JP2006025178A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine for transmitting / receiving image data of an original by utilizing a call control protocol and instructing a receiver side facsimile machine to process the image data of the original transmitted by a sender. <P>SOLUTION: The facsimile machine 30 is provided with: an image data transmission means for transmitting the image data of the original in a media session established by the SIP; a command designation means for designating a text form command for representing a process to be executed for the transmitted image data; and a command transmission means for transmitting the designated command by the SIP method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data and text data using a call control protocol such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

In recent years, communication apparatuses that perform various data communications through an IP network such as IP telephone communications and electronic mail communications have become widespread, and facsimile apparatuses that perform data communications for both voice data and image data have also been proposed. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an IP telephone communication function and an ITU-T recommendation T.264. There is a facsimile apparatus which has an IP facsimile communication function conforming to No. 38 and can simultaneously perform transmission and reception by IP telephone communication and IP facsimile communication.
JP 2002-101256 A

  In a facsimile apparatus using a conventional call control protocol, processing to be performed on image data of a document to be transmitted, for example, printing, transfer, storage, or the like, is determined by the setting of the receiving facsimile device, and the image data of the document The sending side cannot instruct the receiving side facsimile apparatus to perform processing for the image data. For this reason, in order for the transmission side user to execute desired processing on the image data of the transmission original on the reception side, the user of the reception side facsimile apparatus must be contacted by telephone or the like to request a change of setting. It was inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives image data of a document using a call control protocol, processing of the image data of the document transmitted by the sender is performed on the receiving side facsimile apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of giving instructions.

  The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 designates an image data transmitting means for transmitting image data in a media session established by a call control protocol, and a text format command indicating processing to be executed on the transmitted image data. Command specifying means and command transmitting means for transmitting the specified command by a method of the call control protocol are provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, the command transmission performed by the command transmission means is performed while the media session is established. .

  The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3 is an image data receiving means for receiving image data in a media session established by a call control protocol; a text data receiving means for receiving text data by a method of the call control protocol; Command storage means for storing the command and processing to be executed in association with each other, and processing corresponding to the command when the text data received by the text data receiving means corresponds to the command stored in the command storage means Means for executing the processing on the image data received by the image data receiving means.

  5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein image data receiving means for receiving image data in a media session established by a call control protocol, text data receiving means for receiving text data by a method of the call control protocol, and the text data Transfer means for transferring text data described in a predetermined area of the text data to a predetermined destination when the transfer instruction command indicating that the image data should be transferred is included in the text data received by the receiving means It is characterized by providing these.

  5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transfer means further includes a transfer destination instruction command indicating the predetermined destination in the text data received by the text data receiving means. The text data described in the predetermined area is transferred to the transfer destination indicated by the transfer destination instruction command.

  By making the facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 the image data transmitting side and the facsimile apparatus according to claim 3 the receiving side, the transmitting side can instruct the receiving side facsimile apparatus to process the image data to be transmitted. . In addition, since command transmission is performed at a timing independent of image data transmission, for example, a command is transmitted during transmission of image data or before or after transmission of image data, or after a command is transmitted once. It is also possible to send commands in addition. In an Internet facsimile machine or the like that transmits a command in the body of an e-mail, the image data of the manuscript and the command are transmitted as a single file. Therefore, the image data of the manuscript and the text data are transmitted. Although this could not be done separately and independently, this is possible with the present invention.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the second aspect, for example, the receiving facsimile apparatus can set the image data received in the media session established when the command is received as the target of the process instructed by the command.

  If the facsimile apparatus according to claim 4 is a reception side and the facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting a transfer command by a method of a call control protocol is a transmission side, image data and text data can be transmitted and received, and the reception side facsimile apparatus Can automatically transfer the received text data to a predetermined destination.

  If the facsimile apparatus according to claim 5 is a reception side and the facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting a transfer command by a method of a call control protocol is a transmission side, image data and text data can be transmitted and received, and the reception side facsimile apparatus Can be automatically transferred to the destination designated by the sender.

  Hereinafter, as the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the IP facsimile communication function for transmitting the image data of the original using the call control protocol, the G3 facsimile communication function, and the various types according to the request from the client apparatus. An example of a multifunction machine type facsimile apparatus having a facsimile server function for performing facsimile communication will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the facsimile machine 1. That is, the facsimile machine 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, an image memory 5, a modem 6, an NCU 7, a codec 8, a reading unit 9, and a recording unit 10. , A display unit 11, an operation unit 12, and a LAN interface 13, and the units 2 to 13 are connected by a bus 14.

  The CPU 2 functions as a control unit that controls each part of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 3. The RAM 4 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 2. The RAM 4 stores a phone book 4a that stores a destination facsimile number, a destination IP phone number, and the like associated with a shortened number and a one-touch key. Further, text data is registered in association with the destination IP telephone number (destination information) and the type of document to be transmitted (type of image data to be transmitted). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first table 4b for registering (storing) text data for each destination IP telephone number, as shown in FIG. 3, registering (storing) text data for each type of document to be transmitted. A second table 4 c is formed in the RAM 4. Note that “message A”, “message B”, etc. shown in the “text data” column of the tables 4b and 4c mean text data arbitrarily registered by the user.

  The image memory 5 stores image data compressed and encoded by the codec 8. The modem 6 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation V.3. Modulate and demodulate transmitted / received data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 7 is a line network control device that performs operations for closing and opening a line with the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 15, and connects the modem 6 to the PSTN 15 during G3 facsimile transmission / reception. The codec 8 compresses and encodes image data by JPEG method or MH, MR, MMR method or the like, and decodes received image data or the like, for facsimile transmission or the like.

  The reading unit 9 reads image data of a document, and includes, for example, a CCD color line sensor, an A / D converter, an image processing circuit, and the like. The recording unit 10 takes out the recording paper from the paper feed cassette and records the received image data, the read image data, etc. on the recording paper. The display unit 11 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) arranged in parallel with the operation unit 12 and displays various screen information. The operation unit 12 includes various operation keys such as a start key, a character input key, and a function key, and various operations by the user are performed in the operation unit 7.

  The LAN interface 13 is an interface that connects the facsimile machine 1 and a LAN (local area network) 16. Through this, the facsimile machine 1 communicates with a client PC, a router 19, and the like that are also connected to the LAN 16. Further, IP facsimile communication using SIP is performed with the same facsimile apparatus 18 as the own apparatus 1 on the IP network 17 through the router 19.

  The facsimile apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration implements TCP / IP, SIP, RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), SDP (Session Description Protocol), etc., establishes a media session by SIP, and then, for example, documents by RTP Send / receive image data to / from other party. It also has a function of sending and receiving text data with the other party using the SIP method “MESSAGE”. The communication protocol for transmitting and receiving the image data is not limited to RTP, and instead of this, SMTP, HTTP, or the like may be adopted.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows processing operations when the facsimile apparatus 1 having the above configuration and communication function transmits image data and text data by IP facsimile communication with a facsimile apparatus having the same configuration and communication function as the self apparatus 1. This will be described in more detail based on the sequence diagram shown and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The processing operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 described based on these drawings is executed according to instructions issued by the CPU 2 as control means based on a control program stored in the ROM 3. For convenience of explanation, the facsimile apparatus 1 serving as a calling side will be described as a transmitter 1A, and the facsimile apparatus 1 serving as a called side will be referred to as a receiver 1B.

  First, a communication procedure when image data and text data are transmitted and received between the transmitter 1A and the receiver 1B by IP facsimile communication will be described based on the sequence diagram of FIG. When a transmission operation is performed in the transmitter 1A, a call control session for establishing a media session as illustrated is formed between the transmitter 1A and the receiver 1B. That is, the transmitter 1A requests the SIP server 20 to call the receiver 1B by a session participation request “INVITE” in which the IP telephone number of the receiver 1B is designated (T1). Upon receiving “INVITE”, the SIP server 20 inquires of a location server (not shown) having IP phone number / IP address correspondence information for an IP address corresponding to the IP phone number designated by the transmitter 1A. A call is made by sending “INVITE” received from the transmitter 1A to the acquired IP address of the receiver 1B. When the receiver 1B responds to the call of the SIP server 20, the receiver 1B receives "INVITE" and sends a success response code "200" to the SIP server 20 (R1). The transmitter 1A that has received the success response code “200” transmits information “ACK” indicating that the success response code “200” has been received to the receiver 1B via the SIP server 20 (T2). Thereafter, a media session is established between the transmitter 1A and the receiver 1B, and image data is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver 1B.

  The text data designated by the user (text data designation will be described later) is received by the SIP method “MESSAGE” at a timing independent from the image data transmission processing in the media session while the media session is established. Is transmitted to the machine 1B (T3). That is, the text data designated by the user is transmitted to the receiver 1B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” simultaneously with the image data transmission process or before or after the image data transmission process. The SIP method is not limited to this as long as it can transmit any designated text data to the other party, and other methods may be used.

  The receiver 1B performs predetermined processing on the image data and text data received from the transmitter 1A. For example, print processing, transfer processing, screen display processing, and the like are performed on received image data, and print processing, screen display processing, and the like are performed on received text data. Further, in the receiver 1B, text data and a specific processing operation may be stored in association with each other in advance, and the corresponding processing operation may be executed by regarding the received text data as a command.

  When the transmission processing of image data and text data from the transmitter 1A to the receiver 1B is completed, “BYE” requesting the end of the session is transmitted from the transmitter 1A to the receiver 1B via the SIP server 20 (T4). After the receiver 1B transmits the success response code “200” to the transmitter 1A via the SIP server 20 (R3), the communication is disconnected.

  Next, the processing operation of the transmitter 1A will be described in more detail based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  In the transmitter 1A, when the destination telephone number (destination information) is directly input designated or designated using the shortening / one-touch function (S1), is IP facsimile transmission performed from the designated destination telephone number? Then, it is determined whether to perform G3 facsimile transmission (S2). The determination is made based on, for example, a specific digit of the telephone number.

  If it is determined that G3 facsimile transmission is to be performed (S2: NO), after a transmission start operation (such as pressing the start key) (S3: YES), the telephone number designated by G3 facsimile communication is used for the image data of the document. (S4).

  If it is determined that IP facsimile transmission is to be performed (S2: YES), for example, an inquiry such as "Do you want to transmit text data?" As a processing operation for asking the user whether or not to transmit text data. In addition to displaying, an affirmative / negative instruction operation (for example, Y / N input from the operation unit 12) for the inquiry display is accepted. When it is determined that the text data is also transmitted due to the affirmative instruction operation (S5: YES), the text data is designated by the user's predetermined operation (S6).

  The designation of the text data by the user is selected from the text data registered in the first table 4b in association with the IP telephone number designated in S1, and registered in the second table 4c in association with the type of document. This is performed by selecting from text data or by directly inputting characters or the like by the user. More specifically, after making an affirmative determination in S5, the transmitter 1A displays a screen 22 for selecting a text data designation method, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 11 (S101). . On the screen 22, “Select from text data registered in association with IP telephone number”, “Select from text data registered in association with document type”, “Direct input”, and the like are selected. Possible items are displayed. When any item is selected by a predetermined operation, the corresponding screens 23, 24, and 25 are displayed on the display unit 11, respectively.

  When the item “Select from text data registered in association with IP telephone number” is selected (S102: Address correspondence), it corresponds to the IP telephone number specified in S1 in the first table 4b. A text data selection screen 23 is displayed on the display unit 11 to selectably display the text data stored in addition (S103). When any text data displayed on the screen 23 is selected by a predetermined operation, the selection result is stored in the RAM 4 until the text data is transmitted later (S104).

  When the item “Select from text data registered in association with document type” is selected (S102: Document type correspondence), the document type registered in the second table 4c is displayed in a selectable manner. A document type selection screen 24 to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 11 (S105). When any of the document types displayed on the screen 24 is selected by a predetermined operation, the selection result is stored in the RAM 4 until text data is transmitted later (S106).

  When an item displayed as “directly input” is selected (S102: direct input), for example, a text data input screen 25 as shown in the figure is displayed on the display unit 11 (S107), and the keys of the operation unit 11 are displayed. When text data is directly input by an operation or the like, the input text data is stored until it is transmitted later (S108).

  After performing the processing operation of S6 or after making a negative determination in S5, when a transmission start instruction operation (such as pressing a start key) is performed (S7), the transmitter 1A communicates with the receiver 1B. A call control session such as T1 and T2 is formed to establish a media session (S8), and transmission processing of document image data is performed (S9). The image data of the document transmitted here is the image data of the document read by the reading unit 9, the image data received together with the facsimile transmission command from the client PC, the image data stored in advance in the own apparatus 1, and the like.

  If an affirmative determination is made in S5 (S10: YES), the designated text data to be transmitted is read based on the selection result stored in S104, S106 or S108 or the input text data. That is, when the processing operation of S104 is executed, the selected text data from the text data associated with the selected destination IP telephone number is designated as text data to the receiver 1B by the SIP method “MESSAGE”. Transmit (S11). When the processing operation of S106 is executed, the text data associated with the selected document type (image data type) is transmitted to the receiver 1B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” as the designated text data ( S11). When the processing operation of S108 is executed, the input text data is transmitted to the receiver 1B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” as designated text data (S11). Thereafter, “BYE” requesting the end of the session is transmitted to disconnect the communication with the receiver 1B. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S5 (S10: NO), “BYE” is sent without performing the processing operation of S11, and communication is disconnected (T4).

  In this embodiment, after the image data transmission process of S9 is performed, the text data transmission process of S11 is performed. However, before the image data transmission process of S9 is performed, S10 and S11 are performed. A text data transmission process may be performed by performing a processing operation. Further, the text data may be transmitted by performing the processing operations of S10 and S11 while performing the transmission processing of the image data of S9.

  In this embodiment, the text data is stored in association with the destination IP telephone number and the document type. However, the text data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 4 in an independent manner without being associated with other information. In step S6, the registered text data is displayed on the display unit 11 so as to be selectable, and the selected data is transmitted as the designated text data to be transmitted in step S11. Good. The same applies to the second and third embodiments described later.

  Next, a facsimile apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and communication function as those of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment, and further processes image data of a document transmitted in a media session by SIP on the receiving side. A function for instructing the facsimile apparatus is provided. That is, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment, a command indicating processing to be executed on image data of a document transmitted in a media session can be designated according to a user operation, and the image data of the document is transmitted. At the same time, the designated text format command is transmitted to the same destination by the SIP method “MESSAGE”. On the other hand, the receiving facsimile apparatus detects the command from the text data received by the SIP method “MESSAGE”, and executes processing corresponding to the command on the image data of the document received from the same transmission source. Also in the second embodiment, the SIP method for transmitting text data (text data including a command) is not limited to “MESSAGE”, and can transmit arbitrary text data specified by the user. Other types may be used if they are present.

  The processing operation when the facsimile apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment transmits and receives image data will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure and processing operation | movement similar to the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in drawing and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, for convenience of explanation, also in the second embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 30 serving as a calling side will be described as a transmitter 30A and the facsimile apparatus 30 serving as a called side will be referred to as a receiver 30B.

  The facsimile apparatus 30 is preset (stored) with commands associated with various processes to be performed on the image data of the document. Specifically, text format commands such as “print instruction”, “FAX transfer instruction”, “bulletin board accumulation instruction”, and “circulation instruction” are set in the facsimile apparatus 30. The “print instruction” is a command indicating that the received image data should be printed. “FAX transfer instruction” is a command indicating that the received image data should be transferred by G3 facsimile. “Bulletin board accumulation instruction” is a command indicating that received image data should be accumulated in the electronic bulletin board. The “circulation instruction” is a command indicating that the received image data should be circulated. Note that “transfer destination” is added to the “FAX transfer instruction”, and “circulation destination” is added to the “circulation instruction” as a command indicating the operation destination.

  FIG. 8 shows a procedure formed when the transmitter 30A and the receiver 30B transmit and receive image data and commands. As shown in the figure, after the image data of the document is transmitted from the transmitter 30A to the receiver 30B in the established media session (the procedure shown in FIG. 8 is an example, before or during the transmission of the document image data) The transmitter 30A sends commands 31a and 31b specified based on the user's operation to the receiver 30B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” at a timing independent from the image data transmission process. Sent while a media session is established. As shown in FIG. 8, in the text data 32 transmitted from the transmitter 30A to the receiver 30B by the SIP method “MESSAGE”, the commands 31a and 31b are specified so that the command and other information can be identified. It is described in the format. That is, the transmitter 30A transmits text data in which a command is enclosed by specific symbols “<” and “>”, and the receiver 30B that receives the command extracts a portion surrounded by the specific symbol. Execute the process corresponding to the command. For example, as shown in the figure, when the commands are “circulation instruction” and “circulation destination”, the receiver 30B receives the image data received from the transmitter 30A in the media session by the command “circulation destination”. Circulate to the information “user A”, “user B” and “user C”. In the example shown in FIG. 8, information described with a line break between “<circulation destination>” and “</ circulation destination>” is extracted as destination information by the receiver 30B. Information described between “<circulation instruction>” and “</ circulation instruction>” is processed as information related to the command “circulation instruction”. Of course, the command description format and the like are not limited to this as long as they are defined in advance between the transmitter 30A and the receiver 30B.

  After the processing on the image data is completed, the receiver 30B sends text data indicating that to the transmitter 30A by using the SIP method “MESSAGE”, for example, “the facsimile processing received earlier is performed”. Then, the text data is displayed and output in the transmitter 30A. Thereby, the user of the transmitter 30A can know that the command processing is completed in the receiver 30B.

  The processing operation of the transmitter 30A described above will be described in more detail based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  In the transmitter 30A, when a facsimile transmission operation is performed by the user and it is determined in S2 that the designated destination telephone number (destination information) is an IP telephone number (S2: YES), a message is sent together with the image data of the document. A processing operation is performed to request the user whether to transmit, send a command, or send only image data of a document. For example, a screen 21A as shown in FIG. The screen 21A displays selectable items such as “send document and message”, “send document and command”, and “send only document”. When any item is selected by a predetermined operation, a corresponding screen is displayed on the display unit 11.

  When “Send document and message” is selected, transmitter 30A determines that a message is to be transmitted together with the image data of the document (S201: Add message), and proceeds to S6, which is described in the first embodiment. The processing operations of S101 to S108 are executed.

  When “Send with command added” is selected, the transmitter 30A determines that the command is to be transmitted together with the image data of the document (S202: command addition), and executes it on the image data of the document to be transmitted. A processing operation for designating a text format command indicating the power processing is executed (S202). The designation of the command is performed by a selection operation from a plurality of commands set in advance in the facsimile apparatus 30 or when the user inputs a command character or the like. Specifically, the transmitter 30A displays a screen 22A for selecting a command designation method, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 11 (S301). On the screen 22A, selectable items such as “Select from registered commands” and “Input command directly” are displayed. When any item is selected by a predetermined operation, the corresponding screens 23A and 25A are displayed on the display unit 11, respectively.

  When an item displayed as “Select from registered commands” is selected (S302: Select), a plurality of commands preset in the facsimile apparatus 30 are displayed in a selectable manner as shown in FIG. Displayed on the unit 11. In addition, an input field for inputting destination information of a terminal device serving as a transfer destination and circulation destination, such as a transfer instruction and a circulation instruction, is also displayed (S303). When any of the commands displayed on the screen 23A is selected by a predetermined operation, if the selection result and “FAX transfer instruction” or “circulation instruction” are selected, the command is input. The destination information is stored in the RAM 4 until the command or the like is transmitted later (S304).

  When an item displayed as "Input command directly" is selected (S302: Direct input), for example, a command input screen 25A as shown is displayed on the display unit 11. At the same time, an input field for inputting destination information of the terminal device serving as the transfer destination and circulation destination, such as a transfer instruction and a circulation instruction, is also displayed (S305). In the input field displayed on the screen 25A, the text format command input by the key operation of the operation unit 11 and the destination information in the case of the input are displayed until the command or the like is transmitted later. (S306).

  In S201, when “send only document” is selected and the transmitter 30A determines that only the image data of the document is to be transmitted (S201: only document is transmitted), the processing operation of S6 is executed, or When the processing operation of S202 is executed, the processing operations of S7 to S9 are subsequently executed.

  When text data (message) is designated in S6, it is determined that text data is to be transmitted (S10: YES), it is determined that a command is not transmitted (S203: NO), and the process proceeds to S11, and S104 is performed. The text data to be transmitted is read based on the selection result stored in S106 or S108 or the input text data, and is transmitted to the receiver 30B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S11).

  When text data (command) is specified in S202, it is determined that text data is to be transmitted (S10: YES), it is determined that a command is to be transmitted (S203: YES), and the selection result stored in S304 or S306 is stored. Alternatively, based on the input text data (command), the designated text data (command) to be transmitted and the destination information if it is designated are read. Then, the read command and destination information formed in a predetermined description format are transmitted to the receiver 30B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S204). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the read command added with symbols “<” and “>”, “/ <” and “>” for identifying the command, destination information “user A”, and the destination Text data including commands “<circulation destination>” and “<circulation destination>” indicating the information description area is transmitted.

  Next, the processing operation of the receiver 30B that receives the image data of the document will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The receiver 30B receives the image data of the original document from the transmitter 30A in the media session (S401), and receives text data by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S402: YES), the text data includes a command. It is determined whether or not (S403). When the receiver 30B detects text data described in a predetermined description format as described above, the receiver 30B determines that a command is included in the received text data (S403: YES). For example, the symbol “< ”,“> ”And the like are analyzed (S404), and processing corresponding to the command is executed on the image data of the document received in the media session (S405).

  For example, when the command is “print instruction”, the image data of the received document is printed on the recording paper by the recording unit 10. When the command is “FAX transfer instruction”, the destination information specified in the command “transfer destination” is extracted, and the received image data of the original is transferred to the destination information by G3 facsimile. When the command is “Bulletin Board Accumulation Instruction”, the bulletin board accumulation area (if the own apparatus 30 has the electronic bulletin board function, the relevant area of the own apparatus, and the electronic bulletin board accumulation area exists in the external apparatus) The received image data is accumulated and released in the area). When the command is “circulation instruction”, the destination information specified in the command “circulation destination” is extracted, and the received image data of the original is circulated by the transfer.

  After the processing of the image data in S405, if the response message reply processing setting is enabled in the device setting of the receiver 30B (S406: YES), for example, “circulation of the facsimile received earlier” Text data indicating that the command processing has been completed is transmitted to the transmitter 30A by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S407, R3).

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S402, normal reception processing, for example, printing processing, distribution processing to a predetermined client PC, and the like are executed (S408). If a negative determination is made in S403, the received text data is output (for example, displayed on the display unit 11) (S409). In S406, when the response message reply process setting is invalid in the device setting of the receiver 30B (S406: NO), the series of processing operations is terminated without returning the response message.

  In the second embodiment described above, after the image data transmission process of S9, the processing operations of S10, S203 and S11 or S10, S203 and S204 are performed. However, the transmission of the image data of S9 is performed. Before performing the processing, the processing operation of S10, S203 and S11 or S10, S203 and S204 may be performed. Further, the processing operation of S10, S203 and S11 or S10, S203 and S204 may be performed while performing the image data transmission processing of S9.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the facsimile apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment, on the transmission side, it is possible to instruct the reception side facsimile apparatus to process the image data of the document transmitted in the media session. It becomes.

  Next, a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment has a configuration and a communication function included in the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment, and further, an e-mail communication function and a user of the transmission-side facsimile apparatus are arbitrarily designated. A function of transferring text data to a predetermined destination is provided. In other words, in the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment, the transmitting-side facsimile apparatus arbitrarily selects a transfer instruction command indicating that text data should be transferred and a transfer destination instruction command indicating a transfer destination based on a user operation. The specified text data is transmitted to the receiving facsimile apparatus by the SIP method “MESSAGE”. On the other hand, the receiving side facsimile apparatus detects a command from the received text data, and executes a process of transferring the text data described in the predetermined area to the terminal device of the destination information specified in the transfer destination instruction command. In the third embodiment, the SIP method for transmitting the text data (command) is not limited to “MESSAGE”, and any other text data specified by the user can be transmitted. May be used.

  Hereinafter, processing operations when the facsimile apparatus 50 according to the third embodiment transmits and receives image data will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure and processing operation | movement similar to the facsimile apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in drawing and the description is abbreviate | omitted. For convenience of explanation, in the third embodiment, the facsimile machine 50 serving as a calling side is also referred to as a transmitter 50A, and the facsimile machine 50 serving as a called side is referred to as a receiver 50B.

  In the facsimile apparatus 50, a transfer instruction command indicating transfer of text data received by the SIP method “MESSAGE” and a transfer destination instruction command indicating a transfer destination are set in advance. Specifically, “message transfer” is set as the transfer instruction command, and “transmission destination” is set as the transfer destination instruction command. Upon receiving these commands, the receiver 50B goes to the destination specified by the transfer destination instruction command. The message described in a predetermined area of the received text data is transferred.

  FIG. 13 shows a procedure formed when the transmitter 50A and the receiver 50B transmit and receive text data including image data and commands. As illustrated, after the document image data is transmitted from the transmitter 50A to the receiver 50B in the established media session (the procedure illustrated in FIG. 13 is an example, before or during transmission of the document image data) The transmitter 50A describes the transfer instruction command 51a and the transfer destination instruction 51b specified based on the user's operation in a predetermined text format at a timing independent from the image data transmission process. Text data and text data as a message other than the command specified based on the user's operation are transmitted by e-mail to the receiver 50B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” while the media session is established. To do. As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the text data 52 transmitted from the transmitter 50A to the receiver 50B by the SIP method “MESSAGE”, the commands 51a and 51b can be distinguished from the command and other text data. It is described in a specific format. That is, the transmitter 50A transmits text data in which a command is enclosed by specific symbols “<” and “>”, and the receiver 50B that receives the command extracts a portion surrounded by the specific symbol. When it is “message transfer”, the information described in the predetermined area of the text data 52 is transferred to the destination information indicated by the command “transmission destination” indicating the transfer destination information. In the present embodiment, the receiver 50B transfers the received text data described in a predetermined area, for example, the one described between the command 51a and the command 51b. However, all of the received text data 52 may be transferred. The communication means used for transferring the text data is described by taking e-mail as an example in FIG. 13, but is not limited thereto, and is transferred by other communication means such as G3 facsimile communication. May be.

  The processing operation of the transmitter 50A described above will be described in more detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the transmitter 50A, when the user performs a facsimile transmission operation and determines in S2 that the designated destination telephone number (destination information) is an IP telephone number (S2: YES), a message is displayed together with the image data of the document. For requesting the user to send or request to send a message together with the image data of the document and transfer the message to another terminal device, or to send only the image data of the document Processing operations are performed. For example, a screen 21B as shown in FIG. The screen 21B displays selectable items such as “send original and message”, “send original and message, request message transfer”, “send original only”. When any item is selected by a predetermined operation, a corresponding screen is displayed on the display unit 11.

  When “Send document and message” is selected, the transmitter 50A determines to send a message together with the image data of the document (S501: Add message), proceeds to S6, and is described in the first embodiment. The processing operations of S101 to S108 are executed.

  When “Send document and message and request message transfer” is selected, transmitter 50A determines that it transmits text data together with the image data of the document, and further requests transfer of the text data (S501: S501). Message transfer), text data and transfer destination information of the text data are designated by a predetermined operation of the user (S502).

  The designation of text data or the like in S502 is registered in the second table 4c in association with the selection from the text data registered in the first table 4b in association with the IP telephone number designated in S1 and the type of document. This is done by selecting from the text data or by directly inputting characters or the like by the user. Specifically, after determining in S501, the transmitter 50A displays a screen 22 for selecting a text data designation method on the display unit 11 as shown in FIG. 15, for example (S101). On the screen 22, “Select from text data registered in association with IP telephone number”, “Select from text data registered in association with document type”, “Direct input”, and the like are selected. Possible items are displayed. When any item is selected by a predetermined operation, the corresponding screens 23B, 24B, and 25B are displayed on the display unit 11, respectively.

  When the item “Select from text data registered in association with IP telephone number” is selected (S102: Address correspondence), it corresponds to the IP telephone number specified in S1 in the first table 4b. A text data selection screen 23B is displayed on the display unit 11 so that the text data stored in addition can be selected (S601). On the screen 23B, an input field for inputting transfer destination information is also displayed. When any of the text data displayed on the screen 23B is selected by a predetermined operation and the destination information is input in the input field, the selection result and the input destination information are displayed until the text data is transmitted later. It is stored in the RAM 4 (S602).

  When the item “Select from text data registered in association with document type” is selected (S102: Document type correspondence), the document type registered in the second table 4c is displayed in a selectable manner. A document type selection screen 24 to be displayed is displayed on the display unit 11 (S603). On the screen 24B, an input field for inputting transfer destination information is also displayed. When one of the document types displayed on the screen 24B is selected by a predetermined operation and destination information is input in the input field, the selection result and the input destination information are used until text data is transmitted later. It is stored in the RAM 4 (S604).

  When an item displayed as “directly input” is selected (S102: direct input), for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the text data and transfer destination input screen 25B is displayed on the display unit 11 (S605). When the text data is directly input by the key operation of the operation unit 11 or the like, the input text data (message and transfer destination information) is stored until it is transmitted later (S606).

  On the other hand, in S501, when “send only document” is selected and the transmitter 50A determines that only the image data of the document is to be transmitted (S501: only the document is transmitted), the processing operation of S6 is executed. Alternatively, when the processing operation of S502 is executed, the transmitter 50A subsequently executes the processing operations of S7 to S9.

  If it is determined in S501 that a message is to be transmitted together with the image data of the document, it is determined not to give an instruction to transfer the text data to be transmitted (S503: NO), the process proceeds to S11, and S104, S106, Alternatively, the designated text data to be transmitted is read based on the selection result stored in S108 or the input text data, and is transmitted to the receiver 50B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S11).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S501 that the text data is transmitted together with the image data of the document and the transfer of the text data is requested, it is determined that the transfer instruction of the text data to be transmitted is given (S503: YES), Based on the selection result stored in S602, S604 or S606 or input information, the designated text data to be transmitted and the destination information to which the text data is transferred are read out by the SIP method “MESSAGE”. 50B is transmitted (S504). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, “<message transfer>” with “<” and “>” appended to the transfer instruction command, text data (message) to be transmitted, and “<” and “ The text data describing “<destination>” and destination information with “>” is transmitted to the receiver 50B by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S504).

  If it is determined in S501 that only the image data of the document is transmitted, it is determined in S10 that the text data is not transmitted (S10: NO), and “BYE” is transmitted without performing the text data transmission process. Then, the communication with the receiver 50B is disconnected (T4).

  Next, the processing operation of the receiver 50B that receives the image data of the document will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The receiver 50B receives the image data of the manuscript from the transmitter 50A in the media session (S701), and receives text data by the SIP method “MESSAGE” (S702: YES), the transfer instruction command is included in the text data. It is determined whether or not it is (S703). That is, if the received text data includes the transfer instruction command “<message>”, it is determined that the received text data should be transferred (S703: YES), and “<message>” and “<destination” > Is extracted as text data to be transferred, and information described after the transfer destination instruction command “<transmission destination>” is used as destination information to which the text data is to be transferred. Extract (S704).

  Then, a file (for example, an e-mail file) in which the extracted text data to be transferred is described as a notification message is created (S705), and this is transmitted to the destination information (for example, an e-mail address) indicated by the transfer destination instruction command. (S706). Thereafter, a process for receiving the image data of the document received in the media session, for example, a printing process by the recording unit 10 is executed (S707). When the destination information is not described, the notification message may be transferred to a predetermined destination (e-mail address, facsimile number, etc.) preset in the facsimile apparatus 50.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S702, normal reception processing, for example, printing processing, distribution processing to a predetermined client PC, and the like are executed (S708). If a negative determination is made in S703, the received text data is output (for example, displayed on the display unit 11) (S709).

  In the third embodiment, the transmitter 50A performs the transmission process of the text data (command, message, etc.) in S11 and S504 after performing the transmission process of the image data in S9. Before the image data transmission process is performed, the processing operations of S10, S503, and S11, or the processing operations of S10, S503, and S504 may be performed. Further, the processing operations of S10, S503, and S11, or the processing operations of S10, S503, and S504 may be performed while performing the image data transmission processing of S9.

  As is apparent from the above description, the facsimile apparatus 50 according to the third embodiment can transmit and receive text data while performing image data of a document in a media session established by SIP. The text data received by 50B can be automatically transferred to another terminal device. Thereby, for example, when a user who uses the receiver 50B is in a place away from the receiver 50B, it is possible to notify the terminal device near the user that the manuscript has been sent and the like. The user on the side can take a quick response to the received document.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, a facsimile machine that transmits and receives image data in a media session established by SIP.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which matched and registered the destination IP telephone number (destination information) and text data. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which matched and registered original classification and text data. It is the sequence diagram which showed the outline of an example of the communication procedure formed when the facsimile apparatuses which concern on embodiment of this invention perform IP facsimile communication. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed when the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs IP facsimile transmission or G3 facsimile transmission. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation of the calling side facsimile machine performed when designation of text data is performed. It is the figure which showed the specific example of the display screen displayed in the calling side facsimile apparatus when designation | designated of text data is performed. It is the sequence diagram which showed the outline of an example of the communication procedure formed when the facsimile apparatuses based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention perform IP facsimile communication. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation performed when the calling side facsimile apparatus based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs IP facsimile transmission or G3 facsimile transmission. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a calling side facsimile machine executed when a command is designated in the calling side facsimile machine in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the specific example of the display screen displayed in the calling side facsimile apparatus when designation | designated of a command is performed. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a called facsimile apparatus that is executed when an incoming IP facsimile is received in a facsimile apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the outline of an example of the communication procedure formed when the facsimile apparatuses based on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention perform IP facsimile communication. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation performed when the calling side facsimile apparatus based on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs IP facsimile transmission or G3 facsimile transmission. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a display screen displayed on a calling-side facsimile apparatus when a message and transfer destination information are designated in the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations of a calling-side facsimile apparatus that are executed when a message and transfer destination information are specified in the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a called facsimile apparatus that is executed when an incoming IP facsimile is received in a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 30, 30A, 30B, 50, 50A, 50B Facsimile device 2 CPU
3 ROM
4 RAM
4b First table for storing destination information and text data in association with each other 4c Second table for storing in correspondence with document type and text data 20 SIP server 23 Text data selection / designation screen 24 Document type selection / designation screen 25 Text data Input screen 31a, 31b, 51a, 51b Command 32, 52 Text data transmitted by method of call control protocol 23A Command selection specification screen 25A Command input screen 23B Text data selection specification screen and transfer destination information input screen 24B Document type selection designation screen and transfer destination information input screen 25B Text data and transfer destination information input screen

Claims (5)

  Image data transmitting means for transmitting image data in a media session established by a call control protocol, command specifying means for specifying a command in a text format indicating processing to be performed on the image data to be transmitted, and the specified Command transmission means for transmitting a command by a method of the call control protocol.   2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the command transmission performed by the command transmission means is performed while the media session is established.   Corresponding image data receiving means for receiving image data in a media session established by a call control protocol, text data receiving means for receiving text data by a method of the call control protocol, a command in a text format and processing to be executed When the text data received by the text data receiving means corresponds to the command stored in the command storage means, a process corresponding to the command is received by the image data receiving means. Means for executing image data, and a facsimile apparatus.   Image data receiving means for receiving image data in a media session established by a call control protocol, text data receiving means for receiving text data by a method of the call control protocol, and text data received by the text data receiving means, And a transfer means for transferring the text data described in a predetermined area of the text data to a predetermined destination when a transfer instruction command indicating that the image data should be transferred is included. Facsimile device.   When the text data received by the text data receiving means further includes a transfer destination instruction command indicating the predetermined destination, the transfer means sends the text data described in the predetermined area to the transfer destination instruction. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the facsimile apparatus transfers to a transfer destination indicated by the command.

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