JP2002044420A - Image information communication controller and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image information communication controller and an image-forming device which can reduce the consumption of paper resources, while reducing the burden of the user by facilitating operation of the user himself, even in the case of transmitting a manuscript image provided with an image of a water mark or the like. SOLUTION: This system includes a manuscript reading means for reading the image information of a manuscript, a storage means for storing image information; a communication means for at least transmitting the image information of the storage means via a communication network; an operation means which at least operates the start of the transmitting action of the image information by the communication means; and an image information compositing and transmission controlling means for automatically performing the control of starting the read of the image information, on the basis of the operation by the operation means, and superposing other image information stored beforehand in the storage means on this image information, thereby forming a composite image, and at least, transmitting the image information composed by the communication means and other image information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image information communication control apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus, an apparatus for synthesizing and outputting image information such as a watermark in a multifunction machine having a facsimile function, and a related apparatus based on received information. The present invention relates to an image information communication control device and an image forming apparatus that continuously output information to be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art (First Prior Art) Generally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copy machine, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, original image information such as a copy image and watermark 201, A technique for synthesizing an image such as a fixed stamp 202 is known.

Conventionally, the following method has been adopted for transmitting or receiving such an image with a watermark.

[0004] First, at the time of transmission, a user creates document image information in advance. Then, the user combines the document image information and the image such as the fixed stamp and the watermark by the image forming apparatus, and outputs the copied image to create the combined image information of the document. Next, the user sets a document on which the above-described composite image is printed on a facsimile. Finally, the user sends the original on which the composite image is printed to a predetermined destination.

On the other hand, at the time of reception, first, a facsimile prints out a received image. Next, the user takes out the output received image, and combines the original image information with an image such as a fixed stamp and a watermark by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and outputs a copy to copy the received original. Generate composite image information.

[0006] As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, at both the time of transmission and the time of reception, a composite image is formed in accordance with the copying operation of the user.

(Second Prior Art) Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, there are a plurality of images in units of one job, that is, a plurality of received images, which are stored in a storage means. In such a case, when trying to print out the plurality of images, all the received images stored in the storage means have been output at once. Alternatively, one job is output as a unit.

[0008]

By the way, the above-mentioned first method is used.
In the conventional technology of facsimile or fax mode in a multifunction peripheral, when transmitting composite image information using a watermark or the like, usually, image information formed by an image forming apparatus such as another copy machine is used. Had to send. Therefore, if there is an image to be synthesized for each of a plurality of sheets, each of them must be formed in advance using a copying machine or the like.
In addition to the burden on the user, it was necessary to use extra paper resources.

In addition, when superimposing image information on image information received by the communication means and synthesizing the image information, once,
It is necessary to print out the image by the image output means and newly combine the printed out original by another image forming apparatus. For this reason, the same problem as described above has arisen in receiving.

In the above-mentioned second prior art, the output operation for outputting the image information received in job units is usually performed by one operation of outputting image information of one job or a plurality of operations selected by the user. The image information of the job is output, but it is necessary for the user to make a deliberate selection.
Therefore, it is burdensome for the user to perform such an operation once.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of a user himself / herself when transmitting a document image with an image such as a watermark, thereby reducing the burden on the user and consuming paper resources. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image information communication control device and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the image quality.

A second object of the present invention is to facilitate the operation of the user when receiving a document image with an image such as a watermark, reduce the burden on the user, and reduce paper resources. An object of the present invention is to provide an image information communication control device and an image forming device capable of reducing consumption.

A third object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user by preventing the output of received image information relating to a plurality of jobs from being output for each individual job. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image information communication control device and an image forming device that can perform the control.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document reading means for reading image information of a document, and the document read by the document reading means. A storage unit for storing image information or bitmap image information, a communication unit for transmitting at least the image information in the storage unit via a communication network, and operating at least a start of transmission of the image information by the communication unit An operation unit, based on an operation by the operation unit, starts reading the image information by the document reading unit, superimposes another image information stored in the storage unit on the image information in advance, and synthesizes the image information. Image information synthesizing communication control means for automatically performing control for transmitting at least the image information and the other image information synthesized by the communication means. It is characterized in.

Further, in order to achieve the second object,
The invention according to claim 2 is a communication unit that receives at least image information via a communication line network, a storage unit that stores the image information received by the communication unit, and at least the image information that is received. Receiving the image information by an image forming means for forming the image on a recording sheet, and superimposing other image information previously stored in the storage means on the image information, and synthesizing the image information. Image information synthesizing communication control means for automatically performing control for forming at least information and the other image information on the recording paper.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the storage means, a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed are stored, and the image information synthesizing communication control means is provided in accordance with a transmission destination. It is characterized by including a destination-specific image information change control means for changing and controlling a plurality of types of the other image information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the storage means, a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed are stored in the storage means, and the image information synthesizing communication control means is provided in accordance with the transmission source information. It is characterized by including a source-specific image information change control means for changing and controlling a plurality of types of other image information.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the other image information is a watermark.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the other image information is a fixed stamp.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile means for forming an image in a facsimile procedure, a means for forming an image based on data from an information processing apparatus, and a method for forming an image based on image information from a document reading means. A multi-function image forming apparatus that uses a mode switching unit by mode switching, the storage unit storing the image information or the bitmap image information, and an operation of operating at least a start operation of transmitting the image information by the facsimile unit. Means,
The reading of the image information by the document reading unit is started based on the operation by the operation unit, and the image information is combined with other image information stored in the storage unit in advance, and combined by the facsimile unit. Image information synthesizing communication control means for automatically performing control for transmitting at least the image information and the other image information thus obtained.

According to the present invention, a facsimile means for forming an image by a facsimile procedure, a means for forming an image based on data from an information processing apparatus, and an image forming method based on image information from a document reading means are provided. A multi-function image forming apparatus using a mode switch, wherein at least the image information received by the facsimile means is stored, and the image information is received by the facsimile means. Image information synthesizing communication which automatically superimposes other image information previously stored in the storage means on information and synthesizes the information, and automatically forms at least the synthesized image information and the other image information on recording paper. And control means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image information synthesizing communication control means, the other image information is controlled so as to be shared with the image information for superposition used in the image forming mode. It is characterized by doing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the storage means, a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed are stored in the storage means, and the image information synthesizing communication control means is provided in accordance with a transmission destination. It is characterized by including a destination-specific image information change control means for changing and controlling a plurality of types of the other image information.

Further, in the invention according to claim 11, in the storage means, a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed are stored, and the image information synthesizing communication control means is provided in accordance with the transmission source information. It is characterized by including a source-specific image information change control means for changing and controlling a plurality of types of other image information.

The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the other image information is a watermark.

The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the other image information is a fixed stamp.

In order to achieve the third object,
The invention according to claim 14, wherein communication means for receiving at least image information via a communication line, storage means for storing the image information received by the communication means, and correlation information correlated with the image information Search means for searching a plurality of corresponding correlation image information corresponding to the correlation information based on
An operation unit for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation; and forming a plurality of the correlation correspondence information retrieved by the retrieval unit on a recording sheet continuously based on an operation by the operation unit. And an image forming means.

The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information grouped by a mailbox.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information which is the same sender as the sender of the image information selected by the user.

[0030] The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information in which a transmission destination belonging to the same group for management of transmission destination information is a sender. I have.

Further, according to the present invention, a facsimile means for forming an image by a facsimile procedure, a means for forming an image by data from an information processing apparatus, and an image forming method based on image information from a document reading means. Means to do,
A multi-function image forming apparatus that uses the image information received by the facsimile means, based on correlation information correlating with the image information. Search means for searching for a plurality of corresponding correlation image information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of information, operation means for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation, and searching by the search means based on the operation by the operation means. Image forming means for continuously forming a plurality of the corresponding correlation image information on a recording sheet.

The invention according to claim 19 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information grouped by a mailbox.

Further, the invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information which is the same sender as the sender of the image information selected by the user.

[0034] The invention according to claim 21 is characterized in that the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information in which a transmission destination belonging to the same group in management for managing transmission destination information is a sender. I have.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means having a communication function, forming a storage area usable as a mailbox, and storing at least received image information; And a data processing means for storing the image information in the predetermined mailbox specified by the sub-address signal, when the image information is received together with the image information, based on the correlation information correlated with the image information. A search unit for searching a plurality of corresponding correlation image information corresponding to the correlation information, an operation unit for designating the correlation information, and starting output of image formation, based on an operation by the operation unit, Image forming means for continuously forming a plurality of the corresponding correlation image information retrieved by the retrieval means on recording paper. .

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means having a communication function, forming a storage area usable as a mailbox, and storing at least received image information; And a data processing means for processing the image information based on the contents of the sub-address signal and the access code signal when the image forming apparatus receives the image information together with the access code signal. Based on the information,
Search means for searching for a plurality of corresponding correlation image information corresponding to the correlation information; operation means for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation; and performing the search based on an operation by the operation means. Image forming means for continuously forming a plurality of the corresponding correlation image information retrieved by the means on recording paper.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment (Overall Configuration) First, prior to description of an image synthesizing process at the time of transmission or reception, which is a feature of the present invention, an overall schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a multi-function device having a facsimile function, a copying function, and a printer function. For example, a facsimile communication unit for performing communication according to a predetermined facsimile communication procedure. A communication unit (NCU) 3 including a data communication unit for receiving image information from the external information processing device PC1 or the like, and transmitting and receiving images via the communication line L; and decoding and expanding received image information upon reception. A document reading means 7 for reading a document image, comprising a decoding means 4, a coding means 5 for compressing and coding document image information at the time of transmission, and a document size detecting means 6 and comprising a predetermined optical system; Storage means 10 for storing image information read by document reading means 7 and image information received by communication means 3; Image processing means 8 for performing predetermined processing (magnification processing, image superimposition processing, etc.) on the storage means 10 and performing image formation on recording paper as a recording medium; An operation unit 11 including a number of keys for setting various modes and inputting a telephone number of a communication destination, and a plurality of types of watermarks, stamps, dates, pages, numbering, and the like using, for example, an LCD touch panel. Display means 12 functioning as a designating means for designating the type and position of the composite image and the magnification at the time of image formation
And control means 13 for controlling each component in accordance with a predetermined control program.

In this embodiment, the decoding means 4, the coding means 5, the image processing means 8, and the control means 13 constitute the image information synthesizing communication control means of the present invention. Further, the control means 13 includes image information change control means for each destination (not shown) (control program) and image information change control means for each source (not shown). Further, the image information communication control device of the present invention can be configured with a configuration in which only the facsimile function in the image forming apparatus 1 which is a multifunction peripheral is extracted.

The communication means 3 is a network control device (network) for making a call to and from a public network such as NTT, and for controlling connection such as incoming call, recovery, and disconnection processing from an unspecified number of other parties. Control unit), demodulates the modulated signal transmitted by the public network at the time of reception and converts it into a digital received image, and modulates document image information to match the frequency band of the public network at the time of transmission and converts it to a modulated signal Communication modem.

The document reading means 7 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) capable of reading both sides of the document, an illumination lamp and a mirror for exposing and scanning the document on the document table, and a first mirror unit which moves horizontally and a pair of mirrors. A second mirror unit that moves following the first mirror unit, and a CCD image pickup unit on which an image obtained by exposure scanning is formed via a projection lens.

In the image processing means 8, the digital image signal read by the document reading means 7 or the digital image signal received by the communication means 3 is processed by a scaling circuit and a density correction circuit as necessary. After performing the processing, the image is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit and stored in the storage unit 10. Then, the stored image is read, decompressed by a compression / decompression circuit, and output to the image forming means 9.

The image forming means 9 includes a laser optical system, a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic pattern (electrostatic latent image) is formed by scanning with a laser beam, a charger for pre-charging the photosensitive drum, and an electrostatic latent image. The image forming apparatus includes a developing device for attaching a negatively charged toner to form a visible image, a transfer device for transferring a visible image formed of toner on the photosensitive drum to paper, and the like.

The storage means 10 includes a copy image memory 10a for a copy area, a facsimile image memory 10b for a facsimile area, and a plurality of kinds of font bitmap data, watermarks, stamps, dates, pages, numbering and the like for each country. It comprises a general-purpose memory 10c and a non-volatile memory 10d containing data of the composite image. A part of the FAX image memory 10b is allocated as a confidential box area for securing a confidential box (mail box) for storing confidential reception information.

In the copy function, the copy image memory 10a is used, and after the document image information read by the document reading means 7 is compressed, it is stored in the copy image memory 10a.

In the facsimile function, the facsimile image memory 10b is used, and when the image information sent from the other party is received by the communication modem, it is decoded by the decoding means 4 and then compressed again to obtain the facsimile image memory. 10
b.

In the printer function, the copy image memory 10a is shared, and after image information sent from an external information processing device or the like is received by the communication means 3 and predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing means 8, It is stored in the copy image memory 10a.

In the FAX image memory 10b, for example, 10
A number is assigned to each of the 0 pieces of image information each time it is received. For example, as confidential box information 1 and the like, a file is stored in a directory indicated by this number and stored. Each confidential box information stored as the reception information includes the main scanning resolution and the sub-scanning resolution of the maximum data size, the paper width of the maximum data size, and the like.

The operation means 11 has a touch panel for receiving an operation and a display means 12 comprising an LCD for displaying patterns and characters superposed on each other, and is operated by pressing the touch panel at a position displayed on the LCD. Display operation unit, one-touch keys for one-touch dialing for executing one-touch transmission and broadcast communication, ten-keys “0” to “9”, “*” key, “#” key, and the like. It has a key button for inputting a telephone number, a stop / clear button, a start, and a mode change key for switching between a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function.

In the facsimile function, usually, after a document is set, the document is transmitted to a desired destination only by pressing a one-touch key.

The control unit 13 manages and controls the state of each component of the multifunction peripheral and controls the image processing unit 8, and the printer control unit controls the driving of the image forming unit 9. , An operation control unit for controlling the operation unit 11, a communication control unit (data processing unit, data communication control unit) for controlling the communication unit 3, and the like.

The CPU (not shown) in the communication control unit, for example, when the received signal obtained via the communication means 3 includes the SUB signal, confirms whether or not registration is possible, and then converts the received image data into the SUB signal. The received information is stored in the confidential box area in the FAX image memory 10b specified by the indicated sub address.

Next, a facsimile receiving procedure of the multifunction peripheral will be described.

For example, when the MFP receives a calling tone signal CNG transmitted from the facsimile apparatus on the transmitting side as a calling station having an F code function, the CPU transmits a called station identification signal CED, and then, Calling terminal identification signal CS
I, the digital identification signal DIS is transmitted.

In response to this, the facsimile apparatus transmits the transmission terminal identification signal TSI and then transmits the sub-address signal SSI.
UB, a digital command signal DCS, and a training check signal TCF are transmitted. Next, the CPU determines whether registration is possible in the confidential box specified by the subaddress included in the subaddress signal SUB. When it is determined that registration is possible, a reception preparation confirmation signal CFR is transmitted. In response to this, the facsimile apparatus sets the image signal PI
X is transmitted, and the multifunction peripheral starts receiving image data.

After the received image information is decoded by the decoding means 4, the coding process is performed again, and this image information is written in a predetermined confidential box of the FAX image memory 10b. Update the reception information of.

When the transmission of the image signal PIX is completed, the communication means 3 transmits a procedure end signal EOP,
Transmits a message confirmation signal MCF to the communication means 3 upon confirming reception of the procedure end signal EOP. Thereafter, the communication means 3 transmits the disconnection command signal DCN and ends a series of communication.

(Regarding Display Screen) Next, in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, a watermark, a stamp,
Processing of a plurality of types of composite images including dates, pages, numbering, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a watermark / stamp selection screen, a stamp type selection screen, and a watermark type selection screen displayed on the display unit 12, respectively.

When the facsimile function is selected by the mode change key, a facsimile (not shown)
The basic screen is used during standard operation of a multifunction machine as a facsimile, and is a screen for displaying various operation items in standard use and receiving input of the items. This F
The AX basic screen is provided with a key for calling the composite image data selection menu screen of the present example and a registration key for performing destination registration.

On the watermark / stamp selection screen 20 shown in FIG. 2, five types of selections are provided: a watermark 21, a fixed stamp 22, a date / time 23, a page 24, and a numbering 25. These five types can be used alone or in combination. Also,
The document direction can be set by the button of the document direction setting 26.

When the user presses the button of the standard stamp 22 on the watermark / stamp selection screen 20 shown in FIG. 2, the screen shifts to the stamp type selection screen shown in FIG.

The stamp type selection screen 30 shown in FIG.
Then, as options, urgent 31, circular 32, important 33,
It can be selected from seven types of characters: confidential 34, confidential 35, DRAFT 36, and confidential 37. In addition, the position change 38 and the designation of only the first sheet 39 can be designated.

Here, when the user presses, for example, the button "Confidential", the image of Confidential 202 as a fixed stamp as shown in FIG. 12B is selected.

When the user presses the watermark button on the watermark / stamp selection screen shown in FIG. 2, the screen shifts to the watermark type selection screen shown in FIG.

The watermark selection screen 40 shown in FIG.
Then, as options, top secret 41, duplication strict prohibition 42, urgent 4
3, confidential 44, DRAFT 45, provisional 46, collection 47, and circulation 48 can be selected from eight types of shaded characters. It is also possible to specify 49 for only the first sheet.

Here, when the user presses, for example, the button of "copy prohibited", an image of copy prohibited 201 as a watermark as shown in FIG. 12A is selected.

It is to be noted that, in addition to the selection of the date and time, the fixed stamp, the page, and the number ring, a function of designating the printing position may be provided. In this case, it is preferable that the printing position can be specified for the upper left, middle upper, upper right, lower left, middle lower, and lower right of the document image. Further, according to each selection screen displayed on the display means 12,
Selection of date and time, designation of printing position, selection of stamp, designation of printing position, selection of page, designation of printing position, selection of number ring, designation of printing position may be executed in order.

As described above, the user first selects a desired image to be combined with the original image. Hereinafter, a process of the combining process of the image forming apparatus 1 performed after the selection will be described in detail.

(Regarding the Image Synthesizing Process) Next, FIG.
With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, a description will be given of an image synthesizing process in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration.

(Regarding Transmission) First, the user creates document image information. Then, the user sets a document (transmitted image information) in the image forming apparatus 1 in the facsimile mode (step, hereinafter, "S" 101). Next, the user sets the transmission mode and the transmission destination. At the same time, the user selects an image to be synthesized on the display screen in advance. Then, by pressing a transmission button (one-touch key), transmission start processing is performed (S102).

Then, the image forming apparatus 1 reads the transmission image information by the document reading means 7 (S103).
Here, in S104, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the image synthesis processing mode by the above-mentioned user setting, the image synthesis of the above-mentioned image to be synthesized and the original image information selected by the user in advance. The processing is performed (S108).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S104 that the image forming apparatus 1 has not been set to the image synthesis processing mode by the above-described user setting, the process proceeds to S105.

At S105, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the transmission destination is an object of the image synthesis processing. If the transmission destination is a target of the image synthesis processing, the process proceeds to S106, and if not, the process proceeds to S107, and normal document image transmission is performed.

When the process proceeds to S106, a determination process is performed in S106 as to whether or not the image composition processing mode is set to release. If the release setting is set, S1
In step 07, a normal document image is transmitted.

If the release setting has not been set, S10
In step S107, the image combining process is performed. In step S107, the document image information by the communication unit 3 and the selected image to be combined are transmitted in a combined state.

As described above, in the transmission process in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the image information to be transmitted is set, and the image information to be superimposed and selected is selected. Since the image synthesized in the MFP is transmitted, the user does not need to form a synthesized image in advance using another copy machine (copy function) before transmitting the original. For this reason, even when a desired image is to be synthesized for each of a plurality of sheets, the user automatically sets the original, selects the desired synthesized image on the touch panel, and automatically presses the transmission button. Since the images are transmitted while being sequentially synthesized, the burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need for copying, unnecessary consumption of paper can be prevented.

(Reception) Next, a reception process in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in the image forming apparatus 1, an image synthesizing process mode is set so that an image is automatically synthesized at the time of reception.

In this state, the facsimile receives the image. That is, the receiving process of the image information by the communication unit 3 is performed (S201). Here, if it is determined in step S202 that the receiver is a target of the image combining process, the process proceeds to step S20.
Proceed to 3. If it is not the target of the image synthesis processing, S20
In step 4, the image information is output as it is.

At S203, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the setting for canceling the image synthesis process has been made. If the release setting has been made, normal image information is output in S204. On the other hand, if the release setting has not been made, in step S205, the image combining processing of the received image information and the image such as the watermark is performed.
At 04, the synthesized image information is output from the facsimile.

As described above, in the receiving process in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the image synthesized in the facsimile main body while receiving is printed out by setting the image synthesizing processing mode in advance. Is
After receiving the original, there is no need to form a composite image using another copy machine (copy function). For this reason, even when performing image synthesis for each of a plurality of sheets, the user only needs to set the image synthesis processing mode and automatically receive and print out images while sequentially synthesizing images. Can be reduced. in addition,
Since copying is not required, unnecessary consumption of paper can be prevented.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform an image synthesizing process such as a watermark on original image information without using another image forming apparatus, and to transmit the image information. Burden can be reduced. Also,
Without using another image forming apparatus, perform image synthesis processing such as a watermark on the received document image information,
Since output is possible, the burden on the user can be reduced even when receiving.

In particular, the transmission and reception of image information, which is a routine job, is performed by the image forming apparatus after the image is synthesized and then transmitted or output even if the user does not synthesize the image. It is not necessary to combine images before and after transmitting image information, so that it is possible to improve the efficiency of business.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, description of substantially the same configuration of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different portions will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration in which some features of the image forming apparatus of the present example are extracted.

In the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a communication means 103 for receiving at least image information via the communication line L, and a storage for storing the image information received by the communication means 103 Based on received image data storage means 104 and correlation information (search key) correlated with image information, a search for searching a plurality of correlated image information (related information) corresponding to the correlation information (search key) Received image data management and retrieval means 105, received image data selection means 106 as operation means for designating correlation information (search key) and starting output of image formation, and received image data selection means 106 Of the plurality of correlation correspondence information (related information) retrieved by the received image data management retrieval means 105 based on the selection by An image data output unit 107 is configured to include a.

The communication unit 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to various components shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment.
Are assumed to constitute a multifunction peripheral including the various components shown in FIG.

The processing process of the image forming apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a received image is selected based on the selection by the received image data selecting means 106 (S301). Then, the received image data management / retrieval unit 105 retrieves the data from the received image data storage unit 104 and urges the received image data output unit 107 to perform a print output start process of the received image (S302). Next, a print output process of the received image is performed by the received image data output unit 107 (S
303). After this print output process, the received image data management search unit 105 performs a search process for received image information of another job related to the job of the received image (S30).
4).

Here, in S 305, a process for determining whether or not there is another related job is performed. If there is no related job, the print output process ends. On the other hand, if there is a related job, the process returns to S303,
Output processing of the received image is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of images received in units of one job and these are stored by the storage means, the stored image is output as a method of outputting them. Among the information, one selected job and image information of another job related to this job can be continuously output by one operation.

When the output processing of the designated image or the related image is completed, it is searched whether or not other related image information exists. If the related image information exists, the search is continued. Continue the image output process.

Thus, the user can continuously output image information of another job related to the job only by designating one arbitrary job, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process of the image forming apparatus of the present example.

In the present example, as compared with the second embodiment described above, the received image information grouped by a mailbox or the like is used as the received image information. With this configuration, a plurality of received image information can be continuously printed by a single operation without receiving a single operation by the user with respect to the received image information grouped by a mailbox or the like. Note that the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment disclosed in FIG.
Detailed description is omitted.

Here, the facsimile function of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment has a mailbox function. For example, when a document is transmitted by designating a box number to a predetermined facsimile, the document is stored in the memory with the box number. Documents are stored and can be taken out of this facsimile by designating a box number.

The box number is specified by, for example, specifying a sub-address by a sub-address signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a SUB signal) (when polling, a selection polling signal (hereinafter, also referred to as an SEP signal)).

Using the F code signal such as the SUB signal / SEP signal, the received document is temporarily received by the received image data storage means 104 in the personal mailbox, and only the person who knows the information of the mailbox is used. For example, a "confidential" function that can be printed out and taken out, and a "bulletin board" used for information guidance etc. in a mailbox open to multiple people
Functions are realized.

The SUB signal / SEP signal and I
The function operation or the function designation may be performed by D or an identification signal (hereinafter, also referred to as an SID signal) including password information / password signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a PWD signal). Here, for example, when a confidential transmission key is pressed on the menu screen of the facsimile mode, the screen changes to a confidential transmission setting screen. Further, when a one-touch key in which a group destination is registered is pressed, all destinations are designated.

In this example, when the subaddress signal SUB includes a designation number for designating a predetermined function, at least with the other party (calling side), the designation number and the identification signal SI
Based on the contents of D, the image data is processed so as to perform the designated function.

When the received signal obtained via the communication means 3 includes the sub-address signal SUB, the content of the sub-address signal SUB is determined, and the content of the subsequently transmitted identification signal SID is determined. I do. Control means 13
Checks whether there is a mailbox corresponding to the subaddress specified by the subaddress signal SUB. If there is a corresponding mailbox, after confirming the content of the identification signal SID, the image signal is received and the data is stored in the corresponding mailbox.

FIG. 9 shows the processing in this example.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a received image is selected (S40).
1). Then, a print output start process of the received image is performed (S402). Next, print output processing of the received image is performed (S403). Thereafter, a search process of the received image information of the information of the same mailbox is performed (S40).
4).

Here, in S405, a process is performed to determine whether there is any other related mailbox information. If there is no relevant mailbox information, the print output process ends. On the other hand, if there is information on the related mailbox, the process returns to S403, and printout processing of the received image is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, of the stored image information, the other image information of the mailbox related to the selected one information of the mailbox can be continuously processed by one operation. Can be output.

Further, when the output processing of the designated image or the related image is completed, it is searched whether or not other related image information exists. If the related image information exists, the search is continued. Continue the image output process.

As described above, the user can continuously output other image information related to the information only by designating one piece of information of an arbitrary mailbox, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process of the image forming apparatus of the present example.

In contrast to the above-described second embodiment, in this example, the received image information is the same sender as the sender of the received image information selected by the user. With this configuration, with respect to the received image information which is the same sender as the selected image information of the received image selected by the user, the user can continuously print a plurality of pieces of received image information by one operation without operating again. I have. Note that the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The processing in the case of this example is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a received image is selected (S50).
1). Then, a print output start process of the received image is performed (S502). Next, print output processing of the received image is performed (S503). Thereafter, a search process of the received image information of the same sender information is performed (S504).

Here, in S505, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not there is any other related sender information. If there is no relevant sender information, the print output process ends. On the other hand, if you have relevant caller information,
Returning to S503, print output processing of the received image is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the stored image information, other image information of the same sender related to one information selected by the same sender can be operated by one operation. , Can be output continuously.

Further, when the print output processing of the designated image or the related image is completed, it is searched whether or not other related image information exists. If the related image information exists, it is searched. Subsequently, the image output processing is continued.

As described above, the user can continuously output other image information related to the information of the same sender only by specifying the information of one arbitrary sender, thereby reducing the burden on the user. .

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process of the image forming apparatus of the present example.

In contrast to the above-described second embodiment, in this example, as the received image information, the received image information whose destination belongs to the same group for management is the sender. As a result, regarding the received image information whose transmission destination belonging to the same group is the sender in management, the user can perform the operation once by one operation.
It is configured that a plurality of received image information can be continuously printed without operating again. Note that the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows the processing in this example.
1 will be described.

First, a received image is selected (S60).
1). Then, print output start processing of the received image is performed (S602). Next, print output processing of the received image is performed (S603). Thereafter, a search process of the received image information of the information of the same group in the destination management is performed (S60).
4).

Here, in S605, a process is performed to determine whether there is any other related information of the same group.
If there is no related information of the same group, the print output process ends. On the other hand, if there is related information of the same group, the process returns to S603 and printout processing of the received image is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, of the stored image information, the other image information of the same group related to one selected information of the same group in transmission destination management is stored in one time. It can output continuously by operation.

Further, when the print output processing of the designated image or the related image is completed, it is searched whether or not there is another related image information. Subsequently, the image output processing is continued.

As described above, the user can continuously output other image information related to the group only by designating the information of the same group in the management of any one destination, thereby reducing the burden on the user. it can.

Although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described in accordance with some specific embodiments thereof,
Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described in the text of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral has been described, but the present invention may be applied to, for example, a facsimile.

Although the liquid crystal display is used as the display means, a flat display element such as a PDP or an electroluminescent diode may be used. Further, the multifunction peripheral does not necessarily have to have the F-code function.

Furthermore, when the image area of the stamp, date, page, and numbering is enlarged or reduced according to the enlargement / reduction ratio of the original document, or when the blank page insertion function of the copy application function is used, the blank page is replaced with the page number. May be provided.

Further, in the above-described second to fifth embodiments, the configuration is such that a job related to one job is continuously printed, but the first job related to one job is And a configuration in which each of the second jobs related to the job is continuously printed. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of received image data management search means shown in FIG.

[0129]

As described above, according to the present invention, the received image received by the communication means is subjected to image synthesis processing before being output by the image forming means, so that the image is synthesized when output. Image information can be obtained.

When the printout processing of the designated image or the related image is completed, it is searched for the presence of other related image information. If the related image information exists, the search is continued. By continuing the print output process, the image information of another job related to the selected one job can be continuously output by one operation, so that the number of operations by the user can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of printing of a watermark, a fixed stamp, and the like.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 100 Image forming apparatus 3, 103 Communication means 7 Original reading means 9 Image forming means 10 Storage means 11 Operating means 12 Display means 13 Control means 104 Received image data storage means 105 Received image data management search means 106 Received image data selection means 107 Received image data output means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 1/32 G03G 21/00 382 F term (reference) 2C087 AA03 AA13 AC08 BA03 BA05 BB10 BD07 CA02 2H027 EJ08 EJ13 EJ15 FD01 FD08 ZA07 5B057 CA12 CA16 CB12 CB16 CE08 CG07 DB02 5C075 CD07 CD25 EE06 FF02 5C076 AA12 AA14 BA02 BA03 BA05 BA06

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An original reading unit for reading image information of an original, a storage unit for storing the image information or bitmap image information read by the original reading unit, and a communication line for transmitting the image information of the storage unit. Communication means for transmitting at least via a network; operating means for operating at least a start of transmission of the image information by the communication means; and starting reading of the image information by the document reading means based on an operation by the operation means Then, another image information stored in the storage unit in advance is superimposed on the image information and synthesized, and control for transmitting at least the image information and the other image information synthesized by the communication unit is automatically performed. An image information communication control device, comprising: 2. Communication means for receiving at least image information via a communication network, storage means for storing the image information received by the communication means, and at least the received image information on recording paper An image forming unit to be formed; receiving the image information by the communication unit; superimposing other image information stored in the storage unit on the image information in advance; and synthesizing the image information; And an image information synthesizing communication control unit for automatically performing control for forming at least the image information on the recording paper. 3. The storage means stores a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed, and the image information synthesis communication control means stores a plurality of types of the other image information according to a transmission destination. 2. The image information communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission destination-specific image information change control unit that performs change control. 4. The storage means stores a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed, and the image information synthesizing communication control means stores a plurality of types of the other image information according to transmission source information. 3. The image information communication control device according to claim 2, further comprising a source-specific image information change control unit that performs change control. 5. The image information communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the other image information is a watermark. 6. The image information communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the other image information is a fixed stamp. 7. A facsimile unit for forming an image in a facsimile procedure, a unit for forming an image based on data from an information processing apparatus, and a unit for forming an image based on image information from a document reading unit are used by switching modes. A composite image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores the image information or the bitmap image information; an operation unit that operates at least a transmission operation start of the image information by the facsimile unit; and an operation unit that operates the operation unit. Based on this, the reading of the image information by the document reading means is started, another image information previously stored in the storage means is superimposed on this image information and synthesized, and the image information synthesized by the facsimile means and Image information synthesis communication control means for automatically performing control for transmitting at least the other image information; An image forming apparatus comprising: 8. A mode switch comprising: a facsimile unit for forming an image in a facsimile procedure; a unit for forming an image based on data from an information processing apparatus; and a unit for forming an image based on image information from a document reading unit. A composite image forming apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing at least the image information received by the facsimile means; receiving the image information by the facsimile means; and storing the image information in the storage means in advance. Image information synthesizing communication control means for automatically superimposing and synthesizing other image information, and automatically controlling to form at least the synthesized image information and the other image information on recording paper. Image forming apparatus. 9. The image information synthesizing communication control means controls so that the other image information is also used as image information for superposition used in an image forming mode. Or an image forming apparatus according to claim 8. 10. The storage means stores a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed, and the image information synthesis communication control means stores a plurality of types of the other image information according to a transmission destination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a destination-specific image information change control unit that performs change control. 11. The storage means stores a plurality of types of the other image information to be superimposed, and the image information synthesis communication control means stores a plurality of types of the other image information in accordance with transmission source information. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a source image information change control unit for performing change control. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the other image information is a watermark. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the other image information is a fixed stamp. 14. A communication unit for receiving at least image information via a communication line; a storage unit for storing the image information received by the communication unit; and a correlation information correlated with the image information. Search means for searching for a plurality of corresponding correlation image information corresponding to the correlation information; operation means for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation; and performing the search based on an operation by the operation means. An image forming means for continuously forming a plurality of the correlation correspondence information retrieved by the means on a recording sheet. 15. The image information communication control device according to claim 14, wherein the correlation corresponding image information is received image information grouped by a mailbox. 16. The image information communication control device according to claim 14, wherein the correlation corresponding image information is received image information that is the same sender as the sender of the image information selected by the user. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the correlation-corresponding image information is received image information in which a transmission destination belonging to the same group for management of transmission destination information is a sender.
3. The image information communication control device according to item 1. 18. A facsimile unit for forming an image by a facsimile procedure, a unit for forming an image based on data from an information processing apparatus, and a unit for forming an image based on image information from a document reading unit are used by mode switching. A composite image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage unit configured to store the image information received by the facsimile unit; and a plurality of corresponding correlations corresponding to the correlation information based on correlation information correlated with the image information. Searching means for searching for image information; operating means for designating the correlation information to start output of image formation; and a plurality of the corresponding correlations searched by the searching means based on an operation by the operating means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for continuously forming image information on recording paper. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the correlation corresponding image information is received image information grouped by a mailbox. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the correlation corresponding image information is received image information that is the same sender as the sender of the image information selected by a user. 21. The correlation-corresponding image information is reception image information in which a transmission destination belonging to the same group for management of transmission destination information is a sender.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 22. A storage means having a communication function, forming a storage area usable as a mailbox, and storing at least received image information, and when the image information is received together with a sub-address signal, said image information And a data processing means for storing in a predetermined mailbox designated by the sub-address signal, based on correlation information correlated with the image information, a plurality of Search means for searching the corresponding correlation image information; operation means for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation; and a plurality of the search means searched by the search means based on an operation by the operation means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: image forming means for continuously forming corresponding correlation image information on recording paper. 23. A storage unit having a communication function, forming a storage area usable as a mailbox, and storing at least received image information, and a method for receiving image information together with a sub-address signal and an access code signal. ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a data processing unit configured to process the image information based on the contents of the sub-address signal and the access code signal. Searching means for searching for a plurality of corresponding correlation image information, operating means for designating the correlation information and starting output of image formation, and searching by the searching means based on an operation by the operating means Image forming means for continuously forming a plurality of the corresponding correlation image information on a recording sheet.