JP2001136316A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile equipment provided with a highest priority transmission function that can transmit an original desirably transmitted with highest priority over other transmission and reception operations. SOLUTION: When a highest priority transmission button of the facsimile equipment 1 is depressed, even when memory transmission has already been reserved with the highest priority transmission button depressed, the facsimile equipment 1 inhibits memory transmission and even when reception is made after the highest priority transmission button, the facsimile equipment inhibits a reply with respect to the reception, and the facsimile equipment checks whether or not the highest priority transmission operation is finished until a timer counting a wait time, until the highest priority transmission operation is completed, expires. When the highest priority transmission operation is completed, a scanner reads an original designated by the highest priority transmission operation, faxes the read original to the designated destination with the highest priority, and the facsimile terminal releases inhibited facsimile transmission and reception when the transmission is finished. When the timer expires before the highest priority transmission operation is completed, the facsimile equipment releases the inhibited facsimile transmission and reception.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus having a highest priority transmission function for transmitting a document to be transmitted with the highest priority over other transmission and reception operations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus, a direct transmission function for directly transmitting image data of a read original while reading an image of the original by a reading unit and temporarily storing image data of the original read by the reading unit in an image memory. There is a memory transmission function to transmit after performing.

In this direct transmission, an operator
After setting the original on the reading unit, performing a transmission operation such as inputting the facsimile number of the other party, and then pressing the start key, the facsimile apparatus confirms the connection with the other party,
The reading unit starts reading the document, and while reading the documents one by one, the image data of the document is directly facsimile-transmitted to the other party.

In memory transmission, image data of a document read by a reading unit is sequentially stored in an image memory.
After storing the image data of all pages of the manuscript in the image memory, a call is made to the other party at a predetermined time according to the line conditions and time designation, and when the other party answers, the image stored in the image memory is stored. Sends data by facsimile sequentially. The memory transmission includes memory reservation transmission in which image data of a document is stored in an image memory by designating a transmission time, and facsimile transmission is performed at the designated time.

In the conventional facsimile apparatus, in order to quickly send an original, if the original is set on the plotter and the transmission or reception of the memory starts while the transmission operation is being performed on the operation unit, When sending an urgent document as a memory transmission, the document can be stored in the image memory, but the image data of the urgent document is transmitted after the memory reservation transmission or reception where the operation started is completed. Will be

[0006]

However, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, even if an attempt is made to transmit an original in a hurry, if the transmission or reception of the memory starts during the operation, the transmission of the memory reservation or Only after the reception is completed, the image data of the original document is not transmitted in a hurry, and there is a need for improvement in improving usability.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, subsequent facsimile reception is prohibited and the image data of the original document for the highest priority transmission is transmitted by facsimile. By performing facsimile transmission prior to reception, the highest-priority transmission instructing means instructs the highest-priority transmission, so that even if there is facsimile reception, facsimile transmission of urgent documents takes precedence over the facsimile reception. It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine with good usability.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, subsequent facsimile reception and memory transmission are prohibited, and the image data of the document for the highest priority transmission is transmitted. By performing facsimile transmission prior to facsimile reception and memory transmission, by instructing the highest priority transmission by the highest priority transmission instructing means, even if the transmission time of the memory transmission already stored in the image information memory increases, It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine which facsimile-transmits urgent documents in preference to the memory transmission and the facsimile reception even if there is facsimile reception thereafter.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, after a highest priority transmission instruction operation is performed by the highest priority transmission instruction means, an operation required for the highest priority transmission is not performed, and a predetermined waiting time is set. After that, prohibition of facsimile reception or /
The object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can perform necessary facsimile reception and memory transmission without waiting for the transmission operation of the highest priority transmission forever by canceling the prohibition of the memory transmission. And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the highest-priority transmission of the original specified by the highest-priority transmission instructing means is terminated, the prohibition of facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of memory transmission are released, thereby giving the highest priority transmission. After the process is completed,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus which can perform facsimile reception and memory transmission appropriately, and is more usable.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus for executing a predetermined facsimile control procedure with a destination to perform facsimile communication. When the highest priority transmission is instructed by the instruction means and the highest priority transmission instruction means, subsequent facsimile reception is prohibited, and the image data of the original document for the highest priority transmission is transmitted by facsimile prior to facsimile reception. The above object is achieved by providing the control means.

According to the above arrangement, when the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, the subsequent facsimile reception is inhibited, and the image data of the document for the highest priority transmission is prioritized over the facsimile reception. Since facsimile transmission is performed, by instructing the highest priority transmission by the highest priority transmission instructing means, even if there is subsequent facsimile reception, priority can be given to the facsimile reception and facsimile transmission of urgent documents can be performed. The usability of the facsimile machine can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus for performing a predetermined facsimile control procedure with a destination to perform facsimile communication. When the highest-priority transmission is instructed by the highest-priority transmission instructing means to be operated, the subsequent facsimile reception is prohibited, and the image data stored in the image data storage means is transmitted. The above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a control unit for prohibiting memory transmission to be performed and performing facsimile transmission of image data of the document for the highest priority transmission prior to memory transmission and facsimile reception.

According to the above configuration, when the highest-priority transmission is instructed by the highest-priority transmission instructing means, subsequent facsimile reception and memory transmission are prohibited, and the image data of the document for the highest priority transmission is received by facsimile reception Also, since the facsimile transmission is performed prior to the memory transmission, the transmission operation of the memory transmission already stored in the image information memory is performed by instructing the highest priority transmission by the highest priority transmission instructing means. Even if facsimile reception is performed, urgent documents can be transmitted by facsimile prior to the memory transmission and facsimile reception, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.

[0015] In each of the above cases, for example, as set forth in claim 3, after the instruction operation of the highest-priority transmission is performed by the highest-priority transmission instructing unit, the control unit is required for the highest-priority transmission. When a predetermined waiting time elapses without performing any operation, the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission may be released.

According to the above configuration, after the operation of instructing the highest priority transmission is performed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, the operation required for the highest priority transmission is not performed, and the predetermined waiting time elapses. Since the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission are canceled, the necessary facsimile reception and memory transmission can be performed without waiting for the transmission operation of the highest priority transmission forever, further improving the usability of the facsimile apparatus. Can be improved.

For example, as described in claim 4, when the control means terminates the highest priority transmission of the original specified by the highest priority transmission instruction means, the control means prohibits the facsimile reception and / or The prohibition of the memory transmission may be released.

According to the above configuration, when the highest priority transmission of the original specified by the highest priority transmission instructing unit is finished, the prohibition of facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of memory transmission are released, so that the highest priority transmission processing is completed. After that, the facsimile reception and the memory transmission can be appropriately performed, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, various technically preferable limitations are added. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The embodiments are not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a facsimile apparatus 1 to which the embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is applied. It is.

In FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 1 includes a scanner 2, a plotter 3, and a DCR (encoding / decoding unit).
4, NCU (Network Control Unit) 5, operation port 6, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7, FRO
An M (rewritable non-volatile memory) 8, a buffer memory 9, a modem 10, and the like are provided.

The scanner 2 is, for example, a CCD (Charge C).
A line image scanner or the like using an Oupled Device is used. The scanner 2 reads an image of a document at a predetermined resolution and outputs the image as image data.

As the plotter 3, for example, a thermal recording device using a thermal element or an electrophotographic recording device or the like is used. The plotter 3 performs image forming based on received image data or image data read by the scanner 2. Is recorded on a recording paper, and a communication report and other information are recorded on a recording paper.

The DCR 4 is for increasing the efficiency of storing image data in an image memory (image data storage means) (not shown) and shortening the transmission time. The DCR 4 encodes the image data according to a predetermined encoding method. , And decodes the encoded image data.

The NCU 5 is connected to a line L, for example, a public telephone line or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).
twork: integrated service digital network) and operates under the control of the CPU 7 to automatically receive a call from the line L and perform an automatic call processing to the line L. The NCU 5 has a built-in communication control unit, and exchanges a facsimile control signal with a partner facsimile machine to execute a facsimile communication procedure.

The modem 10 operates under the control of the CPU 7 to modulate a transmission signal and demodulate a reception signal.

The operation port 6 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, and a function key, and also includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands such as a transmission operation are input from the operation keys. Displays the contents of the command input from the operation keys and various information notified from the facsimile machine 1 to the operator. The operation port 6 is provided with a top-priority transmission button (top-priority transmission instructing means). The top-priority transmission button turns on the top-priority transmission function when urgent documents are transmitted with the highest priority. Pressed for

The FROM 8 stores various programs such as a basic processing program of the facsimile machine 1 and a highest priority transmission control processing program which will be described later, and various data and system data necessary for executing these processing programs. Etc. are stored.

The buffer memory 9 is used as a work memory of the CPU 7, and stores various data necessary for performing various processes.

The CPU (control means) 7 controls each part of the facsimile machine 1 based on the program in the FROM 8 while using the buffer memory 9 as a work memory, and executes basic processing as the facsimile machine 1 , The highest priority transmission control process described later is executed.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The facsimile apparatus 1 turns on the highest priority transmission function when the highest priority transmission button of the operation port 6 is pressed when transmitting a document requiring urgency with the highest priority, and prohibits subsequent reception and memory transmission. The feature is that the highest priority transmission processing for transmitting the image data of the original document with the highest priority is performed.

That is, the facsimile apparatus 1 has a CPU
7 checks whether the highest priority transmission button is pressed at every predetermined timing (step S1), and performs normal processing when the highest priority transmission button is not pressed.

When the highest priority transmission button is pressed in step S1, the CPU 7 prohibits the memory transmission when the highest priority transmission button is pressed, even if the memory transmission is already reserved. Even if there is a reception after the top priority transmission button is pressed, a response to the reception is prohibited (step S2), and a timer for counting a waiting time until the highest priority transmission operation is completed is started (step S3). It is checked whether the highest priority transmission operation required for the highest priority transmission, such as setting of the document to be transmitted with the highest priority, input of the facsimile number of the destination, and pressing of the start key has been completed (step S4).

When the highest priority transmission operation has not been completed, the CPU 7 checks whether the timer started in step S3 has timed out (step S5).
If the timeout has not occurred, the process returns to step S4 to check whether the highest priority transmission operation has been completed (step S4).

In step S4, if the highest priority transmission operation has been completed, the CPU 7 causes the scanner 2 to read the original designated by the highest priority transmission operation, encodes the original by the DCR 4, and then encodes the original. Facsimile transmission directly, or once stored in an image memory (not shown), facsimile transmission is performed, and when the highest priority facsimile transmission is completed, the prohibition of prohibited facsimile transmission and reception is released, and the highest priority transmission control is performed. The processing ends (step S6).

In step S5, if the timer times out before the highest priority transmission operation is completed, the CPU 7
The prohibition of the prohibited facsimile transmission and reception is released, and the highest priority transmission control process is completed (step S).
6).

As described above, when the highest priority transmission button of the operation port 6 is pressed and the highest priority transmission is instructed, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment prohibits the subsequent facsimile reception and performs the highest priority transmission. Facsimile transmission of image data of a document for transmission is performed prior to facsimile reception.

Therefore, by pressing the highest priority transmission button, even if there is subsequent facsimile reception, the urgent document can be transmitted by facsimile prior to the facsimile reception, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus 1 is improved. Can be improved.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
When the highest priority transmission button is pressed, the subsequent facsimile reception and memory transmission are prohibited, and the image data of the document for the highest priority transmission is transmitted by facsimile with priority over facsimile reception and memory transmission.

Therefore, by pressing the top priority transmission button, even if the transmission time of the memory transmission already stored in the image information memory is reached, and even if there is a facsimile reception after that, the memory transmission and the facsimile reception are performed. As a priority, the urgent document can be transmitted by facsimile, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus 1 can be further improved.

Further, after the highest priority transmission button is pressed, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs an operation necessary for the highest priority transmission, for example, setting of a document, inputting a destination facsimile number, or starting. When a predetermined waiting time elapses without pressing a key or the like, the prohibition of facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of memory transmission are released.

Therefore, necessary facsimile reception and memory transmission can be performed without waiting for the transmission operation of the highest priority transmission forever, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus 1 can be further improved.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
Terminates the prohibition of facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of memory transmission when the highest priority transmission of the document for the highest priority transmission ends.

Therefore, after the highest priority transmission processing is completed, facsimile reception and memory transmission can be appropriately performed, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus 1 can be further improved.

Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the dedicated top-priority transmission button is provided in the operation port 6. However, turning on the top-priority transmission function is limited to providing the dedicated top-priority transmission button. Instead, another function button (function key) may be shared, and the highest priority transmission function may be turned on by operating a plurality of buttons (keys). In order to turn on the highest priority transmission function, the setting of a document on the scanner 2 may be detected by a document sensor, and the detection signal of the document sensor may be turned on as a trigger. The top priority transmission function may be turned on under the condition that both the signal and the pressing of the button (key) for turning on the top priority transmission function.

[0047]

According to the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, when the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, the subsequent facsimile reception is prohibited and the original for the highest priority transmission is transmitted. Facsimile transmission prior to facsimile reception, the highest-priority transmission instructing means instructs the highest-priority transmission. Originals can be sent by facsimile,
The usability of the facsimile machine can be improved.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, subsequent facsimile reception and memory transmission are prohibited, and the highest priority transmission is performed. Since the facsimile transmission of the image data of the original is performed prior to the facsimile reception and the memory transmission, the transmission operation of the memory transmission already stored in the image information memory can be shortened by instructing the highest priority transmission by the highest priority transmission instruction means. Even if facsimile reception is performed after that, urgent documents can be transmitted by facsimile in preference to the memory transmission and facsimile reception, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, after the operation of instructing the highest priority transmission is performed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, the operation required for the highest priority transmission is not performed and the setting is made in advance. After the elapse of the waiting time, the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission are released, so that the necessary facsimile reception and memory transmission can be performed without waiting for the transmission operation of the highest priority transmission forever. The usability of the device can be further improved.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the highest priority transmission of the original specified by the highest priority transmission instruction means is completed, the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission are released. After the highest priority transmission processing is completed, facsimile reception and memory transmission can be appropriately performed, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a facsimile apparatus to which an embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a highest priority transmission control process by the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile machine 2 Scanner 3 Plotter 4 DCR 5 NCU 6 Operation port 7 CPU 8 FROM 9 Buffer memory 10 Modem 11 Bus

Claims (4)

[Claims] In a facsimile apparatus which performs facsimile communication by executing a predetermined facsimile control procedure with a destination, a highest priority transmission instructing means for instructing a highest priority transmission, and a highest priority transmission in said highest priority transmission instructing means. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits subsequent facsimile reception when an instruction operation is performed, and performs facsimile transmission of image data of the original document for the highest priority transmission prior to facsimile reception. 2. A facsimile apparatus for performing facsimile communication by executing a predetermined facsimile control procedure with a destination, an image data storage means for storing image data, a highest priority transmission instruction means for instructing a highest priority transmission, and When the highest priority transmission is instructed by the highest priority transmission instructing means, the subsequent facsimile reception is prohibited, and the memory transmission for transmitting the image data stored in advance in the image data storage means is prohibited. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs facsimile transmission of image data of a document for highest priority transmission prior to memory transmission and facsimile reception. 3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the operation of instructing the highest-priority transmission is performed by the highest-priority transmission instruction unit, a predetermined waiting time is set without performing an operation necessary for the highest-priority transmission. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission are canceled when the time elapses. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control means cancels the prohibition of the facsimile reception and / or the prohibition of the memory transmission when the highest priority transmission of the original specified by the highest priority transmission instruction means is completed. Claim 1 to Claim 3
A facsimile apparatus according to any one of the above.