Image production equipment operable under voice direction

An operator depresses a voice registration key to set a voice registration mode, and registers the copy mode having been set at memory, and inputs the voice input for the copy mode registered through a microphone while depressing a voice input key, and registers the voice for the copy mode, so that a desired copy mode can be called at any time. When an operator inputs voice to call the registered copy mode while depressing the voice input key, the registered voice similar to the input voice is retrieved, and the copy mode corresponding to the voice is called from the memory and set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to image production equipment having a mode 
memory function to store a plurality of image production modes and 
allowing access to the mode memory under voice direction. 
2. Related Background Art 
Conventional image production equipment can store copy modes set by an 
operator in its mode memory means. Usually, the numbers and/or characters 
registered by an operator and the copy modes having been already set are 
mapped into mode memory means. 
When calling the copy modes stored in such mode memory means, first the 
numbers mapped with a plurality of copy modes into the mode memory means 
are displayed on a touch panel display unit as a soft key. And an operator 
depresses the soft keys of the corresponding numbers so as to call the 
contents of the copy modes and display the same on the display unit. Then 
the operator confirms the contents of the copy mode, so as to execute an 
image processing operation like copying. 
However, with recent developments in image production equipment, the number 
of storable copy modes has increased, while the standard operating screens 
do not have enough space to locate all the keys for storable copy modes. 
Thus, the number of copy modes that can be directly called from the 
standard screen is limited. 
Accordingly, some of the calling keys are not displayed on the standard 
screen, but on other screens, and an operator has to depress a plurality 
of keys for switching screens until the screen appears on which a required 
calling key is displayed. 
Thus, image production equipment of the prior art has a problem such that 
the larger the number of storable copy modes becomes, the more keys an 
operator has to depress, and accordingly, the more time it takes to call 
the stored copy modes. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide image 
production equipment designed to avoid the aforementioned drawback and a 
method of controlling the same. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide image production 
equipment requiring fewer key operations and a shorter time to call 
desired image production modes and a method of controlling the same. 
It is still another object of the present invention to provide image 
production equipment enabling the registration of many image production 
modes and an easier calling sequence thereto by mapping voice and each 
image production mode in registration and a method of controlling the 
same. 
Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following 
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the 
appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
[Construction of Equipment] 
Referring now to the embodiment of this invention with reference to the 
accompanying drawings. 
Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a sectional view illustrating the 
configuration of one form of image production equipment embodying the 
present invention. In this embodiment, image production equipment will be 
described by taking the case of copying equipment. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes copying equipment 
(body). Numeral 200 denotes a rotary automatic document feeder 
(hereinafter referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding documents to a 
document stand 101. Numeral 250 denotes a sorter for sorting the transfer 
paper having an image produced on the sorter and discharged from the 
copying equipment 100. The RDF 200 and the sorter 250 are configured in 
such a manner that they are freely applicable in combination with the body 
100. Numeral 200a denotes a feeder output tray for discharging the 
documents fed to the document stand 101 by RDF 200. 
The document stand 101 is a document stand glass on which documents fed 
from RDF 200 is placed. Numeral 102 denotes an optical system for 
exposure-scanning the image of the documents placed on the document stand 
101, which comprises a document illuminating lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a 
scanning mirror 145, a lens 143, a motor 104 or the like. 
Numeral 106 denotes a primary charger, numeral 107 denotes a blank exposure 
unit, numeral 108 denotes an electric potential sensor, numeral 109 
denotes a developing unit, numeral 110 denotes a transfer charger, numeral 
111 denotes a separating charger, and numeral 112 denotes a cleaning unit. 
All of these are provided on the periphery of a photographic drum 105. The 
photographic drum 105 and all these parts 106 to 112 configure image 
recording means. Numeral 113 denotes a motor driving the photographic drum 
105 rotationally in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1. 
Numeral 114 denotes an upper cassette and numeral 115 denotes a lower 
cassette, each of which stores transfer paper. Each of numerals 118, 119 
denotes a paper-feeding roller conveying the transfer paper picked up by 
pickup rollers 116, 117 from the upper and the lower cassettes 114, 115 to 
paper-feeding roller 132. Numeral 124 denotes a deck provided for the body 
100, which can store, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper. Numeral 
125 denotes a lifter, which rises according to the quantity of the 
transfer paper so that the transfer paper stored in the deck 124 always 
comes in contact with the paper-feeding roller 126. 
Numeral 120 denotes a resist roller, which conveys transfer paper to the 
photographic drum 105 in such a manner that the timing of the tip of the 
transfer paper conveyed by the paper-feeding roller 132 or the 
paper-feeding roller 126 of the deck 124 matches that of the tip of the 
toner image developed on the photographic drum 105. 
Numeral 121 denotes a conveyer belt for conveying the transfer paper to 
which a toner image has been already transferred to a photographic fixing 
device 122. Numeral 122 denotes a photographic fixing device, which fixes 
a toner image on the transfer paper by heating under pressure by a 
photographic fixing roller 144. Numeral 123 denotes a discharge roller, 
which discharges the transfer paper on which a toner image has been 
already fixed. Numeral 127 denotes a feeder output flapper, which allows 
the conveyer path the transfer paper fed from the discharger roller 123 to 
be switched between the two-face or multiple recording side and the output 
side (sorter 250). In the case where two-face recording or multiple 
recording has been set, the feeder output flapper switches the conveyer 
path of the transfer paper fed from the discharge roller 123 to the 
two-face or multiple recording side. 
Numeral 128 denotes a lower conveyer path 128, which turns the transfer 
paper fed from the discharge roller 123 over via a reverse path 129 and 
introduces it to a paper re-feeder 130. Numeral 131 denotes a multiple 
flapper, which allows the conveyer path to be switched from the two-face 
recording operation and the multiple recording operation. Slanting the 
multi-flapper leftward makes it possible to introduce the transfer paper 
directly to the lower conveyer path 128, which makes it unnecessary to 
introduce the transfer paper via the reverse path. Numeral 130 denotes a 
paper re-feeder, which stores the transfer paper fed from the lower 
conveyer path 128 for a time. 
The paper-feeding roller 132 feeds the transfer paper toward the 
photographic drum 105 through a path 133. Numeral 134 denotes a feeder 
output roller, which is located in the vicinity of the feeder output 
flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge 
side by the feeder output flapper out of the equipment. 
Now the operation of the equipment will be described. The motor 104 drives 
the exposure-lamp 103 and the scanning mirror to scan and light up the 
document placed on the document stand 101 at the same time by the 
exposure-lamp 103, and the photographic drum 105 is illuminated with the 
reflected light of the document via the scanning mirror 145 and the lens 
143. 
The photographic drum 105 is driven by a main motor 113 to rotate in the 
direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, where the surface of the 
photographic drum 105 is subjected to corona electrical charging by the 
primary charger 106. When lighting up with the reflected light of the 
document from the optical system 102, the photographic drum 105 has an 
electrostatic latent image formed on its surface. The electrostatic latent 
image is developed by the developing unit to become a visible toner image. 
On the other hand, the transfer paper conveyed from the upper cassette 114 
or the lower cassette 115 into the body 100 by the paper-feeding roller 
118 and 119 via pickup roller 116 and 117, is fed to the photographic drum 
105 and a toner image is transferred by the transfer change 110, after the 
resist roller 120 takes such a timing that tip of the toner image may be 
consistent with the tip of the transfer paper. 
After transferring the toner image to the transfer paper, the transfer 
paper is separated from the photographic drum 105 by the separating 
charger 111, and introduced to the photographic fixing device 122 by the 
conveyer belt 121, so that the toner image is fixed thereto by applying 
heat and pressure. Then the transfer paper is discharged through the 
discharging roller 123. And the surface of the photographic drum 105 is 
cleaned with a cleaning unit 112. 
In the case of two-face recording (two-face copying) or multiple recording 
(multiple copying), after raising the feeder-output flapper 127, the 
copied transfer paper is fed to the paper re-feeder 130 via the reversal 
path 129 and the conveyer path 128 and stored therein with its 
image-recorded surface upward, in the case of two-face copying, or with 
its image-recorded surface downward, in the case of multiple recording. At 
this time, in the case of two-face copying, the multiple flapper 131 is 
slanted rightward of the figure and, in case of multiple copying, the 
multiple flapper 131 is slanted leftward of the same. 
In subsequent back-face recording or multiple recording, the transfer paper 
stored in the paper re-feeder 130 is introduced, sheet-by-sheet, in a 
bottom-to-top order to the resist roller 120 of the body by the 
paper-feeding roller 132 via the path 133. In the case where the transfer 
paper is discharged from the body 100 with its faces reversed, after 
raising the feeder-output flapper 127 and slanting the multiple flapper 
131 rightward of the figure, the copied transfer paper is conveyed toward 
the conveyer path 129, then conveyed toward a second feeding roller 141 
via the reversal roller 142 after its rear end has passed through a first 
feeding roller 140, and finally it is discharged out of the equipment via 
discharging roller 134 with its faces reversed. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram illustrating one 
form of control system for controlling the image production equipment 
embodying the present invention. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, reference numeral 1004 denotes a control circuit 
(controller), which comprises CPU 1004a, ROM 1004b, RAM 1004c, nonvolatile 
memory 1004d or the like, and as described below controls the copying 
sequence together based on the control program stored in ROM 1004b. RAM 
1004c is used for the work area of CPU 1004a. 
Numeral 1004d denotes a nonvolatile memory, which comprises a hard disc, a 
flash memory, an EEPROM, and an EPROM or the like and, as described below, 
stores memory keys, setting copying modes, names corresponding to the 
above copying modes, and the registered voice corresponding to the above 
copying modes in such a manner that all of them are mapped into the 
memory. The registered voice is input into the controller 1004 via a mike 
312, a gain control unit 212, and an A/D conversion unit 213. 
Numeral 218 denotes a console unit (or operation unit). In the unit 
provided are a key input unit comprising keys for setting copying modes 
(one-face/two-face/multiple modes, magnifying power, cassette selection 
etc.), a group of ten keys for setting a copy quantity, a start key for 
instructing the start of a copying operation, a stop key for instructing 
stopping of the copying operation, a reset key for returning a set 
operating mode to the standard state etc. and a display unit, such as a 
LED display and a liquid crystal display, for displaying the setting state 
of each operating mode. The details will be explained with reference to 
FIG. 3 below. 
Numeral 201 denotes an analog to digital (A/D) conversion unit, which 
converts the analog signals representing the surface temperature of the 
photographic fixing roller 144 detected by a thermistor 202 into digital 
signals and inputs the above converted digital values into the controller 
1004. Incidentally, the controller 1004 controls the surface temperature 
of the photographic fixing roller 144 to be kept at a prescribed value 
based on the value detected by the thermistor 202. 
Numeral 203 denotes a high-voltage control unit, which controls a 
high-voltage unit 204 for applying a prescribed voltage to the charging 
system, such as a first charger 106 and the transfer charger 110, the 
developing unit 109 or the like. Numeral 205 denotes a motor control unit, 
which controls the driving of motors 206, such as various types of 
stepping motors and a main motor. 
Numeral 207 denotes a DC load control unit, which controls the driving of 
solenoids (not appear in the figure) for the pickup roller 116, clutches 
and fans for the resist roller 120 and so on. 
Numeral 208 denotes a sensor group, which comprises various types of 
sensors, such as a sensor for detecting the clogging of the transfer 
paper, and the results detected by these sensors are inputted to the 
controller 1004. 
Numeral 312 denotes a mike, which detects the input of voice. Numeral 212 
denotes a gain control unit, which adjusts the volume of the voice input 
from the mike 312 to the optimum level for voice recognition. Numeral 213 
denotes an A/D conversion unit for converting analog signals into digital 
signals, which performs A/D conversion of voice input from the gain 
control unit 212. The above-converted values are input into the controller 
1004 where voice recognition is performed. 
Numeral 214 denotes an AC driver, which controls the AC power supply to the 
AC load 209, such as a document illuminating lamp 103 shown in FIG. 1, and 
the photographic fixing heater 210 while detecting abnormal conditions 
thereof. If necessary, it turns a main switch (MSW) with shutoff function 
215 off. Further, AC input before and after the main switch 215 is 
switched by the control of the controller 1004 and input into a power 
supply 217. 
Numeral 217 denotes a power supply, which supplies a DC power supply to the 
controller 1004 or the like, and, at the same time, into which an AC power 
supply is input from the AC driver 214 as well as from an input power 
supply plug 211 via the main switch (MSW) 215 and a door switch (DSW) 216. 
A paper deck 124 is a paper-feeding unit for increasing the quantity of 
transfer paper stored in the equipment, a feeder 200 is an automatic 
document-feeding unit for automatically setting multiple pieces of paper, 
and a sorter 250 is a sorting unit for sorting the transfer paper 
discharged from the equipment. 
[Description of the Console Unit] 
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a plan view illustrating one example of 
the configuration of the console unit 218 shown in FIG. 2. 
As illustrated in FIG. 3, numeral 300 denotes a COPY START key, which is 
depressed when starting a copying operation. Numeral 301 denotes a STOP 
key, which is depressed when stopping (canceling, aborting) copying. 
Numeral 302 denotes a CLEAR key, which is depressed when clearing input 
values. 
Numeral 303 denotes an ID key, which allows a specific operator alone to 
perform a copying operation and can disable copying operations unless ID 
is input through the ID key. 
Numeral 304 denotes a GUIDE key, which is depressed when the operator needs 
an explanation of the functions copying equipment 100, RDF 200, a sorter 
250 etc. Numeral 305 denotes an OPERATOR MEMORY key, which is depressed 
when setting the specifications and conditions of copying the equipment 
100, the RDF 200, the sorter 250, etc. An operator mode includes a 
function setting (two types) for assigning a desired function to a key, a 
specification setting, a timer setting, and an adjustment/cleaning 
setting. 
Numeral 306 denotes an INTERRUPT key, which is depressed when interrupting 
the copy to perform another copy. Numeral 307 denotes a PREHEAT key, which 
is depressed when shifting to a preheat mode which allows a lower power 
consumption or when wanting to return therefrom. Numeral 308 denotes a 
RESET key, which is depressed when returning a copy mode to the standard 
copy mode. Numeral 309 denotes a group of keys of a numeric pad, which are 
used for inputting numeric a values of, for example, a magnifying power, a 
copy quantity, and so on. 
Numeral 310 denotes a liquid crystal display console unit, which displays 
the state of the copying equipment 100, RDF 200, the sorter 250, etc. and 
the setting conditions of copying modes. The screen displayed on the unit 
can be changed and shifted by touching the soft key displayed on it so as 
to perform copying mode settings or the like. Numeral 311 denotes a VOICE 
INPUT key. Depressing the key makes possible voice input from the mike 
312. Numeral 313 denotes a VOICE REGISTRATION key. Depressing the key 
allows a voice-registration screen 700a to be displayed. 
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a plan view illustrating one example of 
the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 shown 
in FIG. 3. 
As illustrated in FIG. 4, numeral 400a denotes a standard screen (basic 
screen). The screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310 when the equipment is in the standard state, for example, at the 
time of turning on the equipment, after depressing the RESET key 308 shown 
in FIG. 3, after completing the copying operation and so on. Numeral 401 
denotes a state display, which displays the state of the copying equipment 
100, RDF 200, the sorter 250, etc., and the copy quantity and the 
magnifying power which have been already set, the paper size specified and 
so on. 
Numeral 403 denotes a SAME SIZE key, which is depressed when performing a 
100% same-size copying. 
Numeral 416 denotes a ZOOM key, which is depressed when copying is 
performed to set the magnifying power. In particular, it is depressed when 
using an automatic zoom function, which automatically calculates the 
magnification power based on the document size and paper size or when 
using a zoom program function which calculates the magnification power 
based on the specified image size of the document and the specified image 
size after copying. 
Numerals 407 and 409 denote CONTRAST CONTROL keys. The key 407 is depressed 
when making the contrast lower, while the key 409 is depressed when making 
the contrast higher. Numeral 408 denotes an AE key, which is depressed 
when automatically adjusting the contrast based on the contrast of the 
document. 
Numeral 410 denotes a PAPER SELECTION key, which is depressed when using an 
automatic paper selection (APS) function, which automatically selects the 
paper size based on the document size and the magnifying power or when 
specifying the paper size. Numeral 411 denotes a SORTER key, which is 
displayed only when the sorter 250 is mounted on the equipment and 
depressed when setting the output form of the sorter 250 (non-sorted, 
sorted, group-sorted, staple-sorted, etc.) and the location of the staple. 
Numeral 412 denotes a TWO FACE key, which is depressed when outputting the 
document image having been read onto both sides of the transfer paper or 
when handling two-face documents. Numeral 413 denotes an APPLICATION MODE 
key, which is depressed when using various functions the copying equipment 
has. When depressing the APPLICATION MODE key 413, an application mode 
screen 400b shown in FIG. 5, which is described below, is displayed. 
Numeral 414 denotes a field for displaying the details of setting, in 
which the type of two-face copying is displayed if two-face copying has 
been already set (if the two-face key 412 is reversed). 
As illustrated in FIG. 5, numeral 400b denotes an application mode screen, 
which is displayed when depressing the APPLICATION MODE key 413, as 
described above. Numeral 430 denotes a FRAME DELETION key, which is 
depressed when deleting a frame according to the mode having been set. The 
frame deletion modes include, for example, a sheet frame deletion mode 
(the frame is made of the same size as the sheet), a document frame 
deletion mode (the frame is made of the same size as the document, where 
the document size is specified), a book frame deletion mode (the frame is 
made of the same size as the two-page spread of the book and the center is 
made blank, where the size of the two-page spread is specified), and a 
punched hole deletion mode (when copying the document having punched holes 
in it, the punched parts are made blank so that the image of the holes 
cannot be copied). 
Numeral 431 denotes a BINDING MARGIN key, which is depressed when creating 
a binding margin (top, bottom; left and right). Numeral 432 denotes a 
COVER/COMPOSITION key, which is depressed when inserting a cover, a back 
cover and a composition into the output. Numeral 433 denotes a REDUCTION 
LAYOUT key, which is depressed when copying a plurality of documents 
together on a sheet of transfer paper with the document size being reduced 
or enlarged. For example, when four sheets of documents are copied 
together on a single sheet of transfer paper, 4-in-1 is specified, and 
when two sheets of documents are copied together on a single sheet of 
transfer paper, 2-in-1 is specified. 
Numeral 434 denotes an OHP insert key, which is depressed when setting a 
mode where insertion is automatically made in copying using OHP sheets. 
Whether copying is performed on the inserted sheets or not copying is also 
set using the OHP insert key. Numeral 435 denotes a PAGE SERIAL COPY key, 
which is depressed when page serial copying is performed in such a manner 
that the copying area of the document placed on the document stand glass 
101 is divided into two and each of the divided images is automatically 
copied on two sheets of transfer paper (for example, right-to-left book, 
left-to-right book or reversal feeder output is specified). 
Numeral 436 denotes an ENLARGED LAYOUT key, which is depressed when setting 
a mode where the image copied in a reduction layout mode is returned to 
the former image. Numeral 437 denotes a MULTIPLE key, which is depressed 
when copying is performed, for example, in a multiple mode or a page 
serial mode. Numeral 438 denotes an ORIGINAL MIXTURE key, which is 
depressed when copying is performed using RDF 200 where different sizes of 
documents are placed in RDF 200. 
Numeral 439 denotes a PHOTOGRAPH key, which is depressed when copying 
photographic documents. Numeral 440 denotes a MODE MEMORY key, which is 
depressed when storing any arbitrary combinations of modes (copying 
modes), for example, the copy quantity, the contrast, and the magnifying 
power, set by an operator, or when calling copying modes having been 
already stored. Numeral 441 denotes a CLOSE key, which is depressed when 
ending the application mode screen 400b. Depressing this key allows the 
standard screen 400a shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed on the liquid crystal 
display console unit 310. 
Now each of the screens displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310 when performing a two-face mode setting and a voice registration 
will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13. 
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 13, there are shown plan views each illustrating 
one example of the screens displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310 when performing a two-face mode setting, a voice registration, 
and a voice setting/calling. 
As illustrated in FIG. 6, numeral 1700a denotes a TWO-FACE KIND SELECTION 
window, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 
when depressing the TWO-FACE key 412 shown in FIG. 4. 
Numeral 1701 denotes a ONE-FACE/TWO-FACE key, which is depressed when 
performing two-face copying from one-face documents. Numeral 1702 denotes 
a TWO-FACE/TWO-FACE key, which is depressed when performing two-face 
copying from two-face documents. Numeral 1703 denotes a TWO-FACE/ONE-FACE 
key, which is depressed when performing one-face copying from two-face 
documents. Numeral 1704 denotes a PAGE SERIAL TWO-FACE key, which is 
depressed when performing two-face copying of a right-and-left two-page 
spread from, for example, a book. Numeral 1705 denotes a SETTING CANCEL 
key, which is depressed when canceling a two-face setting. Numeral 1706 
denotes a RETURN key, which is depressed when returning a setting to the 
standard screen 400a after confirming the setting. Numeral 1707 denotes a 
NEXT key, which is depressed when shifting to a new screen after deciding 
a new setting. 
However, the TWO-FACE/TWO-FACE key 1702 and the PAGE SERIAL TWO-FACE key 
1704 are not displayed, but an OK key is displayed. 
The kind of two-face setting selected is determined by depressing the OK 
key. 
As illustrated in FIG. 7, numeral 1700b denotes a DOCUMENT SPREAD KIND 
SELECTION window, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310, for example, when a NEXT key 1707 on the TWO-FACE KIND SELECTION 
window shown 1700a in FIG. 6 is depressed. Numeral 1711 denotes a 
RIGHT-AND-LEFT DOUBLE SPREAD key, which is depressed when printing is 
performed for a right-and-left double spread. Numeral 1712 denotes a 
TOP-AND-BOTTOM DOUBLE SPREAD key, which is depressed when printing is 
performed for a top-and-bottom double spread. Numeral 1713 denotes a 
SETTING CANCEL key, which is depressed when canceling two-face settings. 
Numeral 1714 denotes a RETURN key, which is depressed when returning a 
setting to the TWO-FACE KIND SELECTION window 1700a after confirming the 
setting. Numeral 1715 denotes an OK key, which is depressed when making a 
setting valid. 
As illustrated in FIG. 8, numeral 700a denotes a NAME REGISTRATION window, 
which is a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 
when inputting a name for voice registration. Numeral 708 denotes a 
CHARACTER SWITCH key and the type of the characters displayed on a 
keyboard 701 is switched each time an ALPHABET key, a HIRAGANA CHARACTER 
key or a KATAKANA CHARACTER key is depressed. Numeral 707 denotes a ROMAN 
CHARACTER INPUT key, which is displayed only on alphabet input and is 
depressed when performing hiragana character input with roman character. 
When depressing character keys (alphabet, symbols etc.) displayed on the 
keyboard 701, characters corresponding to each key are displayed on a 
CHARACTER DISPLAY field 702. The configuration of this screen is such 
that, when inputting numeric values in this screen, they are input from a 
group of keys on the numeric pad 309 of the console unit 218. 
Numeral 703 denotes a CURSOR MOVE key, which is depressed when moving the 
cursor displayed on the CHARACTER DISPLAY field 702. Numeral 704 denotes a 
BACK SE key, which is depressed when deleting the character immediately 
before the cursor. Numeral 705 denotes a SETTING CANCEL key, which is 
depressed when canceling voice registration. Numeral 706 denotes an OK 
key, which is depressed when ending a character-string input. Numeral 709 
denotes a REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION key, which is depressed when 
confirming and deleting the registered character string registered and 
setting. 
As illustrated in FIG. 9, numeral 700b denotes a VOICE INPUT window, which 
is displayed when the OK key 706 shown in FIG. 8 is depressed. On the 
window an operating procedure for voice input and a message prompting an 
operator to perform voice input are displayed. Numeral 710 denotes a 
REGISTERED CHARACTER DISPLAY field, which displays the character string 
input on the NAME REGISTRATION window shown in FIG. 8. Numeral 711 denotes 
a VOICE LEVEL DISPLAY field, which displays the level of voice (for 
example, volume level) input from the microphone 312. 
As illustrated in FIG. 10, numeral 700c denotes a VOICE RE-INPUT window, 
which is displayed when re-inputting voice for confirmation after 
inputting voice from the VOICE INPUT window 700b displayed on the liquid 
crystal display console unit 310. 
As illustrated in FIG. 11, numeral 700d denotes a VOICE REGISTRATION 
CONFIRMATION window, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display 
console unit 310, for example, when depressing the REGISTRATION 
CONFIRMATION key 709 on the NAME REGISTRATION window 700a shown in FIG. 8. 
Numeral 712 denotes a REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field, which displays 
the registration contents corresponding to the selected REGISTRATION NAME 
key 713 when any one of the REGISTRATION NAME keys assigned to each 
registration name is depressed and displayed in the reverse state (in the 
selected state). Numeral 701d denotes a scroll key, which is depressed 
when scrolling the registration contents so that they can be displayed 
even when all the registration contents cannot be displayed within the 
frame of the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field 712. Any number of 
REGISTRATION NAME keys can be added, as far as the storage capacity 
permits. 
Numeral 715 denotes a DELETION key, which is depressed when deleting the 
registered setting. Numeral 714 denotes a CANCEL key, which is depressed, 
for example, when canceling a deletion. Numeral 717 denotes a SCROLL key, 
which is depressed when scrolling the registration names so that they can 
be displayed even when all the REGISTRATION NAME key 713 can be displayed 
within the frame of the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field 712. Numeral 
716 denotes an OK key, which is depressed when making a setting, for 
example, for deletion valid. 
As illustrated in FIG. 12, a VOICE INPUT window 2000a is displayed on the 
standard screen 400a, for example, when depressing the VOICE INPUT key 
311. Numeral 2001 denotes a STATE DISPLAY field, which shows voice is on 
input. Among the voices previously registered, the one most similar to the 
input voice is displayed as the recognition result on the RECOGNITION 
RESULT DISPLAY field 2002 of the VOICE RECOGNITION RESULT DISPLAY window 
2000b shown in FIG. 13. 
Now the flow chart for two-face (one-face to two-face/top-and-bottom double 
spread) settings will be described with reference to FIG. 14. 
Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a flow chart illustrating one example 
of the transition from one screen to another displayed on the liquid 
crystal display console unit 310 when performing two-face (one-face to 
two-face/top-and-bottom double spread) settings. In the flow chart, (1) to 
(4) denote the steps of the transition, and the arrows show that each 
transition takes place when the keys are depressed whose names are 
appended to the arrows. The subsequent screen transition is executed based 
on the control program stored in ROM 1004b by CPU 1004a. 
First, a two-face function is selected by depressing the TWO-FACE key 412 
on the standard screen 400a shown in FIG. 4 in step (1), then the 
transition from step (1) to step (2) takes place and the TWO-FACE KIND 
SELECTION window 1700a is displayed. Depressing the NEXT key 1707 after 
reversing the screen by depressing the ONE-FACE/TWO-FACE key 1701 of the 
TWO-FACE KIND SELECTION window 1700a causes the transition to step (3) to 
take place and the DOCUMENT SPREAD KIND SELECTION window 1700b to be 
displayed. After reversing the screen by depressing the TOP-AND-BOTTOM 
DOUBLE SPREAD key 1712, the OK key 1715 is depressed. This causes the 
transition to step (4) to take place and the standard screen 400a to be 
displayed. At this time, the TWO-FACE key is reversed, which indicates 
there exists a setting. In the TWO-FACE SETTING CONTENTS DISPLAY field 
414, the kind of the two-face mode having been set is displayed. 
Now one example of the flow charts for voice registration of settings will 
be described with reference to FIG. 15. 
Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a flow chart illustrating the 
transition from one screen to another displayed on the liquid crystal 
display console unit 310 where voice registration is performed after 
attaching a name to the two-face mode (one-face to two-face/top-and-bottom 
double spread) setting set in FIG. 14. (5) to (9) denote each step of the 
voice registration, respectively. 
Step (5) shows a screen where the two-face (one-face to 
two-face/top-and-bottom double spread) mode setting of step (4) in FIG. 14 
is terminated. When depressing the VOICE REGISTRATION key 313 shown in 
FIG. 3 in step (5), the transition to step (6) takes place and the NAME 
REGISTRATION window 700c is displayed, which allows the registration name 
to be input. When depressing the OK key 706 after ending name registration 
in step (6), the transition to step (7) takes place and the VOICE INPUT 
window 700b is displayed. In step (7), voice is registered as long as the 
VOICE INPUT key 311 is depressed. When voice input is terminated in step 
(7), the transition to step (8) takes place and the VOICE RE-INPUT window 
700c is displayed which requires voice re-input for confirmation, and 
voice input is performed in the same manner as step (7). When voice input 
is terminated, the transition to step (5) takes place. 
Then one example will be explained of the transition from one screen to 
another displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 which 
takes place in confirmation of registration contents. 
When depressing the VOICE REGISTRATION key 313 shown in FIG. 3 in step (5), 
the transition to step (6) takes place and the NAME REGISTRATION window 
700a is displayed. When depressing the REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION key 709, 
the transition to step (9) takes place and the VOICE REGISTRATION 
CONFIRMATION window 700d is displayed. When depressing the named key to be 
checked, the registration contents corresponding to the selected 
REGISTRATION NAME key is displayed on the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY 
field 712. 
One example of the flow charts for calling the registered name will be 
described now. 
Referring to FIG. 16, in step (10) where the standard screen 400a is 
displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310, when performing 
voice input from microphone 312 while depressing the VOICE INPUT key 311, 
the transition to step (11) takes place and the VOICE INPUT window 2000a 
is displayed. In step (12) the voice of higher recognition rate among the 
registered voices is displayed, and in step (13) the corresponding 
function is set and the standard screen 400a is displayed. 
While the embodiment has been described in terms of the case where voice of 
a higher recognition rate is displayed, the equipment may be constructed 
in such a manner that a user can freely set the recognition rate 
considered to be valid according to the circumstances where he/she uses 
it. 
While the embodiment has been described in terms of the case where the 
functions called by voice input are overwritten onto the various functions 
set on the standard screen 400a in step (10) to step (13), the equipment 
may be constructed in such a manner that a user can determine the 
functions to be selected by carrying on a dialogue with the equipment, 
when the functions called by voice input overlap the functions set on the 
standard screen 400a. 
In the above description, voice registration is performed while selecting 
the two-face mode to the very end. As shown in FIG. 17, voice 
registration, however, may be performed by depressing the VOICE 
REGISTRATION key and displaying the NAME REGISTRATION window, while 
allowing the set screen of step (12) to be displayed where the kind of 
two-face modes at step (102) is selected. In the case of performing 
calling by voice input, the screen is displayed on the liquid crystal 
display console unit 310 where the kind of two-face modes is selected. As 
for other kinds of image formation modes, voice registration can be 
similarly performed for the selection screen on the way of setting of the 
image formation mode. 
Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown an example of the screens displayed on 
the liquid crystal display console unit 310 in the case where the voice 
data of an unspecified number of speakers and the copy functions are 
mapped into the nonvolatile memory 1004d shown in FIG. 2 at the time of 
preciously delivering the product. 
In step (14) where the standard screen 400a is displayed on the liquid 
crystal display console unit 310, when performing voice input through 
microphone 312 with the VOICE INPUT key 311 shown in FIG. 3 being 
depressed, the transition to step (15) takes place and the VOICE INPUT 
window 2000a is displayed. The voice of higher recognition rate among the 
registered voices is allowed to be displayed in step (16), and a dialogue 
screen similar to the case where two-face key 412 is depressed is allowed 
to be displayed in step (17). That is, since a SORTER key 411, a TWO-FACE 
key 412, a MAGNIFYING POWER key 416, and a SHEET SELECTION key 410 shown 
in FIG. 4 and the voice data corresponding to each key shown in FIG. 5 are 
previously registered, the same dialogue screen as when depressing the 
keys can be displayed by voice input. 
When the recognition rate of the data registered by an unspecified number 
of speakers is low, the rate is expected to improve by an additional 
registration of one's personal voice. 
Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown an example of the screens displayed on 
the liquid crystal display console unit 310, when performing an additional 
voice registration. 
In step (18) where the standard screen 400a is displayed on the liquid 
crystal display console unit 310, when depressing the VOICE REGISTRATION 
key 313 shown in FIG. 3, the transition to step (19) takes place and the 
NAME REGISTRATION window 700a is displayed. In the step (19), when 
depressing the REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION key 709 shown in FIG. 3, the 
transition to step (20) takes place and the REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION 
window 700d is displayed. When depressing the key having the function 
which allows the additional voice registration, the registration contents 
corresponding to the selected REGISTRATION NAME key is displayed on the 
REGISTRATION CONTENTS field 712. 
If the selected REGISTRATION NAME key is correct, the OK key 716 is 
depressed. The DELETION key 715 is not displayed here in case the voice 
data from an unspecified number of speakers is deleted by mistake. In step 
(21), the name of the selected REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION key is displayed 
on the CHARACTER DISPLAY field 702. In case the registration name is 
changed by mistake, a keyboard 701, a CURSOR MOVE key 703, a BACK SE 
key 704, and a ROMAN CHARACTER INPUT key are not displayed. When the voice 
data displayed on the CHARACTER DISPLAY field 702 is correct and the OK 
key 706 is depressed, the transition to step (22) takes place and the 
VOICE INPUT window 700b is displayed. In the step (22), voice is 
registered as long as the VOICE INPUT key 311 is depressed. When voice 
input is terminated in step (22), the transition to step (23) takes place 
and the VOICE RE-INPUT window 700c is displayed. Here voice input is 
required again for confirmation and voice input is performed in the same 
manner as in step (22). When terminating voice input, the transition to 
step (18) takes place. 
The voice data registered in steps (5) to (8) shown in FIG. 15 can be also 
corrected in the same procedure as in steps (18) to (23). 
Now the voice registration processing procedure of the embodiment of this 
invention will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 
20. 
Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a flow chart illustrating one example 
of a first data processing procedure in the image production equipment 
according to the present invention. The flow chart corresponds to the data 
processing executed based on the control program stored in ROM 1004b shown 
in FIG. 2 by CPU 1004a. (31) to (35) indicate each step of the process. 
First, the copy function is set and the standard screen 400a shown in FIG. 
4 is displayed. Then the KEYBOARD window 700a shown in FIG. 8 is displayed 
on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 by depressing the VOICE 
INPUT key 311 shown in FIG. 3 to allow a user to input any arbitrary 
registration name. 
Then, whether the OK key 706 shown in FIG. 8 has been depressed or not is 
judged (32). In the case where the judgement is "no", the user has to 
return to step (32). In case where the judgement is "yes", the user goes 
to step (33). In step (33), the VOICE INPUT window 700b shown in FIG. 9 is 
displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310, and the voice 
input from the microphone 312 is input into the control circuit 1004 after 
it is converted to digital signals via the A/D conversion unit 213, shown 
in FIG. 2 while the VOICE INPUT key 311 shown in FIG. 3 is depressed. 
Then, in step (34), the VOICE RE-INPUT window 700c shown in FIG. 10 is 
displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310, and the voice 
input from the microphone 312 is input into the control circuit 1004 for 
confirmation after it is converted to digital signals via the A/D 
conversion unit 213 shown in FIG. 2, while the VOICE INPUT key 311 shown 
in FIG. 3 is depressed. In step (35), the voice input in step (34) and the 
voice input in step (35) are compared to each other to confirm whether two 
pieces of input information are the same or not. If there is any 
difference between the two, the voice input is repeated to enhance the 
accuracy of the data. 
In step (36), the voices input and converted to digital signals in step 
(33) and selected memory keys are mapped into the nonvolatile memory 1004d 
shown in FIG. 2, before ending the process. 
Then one example of a mode calling procedure by voice input according to 
the embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to the 
flow chart shown in FIG. 21. 
Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a flow chart illustrating one example 
of a second data processing procedure in the image production equipment 
according to the present invention. The flow chart corresponds to the data 
processing executed based on the control program stored in ROM 1004b shown 
in FIG. 2 by CPU 1004a. (41) to (47) indicate each step of the process. 
First, the standard screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid 
crystal display console unit 310 (41). Then, whether the VOICE 
REGISTRATION key 313 shown in FIG. 3 has been depressed or not is judged 
(42). In case where the judgement is "no", the user has to return to step 
(42). In case where the judgement is "yes", the user goes to step (43). 
In step (43), the voice input from the microphone 312 is input into the 
control circuit 1004 via the gain control circuit 212 and the A/D 
conversion unit 213, while the VOICE REGISTRATION key 313 being depressed. 
In step (44), the input voices in step (43) and the voices to be registered 
at the nonvolatile memory 1004d shown in FIG. 2, each of which is given 
each registration name, are compared to each other to execute voice 
recognition. 
In step (45), the voices having been subjected to voice recognition and the 
voices to be registered are compared to each other to confirm whether 
there exists a copy function or not. 
If the copy function corresponding to the input voice is not registered, 
the process is terminated. The fact that the corresponding copy function 
is not registered can be displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310. 
In step (47), the copy function corresponding to the voice input in step 
(43) is called, and displayed on the standard screen 400a before ending 
the process. 
Thus, according to the above embodiment, in a copy function setting, it is 
unnecessary to depress a plurality of keys one by one to search the group 
to which the function to be set belongs, and the use of voice recognition 
enables the operator to call the desired function with an easier 
operation. This is effective in reducing the operator's workload. 
While the embodiment has been described in terms of the case where a copy 
mode is registered by voice input, a copy function may be called using a 
conventional method. That is, a voice input is registered for each 
registered copy mode which is allocated one mode memory key, and a copy 
mode is called by the voice recognition. The procedure will be described 
below. 
Referring to FIG. 22, numeral 500a denotes a MODE MEMORY window, which is 
displayed when depressing the mode memory key 440 on the application mode 
screen 400b shown in FIG. 5. 
Numeral 501 denotes a REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field. When any one key 
selected from the memory key group 504, consisting of memory keys M1 to 
M9, is depressed and is reversed, the registration contents corresponding 
to the selected memory key is displayed on the field 501. All the memory 
keys M1 to M9 of the memory key group 504 are ON/OFF keys. Numeral 501a 
denotes a SCROLL key, which is depressed when the registration contents do 
not fit in the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field 501, so that all the 
contents can be displayed by scrolling the contents file. The number of 
the mode memory keys is not limited to nine, and more keys are applicable. 
Numeral 502 denotes a REGISTRATION/DELETION key, which is depressed when 
setting a copy mode or when deleting the registered copy mode. Numeral 503 
denotes a CLOSE key. When depressing this key, the application mode screen 
400b shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal display console 
unit 310. Numeral 510 denotes a DIRECTION DISPLAY field, in which, for 
example, input directions to an operator are displayed. 
In some cases, the REGISTRATION/DELETION key 502 and the CLOSE key 503 are 
not displayed, as described below, and an OK key and a CANCEL key are 
displayed. 
Referring to FIG. 23, numeral 500b denotes a SELECTION window, which is 
displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310 when depressing 
the REGISTRATION/DELETION key 502 on the MODE MEMORY window 500a shown in 
FIG. 22. Numeral 505 denotes a REGISTRATION key, which is depressed when 
registering a copy mode at a mode memory. Numeral 506 denotes a NAME 
REGISTRATION key, which is depressed when registering the name of the copy 
mode registered at the mode memory. Numeral 507 denotes a DELETION key, 
which is depressed when deleting the copy mode registered at the mode 
memory. Numeral 509 denotes a VOICE REGISTRATION key, which is depressed 
when performing voice registration for the copy mode registered at the 
mode memory. Numeral 508 denotes a CLOSE key. When depressing this key, 
the SELECTION window 500b is closed and the MODE MEMORY window 500a shown 
in FIG. 22 is displayed on the liquid crystal display console unit 310. 
Referring to FIG. 24, numeral 600a denotes a CONFIRMATION window, which is 
displayed so that an operator can confirm the subsequent processes, such 
as copy mode registration, copy mode deletion and so on, before executing 
them. Numeral 601 denotes a CONFIRMATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field, in which 
a message for confirming the subsequent process is displayed. Numeral 602 
denotes a REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field, in which the new 
registration contents is displayed, when newly registering, and the 
registration contents to be deleted is displayed, when deleting a copy 
mode. Numeral 603 denotes an EXECUTION key, which is depressed when 
directing the execution of a process. Numeral 604 denotes an ABORT key, 
which is depressed when aborting the execution of processes. 
Referring to FIG. 25, numeral 600b denotes a REPORT window, which displays 
the completion of the processing directed. Numeral 605 denotes a REPORT 
CONTENTS DISPLAY field, in which the contents of the executed process are 
displayed. Numeral 606 denotes a REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field, in 
which the contents of the copy mode to be registered are displayed. 
Now one example of the flow charts illustrating the sequence of the voice 
registration for the copy mode that has been registered at a mode memory 
key will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. 
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, there are shown flow charts each illustrating 
one example of the transition from one screen to another displayed on the 
liquid crystal display console unit 310 when registering a name for each 
of the memory keys M1 to M9. (31) to (40) indicate each of the transition 
steps. 
First, when a mode memory is selected by depressing the MODE MEMORY key 440 
at step (931), the transition to step (932) takes place and the MODE 
MEMORY window 500a is displayed. Then, when the REGISTRATION/DELETION key 
502 on the MODE MEMORY window 500a is depressed, the transition to step 
(934) takes place and the SELECTION window 500b is displayed. 
Since name registration is being performed here, the NAME REGISTRATION key 
is depressed and NAME REGISTRATION is selected. 
Then the transition to step (935) takes place, and the MODE MEMORY window 
500a is displayed. Since the step (935) is a step for selecting a position 
for registering a name, "SELECT INPUT POSITION" is displaced on the 
DIRECTION DISPLAY field 501. When any one of the memory keys M1 to M9 (for 
example memory key M1) is depressed so as to select one key for name 
registration from the memory key group 504, the transition to step (936) 
takes place and the contents of the copy mode registered at the memory key 
M1 is displayed on the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field 501. 
On the MODE MEMORY window 500a displayed in steps (935) and (936), the 
REGISTRATION/DELETION key 502 and the CLOSE key 503 are not displayed, but 
the OK key (this is shown with dotted line in step (935)) and the CANCEL 
key are displayed. 
When the OK key is depressed in step (936), the transition to step (37) 
takes place and the KEYBOARD window 700a shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. 
Then a new name is registered. When the OK key 706 is depressed in step 
(37), the transition to step (38) takes place and the VOICE INPUT window 
700c is displayed. In this step (38), a voice input is registered as long 
as the VOICE INPUT key 311 shown in FIG. 3 is depressed. When voice input 
is completed in step (38), the transition to step (39) takes place and the 
VOICE RE-INPUT window 700c is displayed. At this point, voice input is 
requested again for confirmation, and voice input is performed in the same 
manner as in step (38). When voice input is completed, the transition to 
step (933) takes place. When the REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION key 709 is 
depressed in step (37), the transition to step (941) takes place and the 
contents of the copy mode registered is displayed in the same manner as 
above. 
When the NAME REGISTRATION key 506 is depressed in step (934), the KEYBOARD 
screen almost the same as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. If only a name is 
input and the OK key 706 is depressed, the transition to step (933) after 
the registration of the name alone is also made possible. 
In step (933) the MODE MEMORY window 500a is displayed, and in steps (37) 
to (39) the memory key for which name and/or voice registration have been 
performed (in this case, M1) is reversed, that is, in an optional 
condition. And on the REGISTRATION CONTENTS DISPLAY field 501 the contents 
of the copy mode registered for the memory key in an optional condition 
(memory key M1) are displayed. On the MODE MEMORY window 500a displayed in 
step (933), the CLOSE key is not displayed, but the OK key and the CANCEL 
key are displayed. 
When the OK key 706 is depressed in step (933), the transition to step (40) 
takes place and the standard screen 400a shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. 
When the memory key to be reversed has not yet been subjected to name 
registration, the application mode screen 400b is displayed. 
The name and voice registrations can be thus performed. When the OK key 706 
is depressed in the state where no character has not been input yet, the 
screen returns to the names of the default ("M1", "M2", . . . , "M9"). 
When the KEYBOARD window 700a is displayed by selecting the memory key for 
which a name has been already registered, the name registered is displayed 
on the CHARACTER DISPLAY field 702. 
The read out by voice input of the copy mode registered at the mode memory 
is performed in the same manner as above. When copy modes registered for 
each mode memory key are deleted, the voices registered are not deleted 
and can be subsequently called through voice recognition. The registered 
voices, however, can be deleted on a voice registration confirmation 
screen. 
The equipment may be configured in such a manner that the voices registered 
at memory keys are deleted in connection with the deletion of the copy 
modes registered for each mode memory key. 
The VOICE REGISTRATION key 509 on the screen in step (933) shown in FIG. 26 
may be provided, for example, on the screen in step (37) shown in FIG. 27. 
In this case, when the NAME REGISTRATION key is depressed in step (933), 
the transition to step (935) or to step (936) takes place, and when the 
NAME REGISTRATION key is depressed in step (37), the transition to step 
(38) takes place. 
While the embodiment has been described in terms of a copying equipment, 
the above embodiment is applicable to a printer or a combined reproduction 
equipment having, for example, a copy function, a print function and a 
facsimile function. In this case, the equipment is constructed in such a 
manner that not only a copy mode but such process modes as a print mode 
and a facsimile mode, which can be set for a combined reproduction 
equipment, are registered and the registered process modes are called by 
voice input. 
As is apparent from the above description, the objects of the present 
invention can also be accomplished in such a manner that a storage medium 
recording a program code of software implementing the functions of the 
embodiment is supplied to a system or equipment, then the computer (or 
CPU, MPU) of the system or equipment reads and executes the program code 
stored in the storage medium. 
In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself 
implements the new functions of the present invention, while the storage 
medium storing the program code constitutes the invention. 
The storage medium used for supplying a program code includes, for example, 
a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, CD-ROM, 
CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, an ROM and an EEPROM. 
It is also apparent that the aforementioned functions of the embodiment are 
implemented not only by the computer which reads and executes the program 
code, but also by the OS (operating system) on the computer which performs 
all or a part of the actual processing based on the instruction of the 
program code. 
It is also apparent that the aforementioned functions of the embodiment are 
implemented by the function extension board inserted into the computer as 
well as the function extension unit connected to the computer whose memory 
stores the program code read from the storage medium and whose CPU 
performs all or a part of the actual processing based on the instructions 
of the program code. 
The present invention may be applied to a system consisting of a multiple 
pieces of equipment or to a unit consisting of a single piece of 
equipment. Apparently the present invention is applicable to a system or 
equipment in which the invention is implemented by supplying a program 
thereto. In this case, the system or equipment can enjoy the effect of the 
present invention by reading the program embodied in software for 
implementing the present invention through the storage medium storing the 
program. 
Further, the system or equipment can enjoy the effect of the present 
invention by reading the program embodied in software for implementing the 
present invention through a communication program which downloads the 
program from the data base on a network.