JP2007188513A - Data receiving device, data receiving method, communication system, data receiving program and storage medium therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data receiving device for receiving transmission data transmitted from a data transmission device and returning a receipt result report according to the receiving result, in which relevant transmission data can be systematically managed. <P>SOLUTION: This device comprises a control memory 22 having a communication management table storing information of transmission data which are already received; and a main control part 21 determining, based on the information stored in the communication management table, whether transmission data newly received are retransmission data of the received transmission data or initial transmission data different from the retransmission data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data receiving apparatus that receives transmission data and returns a reception result notification corresponding to the reception result.

In recent years, with the progress of networking, network communication devices that perform communication via a network such as the Internet have been used for various purposes.
For example, there is a scanner communication device that can transmit image information of a read original to an external device (such as a computer) connected to a network.

As an example of such a scanner communication apparatus, an apparatus having a function of “Scan to Email” has been developed.
This apparatus converts image information of a read original into data in a predetermined format to create an attached file for an e-mail, and sends the e-mail including the attached file to a designated transmission destination (such as a host computer) on the Internet. To send to.

In addition to the scanner communication function as described above, a network facsimile apparatus (netFAX apparatus) having a printing function and a telephone function has also been developed.
The netFAX apparatus creates and transmits an e-mail including an attached file composed of read image information, and prints (records and outputs) the attached file of the received e-mail on a sheet as a received document.

  Patent Document 1 describes a communication system (netFAX system) including this netFAX device.

  FIG. 38 is a schematic configuration diagram in the system of this document. In this netFAX system, when sending an electronic mail (including an attached file) from the netFAX apparatus 101 to the netFAX apparatus 105, the netFAX apparatus 101 first sends (posts) the electronic mail to its own mail server 102. The e-mail posted on the mail server 102 is transferred to the mail server 104 of the netFAX apparatus 105 via the network 103 and stored by a predetermined e-mail transfer protocol such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). .

  Further, the netFAX apparatus 105 periodically accesses the mail server 104 and acquires the stored electronic mail. Note that a mail reception protocol such as a POP3 protocol (Post Office Protocol Version 3) or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is used to acquire an electronic mail.

  The netFAX apparatus 105 receives the e-mail and prints the attached file (image information) as a received document, and then normally sends the e-mail to the mail server 104 so that the e-mail is not duplicated. It is instructed to delete.

  However, such a netFAX system has the following problems not found in normal facsimile communication. That is, in normal facsimile communication, bidirectional real-time communication is performed via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), so that the reception side notifies the reception result notification to the transmission side immediately after the completion of the image data reception. Can be easily transmitted.

  On the other hand, transmission of an electronic mail by the netFAX system is a one-way communication via a server from the netFAX apparatus 101 to the netFAX apparatus 105 (even if the netFAX apparatus 105 cannot receive an electronic mail, The transmission to the mail servers 102 and 104 is completed).

  Therefore, in order to transmit the reception result notification in the netFAX system, the netFAX apparatus 105 needs to create an e-mail (reception result mail) to be a reception result notification and send it to the netFAX apparatus 101. It was not configured so that it would be easy to send out a large reception result mail.

  Accordingly, in the above-described netFAX system, the netFAX apparatus 101 cannot determine whether or not the e-mail has been normally received by the netFAX apparatus 105 and whether or not the image information has been properly printed.

  For this reason, when confirming the reception status of e-mail, it is necessary to make a telephone contact between the users of the netFAX apparatuses 101 and 105, which has the advantage of e-mail communication that “no real-time dialogue is required”. I couldn't save it.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, there is a method (a reception result confirmation method) in which the netFAX apparatus that has received the e-mail notifies the transmission result to the transmission side by MDN (Message Disposition Notification) defined in RFC2298. It is prescribed.
In this method, the reception side netFAX apparatus notifies the transmission source / reception to the transmission source by a reception result mail in a predetermined format.

  Here, RFC (Request For Comment) is a document officially issued by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), which is an organization that establishes technical standards related to the Internet. As such RFCs, specifications and requirements related to the Internet are disclosed with serial numbers such as “RFC2298”. The usage / requirements related to the Internet include, for example, protocols used on the Internet such as IP (Internet Protocol), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and others. It relates to various technologies related to the Internet.

  In the MDN defined in the RFC, when the reception result mail is desired to be sent, the transmission-side netFAX apparatus sets the reception result mail request (reception result request) to the electronic mail to be transmitted. It has become.

  Such a request is set using a “Disposition-Notification-To:” field (MDN field) provided in the header of the e-mail. That is, the transmission-side netFAX apparatus sets the reception result request by entering an address (usually its own address) that is the destination of the reception result mail in the MDN field of the electronic mail. The netFAX apparatus that has received the electronic mail returns a reception result mail to the address specified in the MDN field. It should be noted that such transmission / reception of the reception result mail can be executed only when the sending and receiving netFAX apparatuses satisfy the MDN specification (when having the MDN function).

A technique related to a netFAX apparatus having an MDN function is disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example. The netFAX apparatus described in this document prints out a non-delivery report when an e-mail including a reception result request is transmitted and a reception result e-mail is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed. This non-delivery report is for notifying the user of the fact that the reception result mail has not been sent from the destination (the e-mail transmission error (error due to communication line failure, etc.) has occurred). It is. Thereby, in this netFAX apparatus, the user can easily recognize whether or not the electronic mail is normally received by the transmission destination.
JP 2001-274944 A (publication date: October 5, 2001) JP 2001-309109 A (publication date November 2, 2001) JP 2001-265675 A (publication date September 28, 2001)

  However, in the prior art, the communication management result is as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 31A, when an image mail is received, the information is stored in the communication management table. However, as shown in FIG. 31B, the initial image mail with the management number “001” is stored. Even if a re-sent image mail corresponding to the message is received (“005”), the fact is not judged or displayed. For this reason, the receiving side apparatus cannot perform systematic communication management.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data reception device that receives transmission data transmitted from a data transmission device and returns a reception result notification according to the reception result. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a receiving apparatus that can manage related transmission data in a systematic manner.

  The receiving device of the present invention (the present receiving device) receives transmission data transmitted from the transmitting device and stores information on transmission data already received in the data receiving device that returns a reception result notification according to the reception result. Based on the information stored in the storage unit and the storage unit, whether the newly received transmission data is the retransmission data of the transmission data that has already been received, or is the initial transmission data different from the retransmission data, And a reception control unit for judging the above.

  In this receiving apparatus, information on transmission data already received is stored in a storage unit. Here, the transmission data information includes, for example, the transmission data itself, the identification ID indicated in the transmission data, the transmission date and time, the sender, the reception result, and an identifier (management number) assigned to each transmission data in the receiving apparatus. Etc.) is information specific to individual transmission data.

  In this receiving apparatus, the reception control unit compares the information on the newly transmitted data (newly arrived data) with the information on the transmitted data stored in the storage unit. It is determined whether it is retransmission data or initial transmission data. Here, the initial transmission data refers to transmission data received first by the receiving apparatus (the reception result is not questioned; transmission data that does not correspond to retransmission of the transmission data once received).

  Thereby, in this receiver, related transmission data can be managed systematically. For example, it is possible to easily determine whether or not retransmission data related to initial transmission data that has previously failed in processing has been received (the user can be easily confirmed). Further, for example, after confirming the reception of retransmission data, it is possible to take measures such as deleting the initial transmission data and the related information corresponding thereto from the storage unit.

    In this receiving apparatus, information on transmission data already received is stored in a storage unit. Here, the transmission data information includes, for example, the transmission data itself, the identification ID indicated in the transmission data, the transmission date and time, the sender, the reception result, and an identifier (management number) assigned to each transmission data in the receiving apparatus. Etc.) is information specific to individual transmission data.

Further, as described above, the transmission apparatus is set to retransmit transmission data when a communication error occurs.
In this receiving apparatus, the transmission control unit compares the information on newly transmitted data (newly arrived data) with the information on the transmitted data stored in the storage unit. It is determined whether it is retransmission data or initial transmission data.
Here, the initial transmission data refers to transmission data received first by the receiving apparatus (the reception result is not questioned; transmission data that does not correspond to retransmission of the transmission data once received).

Thereby, in this receiver, related transmission data can be managed systematically. For example, it is possible to easily determine whether or not retransmission data related to initial transmission data that has previously failed in processing has been received (the user can be easily confirmed).
Further, for example, after confirming the reception of retransmission data, it is possible to take measures such as deleting the initial transmission data and the related information corresponding thereto from the storage unit.
In addition, by constructing a communication system including the receiving device and the transmitting device, a system that can efficiently transmit data can be realized. The data transmission device may transmit and receive data to and from a transmission device that performs data transmission (retransmission) at the user's discretion, for example.

  The data transmission device is a data transmission device configured to confirm a reception result of transmission data by a reception result notification from the reception side device, and creates transmission data to be transmitted to the reception side device. A transmission data creation unit that controls the transmission data creation unit to create transmission data, and transmits the created transmission data to the reception-side device. If an error occurs, the transmission data creation unit may create retransmission data whose transmission data format is changed, and the created retransmission data may be retransmitted to the reception-side apparatus.

  In addition, the reception control unit may be set to store in the storage unit a communication management table for recording an identifier (management number or the like) of transmission data that has already been received and associated information. preferable. By creating such a table, it becomes easy to show the reception status of transmission data to the user.

  In addition, when the reception control unit determines that the newly received transmission data is retransmission data, the reception control unit describes the identifier of the initial transmission data related to the retransmission data in the communication management table as related information of the retransmission data. It is preferable that it is set to. As a result, the user can easily confirm that the retransmission data related to the initial transmission data that has previously failed in processing has been received.

  Further, when the reception control unit determines that the newly received transmission data is retransmission data, according to the reception result of the retransmission data, related information (on the communication management table) of the initial transmission data regarding the retransmission data is determined. (Information) may be set to be updated.

Moreover, it is preferable that the transmission control part in this transmission apparatus is set so that initial transmission data and the retransmission data regarding this may include a common first identification ID. Here, as the first identification ID, for example, Message-Id of transmission data can be used.
In this case, the reception control unit of the receiving apparatus is set to determine whether the newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data using the first identification ID. It is preferable. This facilitates discrimination of transmission data in the reception control unit.

In this case, it is preferable that the reception control unit is set to include the first identification ID attached to the transmission data in the reception result notification.
Thereby, in this transmission apparatus, the transmission data according to the received reception result notification can be easily determined.

In addition to the first identification ID, the transmission control unit in the transmission apparatus is set to include the second identification ID included in the transmitted reception result notification in the retransmission data regarding this notification. May be. Here, as the second identification ID, for example, the Message-Id of the reception result notification can be used.
In this case, the reception control unit of the receiving apparatus determines whether the newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data based on the first identification ID or the second identification ID. It is preferable that they are set as follows. Also in this case, transmission data can be easily determined in the reception control unit.

Further, the transmission control unit in the present transmission device may be set so that the second identification ID included in the transmitted reception result notification is included in the retransmission data regarding this notification.
In this case, the reception control unit of the reception apparatus is set to determine whether the newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data based on the second identification ID. It is preferable. Also in this case, transmission data can be easily determined in the reception control unit.

  Further, the data receiving method (the present receiving method) of the present invention is a data receiving method for receiving transmission data and sending back a reception result notification according to the reception result, and a storage step for storing information on transmission data that has already been received. A determination step of determining whether newly received transmission data is retransmission data of transmission data that has already been received or initial transmission data different from retransmission data, based on stored information; It is the method characterized by including.

  This receiving method is a data receiving method used in the above receiving apparatus. Therefore, in this receiving method, related transmission data can be systematically managed.

  The data receiving program of the present invention is characterized by causing a computer of an information communication apparatus to function as a reception control unit in the receiving apparatus.

  The data receiving program of the present invention can also be expressed as a data receiving program for causing a computer of the information communication apparatus to execute the storing step and the determining step in the receiving method.

  By causing the computer of the information communication apparatus to read these programs, the processing of the present receiving apparatus (the present receiving method) can be realized by the computer.

  Further, by storing these programs on a computer-readable recording medium, the programs can be stored and distributed easily. Further, by reading this recording medium, data reception according to the present receiving apparatus (present receiving method) can be performed by an information communication apparatus provided with a computer.

  The data receiving apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores information on transmission data that has already been received, and retransmission data that has been newly received based on the information stored in the storage unit. Or a reception control unit that determines whether the transmission data is initial transmission data different from retransmission data. Therefore, related transmission data can be systematically managed.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication system (this system) according to the present embodiment is a wide area network system in which a plurality of LANs (Local Area Networks) are connected by the Internet and a public telephone line network (PSTN), and is a terminal device capable of performing Internet fax communication (Net FAX machine) and many electronic mail servers. In this system, each netFAX device has an MDN function, and Internet fax communication using MDN can be performed between netFAX devices.

  Here, Internet fax communication (INF communication) is a communication method for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail including image data of a read original. In the INF communication, the image data included in the received e-mail is printed to complete the communication. MDN (Message Disposition Notification) is a rule of a method (a reception result confirmation method) in which a netFAX apparatus that has received an e-mail in INF communication informs the transmission side of the reception result. In the MDN, the reception-side netFAX apparatus notifies the transmission source / reception to the transmission source by a reception result mail in a predetermined format.

  When sending a reception result mail is desired, the transmission-side netFAX apparatus sets a reception result mail request (reception result request) to an electronic mail (transmission data) to be transmitted. Then, the netFAX apparatus that has received the e-mail for which the reception result request is set returns a reception result mail including the reception result (whether image data has been printed or the like) to the transmission-side netFAX apparatus.

  It should be noted that such transmission / reception of the reception result mail can be executed only when the sending and receiving netFAX apparatuses satisfy the MDN specification (when having the MDN function).

  Hereinafter, an e-mail including image data transmitted and received by INF communication is referred to as an image mail. Further, a netFAX apparatus that transmits image mail using INF communication is referred to as a transmission-side apparatus. A netFAX apparatus that receives an image mail and transmits a reception result mail including the reception result is referred to as a receiving apparatus.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the present system. As shown in this figure, this system has a configuration in which a digital multifunction machine 11 and a digital multifunction machine 15 which are netFAX devices are connected via a LAN, servers 12 and 14 and the Internet 13.

  The servers 12 and 14 are e-mail servers of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 and the digital multi-function peripheral 15, respectively, and are connected to these via a LAN comprising a digital line.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 11 has a copy function for printing image data read by its scanner unit on a sheet (recording medium), a printer function for printing image data input from an external device on a sheet, and a normal telephone line. A facsimile communication (usually facsimile communication) function is provided. Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 also has a function (INF communication function) for performing INF communication via the LAN, the server 12, and the Internet 13.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 11 is set to any one of the copy mode, the printer mode, the normal fax mode, and the INF communication mode in accordance with a user input instruction. In each mode, the above-described copy function and printer function are set. The normal fax function and the INF communication function are set to be developed.

  The digital multifunction machine 15 has all the functions of the digital multifunction machine 11. Therefore, hereinafter, only the digital multifunction peripheral 11 will be described as the netFAX apparatus of the present system.

  First, an operation related to the INF communication of the digital multifunction peripheral 11 will be briefly described. This operation includes a transmission operation and a reception operation. That is, in the transmission operation, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 creates an image mail using the image data of the document read by the scanner and the e-mail address in the receiving side apparatus. Then, the data is transmitted to the transmission side device via the server 12 and the Internet 13. On the other hand, in the receiving operation, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 periodically accesses the server 12 to acquire an image mail addressed to itself, and prints the image data. Then, a reception result mail including the print result (or reception result) is created and transmitted to the transmission side apparatus.

  Next, the configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 11 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration (electrical configuration) of the digital multifunction peripheral 11.

  As shown in this figure, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 generally includes a main control unit 21, a control memory 22, a control buffer 23, a clock unit 24, a scanner unit 25, an image storage unit 26, an encoding / decoding unit. 27, encoding / decoding buffer 28, printer unit 29, e-mail creation unit 30, address storage unit 31, operation panel 32, modem 33, NCU (Network Control Unit) 34, digital line connection unit 35 It has.

The main control unit 21 is a control device composed of an MPU (high-speed microcomputing processing unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like, and is a central part of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 that controls all operations of the digital multi-function peripheral 11. .
In particular, the main control unit 21 has a function of controlling the other members 22 to 35 and executing INF communication (described later).

The control memory 22 is used for storing a control program used by the main control unit 21, and includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a backed up volatile memory, and the like. Become.
The information (fax number, mail address) of the receiving apparatus set when transmitting data or image mail in normal fax communication or INF communication is stored in the control memory 22.

  The control buffer 23 is a primary storage unit used by the main control unit 21 and includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The control buffer 23 has a function of storing data necessary for the main control unit 21 to operate the control program. Further, when the main control unit 21 uses a control program in the control memory 22, the main control unit 21 reads the control program into the control buffer 23.

  The clock unit 24 is a time measuring instrument used by the main control unit 21 in an e-mail transmission process (described later) in INF communication.

  The scanner unit 25 is a scanner including a photoelectric conversion element (CCD; Charge Coupled Device), and reads an original with a predetermined resolution and outputs image data (dot image data).

  The encoding / decoding unit 27 encodes (encodes and compresses) the image data output from the scanner unit 25, and also decodes the encoded and compressed image data received from the outside to generate the original image data. To do.

  The encoding / decoding unit 27 can use encoding methods such as MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ), and MMR (Modified Modified READ), which are generally used in facsimile communication. Yes.

  The image storage unit 26 stores encoded or decoded image data, and also stores image data output from the scanner unit 25 or image data received from the outside.

  The encoding / decoding buffer 28 includes a RAM or the like, and is used as a temporary storage unit when the encoding / decoding unit 27 encodes / decodes (compresses / decompresses) image data.

  The printer unit 29 includes an electrophotographic printer, and prints (hard copy; prints out) image data output from the scanner unit 25 and image data received from the outside.

  The e-mail creating unit 30 creates an image mail to be used for INF communication using the encoded image data and header information (including the address of the receiving device) described later.

  The address storage unit 31 stores information on the receiving side device (receiving side device address, telephone number, abbreviated number, etc.) as a list of abbreviated numbers, which will be described later. It consists of volatile memory.

  The operation panel 32 includes an input unit including a numeric keypad and a touch panel, and a display unit including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) (both will be described later). The operation panel 32 has a function of accepting a user instruction input and transmitting it to the main control unit 21 using an input unit / output unit and performing screen display according to the control of the main control unit 21. Yes. Further, the operation panel 32 is set so as to accept an input of the address of the receiving device by the user. The detailed configuration of the operation panel 32 will be described later.

  The digital line connection unit 35 is used to connect the digital multi-function peripheral 11 to the digital line DL in order to send and receive electronic mail and perform INF communication via the Internet 13.

The modem 33 is for performing normal facsimile communication, and is composed of a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 33 is connected to an analog public telephone network (PSTN) via the NCU 34.
The NCU 34 is hardware that performs line control operations for closing and opening the line between the modem 33 and the PSTN. That is, the NCU 34 connects the modem 33 to the PSTN as necessary.

  Next, the configuration of the operation panel 32 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 32. As shown in this figure, the operation panel 32 includes a display unit 41 and an input unit 42, and is configured in a touch panel type in which these are integrated.

  The display unit 41 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays information related to the operation state of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 and normal fax communication or INF communication (information on the receiving side device, etc.). Not only numbers and symbols but also images can be displayed.

  The input unit 42 receives an instruction to change settings and conditions for the digital multifunction peripheral 11 by a user and an input instruction for advancing the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 11, and includes various keys necessary for instruction input. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the input unit 42 includes a numeric keypad 43, a clear key 44, a start key 45, a full release key (CA key) 46, a mode selection key 47, a job status display key 48, and a user setting key 49. I have.
The display unit 41 is a touch panel, and displays various keys for setting and accepts input from the user.

  The numeric keypad 43 of the input unit 42 is a key for setting operating conditions of the digital multi-function peripheral 11. That is, the user uses the numeric keypad 43 to input the number of copies in the copy mode and the printer mode, and to input a fax number or an address in the normal fax mode and the INF communication mode.

  The clear key 44 is for clearing the input from the numeric keypad 43 (the previous input). The all release key 46 is a key for clearing all the conditions set by the user.

  The start key 45 is a key for starting the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 in each mode. That is, the user is set to use the start key 45 to instruct the start of printing in the copy mode and the printer mode, and the start of data transmission in the normal fax mode and the INF communication mode.

  The mode selection key 47 is used for switching the four modes (copy, printer, normal fax, INF communication) in the digital multi-function peripheral 11.

  The job status display key 48 is a key for displaying the progress status of the print job (image forming job) in each mode. When this key 48 is pressed, the standby and processing print jobs are displayed on the touch panel of the display unit 41. Then, the user can control the progress of each job (job stop, interruption, deletion, change of processing order, etc.) by inputting on the touch panel. The user setting key 49 is a key for editing a shortened number list described later.

  Here, INF communication in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 will be described. The digital multifunction peripheral 11 is a device having an MDN function related to INF communication. That is, in the INF communication of the digital multi-function peripheral 11, the e-mail creation unit 30 creates an image mail including the image data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 27 under the control of the main control unit 21. Then, the e-mail creating unit 30 sets a reception result mail request (reception result request) to the created image mail.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image mail (transmitted mail) created by the e-mail creating unit 30. As shown in this figure, the image mail is composed of a header part shown in (a), a text shown in (b), and an attached file shown in (c). Note that the actual image mail is not divided into (a) to (c), but here it will be described in a divided state for simplicity.

  The header part shown in (a) is an area including formal unique information (header information) in an image mail. Table 1 briefly shows the contents of each item (field; information described for each row of the header part) in the header part.

  Here, the Disposition-Notification-To field (MDN field) is a field defined by MDN (RFC 2298), and it is necessary to send a reception result mail, and a device (usually a transmission side) that is a transmission destination Device) address (Sharp_Doc_InternetFAX@sharp.co.jp in the example of FIG. 5) is set.

That is, the e-mail creation unit 30 sets the reception result request by entering the address of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 in this MDN field.
Then, other netFAX devices (such as the digital multi-function peripheral 15) that have received this e-mail return a reception result mail to the address specified in the MDN field.

  The Message-Id field is a field for identifying individual image mails. For example, if the Message-Id of the image mail is <111 @ SHARP_D1>, this <111 @ SHARP_D1> is indicated in the Original-Message-Id field of the MDN result information in the reception result mail. Thereby, the image mail according to the reception result mail can be identified.

  The text shown in (b) corresponds to a so-called e-mail body. Since the main purpose of image mail in INF communication is to transmit image data, this body is used in an auxiliary manner for simple message transmission / reception.

  The attached file shown in (c) is a file composed of encoded image data attached to the body of the image mail. The format of the attached file (attached format) is defined as MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reception result mail returned in response to the image mail as described above. As shown in this figure, the reception result mail includes the header portion shown in (a) and the text shown in (b), as with the image mail shown in FIG. The reception result mail has the MDN information shown in (c). As with the image mail, the actual image mail is not divided into (a) to (c), but will be described in a state of being divided for simplicity.

  The header part (a) and the text (b) are the same as the image mail shown in FIG. However, the header part of the reception result mail does not include the Disposition-Notification-To field (MDN field). In the body, a message indicating that reception was successful is described.

  The MDN information (information used for MDN) shown in (c) includes data that the transmission side apparatus wants to acquire. The contents of each item (field) in the MDN information are briefly shown below.

The Final-Recipient field is an item indicating the address of the receiving device (source of the reception result mail).
Original-Message-Id is an ID for identifying which image mail is the reception result mail. For example, it functions as an identification ID of a reception result mail used to indicate that it is a reception result mail corresponding to the Message-Id field shown in FIG.

Further, the Disposition field is an item for describing the reception result of the electronic mail. In FIG. 6C, the Disposition field indicates that the reception process has been completed successfully.
The Media-Accept-Features field is a field indicating processing capability (reception capability / printing capability) in the receiving-side apparatus.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6C, the processing capability of the receiving apparatus is monochrome display (monochrome printing) (color = Binary), and only the Tiff format can be read (image-file-structure = Tiff). -limited), 200 dpi resolution (dpi = 200), aspect ratio is 200: 100 or 200: 200 (dpi-xyratio = [200 / 100,200 / 200]), and MH, MR and MMR encoding methods (Image-coding = [MH, MR, MMR]) and the MRC (Mixed Raster Content) mode is 0 (in the case of 0, images with different encoding methods and different resolutions in one page) Are not allowed to be included; MRC-mode = 0), papers of sizes A4, B4 and A3 can be used (paper-size = [A4, B4, A3]).

In the present system for transmitting / receiving the image mail and the reception result mail as described above, when the digital multifunction peripheral 11 of the transmission side apparatus receives the reception result mail indicating that the reception process of the electronic mail cannot be completed from the reception side apparatus. Alternatively, when the reception result mail is not received, the main control unit 21 determines that an error has occurred in the INF communication.
Then, the main control unit 21 controls the encoding / decoding unit 27 and the e-mail creation unit 30 to change the image format of the image data to be attached according to the processing capability indicated in the reception result mail. Resend image mail that contains data. Thereby, it is set so that a new image mail that can be easily processed by the receiving apparatus can be retransmitted.

  Here, the flow of the e-mail transmission process in the INF communication under the control of the main control unit 21 will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing this process.

In the transmission process, first, the user sets a document on the scanner unit 25 and inputs the address of the receiving apparatus, transmission conditions, and the like via the operation panel 32.
In response to this, the main control unit 21 controls the scanner unit 25 to read an original image and generate image data, and controls the e-mail creation unit 30 to create an image mail (image mail creation process; S1). The image mail creation process in S1 will be described later.

Next, the main control unit 21 connects the digital multi-function peripheral 11 and the Internet (server 12) using the digital line connection unit 35, and transmits the image mail created by the e-mail creation unit 30 (S2). .
Thereafter, the main control unit 21 once terminates the connection with the server 12.

  Next, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not a reception result request is set in the image mail transmitted in S2 (S3). If it is not set, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the reception result request is set, the main control unit 21 controls the clock unit 24 to start measuring the waiting time (waiting time) until the reception result mail arrives.

  Then, after waiting for a predetermined time (S4), the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the standby time has reached a predetermined time limit (whether or not it has timed out) (S5). When time-out occurs, the time measurement by the clock unit 24 is terminated, and the time-out error is notified (notified) to the user using the display unit 41 of the operation panel 32 (S6). finish.

  On the other hand, if the time-out has not occurred, the main control unit 21 connects the digital multifunction peripheral 11 to the Internet (server 12), receives any newly arrived e-mail, and terminates the connection. (S7).

  Thereafter, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not a transmission error mail has been received (S8). The transmission error mail is a mail notifying that the image mail cannot be transmitted before the server 12 due to a line failure or the like (the transmission error has occurred). The server 12, the server 14, or the Internet 13 It is sent from a server that relays mail to the server 14 inside.

  When the main control unit 21 receives the transmission error mail, the main control unit 21 notifies the user of the transmission error using the display unit 41 of the operation panel 32 (S9), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when determining that the transmission error mail is not received, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the reception result mail is received (S10). If the reception result mail has not been received, the process returns to S4.

  When receiving the reception result mail, the main control unit 21 analyzes the content of the reception result mail and determines whether there is a reception error (S11). Here, the reception error is an error indicating that image mail processing (processing up to image data printing) could not be completed in the receiving-side apparatus. The presence or absence of a reception error can be determined by examining the contents of the Disposition field shown in FIG. 6C in the reception result mail.

When the main control unit 21 determines that there is no reception error, the process is terminated.
On the other hand, if there is a reception error, that is, if the image data cannot be printed on the receiving side device, a retransmission process described later is performed (S12). If the image mail is actually retransmitted, the process returns to S3. If the image mail is not retransmitted, the process ends (S13).

Next, the image mail creation process shown as S1 in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.
As shown in this figure, in the image mail creation process, first, the user sets a document on which an image to be attached to an e-mail is drawn in the scanner unit 25 (S21).
Thereafter, the user determines whether or not to use the abbreviated number list stored in the address storage unit 31 (S22).

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the abbreviated number list. As shown in this figure, the abbreviated number list is for setting the receiving side device (destination) and its e-mail address (E-mail address) for each abbreviated number (one-touch number).
In this list, each item of file format, compression format, reception result request, standby time, number of retransmissions, and format change at retransmission can be set for each receiving side device.

Here, the items of the file format and the compression format are for setting the image format of the image data included in the e-mail.
That is, the file format is a file format of image data such as TIFF or PDF. The compression format is a method for compressing image data, such as MH and MMR.

  The items of the reception result request and the time limit are settings relating to MDN (MDN settings). That is, the reception result request item is an item for setting whether or not to request a reception result mail reply to the receiving side device (whether or not to perform a reception result request). The time limit is an item for defining the timeout shown in S14 of FIG. 1, and can be set between 1 and 240 minutes.

Further, the number of retransmissions and the format change item at the time of retransmission are setting items (retransmission setting) related to retransmission processing described later.
That is, the number of retransmissions is an item for setting the number of times to retransmit the image mail. The format change at the time of retransmission is an item for setting whether or not to change the image format when resending the image mail.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 11, it is possible to determine in advance the image format setting, MDN setting, and retransmission setting in the image mail for the receiving-side apparatus that frequently transmits e-mail.

  When the user determines to use the abbreviated number list in S22 shown in FIG. 7, the user inputs the abbreviated number or the one-touch number by using the numeric keypad or one-touch key (not shown) on the operation panel 32. The receiving side apparatus, image format setting, MDN setting, and retransmission setting are determined (S23).

  In response to this, the main control unit 21 controls the e-mail creating unit 30 to create a header part (header information) of the image mail (S24). When the user operates the start key 45 of the operation panel 32, the main control unit 21 controls the scanner unit 25, the image storage unit 26, the encoding / decoding unit 27, and the encoding / decoding buffer 28. The original image is read and image data is created (S25). Thereafter, the main control unit 21 controls the e-mail creation unit 30 to create an image mail as shown in FIG. 5 using the header part created in S24 and the image data created in S25. (S26) The image mail creation process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the abbreviated number is not used, the user uses the input unit 42 of the operation panel 32 to set the e-mail address, the image format, the MDN setting, and the resend in the receiving apparatus that is the e-mail destination. A setting is input (S27 to S30). Thereafter, the main control unit 21 advances the process to S24 described above.

  Next, the retransmission process shown in S12 of FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.

  As shown in this figure, in the resending process, first, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the setting for resending the image mail is made (S41). This determination is made by confirming whether or not the number of retransmissions in the image mail retransmission setting is zero.

  If it is determined that retransmission has not been set, the main control unit 21 notifies the user of a reception error using the display unit 41 of the operation panel 32 (S46), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when determining that retransmission is set, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the number of retransmissions up to now (actual number of retransmissions) is smaller than the number of retransmissions (set number of retransmissions) in the retransmission setting. (S42).

  If the actual number of retransmissions is equal to the set number of retransmissions, the main control unit 21 notifies the user of a reception error using the display unit 41 of the operation panel 32 (S46), and ends the process.

  When the actual number of retransmissions is smaller than the set number of retransmissions, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a change in image format (format change) at the time of retransmission in the retransmission setting (S43). If the format change is set to none, the image mail transmitted in S2 of FIG. 1 is retransmitted in the same format (S45), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the format is changed, the main control unit 21 performs the format change process described later to change the image format in the image mail (S44). Then, an image mail including the image data whose image format has been changed is transmitted (S45), and the process is terminated.

  Here, the format change process shown as S44 in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process. As shown in this figure, in this process, first, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the reception result mail indicates the processing capability (reception capability / printing capability) in the reception side device (S51). . This determination is made by checking whether or not the Media-Accept-Features field shown in FIG. 6C, which is a field indicating this capability, is included in the reception result mail, and its contents. The

  If the processing result is indicated in the reception result mail, the main control unit 21 changes the image format in the image mail to a format corresponding to the processing capability of the receiving device (S52), and ends the processing. On the other hand, when the processing capability is not indicated, the main control unit 21 changes the image format in the image mail to the basic specification (S53), and ends the processing.

  Here, the basic specification image data is image data that can be processed by TIFF ProfileS (regulation according to IETF), which is the minimum processing capability of the netFAX apparatus. Specifically, it is image data that is attached data in MIME format, which is image data of horizontal pixel number: 1728 pixels, resolution: 200 × 100 dpi (or 200 × 200 dpi), and encoding method: MH. is there.

  Here, the example in said transmission process is demonstrated using FIGS. 11-14. That is, first, it is assumed that the digital multi-function peripheral 11 that is a transmission side apparatus transmits an image mail as shown in FIG. 11 to a reception side apparatus that does not have MH encoding capability. The image data included in the image mail has a file format (file format); TIFF, encoding method; MMR, resolution; 200 dpi × 200 dpi as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the digital multi-function peripheral 11 receives a reception result mail as shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, this reception result mail includes a notification of the capability of the receiving device (including a Media-Accept-Features field). In this reception result mail, the fact that there was a reception error is described in the Disposition field.

  In response to this, the main control unit 21 of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 changes only the encoding method in the image format of the image data to MH in order to enable printing of the image data in the receiving side apparatus. Create an image mail as shown and resend it. In response to this, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 receives a reception result mail indicating that the reception is completed in the Disposition field as shown in FIG. 14 from the receiving side apparatus, and the transmission processing is completed.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 11, when a reception error occurs, the main control unit 21 changes the image format of the image data in the image mail (retransmission data), and the image mail including the image data (retransmission data). ) Is retransmitted to the receiving apparatus.

  That is, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 attempts to avoid a reception error caused by the image format by changing the image format of the image data in the image mail and resending the image data. As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 can suppress the continuous occurrence of communication errors even if the image mail is retransmitted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of data transmission compared to a configuration in which no retransmission is performed and a configuration in which the same image mail is retransmitted.

  Further, when creating the image mail for retransmission, the main control unit 21 changes the image format of the image data to the basic specification if the reception result mail does not indicate the processing capability of the receiving device. Is set to Therefore, in this case, it is possible to reliably prevent a reception error in the reception side device.

When the main control unit 21 creates an image mail for retransmission, if the reception result mail indicates the processing capability of the receiving device, the main control unit 21 changes the image format to a format corresponding to the processing capability. Is set to let Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to reliably prevent a reception error in the reception side device.
Further, it is possible to transmit a more appropriate image mail (for example, with high transmission efficiency) as compared with the case of changing to the basic specification.

  In addition, the main control unit 21 is set to cancel the creation of the image mail related to the retransmission when it is determined that the communication error is a transmission error unrelated to the capability of the receiving device. The transmission error is not an error caused by the image format, but may be caused by a communication line trouble that cannot be easily recovered in a short period of time. When a transmission error due to such a trouble occurs, there is a high possibility that an error will occur even if retransmission is performed. Therefore, in such a case, unlike the digital multi-function peripheral 11, by not performing retransmission when a transmission error occurs, it is possible to save time for retransmission processing and improve transmission efficiency.

  In the above description, in the format changing process shown in FIG. 10, when the reception result mail does not indicate the capability of the receiving device, the image format of the image data is changed to the basic specification. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user may determine the second set number of retransmissions, and if the number of retransmissions is less than the second set number of retransmissions, the image mail may be retransmitted without changing the image format. Good.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of format change processing in this case. As shown in this figure, in this process, the process of S54 is introduced between S51 and S53 in the format change process shown in FIG.

  That is, in this process, when there is no capability notification in the reception result mail, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the actual number of retransmissions is smaller than the second set number of retransmissions (S54). When the actual number of retransmissions is smaller than the second set number of retransmissions, the main control unit 21 is set to end the process without changing the format of the image data.

  In this configuration, until the second set number of retransmissions is reached, retransmission is performed while maintaining the initial image format. This makes it possible to receive a more appropriate image mail when the lack of capability of the receiving device is resolved during the retransmission.

Further, the format change process may be a process as shown in FIG.
As shown in this figure, in this process, the process of S55 is introduced instead of S53 in the format change process shown in FIG.

  That is, in this process, when there is no capability notification in the reception result mail, the main control unit 21 changes a part of the image format of the image data (S55). This change is intended to make the printing process easier. As a result, when there is no notification of capability, image data in a state as good as possible (image data with a high compression ratio, image data with a high resolution, etc.) as compared with a configuration in which the image format of the image data is suddenly a basic specification You can send an image mail containing. As a result, it is possible to improve transmission efficiency and improve image quality.

  17 to 22 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the process illustrated in FIG. That is, first, it is assumed that the digital multi-function peripheral 11 that is a transmission side apparatus transmits an image mail as shown in FIG. 17 to a reception side apparatus that does not have MH encoding capability. The image data included in this image mail has a file format (file format); TIFF, encoding method; MMR, resolution; 200 dpi × 200 dpi as shown in FIG.

  In contrast, it is assumed that the digital multi-function peripheral 11 receives a reception result mail as shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, this reception result mail does not include the capability notification of the receiving device (not including the Media-Accept-Features field), and further indicates that there was a reception error in the Disposition field. Are listed.

  In response to this, the main control unit 21 of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 changes, for example, only the encoding method in the image format of the image data to MR in order to facilitate the printing of the image data in the receiving side apparatus. An image mail as shown in 19 is created and retransmitted.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the digital multifunction peripheral 11 receives a reception result mail as shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, this reception result mail does not include the capability notification of the receiving device (not including the Media-Accept-Features field), and further indicates that there was a reception error in the Disposition field. Are listed.

  In response to this, the main control unit 21 of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 changes, for example, only the encoding method in the image format of the image data to MH in order to further facilitate the printing of the image data in the receiving side device. An image mail as shown in FIG. 21 is created and retransmitted.

  On the other hand, when the digital multi-function peripheral 11 receives a reception result mail indicating that the reception is completed in the Disposition field as shown in FIG. Become.

In the present embodiment, the abbreviated number list is stored in the address storage unit 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the abbreviated number list may be stored in the control memory 22. Here, a registration process for the abbreviated number list will be described.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.

  As shown in this figure, when registering in the abbreviated number list, the user first presses the user setting key 49 (S61). Accordingly, the main control unit 21 causes the digital multifunction peripheral 11 to enter the abbreviated number list registration mode, and causes the display unit 41 to function as a touch panel that displays keys to be described later.

  Next, the “destination registration key” displayed on the display unit 41 is selected by the user (S62), and the registration of the “one-touch key (abbreviated number)” is further selected (S63). Thereafter, the user selects the communication mode, that is, whether the transmission is facsimile transmission using a normal public telephone line or INF communication (S64).

  Thereafter, the user designates a one-touch key to be registered (S65). Further, the e-mail address (E-mail address) of the receiving device as the destination is input (S66), and the file format (file format) and compression format suitable for the receiving device are input (S67).

  Subsequently, the user determines whether or not to request a reply to the reception result mail (S68). And when not calculating | requiring, a user selects the completion | finish of registration using the display part 41 (S69). Receiving this, the main control part 21 complete | finishes a process.

On the other hand, when requesting a reply to the reception result mail, the user selects the “reception result requested” button using the display unit 41 (S70).
Thereafter, the “reception result waiting time”, “timeout time (limit time)”, “number of retransmissions”, and “presence / absence of image format change at retransmission” are set by the user (S71 to 76), and the process proceeds to S69. The registration to the abbreviated number list shown in FIG. 8 is completed by the above steps (procedures).

  In the above description, when a transmission error occurs, in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 of the transmission side device, the main control unit 21 is set not to retransmit the image mail. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main control unit 21 may be set to retransmit the image mail after a predetermined time has elapsed even when a transmission error occurs. At this time, the main control unit 21 may be set not to change the image format of the image data or may be set not to change.

  Further, in the above, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 is not only for receiving side devices that send a reception result mail in response to reception of an image mail, but also for a device that cannot send such a reception result mail. Can be sent. In this case, the digital multifunction peripheral 11 retransmits the image mail when a transmission error occurs.

  That is, the data transmission device includes a transmission data creation unit that creates transmission data for transmission to the reception side device, and a transmission data creation unit that transmits the transmission data to the reception side device. A transmission control unit that controls the transmission data to be generated and transmits the generated transmission data to the reception side device. When a communication error occurs, the transmission control unit changes the format of the transmission data. It may be a data transmission device configured to create retransmission data and retransmit the data to the reception side device.

  In the above description, file formats and compression formats are listed as image formats of image data. However, the image formats handled in this system (image formats that can be changed at the time of retransmission) are not limited to these, and other types such as the resolution and size of image data, the number / type of display colors, the number / type of fonts, and the like. Any image format may be used. Further, the image format set to be changeable at the time of retransmission may be at least one of the image formats as described above.

In the above description, it is assumed that the digital multifunction peripheral 11 and the server 12 are connected by the digital line DL. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital multifunction peripheral 11 and the server 12 may be connected by an analog line (for example, PSTN).
In this case, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 uses the modem 33 and the NCU 34 to connect to the server 12 via the PSTN. Further, the digital multifunction device 11 may be set so that it can be directly connected to the Internet 13.

  In the above description, image mail transmission / reception (INF communication) using the Internet is shown. However, the network for transmitting and receiving the image mail in this system is not limited to the Internet, and may be another network (a more local network).

  In the above description, the INF communication is a method for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail including image data of a read original. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the INF communication of the present system, it is also possible to transmit / receive FTP (File Transfer Protocol) communication data including image data or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) communication data.

  In the above description, in S41 of the retransmission process shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not to perform retransmission based on whether or not the number of retransmissions is zero. However, the main control unit 21 may be set so as to determine the necessity of retransmission based on other information. Further, before executing the actual retransmission, the operation panel (operation unit) 32 may be used to make the user confirm the contents of the changed image format. In this case, the main control unit 21 performs retransmission after receiving a retransmission instruction from the user.

  In the above description, the display unit 41 is composed of an LCD. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 41 may be configured by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

  In the above description, the main control unit 21 controls the INF communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another control unit (MDN control unit) that specializes control of INF communication may be provided.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the digital multifunction device 15 has the same function as the digital multifunction device 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital multi-function peripheral 15 may be any communication device such as a facsimile machine as long as it can perform INF communication using MDN.

  In the above description, the digital multifunction peripherals 11 and 15 are shown as devices that transmit and receive image mail in INF communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a device that performs INF communication in the present system may be any device such as a facsimile device as long as it can execute INF communication using MDN.

  In the above description, the present system is described as being related to INF communication using MDN. However, this system is not limited to a system that transmits and receives and prints image mail by INF communication. That is, the present system can be easily applied to transmission / reception of image mail by other communication methods.

  For example, an image display device or a digital camera that does not have a printing function can be used as a reception-side device or a transmission-side device in this system. In this case, when these devices receive an image mail including image data that cannot be received (or cannot be displayed), the reception result mail is returned to the mail transmission side device. Then, the returned transmission side apparatus creates and retransmits an image mail including image data (or image data that is easier to process) according to the capability indicated in the reception result mail.

  Therefore, for example, the present system can be configured as shown in FIG. In this system, a digital multifunction machine 11, a host personal computer (host PC) 51, a scanner 52, a facsimile 53, a mobile phone (with a digital camera) 54, a digital camera 55, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) 56 are connected by a network N. This is the configuration. In this configuration, the scanner 52 and the digital camera 55 are devices dedicated to transmission, while other devices perform both transmission and reception of image mail.

  In this configuration, for example, an image mail including an image taken by a device (digital camera 55, mobile phone 54, etc.) having a digital camera function can be transmitted to the PDA 56.

  For example, when the PDA 56 can display only an image in the PNG format, but the format of the image data in the image mail is JPEG, the PDA 56 transmits a reception result mail to the transmission side apparatus. Next, when the transmission side apparatus that has received this can respond to the capability of the PDA 56, it changes the image format of the image data to PNG, and then retransmits the image mail to the PDA 56. If the PDA 56 has a digital camera function, an image mail including a captured image can be transmitted from the PDA 56 to another device.

  It is also possible to send an image mail including image data captured by a device having a scanner function (digital multifunction peripheral 11, scanner 52, etc.) to the facsimile 53.

  For example, when the facsimile 53 can print only an image in the TIFF format and the format of the image data in the image mail is PDF, the facsimile 53 transmits a reception result mail to the transmission side apparatus. Next, when the transmission side apparatus that has received this can respond to the capability of the facsimile 53, it changes the image format of the image data to TIFF and then retransmits the image mail to the facsimile 53.

  In addition, when an image mail is transmitted from the scanner 52 or the host PC 51 to the mobile phone 54 (or PDA 56), the mobile phone 54 cannot display image data due to restrictions on the image format, image size (resolution), and number of colors, or It may be impossible to receive the image data due to the limitation of the reception file size. In this case, the mobile phone 54 transmits a reception result mail including the capability notification to the transmission side device. Upon receiving the reception result mail, the transmission side device converts the image format of the image data according to the capability of the mobile phone 54 and retransmits the image mail to the mobile phone 54.

  Also, in the above, when a transmission error (a communication error (connection error) in the network) occurs, a notification of the transmission error is made to the user of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 that is the transmission side device, and the transmission process is terminated. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a transmission error occurs, it may be possible to set in advance whether to perform retransmission or to end (cancel) transmission processing.

  In this case, when a transmission error occurs in the setting for performing retransmission, the image mail is retransmitted without changing the image format of the image data. Also, when a reception error occurs due to insufficient capability of the receiving side device, the image mail is retransmitted by changing the image format of the image data as described above.

  In the above description, in S34 of FIG. 9, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a change in image format (format change) at the time of retransmission. However, this step may be omitted, and if the actual number of retransmissions is smaller than the set number of retransmissions, the format change process may be performed without fail.

In the above description, the main control unit 21 changes the image format of the image data in the image mail at the time of retransmission.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in this system, when creating an image mail for retransmission, any one element (for example, the format of the mail) in the image mail may be changed.

  In the above description, transmission of image mail in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 has been mainly described. On the other hand, in the following description, a configuration for efficiently receiving image mail in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 will be mainly described.

  In the present system, as described above, when the transmitted image mail cannot be processed, the reception result mail notifies the transmission side apparatus using the reception result mail. The transmission-side device that has received the reception result mail changes the image format of the image mail according to the content of the reception result mail, and retransmits the image mail.

  As described above, in this system, a plurality of image mails and reception result mails are transmitted and received between apparatuses. Therefore, in the following, in order to clearly distinguish these mails, the first received image mail (the reception result is unquestioned) is referred to as the initial image mail (initially retransmitted data), while receiving when a reception error occurs. The image mail (re-received data) retransmitted in response to the result mail is referred to as a re-sent image mail.

  In the present embodiment, when the digital multi-function peripheral 11 transmits / receives data by INF communication or normal facsimile communication, the main control unit 21 writes communication information in the communication management table.

FIG. 29A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of this communication management table.
As shown in this figure, the communication management table includes “management number (management No.)”, “transmission / reception”, “communication date”, “time”, “communication mode”, “communication destination”, “number of communication”. , “Communication results” are included.

  Here, the “management number” is a serial number set for each communication (transmission / reception). “Transmission / reception” is an item indicating the type of communication processing (transmission processing or reception processing). “Communication date” and “time” are items describing the date and time when each communication process is executed. “Communication mode” is an item that describes the type of communication mode (INF communication (mail) or facsimile (FAX)).

  “Communication partner” is an item for writing the mail address or FAX number of the communication partner. “Communication number” is an item that describes the number of pages (corresponding to the amount of data) or the number of transmitted / received pages when data for which transmission / reception processing is completed is printed on a predetermined sheet.

  “Communication result” is an item for describing OK when communication is completed (successful) and NG when failing. Here, communication failure refers to a case where a transmission error, a reception error, and a timeout error are notified when an image mail is transmitted by INF communication (see FIG. 1; otherwise successful). In addition, when image mail is received by INF communication and image data cannot be printed (or displayed) due to lack of reception capability (decoding capability, etc.), this also corresponds to communication failure.

  The communication management table is stored in the control memory 22 (or the address storage unit 31) of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 and is described (managed) by the main control unit 21.

  Next, image mail reception processing in the digital multifunction peripheral 11 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process. As shown in this figure, in the reception process, the main control unit 21 periodically connects the digital multi-function peripheral 11 and the server 12 using the digital line connection unit 35. Then, if there is an image mail (new mail) addressed to the digital multi-function peripheral 11 stored in the server 12, the main control unit 21 receives it (S81) and ends the connection.

  At this time, if there is no new mail, the main control unit 21 ends the process. On the other hand, when there is a new mail, the main control unit 21 executes a print process (or display process) of the image data included in the image mail (S83; mail reception process).

  Thereafter, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the received image mail is a retransmitted image mail (S84; the determination method will be described later).

  If it is determined that it is not a retransmitted image mail, the main control unit 21 stores this image mail as an initial image mail in the communication management table (S88). That is, the main control unit 21 describes information regarding the reception result (print result) of the image mail in each item of the communication management table.

  On the other hand, when determining that it is a retransmitted image mail, the main control unit 21 stores this image mail as a retransmitted image mail in the communication management table (S85).

  FIG. 29B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication management table storing reception of retransmission image mail. In this figure, information (retransmission information) regarding the newly received retransmission image mail is described in the column of the management number “005”. As shown in this figure, when a retransmission image mail is received, the main control unit 21 adds a new item “retransmission (management No)” to the end (right end) of the communication management table. This item is a part where the management number of the initial image mail corresponding to the retransmitted image mail (“001” in this example) is described.

  Next, the main control unit 21 determines whether a reception result request is attached to the image mail (S86). Then, if there is no reception result request, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when determining that the reception result request is included in the image mail, the main control unit 21 creates a reception result mail corresponding to the reception result of the image mail.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 21 connects the digital multi-function peripheral 11 to the server 12 using the digital line connection unit 35, and transmits a reception result mail to the transmission side device (S88). Then, the main control unit 21 ends the connection between the digital multifunction peripheral 11 and the server 12 and ends the process.

  Hereinafter, transmission / reception of the image mail and the reception result mail in the present embodiment will be described more specifically.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initial image mail. As shown in this figure, the initial image mail according to this embodiment is similar to the example of the image mail shown in FIG. 5, the header part shown in (a), the text shown in (b), and (c). It consists of the attached file shown. The actual image mail is not divided into (a) to (c), but is shown here in a divided state for simplicity. In the initial image mail of FIG. 25, the body of (b) indicates that the encoding method for the attached image data (attached file) is MMR.

  In this initial image mail, a Disposition-Notification-Options field is included in the header part. This field relates to a mail group identification ID for distinguishing a mail group composed of the initial image mail and other mail related thereto (reception result mail and retransmitted image mail) from other mails. 21 is set.

  In the example of FIG. 25, this field describes that Message-Id that is the identification ID of the initial image mail is designated. Therefore, in the retransmitted image mail related to the initial image mail, the Message-Id of the initial image mail is always written in the Disposition-Notification-Options field.

  In addition, the reception result mail related to the initial image mail also indicates the Message-Id of the initial image mail at a predetermined location, as will be described later.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reception result mail transmitted in the present embodiment. The reception result mail shown in FIG. 26 has only the MH encoding (decoding) capability of the image mail (image mail shown in FIG. 25) including the image data encoded by MMR. This is a reception result mail transmitted from the receiving device when transmitted to the receiving device.

  As shown in this figure, this reception result mail is composed of a header part shown in (a), a text shown in (b), and MDN information shown in (c), as in the example shown in FIG. . Although the actual reception result mail is not divided into (a) to (c), it is shown in a divided state here for simplicity.

  In the example shown in this figure, the destination of the reception result mail is the address specified in the Disposition-Notification-To field of the initial image mail (FIG. 25 (a)). Since the image data could not be decrypted, the Subject field of the reception result mail indicates that the processing has failed.

  In addition, the Disposition field of this reception result mail (field indicating whether or not the image mail processing has been successful) also indicates that the processing has failed.

  In the reception result mail, as shown in FIG. 26C, the MDN information includes a content-X-From-Request field. This field corresponds to the Disposition-Notification-Options field in the initial image mail, and is sent by the main control unit 21 of the receiving side device to the mail group identification ID (in this example, Message-Id <111 @ SHARP_D1 of the initial image mail). >) Is the site described.

  As described above, the Media-Accept-Features field of the reception result mail is a field indicating the processing capability (reception capability / printing capability) in the reception-side apparatus. In the example of FIG. 26 (c), with the capability of the receiving apparatus, monochrome display (monochrome printing) is performed (color = Binary), only the Tiff format can be read (image-file-structure = Tiff-limited), and 200 dpi. Resolution (dpi = 200) and aspect ratio is 200: 100 or 200: 200 (dpi-xyratio = [200 / 100,200 / 200]), and an encoding method of MH is possible (image- coding = [MH]), MRC (Mixed Raster Content) mode is 0 (MRC-mode = 0), and A4, B4 and A3 size papers can be used (paper-size = [A4, B4, A3] )

  Further, in the transmission side apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral 11) that has received such a reception result mail, as described above, the main control unit 21 adjusts to the capability of the transmission side apparatus indicated in the reception result mail. The image format of the image data is changed and a retransmitted image mail is transmitted (in this case, the main control unit 21 changes the encoding method of the image data to MH).

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing this retransmitted image mail. As shown in this figure, the retransmitted image mail has substantially the same configuration as the image mail shown in FIG. 25, but differs in the following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 27A, in the retransmitted image mail, the transmission date and time of the mail shown in the Date field in the header part is later than that of the image mail shown in FIG.

  In addition, a header part, an In-Reply-To field, and a References field are newly added to the retransmitted image mail. This In-Reply-To field specifies <AAA @ SHARP_D1> described in the Message-ID field of the reception result mail shown in FIG. 26A to indicate that the reply is for the reception result mail. It is a field. The References field indicates the ID of the electronic mail referred to by the main control unit 21 in order to create this retransmission image mail. In this example, since the reply was made to the reception result mail of FIG. 26, <AAA @ SHARP_D1> described in the Message-ID field of FIG. 26A is displayed.

  In the header part of the retransmitted image mail, the main control unit 21 describes the mail group identification ID (Message-Id <111 @ SHARP_D1> of the initial image mail in this example) in the Disposition-Notification-Options field. . That is, this Disposition-Notification-Options field indicates that the retransmitted image mail is related to the initial image mail (mail in FIG. 25) of Message-Id <111 @ SHARP_D1>.

  In FIG. 27A, <222 @ SHARP_D1> is newly designated in the Message-Id field. Further, in FIG. 27B, unlike FIG. 25, it is shown that the encoding method of the attached file in FIG. 27C is MH. This is because, as described above, the encoding method of the image data is changed according to the capability of the receiving side device.

  In S84 of FIG. 28, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the new mail is a re-sent image mail. This determination is made by comparing the Message-ID field in all received image mails with the Disposition-Notification-Options field of new mails. That is, when the initial image mail having the Message-ID field having the same content as the Disposition-Notification-Options field of the new mail has already been received, the main control unit 21 determines that the new mail is a resent image mail.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reception result mail (second time) transmitted from the receiving-side apparatus in response to the retransmission image mail shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 30A, in this reception result mail, the transmission date and time shown in the Date field of the header part is later than in the reception result mail shown in FIG. In the Subject field, information indicating that the processing has been successful is described.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 30 (c), the Original-Message-Id of the reception result mail indicates the Message-Id of the retransmission image mail shown in FIG. 27 (a). Further, as shown in FIG. 30 (c), the content-X-From-Request field of the reception result mail describes the mail group identification ID, Message-Id <111 @ SHARP_D1> of the initial image mail. ing.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 11 according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the new mail is a retransmitted image mail, and the determination result is described in the communication management table. This enables systematic communication management. For example, it is possible to easily determine whether or not a retransmitted image mail related to an initial image mail that has previously failed in processing has been received. In addition, the receiving device may take measures such as, for example, after confirming the reception of the retransmitted image mail, deleting the initial image mail and the related information corresponding thereto from the mail storage unit or the communication management table. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the transmission side apparatus shows a common mail group identification ID for the retransmitted image mail related to one initial image mail. Thereby, the receiving-side apparatus can easily determine whether or not the newly arrived mail is a re-sent image mail.

  In the prior art, the communication management result is as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 31A, when an image mail is received, the information is stored in the communication management table. However, as shown in FIG. 31B, the initial image mail with the management number “001” is stored. Even if a re-sent image mail corresponding to the message is received (“005”), the fact is not judged or displayed. For this reason, the receiving side apparatus cannot perform systematic communication management.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, when it is determined in S84 shown in FIG. 28 that the image is a retransmitted image mail, the main control unit 21 creates a communication management report as shown in FIG. The structure displayed on the display part 41 may be sufficient. This communication management report displays each item of the communication management table for the received retransmitted image mail and the initial image mail related thereto.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the initial image mail transmitted by the transmission side device may be configured as shown in FIG. This initial image mail is one in which the Disposition-Notification-Options field is designated as In-Reply-To-Request in the configuration of the initial image mail shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the initial image mail shown in FIG. 25, the Disposition-Notification-Options field is Message-ID-Request. This is a designation that the Message-Id of the initial image mail should be described in the content-X-From-Request field of the reception result mail as the mail group identification ID.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 33A, by setting the Disposition-Notification-Options field to In-Reply-To-Request, the content-X-From-Request field of the reception result mail is changed to In-Reply-To-Request. (Informing that it corresponds to the MDN reply condition request).

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reception result mail corresponding to the initial image mail shown in FIG. In this reception result mail, the content-X-From-Request field is specified as In-Reply-To (In-Reply-To request).

  Furthermore, FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an example of a re-sent image mail corresponding to the reception result mail shown in FIG. In this retransmitted image mail, <AAA @ SHARP_D1> which is the Message-Id of the reception result mail shown in FIG. 34 is shown in the In-Reply-To field of the header part.

  Thus, if In-Reply-To is described in the content-X-From-Request field of the reception result mail, the Message-Id of the reception result mail is displayed in the In-Reply-To field of the resent image mail. Will be shown.

  In the configuration for transmitting and receiving such mail, when the main control unit 21 of the receiving side apparatus determines whether or not the new mail is a resent image mail in S84 of FIG. -It is determined whether or not a reception result mail having the same Message-Id as the Reply-To field is transmitted, or whether or not a mail having the same Message-Id is received. And when transmitting, the initial image mail according to this reception result mail is specified using the Message-Id of the initial image mail, for example. Thereby, the main control part 21 can discriminate | determine whether the newly arrived mail is a resent image mail, and its initial image mail.

  Note that the In-Reply-To field of the retransmitted image mail shown in FIG. 27A describes the same contents as the retransmitted image mail shown in FIG. However, in the mail shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, mail identification using the Disposition-Notification-Options field is performed. For this reason, the In-Reply-To field is only shown as an auxiliary, and is not particularly used.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the main control unit 21 of the receiving side apparatus receives the retransmitted image mail, the information is described in a new column of the communication management table.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the communication result of the retransmitted image mail may be overwritten on the communication result of the initial image mail corresponding thereto (that is, the communication result is updated). You may). Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and information regarding all items in the retransmitted image mail may be overwritten on the items in the initial image mail.

  In addition, when the initial image mail as shown in FIG. 33 is received and the process fails, the receiving side apparatus may transmit a reception result mail as shown in FIG. In this reception result mail, the content-X-From-Request field shown in FIG. 36C is designated as In-Reply-To. Also, FIG. 37 (a) is provided with an In-Reply-To field, in which the Message-Id of the initial image mail is shown.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a retransmitted image mail corresponding to the reception result mail shown in FIG. In this resent image mail, in the In-Reply-To field of the header part, <AAA @ SHARP_D1> that is the Message-Id of the reception result mail shown in FIG. 34 and <111 @ that is the Message-Id of the initial image mail SHARP_D1> is shown. Therefore, in this configuration, when the receiving side apparatus receives a new mail, the receiving side apparatus compares the contents of the In-Reply-To field with the contents of the communication management table to determine whether or not the mail is a resent image mail. Or the initial image mail can be easily discriminated.

  Further, in the above, when the main control unit 21 of the receiving side apparatus receives the retransmitted image mail, the management number of the initial image mail related to this mail is displayed in the “Resend (Management No)” column of the mail in the communication management table. It is set as described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable that the main control unit 21 of the receiving side apparatus also describes the management number of the initial image mail related to this mail in the same column of the received reception result mail.

  In the above description, the transmission side device indicates a common mail group identification ID for the retransmitted image mail related to one initial image mail. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable that the reception result mail transmitted by the receiving apparatus also indicates the mail group identification ID related to the initial image mail corresponding to the mail. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the mail management in the transmission side device easier.

  In the above description, transmission / reception of data between the digital multifunction peripheral 11 (or the digital multifunction peripheral 15) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital multi-function peripheral 11 does not perform retransmission processing as shown in FIG. 9 and is a general transmission side device (for example, transmission side that performs data transmission (retransmission) at the user's discretion). Even when an image mail is received from the device, it is possible to manage the mail using the communication management table as described above.

  In the data reception method of the present invention, in the data reception method of receiving transmission data and returning a reception result notification according to the reception result, the transmission data already received using the storage unit and the control unit of the data reception device. Based on the stored information, the newly received transmission data is the retransmission data of the transmission data that has already been received, or is the initial transmission data that is different from the retransmission data It can also be expressed as a method of executing a determination step of determining whether or not.

  Further, in the data reception method of the present invention, in which the transmission data is received and the reception result notification corresponding to the reception result is returned, the information of the transmission data already received is stored in the storage unit of the data reception device. Based on the information stored in the storage unit using the storage step and the control unit of the data reception device, whether the newly received transmission data is the retransmission data of the transmission data already received, or the retransmission data It can also be expressed as a method including a determination step of determining whether the transmission data is different from the initial transmission data.

  In the above description, all processes in the transmission side device and the reception side device in this system are performed under the control of the main control unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information processing apparatus capable of recording a program for performing these processes on a recording medium and reading the program may be used in place of the main control unit 21.

  In this configuration, the arithmetic unit (CPU or MPU) of the information processing apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium and executes the process. Therefore, it can be said that this program itself realizes the processing.

  Here, as the information processing apparatus, in addition to a general computer (workstation or personal computer), a function expansion board or a function expansion unit mounted on the computer can be used.

  The above program is a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program, etc.) of software that realizes processing. This program may be used alone or in combination with other programs (such as OS). The program may be read from the recording medium, temporarily stored in a memory (RAM or the like) in the apparatus, and then read and executed again.

  The recording medium for recording the program may be easily separable from the information processing apparatus, or may be fixed (attached) to the apparatus. Furthermore, it may be connected to the apparatus as an external storage device.

  Examples of such recording media include magnetic tapes such as video tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks and hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROM, MO, MD, DVD, and CD-R (magnetomagnetic). Disc), memory cards such as IC cards and optical cards, semiconductor memories such as mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash ROM can be applied.

  Also, a recording medium connected to the information processing apparatus via a network (intranet / Internet) may be used. In this case, the information processing apparatus acquires the program by downloading via the network. That is, the above program may be acquired via a transmission medium (a medium that dynamically holds the program) such as a network (connected to a wired line or a wireless line). The program for downloading is preferably stored in advance in the apparatus (or in the transmission side apparatus / reception side apparatus).

  The present invention also relates to a network communication apparatus that transmits data such as image information via a network. More specifically, the present invention transmits data with a predetermined transmission setting and requests a response from a transmission destination. It can also be said that the present invention relates to a network communication device having a function of confirming whether or not there is a response.

  In addition, when a conventional network facsimile apparatus receives an e-mail and records and outputs the attached image information as a received document, it is received by the mail server apparatus so that it is not transferred again in a duplicated form. It may be configured to delete emails.

  In addition, conventionally, when information is transmitted using e-mail as a network facsimile, whether or not the information is normally received at the receiving side, or different from the case where information is transmitted by a normal facsimile machine, for example, It can be said that there has been a problem that it is impossible for the transmitting side to determine whether or not the processing has been appropriately performed. That is, unlike a normal facsimile apparatus that communicates with each other in real time via the PSTN, in a network facsimile apparatus, the receiving side terminal is not always connected to the mail server apparatus.

  In addition, even if the receiving terminal cannot receive, transmission from the transmitting terminal to the mail server device is possible, so at the time of transmission, whether it was received normally as described above, or was processed appropriately Etc. cannot be recognized on the transmission side. Therefore, conventionally, when it is necessary to confirm delivery of information transmitted by the network facsimile apparatus, there is an inconvenience that the operator must confirm by telephone after all. In addition, unlike the telephone, there is a problem that the advantage of the communication by e-mail that the real-time communication with each other is not required is lost.

  Therefore, as a technique for solving such a problem, when an e-mail is received, a method of performing delivery confirmation by returning a response of delivery confirmation (reception result confirmation) to the transmission side by the receiving side terminal, It can be said that it is defined by the MDN method defined in RFC2298. This is a method of notifying the sender of the reception result / elapse on the reception side of the transmission mail by a delivery confirmation mail (reception result mail) in a predetermined format for confirmation.

  In the MDN, when the terminal on the transmission side and the reception side satisfy the MDN specification, the delivery (reception result) is confirmed using the MDN field. Specifically, on the transmission side, an address to which a delivery confirmation mail (reception confirmation mail) is desired is sent in the MDN field and transmitted, and on the reception side, a delivery confirmation mail is sent to the address specified in the MDN field. Reply.

  Further, in the conventional netFAX apparatus, retransmission is not performed in order to prevent a re-transmission error at the time of retransmission, which causes a problem that the efficiency of data transmission cannot be improved. That is, in the conventional configuration, for example, a non-delivery report as a transmission error is displayed, but retransmission is not performed so as not to cause a transmission error. For this reason, when a transmission error of desired data occurs for some reason, since retransmission is not performed, transmission cannot be completed and data transmission efficiency is reduced. It can also be said that an object of the present invention is to provide a network communication apparatus that can appropriately retransmit and improve the efficiency of data transmission even in the case of a transmission error.

  The network communication apparatus according to the present invention transmits data via a network according to a predetermined transmission setting, and requests a response to the transmission destination and confirms the presence / absence of the response. It can be said that it has a function.

  When the transmission function of the digital multi-function peripheral 11 transmits image data of a document read by a scanner to an external apparatus, an e-mail is created by adding the e-mail address of the external apparatus to the image data, and the server 12 and the Internet 13 can also be expressed as a function of transmitting through the network.

  The Internet facsimile apparatus can also be expressed as follows. That is, this apparatus adds the facsimile document data to the electronic mail address that is the destination of the facsimile document data and converts it into an electronic mail. Then, it connects to an Internet service provider (corresponding to the mail server device 102 on the transmission side in FIG. 38) through a public telephone line or the like, and connects to the Internet through the host or directly connects to the Internet, and The electronic mail is transferred to a mail server (corresponding to the mail server device 104 on the receiving side in FIG. 38). The transmission-side netFAX apparatus (corresponding to the netFAX apparatus (transmission-side terminal) 101 in FIG. 38) and the reception-side netFAX apparatus (corresponding to the netFAX apparatus (reception-side terminal) 105 in FIG. 38) are both connected to the Internet. In this way, e-mail can be sent and received.

  Further, the e-mail creating unit 30 may add header information to the encoded image data and convert it into an e-mail format. Further, the operation panel 32 may be used for reading an original and giving instructions such as input of a destination. Further, the digital line connection unit 35 may be used to connect the digital multi-function peripheral 11 to a LAN (Local Area Network) so as to perform transmission / reception of electronic mail and INF communication via the Internet.

  Further, the numeric keypad 43 of the input unit 42 on the operation panel 32 may be used for inputting the number of image formations and the number of copies. The start key 45 may be a key for starting an image output operation to a sheet (recording medium). Further, the clear key 44 may be for clearing information input from the numeric keypad 43.

  In addition, a request for delivery confirmation (delivery confirmation response) by the MDN function and management of the received delivery confirmation response are performed on the digital multifunction peripheral 11, and control is performed using header information added by the e-mail creation unit 30. An MDN control unit may be provided. The MDN control unit corresponds to a detection unit that detects a transmission error in data transmission and a retransmission unit that retransmits data when a transmission error is detected. Here, this transmission error corresponds to a case where a result indicating that transmission is not normally completed is obtained in the delivery confirmation. Further, the MDN control unit may function in combination with the operation panel 32 as a setting changing unit that changes a predetermined transmission setting and a checking unit for checking when changing the transmission setting.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 11, when transmitting facsimile document data (image data) as an Internet facsimile apparatus, the e-mail creating unit 30 adds header information to the facsimile document data encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 27. It may be added and converted to an e-mail format.

  Further, it can be said that the header part of the outgoing mail shown in FIG. 5 is an area for displaying information related to transmission / reception of electronic mail and distribution over the Internet. In addition, it can be said that each row (field) in the header portion describes different unique information used for transmission and reception.

  It can also be said that the MDN function is for notifying the processing status with a message after successful distribution. In addition, the MDN function can be said to be a function capable of confirming delivery by receiving a delivery confirmation response to the transmission-side netFAX device when an e-mail is received. Further, the Disposition field of the reception result mail may indicate a state such as whether or not the processing of the electronic mail corresponding to the Message-Id is successful.

  Further, in the digital multi-function peripheral 11, the main control unit 21 determines whether there is a reception error, the main control unit 21 and the operation panel 32 change the transmission setting, and the main control unit 21 retransmits the transmission. Since it is possible to prevent a reading error in the side device, it can be said that the possibility of a reception error occurring again during the retransmission can be reduced.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 11 is configured such that after determining the presence / absence of a capability notification from the transmission destination (reception side), if there is a capability notification, the setting is changed to that capability and retransmitted. Therefore, it can be said that the efficiency in transmission can be improved compared to the configuration in which the basic specification is changed regardless of the presence / absence of the capability notification.

  Also, when there is no capability notification, the configuration is such that image data is changed to basic specifications and retransmitted. It can be said that unnecessary retransmissions can be reduced.

  In general INF communication, since the standard encoding method is provided, it can be assumed that the transmission destination has the MH encoding (decoding) capability. On the other hand, in the configuration according to the present invention described above, an encoding method with a higher compression rate can be selected as the apparatus main body, instead of transmitting with the encoding method fixed to MH. Also, the transmission is performed based on the encoding method set by the user. As a result, retransmission can be performed more efficiently.

  In addition, according to the process shown in FIG. 38, when there is no capability notification from the transmission destination, instead of suddenly changing to the basic specification, retransmission is performed with the original setting up to the second set number of retransmissions. If transmission is completed by resending, it can be said that the efficiency of transmission can be improved compared with the case of suddenly changing to the basic specification.

  The present invention can also be expressed as the following first to sixth communication devices (network communication devices) and a first electronic mail transmission device.

  That is, the first communication device requests a response to the transmission destination when transmitting data with a predetermined transmission setting, and a communication device having a response confirmation function for confirming the presence or absence of the response causes a transmission error in the data transmission. A configuration comprising detection means for detecting, setting change means for changing the transmission setting to change setting, and retransmission means for retransmitting the data according to the change setting when the detection means detects the transmission error. It is.

  The first communication device transmits desired data according to a predetermined transmission setting. When the detection means detects a transmission error, the setting change means changes the transmission setting to a change setting as another appropriate setting, and the retransmission means retransmits. This transmission error is caused by, for example, a reading (reception) error at the transmission destination. In this case, the transmission error is included in the response from the transmission destination. Further, the transmission error may be caused by a connection error that makes it impossible to connect to the transmission destination on the network, such as a network trouble. In this case, the transmission error is notified from, for example, the mail server of the first communication device connected to the first communication device body.

  Here, the transmission setting and the change setting are settings for transmitting data, and correspond to, for example, the resolution, encoding method, and file format of image data to be transmitted. The first communication device changes the transmission setting to the change setting when a transmission error occurs in transmission based on a predetermined transmission setting. This change setting corresponds to a more standard setting than the transmission setting, for example. That is, for example, a setting in which the resolution of image data to be transmitted is set low in the transmission setting, a standard encoding method with a low compression rate provided in any communication device, or a standard file that can be read by any communication device Resend with the changed settings changed to format. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a reading error at the transmission destination, thereby reducing the possibility that a transmission error will occur again at the time of retransmission. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the transmitted data cannot be decoded at the transmission destination due to a lack of capability of the transmission destination device, thereby causing a transmission error. Note that the change setting includes a setting not to perform retransmission, and in this case, the retransmission means does not perform retransmission. Therefore, it is possible to provide a communication apparatus that can improve retransmission efficiency by appropriately performing retransmission even in the case of a transmission error.

  Further, the second communication device is the first communication device, and the setting change means is used as a standard in transmission / reception of image data via the network, with the transmission setting as the change setting. This is a change to the standard encoding system specified. According to the second communication device, the transmission setting is changed to the standard encoding method possessed by any communication device, so that reading (reception) errors at the transmission destination can be prevented more reliably and at the time of retransmission. The possibility of transmission errors occurring can be reduced.

  Further, in the first communication device, the third communication device may be configured such that the setting change unit changes the transmission setting to the reception capability when the reception capability of the transmission destination is notified by the response from the transmission destination. It is the structure which changes to the said change setting according to. According to this configuration, since the transmission setting is changed to a change setting corresponding to the reception capability of the transmission destination, it is possible to reliably prevent a reading error at the transmission destination and further reduce the possibility of a transmission error occurring during retransmission. it can. Also, compared with the case where the transmission setting is set to the standard encoding method, the transmission setting is changed to a change setting with higher transmission efficiency (high compression, etc.) according to the reception capability of the transmission destination, so transmission is performed efficiently. it can.

  In addition, in any one of the first to third communication devices, when the detection unit detects a transmission error as a connection error with the transmission destination in the fourth communication device, the change setting unit sets the transmission setting. Is changed to the change setting of not performing retransmission, and the retransmission means is configured not to retransmit the data. According to this, since a retransmission is not performed in the case of a connection error such as a network trouble, for example, retransmission is not wasted and a transmission error is not generated again.

  Further, in any of the first to third communication devices, the fifth communication device is a connection error with the transmission destination notified from the mail server of the communication device in which the detection means is connected to the communication device main body. When the transmission error is detected, the change setting unit changes the transmission setting to the change setting not to perform retransmission, and the retransmission unit does not retransmit the data. According to this, since a retransmission is not performed in the case of a connection error such as a network trouble, for example, retransmission is not wasted and a transmission error is not generated again.

  In addition, the sixth communication apparatus includes a confirmation unit for confirming the contents of the change setting in any of the first to fifth communication apparatuses, and performs retransmission by the retransmission unit after the confirmation by the confirmation unit. It is a configuration. In the sixth communication device, retransmission is performed after confirming the content of the change setting by the confirmation means, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous retransmission when the content of the change setting is not desired. Further, in the sixth communication device, when the content of the change setting is not desired, the configuration may be such that the change setting is further changed by the setting change means and then retransmitted.

  In addition, the first e-mail transmission device requests a response to a transmission destination when transmitting data according to a predetermined transmission setting, and the e-mail transmission device having a response confirmation function for confirming the presence / absence of the response transmits the data. And a retransmission unit that retransmits data when the detection unit detects the transmission error. Thereby, even in the case of a transmission error, it is possible to provide a communication device that can appropriately retransmit and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

  Conventionally, as an example of a configuration using an MDN, Patent Document 3 discloses that when a reception result mail is detected, communication is successful as an item of communication result of communication management information registered in the communication management table for the transmitted e-mail. A communication terminal device for registering information indicating the above is disclosed. That is, according to this apparatus, it is possible to collectively manage, as communication management information, received result mails and error notifications returned by electronic mail from the electronic mail system on the network. However, in the configuration described in the above document, there is a problem in that systematic communication management cannot be performed on the reception side because sufficient communication management is not performed in the communication device on the reception side.

  That is, in this configuration, as communication management of the communication device on the transmission side, it is determined whether or not the previously transmitted e-mail was successful, and if retransmitted, the result in that case was successful communication. It can be said that it is possible. However, the configuration of the above document is not considered for the communication device on the receiving side. For this reason, as communication management on the receiving side, for example, it is impossible to identify whether the same content is transmitted even if the email is transmitted earlier and the email is retransmitted. For this reason, according to this configuration, even if an e-mail having substantially the same content as that of the previously transmitted e-mail is retransmitted, communication management is performed as a different result on the receiving side. As a result, in the communication device on the receiving side, systematic communication management cannot be performed, which may cause inconvenience and confusion for the user.

  It can also be said that an object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus that can perform communication management that is sufficiently systematic even in the communication apparatus on the receiving side. The present invention also relates to a communication device that transmits information by electronic mail via a network. More specifically, the present invention uses a delivery confirmation (reception result confirmation) function such as MDN, for example. It can also be said that the present invention relates to a communication device capable of confirming delivery of electronic mail.

  It can also be said that the Final-Recipient field of the reception result mail indicates the reception address to which the MDN is returned. Furthermore, it can be said that the Disposition-Notification-Options field of the image mail is a field for specifying a reply condition in the MDN. That is, according to this, the content-X-From-Request field in the reception result mail of FIG. 26 (c) is designated, and according to this, the Disposition-Notification-Options field in the retransmission mail of FIG. , Message-Id of the image mail sent first can be specified. Further, in the case of reception failure, it can be said that a reception result mail describing the failure in the Subject field of FIG.

  Also, it can be said that the mail with the management number 005 shown in FIG. 29B corresponds to the mail received in S83, and the mail with the management number 006 corresponds to the mail transmitted in S87. In addition, the configuration shown using FIGS. 36 and 37 is a combination of the configuration shown using FIGS. 25 to 32 and the configuration using only Message-Id as the group identification ID. I can say that. In addition, the item “communication mode” in the communication management table can be said to be an item necessary because the digital multi-function peripheral 11 has two communication modes of the normal fax mode and the INF communication mode.

  The present invention can also be expressed as the following seventh to fifteenth communication devices and first network communication devices. That is, the first communication device includes a receiving unit that receives an e-mail, and a reply unit that sends a reply in response to the e-mail delivery confirmation request received by the receiving unit. According to the comparison result of the comparison means, the comparison means for comparing the first e-mail received by the receiving means that has sent the reply and the second e-mail received by the reception means in a predetermined manner, The second electronic mail is configured to include determination means for determining whether or not the first electronic mail is a retransmitted retransmitted mail.

For example, in response to a delivery confirmation request by the MDN, the seventh communication device returns a delivery confirmation of the received electronic mail. On the other hand, in the communication device on the transmission side that has transmitted the e-mail to the seventh communication device, for example, when a reply to the delivery confirmation is received, the e-mail is retransmitted if necessary according to the received content. When the seventh communication device receives the e-mail, the seventh communication device compares the e-mail with the e-mail that has been received and returned as a delivery confirmation in a predetermined manner. Then, it is determined whether or not the e-mail is a re-mail of the e-mail that has been received and sent back as a confirmation of delivery.
Therefore, for example, the received electronic mail can be appropriately managed depending on whether or not it is a resent mail having the same content. It should be noted that the predetermined method in the comparison includes, for example, comparing mail message IDs.

  In addition, the eighth communication device includes record management means for recording and managing received electronic mail or information about the transmitted electronic mail as communication management information in the seventh communication apparatus, and the recording management means receives the received first electronic mail. When the determining means determines that the second e-mail is a re-sent mail of the first e-mail, information indicating that the second e-mail is a re-sent mail of the first e-mail with respect to the second e-mail In this configuration, the management information is added and recorded.

  For example, when the eighth communication device determines that the newly received e-mail is a re-sent mail of the e-mail that has been received and sent back as a confirmation of delivery, the eighth communication apparatus resends the newly received e-mail. Information that it is mail is added to the communication management information for record management. Therefore, management of electronic mail can be facilitated.

  In addition, the ninth communication device includes recording management means for recording and managing received electronic mail or information related to the transmitted electronic mail as communication management information in the seventh communication apparatus, and the recording management means receives the received first electronic mail. When the determining means determines that the second e-mail is a re-sent mail of the first e-mail, the communication management information of the first e-mail is updated with respect to the second e-mail. For example, when the newly received e-mail is a re-send mail of an e-mail that has been received and sent back as a confirmation of delivery, the third communication device receives the e-mail that was received and sent back as a return of confirmation of delivery. The email information is updated. Therefore, management of electronic mail can be facilitated.

  Further, in the tenth communication device, in the seventh to eighth communication devices, the comparison means compares the message ID of the first electronic mail with the message ID of the second electronic mail. If two emails are compared by comparing message IDs, the two emails can be easily compared. Therefore, the seventh to eighth communication devices can be easily realized.

  The eleventh communication device is configured such that, in the tenth communication device, the reply means includes the message ID of the electronic mail received by the reception means in a reply made in response to the delivery confirmation request. The eleventh communication device includes the message ID of the received electronic mail in the reply. On the other hand, in the communication device on the transmission side that transmitted the e-mail to the eleventh communication device, the e-mail is retransmitted including the same message ID as that of the e-mail transmitted first, for example, included in the received delivery confirmation. . When the eleventh communication device receives the e-mail, the eleventh communication device compares the message ID of the e-mail with the message ID of the e-mail that has been received and sent back as a confirmation of delivery. Therefore, the above-described tenth communication device can be easily realized.

  The twelfth communication device is a communication device including a transmission unit that transmits an e-mail to the tenth communication device, and the transmission unit has a content of communication failure with respect to the e-mail transmitted by adding the delivery confirmation request. When the delivery confirmation mail is received, the same message ID as that of the transmitted electronic mail is included, and the transmitted electronic mail is retransmitted. The twelfth communication device is paired with the tenth communication device and can easily realize the tenth communication device.

  In any one of the seventh to ninth communication devices, the thirteenth communication device is configured such that the comparison unit obtains the message ID of the email returned in response to the delivery confirmation request and the message ID of the second email. It is the structure to compare. If two emails are compared by comparing message IDs, the two emails can be easily compared. Therefore, the seventh to ninth communication devices can be easily realized.

  The fourteenth communication device is a communication device including a transmission unit that transmits an e-mail to the thirteenth communication device, and the transmission unit has a content of communication failure with respect to the e-mail transmitted by adding the delivery confirmation request. When the delivery confirmation mail is received, the message ID added to the delivery confirmation mail is included, and the transmitted electronic mail is retransmitted. The fourteenth communication device is paired with the thirteenth communication device and can easily realize the thirteenth communication device.

  The fifteenth communication device is a communication device including a transmission unit that transmits an e-mail to the tenth or thirteenth communication device, and the transmission unit fails in communication with the e-mail transmitted with the delivery confirmation request added. When the delivery confirmation mail having the content is received, the same message ID as that of the transmitted electronic mail and the message ID added to the delivery confirmation mail are included, and the transmitted electronic mail is retransmitted. Even with this configuration, the tenth or thirteenth communication device can be easily realized in combination with the tenth or thirteenth communication device.

  The first network communication device is a communication device comprising: a receiving unit that receives image data; and a reply unit that sends a reply in response to a delivery confirmation request for the image data received by the receiving unit. The comparison means for comparing the reception information of the first image data received by the reception means that has performed the reception information of the second image data received by the reception means with a predetermined method, and the comparison of the comparison means According to the result, the second image data includes a determining unit that determines whether or not the first image data has been retransmitted.

  The first network communication device replies with a delivery confirmation of the received electronic mail in response to a delivery confirmation request by MDN (Message Disposition Notification), for example. On the other hand, in the communication device on the transmission side that has transmitted the e-mail to the communication device, for example, when a reply to the delivery confirmation is received, the e-mail is retransmitted if necessary according to the received content. When the first network communication device receives the e-mail, the first network communication device compares the e-mail with an e-mail that has been received and returned as a delivery confirmation in a predetermined manner. Then, it is determined whether or not the e-mail is a re-mail of the e-mail that has been received and sent back as a confirmation of delivery. Therefore, for example, the received electronic mail can be appropriately managed depending on whether or not it is a resent mail having the same content. It should be noted that the predetermined method in the comparison includes, for example, comparing mail message IDs.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Therefore, other embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the members shown in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an e-mail transmission process in INF communication under the control of a main control unit in a digital multi-functional peripheral belonging to a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the said communication system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration (electrical configuration) of a digital multifunction peripheral in the communication system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel in the digital multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image mail produced | generated by the electronic mail preparation part in the digital multifunctional device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reception result mail returned in response to the image mail illustrated in FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an image mail preparation process shown as S1 in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an abbreviated number list stored in an address storage unit in the digital multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the resending process shown to S12 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a format change process shown as S44 in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the image mail produced | generated by the electronic mail preparation part in the digital multifunctional device shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image mail resent according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the image mail shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other flow of a format change process shown as S44 in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the further another flow of a format change process shown as S44 in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image mail transmitted / received in the process shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image mail resent according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image mail resent according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the image mail shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of registration processing for the abbreviated number list shown in FIG. 8. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example in the communication system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the initial image mail transmitted / received in the communication system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the initial image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the resending image mail resent according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of image mail reception processing in the digital multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a communication management table stored in the digital multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the resending image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional communication management result. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a communication result report created and displayed in the digital multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. 3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the initial image mail transmitted / received in the communication system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the resending image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the resending image mail resent according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the reception result mail transmitted according to the resending image mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the resending image mail according to the reception result mail shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic structure in the conventional communication system.

Explanation of symbols

11 Digital multi-function peripheral (data transmitter / data receiver)
12 Server 13 Internet 14 Server 15 Digital multi-function peripheral (data transmission device / data reception device)
21 Main control unit (transmission control unit, reception control unit)
22 Control memory (storage unit)
23 Control Buffer 24 Clock Unit 25 Scanner Unit (Transmission Data Creation Unit)
26 Image storage unit (transmission data creation unit)
27 Encoding / Decoding Unit (Transmission Data Creation Unit)
28 Encoding / decoding buffer (transmission data creation unit)
29 Printer unit 30 E-mail creation unit (transmission data creation unit)
31 Address storage unit (storage unit)
32 Operation panel (operation unit)
41 Display unit 42 Input unit 51 Host personal computer (transmission control unit, reception control unit)
52 Scanner (Transmission Control Unit)
53 Facsimile (Transmission control unit, Reception control unit)
54 Mobile phone (transmission control unit, reception control unit)
55 Digital Camera (Transmission Control Unit)
56 PDA (transmission control unit, reception control unit)
DL digital line

Claims (14)

In the data reception device that receives the transmission data transmitted from the data transmission device and returns a reception result notification according to the reception result,
A storage unit for storing information of transmission data already received;
Reception that determines whether newly received transmission data is retransmission data of transmission data that has already been received or initial transmission data that is different from retransmission data, based on information stored in the storage unit A data receiving apparatus comprising: a control unit. The data transmission device is
A data transmission device adapted to confirm a reception result of transmission data by a reception result notification from a reception side device,
A transmission data creation unit for creating transmission data to be transmitted to the receiving side device;
A transmission control unit that controls the transmission data creation unit to create transmission data, and transmits the created transmission data to the reception side device; and
The transmission control unit, when a communication error occurs, causes the transmission data creation unit to create retransmission data in which the format of transmission data is changed, and retransmits the created retransmission data to the reception side device. Item 4. The data receiving device according to Item 1.   2. The reception control unit is set to store in a storage unit a communication management table for recording an identifier of transmission data that has already been received and related information in association with each other. The data receiving device described in 1.   When the reception control unit determines that the newly received transmission data is retransmission data, the identifier of the initial transmission data related to the retransmission data is described in the communication management table as related information of the retransmission data. The data receiving device according to claim 3, wherein the data receiving device is set.   When the reception control unit determines that the newly received transmission data is retransmission data, the reception control unit is set to update related information of the initial transmission data regarding the retransmission data according to a reception result of the retransmission data. The data receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein   The transmission control unit in the data transmission device is set to include a common first identification ID in the initial transmission data and the retransmission data related thereto, and the reception control unit uses the first identification ID. The data receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data receiving apparatus is set so as to determine whether the newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data.   The data reception device according to claim 6, wherein the reception control unit is set to include a first identification ID attached to transmission data in a reception result notification. The transmission control unit in the data transmission device is set to include, in addition to the first identification ID, the second identification ID included in the transmitted reception result notification in the retransmission data regarding this notification. ,
The reception control unit is set so as to determine whether the newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data based on the first identification ID or the second identification ID. The data receiving device according to claim 6, wherein: The transmission control unit in the data transmission device is set to include the second identification ID included in the transmitted reception result notification in the retransmission data regarding the notification,
The reception control unit is set to determine whether newly received transmission data is retransmission data or initial transmission data based on the second identification ID. Item 3. The data receiving device according to Item 2. In a data reception method for receiving transmission data and returning a reception result notification according to the reception result,
A storage step of storing information of transmission data already received;
A determination step of determining whether newly received transmission data is retransmission data of transmission data that has already been received or initial transmission data that is different from retransmission data, based on stored information; A data receiving method characterized by comprising.   A communication system comprising: a data transmission device that transmits transmission data; and the data reception device according to claim 1.   The data reception program for functioning the computer of an information communication apparatus as a reception control part in the data receiver of any one of Claims 1-9.   A data receiving program for causing a computer of an information communication apparatus to execute a storing step and a determining step in the data receiving method according to claim 10.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the data receiving program according to claim 12 or 13 is recorded.

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