JP2006191473A - Composite machine, and printing method of composite machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing means and method which assure security of facsimile received data, and print the facsimile received data in an arbitrary printing condition corresponding to the facsimile received data in a composite machine. <P>SOLUTION: The composite machine includes a facsimile function, and an input means to receive input data from a user. The composite machine is characterized to include a memory means to memorize image data (facsimile received data) which are received by the facsimile function, and a control means which receives user instruction through the input means, and prints the facsimile received data memorized in the memory means by a printer mechanism based on the instruction; and the control means which receives a printing condition which is input from the input means by the user corresponding to the facsimile received data memorized in the memory means, and carries out printing of the facsimile received data memorized in the memory means in the printing condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction device having a FAX function, and more particularly to a multifunction device that prints FAX reception data.

  There is known a multi-function peripheral having an image reading mechanism and a printing mechanism and printing the read image data by its own printing mechanism. Some multifunction peripherals have a FAX function and can transmit and receive image data.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which received image data is stored in a memory and a stored image is selectively erased by a user operation after printing in a digital multifunction peripheral having a FAX function.

JP 2000-270176 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to a means and a method for a user to appropriately print FAX reception data under an arbitrary printing condition, and a means and method for ensuring the security of the FAX reception data.

  In the conventional facsimile function, FAX reception data of a plurality of recipients are sequentially discharged to the same discharge tray in the order of reception. The possibility is still high in a network compatible multi-function machine that a plurality of users jointly use as a printer and a FAX machine.

  In addition, the printing conditions of FAX reception data are generally fixed, and color / monochrome printing is arbitrarily switched or print quality is switched between normal / normal according to the contents of the print data as in a printer. There was no such thing as changing the printing conditions freely.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems in a multi-function peripheral having a FAX function, and means and method for printing FAX reception data under printing conditions that can be arbitrarily set by the user corresponding to the FAX reception data, as well as FAX reception An object is to provide means and methods for maintaining the security of data.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention,
A multi-function machine having a FAX function and an input means for receiving input from a user,
Storage means for storing image data (FAX reception data) received by the FAX function;
Control means for accepting a user instruction via the input means, and printing FAX reception data stored in the storage means by a printer mechanism based on the instruction;
The control means accepts printing conditions input by the user from the input means corresponding to the FAX reception data stored in the storage means, and prints the FAX reception data stored in the storage means under the printing conditions. It becomes possible to provide a multifunctional machine that is characterized.

Also, in the above-mentioned multifunction machine,
The control means can provide a multi-function peripheral in which incidental data including information related to communication corresponding to the FAX reception data is stored in the storage means in association with the FAX reception data.

Also, in the above-mentioned multifunction machine,
Display means for displaying incidental data corresponding to the FAX reception data;
The control means displays the auxiliary data in a selectable state, and when the selection is received via the input means, the FAX reception data corresponding to the auxiliary data is printed by the printer mechanism. Can be provided.

Also, in the above-mentioned multifunction machine,
It is possible to provide a multifunction device in which the control unit allows the user to set the printing conditions set from the input unit in two layers, a printing condition set in advance and a printing condition set during printing. It becomes.

Also, in the above-mentioned multifunction machine,
The control unit includes an identifier authentication unit that authenticates an identifier that is input from the input unit and identifies a user,
When a print instruction from a user is received via the input unit, the identifier authentication unit authenticates the input identifier. When the identifier is authenticated, the FAX stored in the first storage unit is stored. It is possible to provide a multi-function device that performs printing of received data.

In addition, a FAX reception data print control program executed by the multifunction machine,
The received FAX reception data is stored in the storage means, receives a user instruction via the input means, and functions as a control means for causing the printer mechanism to print the FAX reception data stored in the storage means based on the instruction,
The control means accepts printing conditions input by the user from the input means corresponding to the FAX reception data stored in the storage means, and prints the FAX reception data stored in the storage means under the printing conditions. A featured FAX reception data print control program can be provided.

Also, there is a FAX reception data printing method executed by a multifunction machine,
The control means is
Storing FAX reception data in the storage means;
Receiving a user instruction from the input unit and causing the printer mechanism to print FAX reception data stored in the storage unit based on the instruction;
Receiving a printing condition input by the user from the input means in response to the FAX reception data, and printing the FAX reception data under the printing condition;
It is possible to provide a FAX reception data printing control method characterized by comprising:

A printing apparatus having a facsimile function,
Storage means for storing image data received by the facsimile function;
A printing target setting unit that sets the image data stored in the storage unit as a printing target based on a user instruction;
Print condition accepting means for accepting a print condition to be applied to printing of the image data to be printed from the user;
It is possible to provide a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the image data to be printed under the received printing condition.

  According to the present invention, in the multi-function peripheral, printing can be performed under any printing condition set by the user corresponding to each FAX reception data.

  Further, since the FAX reception data is printed out according to the user's instruction, it is possible to prevent mixing of the FAX reception data printed out and to ensure information security.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine FAX reception data to be printed out based on information (transmission source information, reception date and time, destination (reception source), etc.) relating to communication corresponding to FAX reception data. Can be prevented.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an outline of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied and an outline of a network connection thereof.

  As shown in the figure, the multifunction machine 30 according to the present invention is connected to a computer 10 (10A, 10B, 10C,...) Via a network 50, connected in a local manner, or a display device 41. Interface unit 310 for connecting to the input device 42, CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing a FAX reception data print control program, RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing print / FAX data, etc., various types for controlling the CPU A control unit 320 configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like in which data, various programs and the like are stored in advance in a nonvolatile manner, a printing mechanism unit 330 that prints out print data transmitted from the computer 10 and FAX reception data, A FAX function unit 340 that performs FAX transmission / reception of data is provided.

  In addition, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a memory card can be used as the storage means for storing the print / fax data together with the RAM or in place of the RAM.

  The above-described FAX reception data print control program is usually developed for each model by the manufacturer of the multifunction machine 30, and is incorporated into the above-described built-in ROM at the time of manufacture and shipped as a product.

  The interface unit 310 transfers printer / FAX data transmitted / received to / from the computer 10 via the network 50 or the local interface and input data from the input device 42 attached to each function unit, and stores FAX reception status or FAX reception data. It manages the status and information input from the input device 42 to the display device 41 and manages the function of executing display on the display device 41.

  The control unit 320 integrally manages and controls the interface unit 310, the printing mechanism unit 330, and the FAX function unit 340, as will be described in detail later.

  The printing mechanism unit 330 can be, for example, a page printer provided with a laser type printing mechanism. A laser-type page printer includes a toner cartridge containing toner in a housing, and performs printing by transferring the toner to a printing medium such as printing paper. The printer 10 may be a color laser printer or a monochrome laser printer. For example, an ink jet printer may be used instead of the laser method.

  The FAX function unit 340 may include a scanner mechanism that reads image data. The FAX function unit 340 transmits data sent from the computer 10 or image data read by the attached scanner mechanism according to a facsimile protocol. Received fax data.

  The multi-function device 30 according to the present invention includes a plurality of computers 10 (10A, 10B, 10C,...) That perform various processes using application software, print processes of various processing results, and the like through an interface 310 and a computer network. Connected. Of course, the MFP according to the present invention may be connected to the computer 10 in a local manner and used.

  Here, the computer 10 is a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer, for example, a CPU that executes various programs, a RAM that temporarily stores data and programs, and various types for controlling the computer 10. A control unit 110 composed of a ROM or the like in which data, various programs, etc. are stored in a nonvolatile manner in advance, an interface unit 120 for connecting to the display device 21 / input device 22 and the computer network 50, a CD-ROM, etc. A media drive device 130 for accessing a recording medium and an auxiliary storage device 140 such as a hard disk are provided. Of course, the configuration of the computer 10 is not limited to this.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the control unit 320 of the multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied.

  The functions of the control unit 320 include a print control unit 32A that controls the operation of the printing mechanism unit 330, a FAX control unit 32B that controls the operation of the FAX function unit 340, a memory management unit 32C that manages the operation of the ROM / RAM, and an identifier storage. Based on the user identifier stored in the unit 324, an identifier authenticating unit 32D that authenticates an identifier that identifies the user is provided. Here, the identifier storage unit 324 is preferably composed of a nonvolatile storage device.

  The CPU manages the operation of the entire MFP including the print control unit 32A, the FAX control unit 32B, the memory management unit 32C, and the identifier authentication unit 32D according to the above-described FAX reception data print control program stored in advance in the ROM. In particular, the functions described later are realized by controlling storage management of various print data and FAX transmission / reception data received through the interface unit 310 in the RAM, data transfer to the printer / FAX function, and the execution order of the functions.

  The print control unit 32 </ b> A controls the operation of the printing mechanism unit 330 based on an instruction from the CPU, and prints out print data and FAX reception data transmitted from the computer 10.

  The FAX control unit 32B controls the operation of the FAX function unit 340 based on an instruction from the CPU, and performs FAX transmission / reception of data.

  The memory management unit 32C corresponds to print data transmitted from the computer 10, FAX transmission / reception data, or the FAX reception data based on the function of reading the FAX reception data print control program from the ROM and transmitting it to the CPU and the instruction of the CPU. It controls the function of storing the FAX reception data information including the incidental data including the information related to the communication and the printing conditions in the RAM.

  When the control unit 320 receives a print instruction from the user, the identifier authentication unit 32D compares the user identifier stored in the identifier storage unit 324 with the identifier input from the input device 42, and when both match, The entered identifier is authenticated, the user is specified, and subsequent print processing is permitted.

  The user identifier is stored in advance in the identifier storage unit 324 by the administrator so that the user cannot easily change the user identifier.

  Hereinafter, the processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to other drawings based on the flows of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the FAX function of the multifunction machine according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing details of processing of a broken line portion of FIG.

  In step S101 of FIG. 3, basic printing conditions set by the user are received using the attached input device 42, and the printing conditions are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 323 by the memory management unit 32C.

  The MFP according to the present invention can perform the printing condition setting in two stages, one is a basic printing condition described below, and the other corresponds to FAX reception data at the time of printing, which will be described later in step S1088 in FIG. Printing conditions set by the user.

  Of course, the fact that the printing condition setting can be performed in two stages is not an essential matter of the present invention, but by dividing into two stages, it becomes possible to provide a multifunction device that is more convenient for the user.

  In this embodiment, there are two FAX setting modes. One is an automatic mode in which automatic printing is executed when a FAX is received, and the other is automatic printing is not executed when FAX is received, and printing is performed based on a user instruction. Is a personal mode for executing.

  Here, in this embodiment, the basic printing conditions are whether or not automatic printing is executed at the time of FAX reception (determination of FAX setting mode), whether or not automatic data can be erased after printing FAX reception data, and print quality in automatic mode. And the initial setting value of the printing condition set by the user corresponding to the FAX reception data described later.

  After the basic printing conditions are set, the MFP according to the present invention waits for FAX data reception (S102).

  When the FAX function unit 340 receives the FAX data, the control unit 320 confirms the FAX setting mode of the basic printing conditions set in Step S101 (S103).

  If the FAX setting mode is set to execute automatic printing at the time of FAX reception (automatic mode), the control unit 320 automatically prints the received FAX reception data immediately and discharges it to the print paper discharge tray. (S104). Although not shown, for example, based on setting conditions such as automatic data erasure after printing of FAX reception data, the set processing is executed, and the apparatus enters a state of waiting for FAX reception (S102).

  This process is the same as that of a conventional facsimile apparatus, and the user can select such a function.

  On the other hand, when the FAX setting mode is set to no execution of automatic printing at the time of FAX reception (personal mode), the control unit 320 stores the FAX reception data in a predetermined area of the RAM 323 (S105). The presence of FAX reception data is displayed on the display device 41 composed of an LCD or LED via the interface unit 310 (S106), and the user is notified. Of course, the configuration of the display device 41 is not limited to the LCD or the LED.

  FIG. 7 exemplifies FAX reception data information stored in the RAM 323. In this embodiment, the FAX reception data includes reception date and time, reception destination, and transmission source data corresponding to the FAX reception data. It is configured as one record of FAX reception data and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 323.

  After notifying the presence of FAX reception data, the control unit 320 waits for an event such as a new FAX reception or a user's panel operation (operation of the auxiliary input device 42) (S107). At this time, the control unit 320 may display the screen (G107) of FIG. 6 on the display device 41 together with the notification of the presence of FAX reception data, for example, and prompt the user to operate the panel.

  Here, when new FAX data is received, the process proceeds to step 103 and the above-described processing is executed again.

  On the other hand, if there is a user's panel operation for FAX reception data processing, the process proceeds to a printing process step (S108) of designated FAX reception data.

  Hereinafter, the processing of the designated FAX reception data print processing step (S108) will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When there is a user's panel operation and the process proceeds to step S108, a user identifier (also referred to as password) authentication setting confirmation step (S1081) is performed, and the MFP authenticates the user with a password in order to print FAX reception data. Check whether it is set to execute the function to be performed.

  This setting may be performed in the basic printing condition setting step (S101) described above, or may have this setting step. Alternatively, it may be incorporated in advance in the above-described FAX reception data print control program.

  When the password authentication setting is made, the process proceeds to the password authentication step (S1082), and the control unit 320 displays the screen (G1082) of FIG. 6 on the display device 41, for example, and prompts the user to input the password. Authenticate the entered password.

  If the input password is not correct, the user may be prompted to input the password again, or the processing may be terminated as it is. As a result, only a specific user can print the FAX reception data, and the user can appropriately print it, so that it is easy to prevent the FAX reception data from being mixed.

  When the correct password is input or the password authentication setting is not set, the process proceeds to the reception data number confirmation step (S1083), and the control unit 320 confirms the number of FAX reception data.

  If the number of data items is plural, in step S1084, for example, the screen (G1084) of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 41, and the user selects FAX reception data to be printed. In the screen (G1084) of FIG. In the present embodiment, the number “2” indicating the FAX reception data number is shaded as means for notifying the user of the selection status.

  In the present embodiment, as information displayed on the display device 41, information related to communication corresponding to FAX reception data such as a transmission source FAX number, a reception date and time, and a destination (reception source) is displayed, but the display content is not limited to this. .

  As described above, the user can confirm the FAX reception data information and select FAX reception data to be printed. Accordingly, the necessity / unnecessity of FAX reception data can be determined, and printing of unnecessary FAX reception data can be prevented.

  When there is only one FAX reception data, or when a print target is selected in step G1084, the process proceeds to a print mode setting confirmation step (S1085).

  In this print mode setting confirmation step S1085, the control unit 320 is set to an automatic mode for performing automatic printing based on the initial setting print conditions, or set to a manual mode for determining detailed print conditions individually corresponding to FAX reception data. Check whether it has been performed, and shift to the corresponding processing step.

  If the print mode is set to the automatic mode, the process proceeds to step S1086, where the default print conditions set in the basic print condition setting step (S101) are validated, and printing is executed (S1089). Alternatively, if the transmission source attaches the printing condition to the FAX data, the initial setting printing condition is changed to the specified printing condition at the time of transmission, and the printing is executed (S1089).

  On the other hand, if the print mode is set to the manual mode, the process proceeds to step S1087. For example, the screen (G1087) of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 41, and the selected FAX reception data is printed to the user. Encourage reconfirmation. Accordingly, unnecessary printout can be prevented without printing FAX reception data that does not require printing.

  If “not print” is selected here, the process proceeds to step S108A without executing printing, and if “print” is selected, detailed printing that determines detailed print conditions individually corresponding to FAX reception data. The process proceeds to the condition setting step (S1088).

  In the detailed printing condition setting step (S1088), for example, the screen (G1088) of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 41, and the control unit 320 inputs the detailed printing conditions for the FAX reception data to be printed from now on to the user. Prompt. In the present embodiment, as one of the printing conditions, when the user determines whether to perform printing in “color mode” or “monochrome mode” and inputs from the attached input device 42, the control unit 320 The printing mode that has been accepted upon receipt of the input is set as the set printing condition. Similarly, the user can input other print conditions, such as selecting “Premium” or “Normal” as the print quality, or selecting which size to apply as the paper size. And Of course, the item of the printing condition to be set is not limited to the example of the present embodiment.

  When the detailed print condition setting is completed, the process proceeds to a print execution step (S1089), and printing is executed based on the detailed print condition set above.

  As a result, the user can arbitrarily set the printing conditions such as switching between color / monochrome printing or switching between print quality and normal according to the contents of the print data, as in printing with a printer. It can be changed, and printing corresponding to the contents of the FAX reception data becomes possible.

  When printing is executed (S1089), a step for confirming whether the stored FAX reception data information is set to be automatically deleted or whether the setting is not set and the FAX reception data information is manually deleted The process proceeds to (S108A).

  This automatic data erasure permission / inhibition setting may be performed in the basic printing condition setting step (S101) described above or may have this setting step. Alternatively, it may be incorporated in advance in the above-described FAX reception data print control program.

  If the setting to automatically delete the FAX reception data information is made, the stored data is deleted (S108C), and the process proceeds to the other reception data existence confirmation step (S109).

  If the setting for automatically erasing FAX reception data information has not been made, the process proceeds to the data erasure confirmation step (S108B), for example, displaying the screen (G108B) of FIG. Encourage reconfirmation of whether or not to do so.

  If “not erase” is selected, the process proceeds to the step of confirming the presence / absence of other received data (S109) without executing the data erase. If “delete” is selected, the stored data Is deleted (S108C), and the process proceeds to the step of confirming the presence / absence of other received data (S109).

  As a result, the user can arbitrarily secure the FAX reception data on the RAM even after the printout, and can perform reprinting at a later date.

  In the other reception data presence / absence confirmation step (S109), it is confirmed whether there is any other FAX reception data. If there is any other FAX reception data, the process proceeds to step S107 in FIG. It waits for an event such as reception or user's panel operation (operation of the auxiliary input device 42). On the other hand, if there is no other FAX reception data, the process proceeds to step S102 in FIG. 3, and the next FAX reception waiting state is entered, and a series of FAX function processing ends.

  Note that the FAX reception data information and the printing conditions set corresponding to the basic print conditions and FAX reception data in the present invention may be stored in different areas of one RAM, or the FAX reception data is stored in the same area. It may be stored every time. Also, a plurality of RAMs may be provided and stored separately.

  In the present embodiment, the RAM has been described as an example of the storage unit that stores the print / fax reception data. However, a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a memory card may be used.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the multi-function peripheral, it is possible to print the FAX reception data individually under arbitrary printing conditions.

  Further, since the FAX reception data is printed out according to the user's instruction, it is possible to prevent the printout paper of the FAX reception data from being mixed into other printout paper, and to ensure information security.

  Further, since the FAX reception data to be printed out can be determined based on the information related to communication corresponding to the FAX reception data, unnecessary printout can be prevented.

  The present invention is particularly effective in a multi-function peripheral that is connected to a computer network, is shared by a plurality of users, and is used in an environment in which printouts are sequentially made from each user.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration block diagram of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a control unit of the multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of processing of the multifunction machine. FIG. 10 is another flowchart showing details of processing of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display device of a multifunction machine. The figure which shows the structural example of FAX reception data information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Computer, 21 ... Display device, 22 ... Input device, 30 ... Multifunction machine, 32A ... Print control part, 32B ... FAX control part, 32C ... Memory management part, 32D ... Identifier authentication part, 41 ... Attached display device, 42 ... Additional input device, 60 ... FAX received data information configuration example, 310 ... Interface unit, 320 ... Control unit, 321 ... CPU, 322 ... ROM, 323 ... RAM, 324 ... Identifier storage unit, 330 ... Printing mechanism unit, 340 ... FAX function section

Claims (6)

A multi-function machine comprising a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) function and an input means for accepting input from a user;
Storage means for storing image data (FAX reception data) received by the FAX function;
Control means for accepting a user instruction via the input means, and printing FAX reception data stored in the storage means by a printer mechanism based on the instruction;
The control means accepts printing conditions input by the user from the input means corresponding to the FAX reception data stored in the storage means, and prints the FAX reception data stored in the storage means under the printing conditions. A featured multifunction machine. The multifunction device according to claim 1,
The multifunction device is characterized in that the control means stores incidental data comprising information relating to communication corresponding to the FAX reception data in the storage means in association with the FAX reception data. The multifunction device according to claim 2,
Display means for displaying incidental data corresponding to the FAX reception data;
The control means displays the auxiliary data in a selectable state, and when the selection is received via the input means, the FAX reception data corresponding to the auxiliary data is printed by the printer mechanism. Multifunction machine. The multifunction device according to claim 1,
The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the user to set the printing conditions set from the input unit in two layers, a printing condition set in advance and a printing condition set during printing. A multi-function machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control means includes identifier authentication means for authenticating an identifier that is input from the input means and identifies a user,
When a print instruction is received from the user via the input unit, the identifier authentication unit authenticates the input identifier. When the identifier is authenticated, the FAX stored in the first storage unit is stored. A multi-function machine that prints received data. A FAX reception data printing method executed by a multifunction machine,
The control means is
Storing FAX reception data in the storage means;
Receiving a user instruction from the input unit and causing the printer mechanism to print FAX reception data stored in the storage unit based on the instruction;
Receiving a printing condition input by the user from the input means in response to the FAX reception data, and printing the FAX reception data under the printing condition;
A FAX reception data printing control method comprising:

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