processing unit 20. Printing as a recording medium from any one of the image output unit 30 to be output and a plurality of (for example, each size of A4, B4, A3, backside paper, colored paper, etc .; three in the figure). A paper feed unit 80 that transports the paper to the image output unit 30 is provided. The image processing unit 20 is provided on a processing substrate 38 disposed at a boundary portion between the image reading unit 10 and the image output unit 30.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 can be connected to a network via a connection cable 90. For example, print data described in a page description language (PDL) is received from an image input terminal (not shown) via the connection cable 90. Alternatively, it is connected to an image input terminal such as a FAX apparatus via a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Instead of the general subscriber telephone network PSTN, facsimile may be exchanged using ISDN (Integrated Switched Digital Network) or other communication media including the Internet. The image reading unit 10, the image output unit 30, and a communication processing unit (not shown) constitute a fax transmission / reception means.

  With such a configuration, as described above, the information processing apparatus 1 is not limited to the printing function of the image read by the image reading unit 10, that is, the copying function, and is acquired from an image input terminal such as a personal computer via the connection cable 90. In addition, a so-called print function for printing an image based on the document data or image file, and a FAX function for printing out based on the FAX data received via the telephone line and the connection cable 90 are provided.

  Alternatively, a multilingual report output function may be provided by using the image output unit 30. Moreover, an e-mail transmission / reception means can also be comprised by utilizing the communication processing part which is not shown in figure. In addition, it is possible to configure means for printing character information received via e-mail or the like or character information input via the user interface unit 15 using the image output unit 30.

  The image reading apparatus 10 also has a platen cover function, and has a document feeder (ADF (automatic document conveying) apparatus) 12 having no circulation function for conveying and discharging a document to a reading position on a reading table (platen glass) (not shown). A user interface unit 15 having an operation panel unit 15a for displaying guidance information for using the device, predetermined information processing results, management information, and the like, and an operation key unit 15b for receiving various instruction inputs from the operator to the device; have. It should be noted that a user interface device 16 having a large user interface or a maintenance screen used in place of or together with the operation panel unit 15a and the operation key unit 15b may be provided.

  Here, the user interface function in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of language information, displays guidance information, processing contents, and the like based on any one of the plurality of languages. Results and management reports can be printed. In addition, when the language is switched by the casual operator, it is automatically cleared and returned to the default setting by leaving it for a certain time or shifting to the energy saving mode.

  The image reading unit 10 has a function of an image input terminal. For example, an image on a document is read by irradiating light to the document sent to the reading position by using a full width array of CCD solid-state imaging devices. The red, green and blue analog video signals representing the read image are converted into digital signals and sent to the image processing unit 20.

  When the reading is completed in this way, the image processing unit 20 performs black (K), yellow (Y), magenta based on the red, green, and blue image data R, G, and B from the image reading unit 10. (M) and cyan (C) on / off binarized toner signals are obtained, and the respective toner signals are output to the image output unit 30.

  The image output unit 30 includes an image forming unit 32, a duplex copying unit 34, a paper discharge unit 36, and one or a plurality of processing substrates 38 (illustrated by a plurality of sheets in the figure). The image forming unit 32 converts the image represented by the image signal obtained by the image reading apparatus 10 into an electrophotographic type, a thermal type, a thermal transfer type, an ink jet type, or a similar conventional image forming process, A visible image is formed (printed), that is, copied on plain paper or thermal paper. For this reason, the image forming unit 32 includes a raster output scan (ROS) -based print engine for operating the information processing apparatus 1 as a digital printing system, for example.

  On the processing board 38, not only a processing unit for the image output unit 30 (particularly an image processing unit) but also a circuit for performing various processes of the image processing unit 20 and the information processing apparatus 1 as a whole are mounted. For example, the document feeder 12, which is a resource constructed in the information processing apparatus 1, the operation panel unit 15a, an image reading unit (scanner unit) (not shown) of the image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 32, a duplex copying unit 34, paper discharge A circuit for controlling the unit 36 or the paper feed tray 82 is mounted. The processing board 38 is mounted with a semiconductor storage medium, and stores, for example, a processing program for a copying application, a printer application, a facsimile (FAX) application, or another application.

  For example, the image reading apparatus 10 has a function of an image input terminal. For example, by using a full-width array of a CCD solid-state imaging device and irradiating light on a document sent to a reading position, an image on the document is obtained. The analog video signal representing the read image is converted into a digital signal and sent to the image processing unit 20. In synchronization with the reading of the image reading apparatus 10, when a sheet is fed from any one of a plurality of (A 4, B 4, A 3) sheet feeding trays 82 to the image output unit 30, the image of the image output unit 30 is displayed. The forming unit 32 forms a visible image on one side of the paper based on the K, Y, M, and C toner signals sent from the image processing unit 20.

  The duplex copying unit 34 turns over the sheet on which the image is formed on one side, and feeds the sheet to the image forming unit 32 again. As a result, an image read by the image reading device 10 is formed on the other side of the sheet, and double-sided copying is completed. Paper discharged from the image forming unit 32 or double-sided copied paper is sorted by the paper discharge unit 36 continuously in page order or page by page.

<Functional block diagram of information presentation device>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram related to the language setting function of the information presentation apparatus 2 in the information processing apparatus 1 configured as described above. As illustrated, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a normal language setting storage unit 110 that stores default language information, a general language setting storage unit 120 that stores language information of general users, and an operation management that manages the operation of the apparatus. Unit 130, and a language setting switching unit 140 for selecting one of the settings of the normal language setting storage unit 110 and the general language setting storage unit 120.

  The language setting switching unit 140 functions as a user interface unit 15 that functions as a local multilingual input unit and a unit that receives multilingual character input from a client on the network.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 1 has an authentication processing unit authentication processing unit 150 for permitting language switching after a predetermined authentication process regarding the machine administrator language setting. The machine administrator registers his / her authentication number in advance in a registration unit (an example of a storage unit) (not shown) of the authentication processing unit 150.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 displays predetermined information such as guidance display or management information on the operation panel unit 15a or the like based on the language selected by the language setting switching unit 140, or outputs the management information or the like as an image. An output processing unit 160 that prints out the data in the unit 30 or displays and outputs a multilingual message on a display screen of a client terminal on the network is provided.

  The operation management unit 130, the language setting switching unit 140, the authentication processing unit 150, and the output processing unit 160 constitute a control unit 100 having a control function related to language setting. The language setting means not only the setting of language data but also the setting of font data related to the set language.

  For example, the normal language setting storage unit 110 stores language information for standard language setting (default language setting) of the information processing apparatus 1. As the default language, for example, a language corresponding to the destination of the apparatus, a language set by an administrator who manages the information processing apparatus 1, or the like can be used. On the other hand, the general language setting storage unit 120 stores language information for all language settings (general language settings) that can be handled by the information processing apparatus 1.

  As the general language, languages corresponding to all destinations assumed in all information processing apparatuses 1 can be used. Note that the normal language setting storage unit 110 may use language information stored in the general language setting storage unit 120 as language information for default language setting, as shown in the figure.

  In each of the storage units 110 and 120, display menu data for displaying guidance information for operation when using the apparatus on the operation panel unit 15a according to each language, font data for printing out management information, and the like Are stored as information of different language systems (language information). If a plurality of language information is directly put into a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), the storage capacity increases, so that the language information is compressed and stored in the ROM 122 as shown in FIG. It is preferable that only one language information that is actually used at a certain point is loaded into the RAM 124 and used.

  The operation management unit 130 manages a time management unit 132 that performs time management related to apparatus operation, and an operation mode such as a basic operation mode in the information processing apparatus 1 such as copying, printing, and FAX, and a standby mode that does not use the apparatus. And an operation mode management unit 134.

  As described above, the user interface unit 15 includes the operation panel unit 15a for displaying guidance information for using the apparatus, predetermined information processing results, management information, the numeric keypad 602, the clear 620, the reset 622, the start 630, It has a stop 632, other various keys, and an operation key unit 15b for receiving various instruction inputs to the apparatus from operators (general users and managers). For example, the user interface unit 15 is used by a general user or the like to input a language instruction or device operation to be described later, and the input information includes a control unit that controls the entire device (not shown), operation management, and the like. Is transmitted to the unit 130 and the like.

  The language setting setting instruction and the switching instruction are either a default setting hardware key (default language 640) provided as a part of the operation key unit 15b or a software key displayed on the operation panel unit 15a. It can be used in any combination. It is preferable to use a hardware key. In the case of a software key, the language setting displayed on the operation panel unit 15a may not be read by a user in a language area different from the display language. However, a hardware key is provided. Thus, even such a user can at least return to the default language setting by pressing the hardware key.

  The image forming unit 32 includes an image processing unit 327 and a raster scan unit 328, and fulfills the original printing function of the information processing apparatus 1. Among the printing functions, as described above, in addition to a copying function for performing printing based on an image read by the image reading unit 10, based on document data or image data input from the outside. A so-called print function for printing, a FAX function for printing out based on FAX data, and a report output function for printing out processing results and management reports in the information processing apparatus 1 are also included.

  As the information processing apparatus 1, the normal language setting storage unit 110 and the general language setting storage unit 120 have a plurality of language information, and are based on the switching setting to any language by the language setting switching unit 140. The user interface display is displayed on the operation panel unit 15a, and the image output unit 30 performs a management report output function, an output function of received fax data, character information received by e-mail, and the user interface unit 15. The function to print the character information entered in this way can be realized. These display output and print output correspond to multiple languages.

<Example configuration using an electronic computer>
The mechanism for performing the language setting switching process shown in FIG. 2 is not limited to being configured by dedicated hardware, but is realized by software using an electronic computer (computer) based on a program code that realizes the function. Is also possible.

  Accordingly, a program suitable for realizing the information presentation method and information presentation apparatus according to the present invention to which the language setting switching method described later is applied by software using an electronic computer (computer) or a computer-readable computer storing this program New storage media can also be extracted as an invention. By adopting a mechanism that is executed by software, it is possible to enjoy the advantage that the processing procedure and the like can be easily changed without changing hardware.

  When making a computer execute a series of language setting switching processing by software, a program (such as a built-in microcomputer) in which a program constituting the software is incorporated in dedicated hardware or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) ), A system on a chip (SOC) that implements a desired system by mounting functions such as logic circuits and storage devices on a single chip, or various functions by installing various programs Is installed from a recording medium on a general-purpose personal computer or the like capable of executing the above.

  The recording medium causes a change state of energy such as magnetism, light, electricity, etc. to the reading device provided in the hardware resource of the computer according to the description content of the program, and in the form of a signal corresponding thereto. The program description can be transmitted to the reader.

  For example, a magnetic disc (including a flexible disc), an optical disc (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)), a DVD (which is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer, (Including Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disc (including MD (Mini Disc)), or package media (portable storage media) made of semiconductor memory, etc. It may be configured by a ROM, a hard disk, or the like in which a program is recorded that is provided to the user in a state. Or the program which comprises software may be provided via communication networks, such as a wire communication or radio | wireless.

  For example, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes a function for switching language settings is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium. By executing the reading, the same effect as that achieved by hardware can be achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of language setting switching processing.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the function of performing language setting switching processing is realized, but also an OS (operating system; basic) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code Software) or the like may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the function of performing the language setting switching processing may be realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. There may be a case where the CPU or the like provided in the card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the function of performing the language setting switching processing is realized by the processing.

  Note that the program is provided as a file describing a program code that realizes the function of performing the language setting switching process. In this case, the program is not limited to being provided as a batch program file, but the hardware of a system configured by a computer. Depending on the hardware configuration, it may be provided as an individual program module. For example, it may be provided as add-in software incorporated in existing copying apparatus control software or printer control software (printer driver).

  FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration in which the information processing apparatus 1 is configured by software using a CPU and a memory, that is, the information processing apparatus 1 is configured by using a function of an electronic computer such as a personal computer. FIG. As software, for example, a copy application, a printer application, a facsimile (FAX) application, or a processing program for another application, the same as that in a conventional image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) is incorporated. A control program for transmitting and receiving data to and from the outside via the communication network 9 is also incorporated.

  A computer system 900 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 902, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 903 that is a read-only storage unit, and a RAM (Random Access) that can be written and read as needed. A controller 901 having a font storage unit 904 using a memory) or a ROM, a RAM 905 as an example of a volatile storage unit, and a RAM (denoted as NVRAM) 906 as an example of a nonvolatile storage unit. A communication I / F (interface) 908 that mediates transfer of communication data with the communication network 9 such as the Internet, and an input device 912 such as a keyboard and a mouse (corresponding to the operation key unit 15b in FIG. 1). Have.

  When the information processing apparatus 1 is configured by the computer system 900, the display control unit 919 displays guidance information, a management report, and the like on a display 926 (corresponding to the operation panel unit 15a in FIG. 1) such as a CRT or LCD (liquid crystal). Display. Note that the display control unit 919 and the display 926 constitute a local display device.

  In the above description, the “volatile storage unit” means a storage unit in a form in which the stored contents are lost when the information processing apparatus 1 is powered off. On the other hand, the “non-volatile storage unit” means a storage unit in a form that keeps stored contents even when the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 1 is turned off. Any memory device can be used as long as it can retain the stored contents. The semiconductor memory device itself is not limited to a nonvolatile memory device, and a backup power supply is provided to make a volatile memory device “nonvolatile”. You may comprise as follows. Further, the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor memory element, and may be configured using a medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

  The computer system 900 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 includes a scanner I / F unit 950 that functions as an interface with the scanner unit 960 corresponding to the image reading unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and a FAX unit 964 that performs a facsimile function. A printer I that functions as an interface between a facsimile IF unit 954 that performs an interface function with the printer, a display control unit 919 that controls the display output unit 342, and a print output unit 344 that includes an image processing unit 967 and a raster scan unit 968. / F unit 952.

  Further, for example, recording / reading for reading and recording data from a storage medium such as a memory reading unit 907, a hard disk device 914, a flexible disk (FD) drive 916, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM) drive 918. An apparatus may be provided. Data is exchanged between the hardware via the system bus 909.

  The CPU 902 controls the entire system via the system bus 909. The ROM 903 stores a control program for the CPU 902 and the like. The RAM 905 is configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores program control variables, data for various processes, and the like. The RAM 905 obtains an electronic document (not only character data but also image data) obtained by a predetermined application program, image data obtained by the scanner unit 960 provided in the own device, and further obtained from the outside. This includes an area for temporarily storing the electronic data.

  For example, a program that causes a computer to execute the language setting switching process described above is distributed through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM 922. Alternatively, this program may be stored in the FD 920 instead of the CD-ROM 922. An MO drive may be provided to store the program in the MO, or the program may be stored in another recording medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory card 924 such as a flash memory. Further, the program may be downloaded and acquired from another server or the like via a communication network such as the Internet, or may be updated.

  In addition to the FD 920 and the CD-ROM 922, the recording medium includes an optical recording medium such as a DVD, a magnetic recording medium such as an MD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as a PD, a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, an IC card, A semiconductor memory such as a miniature card can be used. An FD 920, a CD-ROM 922, or the like as an example of a recording medium can store some or all functions of language setting switching processing in the information processing apparatus 1 described later.

  For example, the hard disk device 914 stores an area for storing data for various processes by the control program, temporarily storing a large amount of captured image data acquired by the scanner unit 960, print data acquired from the outside, and the like. Contains. The hard disk device 914, the FD drive 916, or the CD-ROM drive 918 is used for registering program data for causing the CPU 902 to execute processing such as content acquisition, address acquisition, or address setting by software. Used.

  The CPU 902, ROM 903, RAM 905, and other storage medium drives (907, 914, 916, 918) allow the normal language setting storage unit 110, the general language setting storage unit 120, the operation management unit 130, and the language setting shown in FIG. A switching unit 140, an output processing unit 160, and the like are configured. Instead of performing all processing of each functional part of the information processing apparatus 1 by software, a processing circuit 940 that performs a part of these functional parts by hardware may be provided.

  For example, when the information processing apparatus 1 is configured by a computer, the CD-ROM drive 918 reads data or a program from the CD-ROM 922 and passes it to the CPU 902. The software is installed from the CD-ROM 922 to the hard disk device 914. The hard disk device 914 stores data or a program read by the FD drive 916 or the CD-ROM drive 918 and data created by the CPU 902 executing the program, and reads the stored data or program to read the CPU 902. To pass.

  The software stored in the hard disk device 914 is read by the RAM 905 and then executed by the CPU 902. For example, the CPU 902 executes language setting switching processing based on programs stored in the ROM 903 and the RAM 905, which are examples of recording media.

  For example, when the computer system 900 constituting the information processing apparatus 1 presents guidance information, a management report, etc. to the operator in addition to the original print output function of the information processing apparatus 1, the contents thereof can be easily understood by the operator. In addition, the language switching function is performed so that the language is presented in a predetermined language.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a storage method when language information is stored in the normal language setting storage unit 110 or the general language setting storage unit 120. As illustrated, the normal language setting storage unit 110 and the general language setting storage unit 120 store information (multilingual data) of different language systems in the ROM 903 and the RAM 905 or the NVRAM 906 corresponding to the initial language setting storage unit 110, respectively. Store. In FIG. 4, the font storage unit 904 is configured by the ROM 903.

  At this time, the ROM 903 may store the compressed data. In this case, not all the language data is compressed and stored. For example, a language with a high usage rate (usage frequency) used by a user such as English or French is stored without being compressed, and the usage rate is low. Other languages that are languages may be stored in a compressed state.

  The compression processing when storing the compressed language data in the ROM 903 is performed using hardware processing, software processing using a compression program stored in the ROM 903 or the NVRAM 906, processing using a combination of hardware and software, and the like. Can do.

  In an actual application, font data is also required for display and printing, for example. Also for this font data, the font storage unit 904 may store multilingual fonts as compressed data. In this case, not all font data is compressed and stored, but fonts with high usage rate (usage frequency) used by users such as English Gothic and English Mincho are not compressed. Other fonts (for example, bold font and italic font) that are stored and are low in utilization may be stored in a compressed state.

  In addition, the language encoding method selected by the machine administrator language setting is uniquely determined by the language setting, that is, a predetermined fixed encoding method, or can be set by another setting. Good. For example, when the language setting is Japanese, the encoding method is fixed to S (shift) -JIS method or Unicode (Unicode), or the encoding method can be set separately.

  When dealing with a plurality of languages, language data and font data may be stored in separate ROMs, or a single large-capacity ROM may be used to divide the area and store the plurality of languages. .

  Here, in the era when memory is high, in order to reduce the ROM capacity even a little, Japanese ROM is used in the Japanese market, English ROM is used in the American market, etc. ROM is provided. In this case, however, mounting, testing, and production must be performed separately. However, when using separate ROMs, the individual ROMs can be used.

  On the other hand, since the price of memory is decreasing today, data for multiple languages such as Japanese and English may be mounted in the same ROM, and production and testing may be performed in the same process. Labor costs for development and production can be reduced, and for the American market and Japanese market, it will be possible to respond only by switching settings.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the ROM 903 has a program storage area for storing program data and a display message & font storage area for storing display messages and font data. In the display message & font storage area, display messages and font data are compressed and stored.

  After booting from the standby state or after power-on, the display message and font data compressed and stored in the ROM 903 are decompressed and expanded in the RAM 905 and the NVRAM 906. At this time, instead of expanding / decompressing all data at once, the user receives an instruction to select a desired language on the language selection screen, and expands / decompresses the selected portion.

  By having such a language setting function, multilingual messages can be displayed or printed out on the local display screen of the information processing apparatus 1 itself or on the display screen of a client terminal on the network. It becomes like this.

  Here, the language setting for the machine administrator and the user registration data in the multilingual item data are stored in the NVRAM 906 (initial language setting storage) that can retain the stored contents even when the main power supply of the information processing apparatus 1 is turned off. For the language setting (casual operator language setting) for the casual operator who is a temporary device user (ordinary user) in the multilingual item data, the main power source of the information processing device 1 is stored. Is stored in a RAM 905 (corresponding to the general language setting storage unit 120) that cannot store the stored contents.

  Further, as a configuration unique to the present embodiment, the language switching effective range of each language setting of the machine administrator and the casual operator is arbitrary to some extent, but at least the language setting switching range by the machine administrator and the language by the general user The setting changeable range can be set individually.

  By controlling the language processing of various means with two language settings such as the machine administrator language that is a major language and the casual operator language that is a minor language, it is possible to prevent inconveniences associated with switching of language settings and Do not inconvenience the use of the device by users in other languages.

  The basic idea is that the language setting for the machine administrator should be a part where it is difficult for general users to tamper with the setting. Typically, the part for selecting the language type of the machine is the machine administrator. Language settings should be used.

  On the other hand, the casual operator language setting, which is a minor language, can be set within a range that the user should be able to freely switch between settings in connection with the copying function and FAX function. The casual operator language setting may be used for the part for selecting the language type for display and local language input.

  For example, as a local language environment in which the information processing apparatus 1 as an image forming apparatus is placed, for example, a company office or a public place can be considered. In this case, even when multiple languages are used, the importance of each language is not the same. In most cases, the user's language environment (company offices and public places) can be divided into one major language and the other. It is desirable that the default language processing of the device is performed in the major language and is not affected by the switching of the screen display language of the general user.

  For example, it is desirable that the language type of the network profile or environment setting (Config) file accessed from the client on the network does not change by switching the language of the local screen. The language of the device status report e-mail that is periodically sent to the machine administrator should not be changed by switching the local screen.

  Furthermore, the major language setting is preferably selectable by the user, but is preferably a stable setting. Furthermore, there should be no restrictions on character input / output in major languages, and there should be no garbled characters.

  Therefore, the language settings for these are set for the machine administrator language settings, and only language administrators have the authority to change the machine administrator language settings, such as allowing language switching after authentication such as password entry. It is desirable to impose restrictions on language settings.

  The language set by the machine administrator language setting should not be affected by the language switching of general users as the default language of the device, and the language type of the device on the network and character data input It may be referred to as a permitted language type or a language type of language processing in an image processing job automatically activated by the apparatus.

  On the other hand, when a general user uses the information processing apparatus 1 as a copying apparatus or a FAX apparatus, information necessary for using these functions, such as setting items such as a document size, an output size, or a telephone number input field, etc. Regarding language display related to functions used by general users, general users may use different languages and should be switched easily and freely.

  Therefore, it is desirable that the language setting for these is set for the casual operator language setting, and the language switching is freely permitted for any general user without authentication such as password input.

  For example, the casual operator language setting may be referred to as a language type for language processing in a local display screen display, local character input language selection, or an image processing job activated locally by the operator.

  When inputting / outputting a major language in which character data is set as a machine administrator language setting from a local character input means using the user interface unit 15 or the like or a client terminal on the network, a character encoding method based on a predetermined language The predetermined information is presented according to the above, and the input method of the predetermined information is preferably limited to a predetermined common encoding method or a general encoding format excluding the common encoding method.

  For example, if the encoding method of the language of the input data is the same as the machine administrator language setting or can be converted into the same encoding method, the input data may be accepted. On the other hand, in other cases, an input error is recommended. If the input data is ASCII characters, input may be accepted without error processing. In this way, character input can be freely performed as the machine administrator language setting within a certain range.

  When using the device, the initial language setting storage unit 110 and the general language setting storage unit 120 (for example, implemented by the controller unit 901) determine whether or not a specific language is selected from a plurality of languages on the language selection screen. Further, it is determined whether or not the language data related to the selected language is compressed in the ROM 903. If the language data related to the selected language is compressed in the ROM 903, decompression is performed. Perform processing.

  When the compressed language data in the ROM 903 is expanded and expanded as language data in the RAM 905, control is performed so that the screen in the selected language is displayed on the display screen according to a predetermined process. Thus, the display screen of the language (first language) set up to now can be switched to the display screen of the newly set language (second language). The number of languages that can be supported is not limited based on the available free space in the ROM, and the number of supported languages can be increased and the language can be switched without increasing the capacity of the ROM.

  In addition, since the machine administrator language setting and user registration data are stored in the nonvolatile NVRAM 906, even if the main power is turned off, the information is surely displayed again after the power is turned on again. Can do.

  Furthermore, when dealing with major languages and minor languages, it is difficult for general users to tamper with the settings by setting different ranges for switching the language settings of the machine administrator and casual operator. Thus, it is possible to prevent inconvenience in handling with a language display portion related to a function used by a general user.

  The machine administrator language setting is a setting for the machine administrator to determine the major language, and can be freely set by the machine administrator according to the local environment of the user. On the other hand, the casual operator language setting can be freely changed and can be freely switched by all users.

  Rather than allowing the casual operator to set the language for all display functions and printing functions, the effective range of switching between the casual operator and the machine administrator is different, which can be inconvenient for other users when using the device. By permitting the language setting within a range that is not given, it is possible to prevent the use of users in other language areas from being hindered.

  In this way, taking into account the balance of the relationship between major and minor languages, both the stable language processing operation desired by the machine administrator and the freedom and convenience of language switching desired by general users are achieved. By optimizing the language control in consideration of the special language processing of each function of the image forming apparatus with multiple functions such as the fax function and the FAX function, users of different languages in the world are best suited to their environment Language setting and operation.

  In addition, when a plurality of types of language settings with different character encoding methods coexist, there is a possibility of garbled characters. Therefore, it is limited to a common encoding format excluding a predetermined common encoding method or a common encoding method. For example, the input method can be limited to only ASCII, which is an example of a common encoding method, or can be limited to native, which is an example of an encoding format. By doing so, garbled characters can be prevented.

  In addition, there is a case where a management report is printed on a banner sheet when the image output unit 30 prints out data based on data from an external device such as a personal computer. In this case, the language setting switching unit 140 is garbled. Deal with it to prevent it from happening. Examples of this will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a garbled character prevention method at the time of outputting a management report, at the time of printing output based on received mail data, or at the time of a printer job. In FIG. 5, when the language setting of the display menu screen is English, “Ota” is input in Japanese from the user interface unit 15 or the client terminal to the user name input field (USER NAME) BX60. Is illustrated. That is, the language system for the display menu installed in the information processing apparatus 1 is different from the language system for character input from a client terminal such as a personal computer.

  As described above, when the language system implemented in the information processing apparatus 1 and the language system information of a client server such as a personal computer are different, character information is exchanged between the client server and the device. At this time, as a first example, the language information of the information processing apparatus 1 is added as additional data to the head of character information notified from a client server that is an example of an external device.

  In this case, for example, if it is requested to print character information data from a client terminal on the network, the language type of the character information is specified by the language information specified in the character data to be output, hand-sharing. It is preferable to make the determination based on the language type of the operating system of the client terminal obtained by the above, and the order of the machine administrator language setting that can be determined only on the device side.

  In addition, a local language multi-language font to be displayed on the user interface unit 15 of the information processing apparatus 1 is installed in the font storage unit 904. When characters are input in the language of the same encoding method as the display menu language setting encoding method, the same font as the display menu language setting encoding method is used for display output or print output. .

  On the other hand, when the encoding method to be displayed changes, the font is switched to either the machine administrator language setting side or the casual operator language setting side. This font switching is performed between screens or pages, and also within the same screen or page.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the user name that should be written in English in the character portion to be output from the font data such as Japanese, English, Chinese, etc. prepared in the font storage unit 904. "USER NAME", which is information in the input field BX60, is displayed or printed out with reference to the English font data, and the Japanese font is used for the character information "Ota" input in the input field BX60. By referring to the data and performing display output or print output, it is possible to prevent garbled characters in the management report.

  As a second example, language information can be notified from the client server to the information processing apparatus 1 using a protocol. In this case, the information processing apparatus 1 compares the language notification by the protocol and the language setting of the information processing apparatus 1 itself, and performs language system conversion when language conversion is possible when the language type is different, If conversion is impossible, error processing is performed. As the error processing, for example, it may be notified in a default language that a normal management report cannot be output.

  By doing this, it is possible to prevent the use of remote users in different language environments from being hindered such as garbled characters when printing a banner sheet of a print job. For example, if language conversion is possible, the management report can be prevented from being garbled. If language conversion is not possible, normal management can be performed without outputting a garbled management report. It can be notified that the report cannot be output. It is possible to avoid garbled characters on the local display surface of the device and garbled characters in reports.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for registering telephone directory data input by a general user. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where telephone directory data is input from the user interface unit 15 or the client terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the language type or encoding method of character data input by a general user can be stored together with the character data as an attribute of the input character data. That is, information related to the language setting of input character data such as language type and encoding method is stored in association with the character data as attributes of the input character data. When the document data including the input character data is output, the language setting is controlled with reference to the information on the language setting stored in association with the character data.

  If the language type of the input character data is unknown, it is processed as if it is the same as the machine administrator language setting. When the input character information is stored in the general language setting storage unit 120, the input data storage language attribute may not be stored. In this case, it is assumed that the language and encoding method of the input data are the same as the machine administrator language setting, the language setting is controlled, and the display output process and the print output process are performed.

  By restricting the input range of languages other than the major language determined by the machine administrator language setting, it is possible to maintain the consistency of data input to the device. As a result, a measure against garbled characters can be realized when character information of a plurality of different encoding methods coexists in the device.

  As for language data of a fixed character string for screen display or printing, ROM 903 has a plurality of languages as shown in FIG. Data stored in the ROM 903 is used for displaying or printing each language. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, only one storage area for the input phone book character data is prepared and used in common in various language modes. By doing so, even when the multi-language support is provided for accepting character input, the storage capacity of input data can be reduced compared to the case of registering for each user language.

  7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of an input screen for telephone directory data input by a general user. The casual operator language setting is referred to as the language type of the processing job that the operator starts locally. When character data such as a telephone book is output, the language of the input character data according to the machine administrator language setting is used. When the encoding method and the casual operator language setting are the same (both are Japanese in the figure), as shown in FIG. 7, the character information being input is output without any problem.

  On the other hand, when the language encoding method of the input character data according to the machine administrator language setting is different from the casual operator language setting, that is, the character information of a plurality of different encoding methods may coexist in the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the machine administrator language setting is English and the casual operator language setting is Japanese, there is a possibility of garbled characters or erroneous character recognition.

  If this situation is a concern, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 8, a warning message is displayed on the local display screen, and the language encoding method of the input character data, whether it is a casual operator, etc. The operator is prompted to select a processing type or job cancel.

  For example, since the input character is different from the machine administrator language setting, it is preferable to output a message that the input has failed, and to prompt the user to input again with alphanumeric characters so as to follow the machine administrator language setting. Appropriate processing can be promoted as shown in the lower left of FIG. 8 by notifying the user of the language setting mismatch and the cause thereof.

  Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 1 may automatically perform output processing by switching to a language setting that does not cause garbled characters or erroneous character recognition.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of the garbled prevention method. FIG. 9 shows an example when the telephone directory data is transmitted by FAX. As shown in FIG. 9A, the casual operator language setting at the time of registration is Chinese.

  When this is transmitted as a FAX transmission document, as shown in FIG. 9B, as the language setting of the header information for transmission, if it is in accordance with the machine administrator language setting, on the receiving side, Since it is output in accordance with the machine administrator language setting on the side, “FAX transmission” in the header portion outputs character information without any problem.

  On the other hand, there is a language setting mismatch for the part entered in Chinese, which is the casual operator language setting, so even if the user name is displayed in Chinese on the sending side, it is output on the receiving side. There is a possibility of garbled characters in the faxed document. Such an event occurs not only in transmission / reception of a FAX document but also in the case of output based on e-mail or the like.

  If such a situation is a concern, a warning message is displayed on the local display screen in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and the language encoding method of the input character data is used. The operator may be prompted to select a language processing type, job cancel, or the like. Appropriate processing can be promoted by notifying the user of the mismatch of language settings and the cause.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Further, the above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the language setting function is applied will be described using an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus, a printing apparatus (printer), and a facsimile apparatus that forms a visible image on a predetermined recording medium as an example of an information processing apparatus. However, the apparatus to which the language setting function described in the above embodiment is applied is not limited to the image forming apparatus, and can be similarly applied to other information processing apparatuses (electronic devices) such as a personal computer.

It is the schematic which shows one Embodiment of the information processing apparatus provided with the information presentation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram in connection with the language setting function of the information presentation apparatus in the information processing apparatus of the configuration shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions in the case of constructing an information processor using the function of an electronic computer. It is a figure explaining the memory | storage method in the case of memorizing language information in a normal language setting memory | storage part and a general language setting memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining the 1st example of the garbled prevention method at the time of management report output. It is a figure explaining the registration method of the telephone directory data input from a general user. It is a figure explaining an example of the input screen of the telephone directory data input from a general user. (If the language settings are the same) It is a figure explaining an example of the input screen of the telephone directory data input from a general user. (When the language setting is different) It is a figure explaining other examples of a garbled prevention method.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 2 ... Information presentation apparatus 10 ... Image reading part 10, 15 ... User interface part, 15b ... Operation key part, 15a ... Operation panel part, 20 ... Image processing part, 30 ... Image output part, 32 ... Image forming unit 34 ... Duplex copying unit 36 ... Paper discharge unit 80 ... Paper feed unit 82 ... Paper feed tray 90 ... Connection cable 110 ... Normal language setting storage unit 120 ... General language setting storage unit 122 ... ROM, 124 ... RAM, 130 ... operation management unit, 132 ... time management unit, 134 ... operation mode management unit, 140 ... language setting switching unit, 150 ... authentication processing unit, 160 ... output processing unit

Claims (19)

An information presentation method for presenting predetermined information as visible information on a predetermined output medium based on a predetermined language setting in an information processing apparatus including a functional part that performs information processing instructed by a client,
When presenting document data including character information input by a user, the language setting is controlled so that the character information of the document data is normally presented regardless of the set language state. Information presentation method. Information related to the language setting of the input character data is stored in association with the character data as an attribute of the input character data,
The information presentation method according to claim 1, wherein at the time of presenting the document data, the language setting is controlled with reference to information on the language setting stored in association with the character data. When the information regarding the language setting of the input character data is unknown, or when the information regarding the language setting of the input character data is not stored, the language setting of the input character data is the information. The information presentation method according to claim 1, wherein the language setting is controlled on the assumption that the language setting is the same as a language setting by a machine administrator who manages the processing device. When the encoding method of the language setting of the input character data is the same as the encoding method of the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus, the predetermined information is presented using the same font The information presentation method according to claim 1, wherein: When the encoding method of the language setting of the input character data is different from the encoding method of the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus, the language setting by the machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus The predetermined information is presented using any one of fonts of language settings by a general user who is a user who uses an information processing function of the information processing apparatus. Information presentation method. When print output of character information is requested from a client terminal on the network, language information designation included in the character data to be presented, language type of the operating system of the client terminal, machine management for managing the information processing device The information presentation method according to claim 1, wherein a language type of character information used for the presentation is determined based on a language setting order by a person. An information presentation apparatus for presenting predetermined information as visible information on a predetermined output medium based on a predetermined language setting, which is used in an information processing apparatus having a functional part that performs information processing instructed by a client. ,
A control unit that controls the language setting so that the character information of the document data is normally presented when the document data including the character information input by the user is presented, regardless of the state of the set language; An information presentation apparatus characterized by that. A storage unit that stores information on the language setting of input character data in association with the character data as an attribute of the input character data;
The said control part controls the said language setting with reference to the information regarding the language setting stored in the said memory | storage part in association with the said character data at the time of presentation of the said document data. 8. The information presentation device according to 7. When the information regarding the language setting of the input character data is unknown, the control unit has the same language setting of the input character data as the language setting by a machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus. The information presentation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the language setting is controlled by regarding When the information on the language setting of the input character data is not stored in the storage unit, the controller sets the language setting of the input character data by a machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus. The information presentation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the language setting is controlled on the assumption that the language setting is the same as the language setting. The control unit uses the same font when the encoding method for language setting of the input character data is the same as the encoding method for language setting by a machine administrator who manages the information processing apparatus. The information presentation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein predetermined information is presented. The control unit is configured to manage the information processing device when a language setting encoding method of the input character data is different from a language setting encoding method by a machine administrator who manages the information processing device. The predetermined information is presented using one of fonts of a language setting by an administrator and a language setting by a general user who uses the information processing function of the information processing apparatus. The information presentation apparatus according to claim 7. A storage unit for storing the input character data;
13. The control unit according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the area for storing the input character data to be common regardless of a language setting of the input character data. The information presentation device according to any one of the above. The control unit converts the input data language encoding method to the same encoding method used by the language setting by the machine administrator or the same encoding method used by the language setting by the machine administrator. 8. The information presentation device according to claim 7, wherein reception of input data is permitted if possible. The information presentation according to claim 14, wherein the control unit performs predetermined error processing when the encoding method of the language of the input data does not match a condition for permitting the reception of the input data. apparatus. The information presenting apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit presents a warning message to the user as the predetermined error processing. The information presenting apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the control unit presents a message indicating an error cause to the user as the predetermined error processing. The control unit permits the input data to be accepted if the input data is ASCII characters even if the encoding method of the language of the input data does not match the condition for allowing the input data to be accepted. The information presentation apparatus according to claim 14. When the character information printout is requested from a client terminal on the network, the control unit specifies language information included in the character data to be presented, the language type of the operating system of the client terminal, the information processing apparatus The information presentation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the language type of the character information used for the presentation is determined in a language setting order by a machine administrator who manages the information.

Images