JP2009060211A - Facsimile equipment and facsimile system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide facsimile equipment and a facsimile system which enable a user to easily change and add a reception notification destination and a reception image data transfer destination even after return home or during going out and ensure securities. <P>SOLUTION: The facsimile equipment includes: a facsimile communication part 17 connected to a public line 4; an interface part 18 for communicating with a terminal via a LAN 2 and a wide area network; and a storage part which, on receiving facsimile, stores a reception notification destination corresponding to transmission source information of the other party facsimile and/or a reception image data transfer destination. The interface part 18 accepts setting change information relating to setting of addition and change of reception notification and/or reception image data transfer, from a terminal capable of communicating with the facsimile equipment and adds and changes setting of the reception notification destination and/or the transfer destination in the storage part on the basis of setting change information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus having a facsimile communication function, such as a facsimile machine, an Internet facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine. The present invention also relates to a facsimile system formed by a server device connected to a device having these facsimile communication functions.

  Conventionally, in a device having a facsimile communication function (including Internet facsimile) such as a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, etc., from the viewpoint of making it difficult to overlook the reception of a facsimile at the time of facsimile reception, a notification of reception by e-mail or the like, Some transfer the received image data. Specifically, a reception notification is transmitted from the multifunction device to a reception notification destination or forwarding destination such as a personal computer or a mobile phone stored in the multifunction device in association with the facsimile number or mail address of the other party at the time of facsimile reception. .

An example of such a multifunction machine that performs reception notification is described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, in a printing system in which a digital multi-function peripheral and a terminal are connected to the same network, when the digital multi-function peripheral receives a facsimile, the facsimile source number and the facsimile number stored in the storage unit are collated. A printing system is described in which the IP address of a registered terminal is detected based on the collation result and a facsimile reception notification is transmitted. (See Patent Document 1: Claim 3, paragraph 0008, etc.).
JP2004-192548

  Here, after receiving a notification of facsimile reception at home or on the go, you can check the contents of the reception and send it to an external terminal (for example, a personal computer or a mobile phone) or a facsimile machine connected via the Internet. You may want to transfer image data.

  However, if the user returns home or goes out without changing the settings of the reception notification destination and the received image data transfer destination of the multifunction peripheral or the like, there is a problem that the reception notification or the like cannot be received while going out after returning home. Although it is possible to ask another person such as a colleague to change the settings of the reception notification destination and the received image data transfer destination, it is not preferable in terms of security management that the other person changes the setting of the multifunction device or the like. There is a problem.

  On the other hand, if you change the settings of the reception notification destination and reception image data transfer destination of the multifunction device, etc., but go home or go out, but you no longer need the reception notification or reception image data transfer, change the settings of the multifunction device, etc. Therefore, there is a problem that unnecessary reception notification and received image data transfer are performed as they are.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, an IP address is dynamically assigned to a terminal by a DHCP function, and reception notification to a terminal connected to the same network is stopped, and a received image data transfer destination such as a multifunction peripheral is set. It is also impossible to send a reception notification or the like to an external terminal or facsimile machine after returning home or when going out, and the above problem cannot be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and can easily change / add a reception notification destination, a reception image data transfer destination, etc. even when going out after going home, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile system that are safe in terms of security.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is for communicating with a facsimile communication unit that performs facsimile communication through a public line, and a terminal that can communicate with a device via a local area network and a wide area network. An interface unit, and a storage unit for storing address information or a facsimile number of the terminal serving as a reception notification destination and / or reception image data transfer destination corresponding to transmission source information of a counterpart facsimile when a facsimile is received; The interface unit receives, from the terminal that can communicate with the apparatus, setting change information related to reception notification and / or setting of addition / change of received image data transfer, and based on the setting change information, a reception notification destination of the storage unit And / or transfer destination settings are added / changed.

  According to this configuration, when the user notices, the setting of the reception notification destination and the reception image data transfer destination can be changed / added from a terminal of an internal or external network (for example, a personal computer or a mobile phone at home). Can do. Accordingly, since reception notification and received image data transfer can be received at a desired place from the facsimile apparatus when desired, it is highly convenient for the user and it is possible to prevent omission of confirmation of the received facsimile.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the storage unit stores a plurality of user IDs and passwords for determining whether or not the setting change information transmitted by the terminal is transmitted from an authorized person, In the interface unit, when the user ID and password are transmitted from the terminal, the interface unit includes a determination unit that determines whether to collate with the user ID and password stored in the storage unit. When there is no transmission of the user ID and password, and when the determination result by the determination unit indicates that the verification is not performed, the storage unit adds the setting of the reception notification destination and / or the reception image data transfer destination. No change was made.

  According to this configuration, since the user ID and the password are used to confirm whether the user has authority to change or add the reception notification destination, the reception image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination of the facsimile apparatus. It is possible to prevent a third party from changing or adding a setting such as a reception notification destination. Therefore, information leakage can be prevented and security can be ensured.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the storage unit limits the storage area that can be added / changed according to the user ID and password transmitted from the terminal.

  According to this configuration, the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, the change of the transmission result notification destination, the change of the setting of the reception notification destination etc. only for the storage area given to the person who intends to add Restrictions can be made so that additions can be made. In other words, the setting of the other person's reception notification destination is restricted so that it cannot be changed. Therefore, security can be improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores address information or facsimile numbers of a plurality of terminals serving as the reception notification destination and / or the reception image data transfer destination corresponding to transmission source information, The setting change information is used to instruct switching of a plurality of registered reception notification destinations and / or reception image data transfer destinations.

  According to this configuration, when changing the setting of the reception notification destination, the reception image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination, it is sufficient to give an instruction to switch the change of a plurality of registered reception notification destinations. It is not necessary to input all address information such as an e-mail address and a facsimile number. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the reception notification destination and the like.

  In addition, the invention according to claim 5 includes a time measuring unit for measuring the date and time, the storage unit stores image data for timer transmission, and stores address information of a transmission result notification destination of timer transmission, The facsimile communication unit transmits a facsimile timer at a set time in accordance with the time measured by the time measuring unit, and the setting change information includes addition / change of the transmission result notification destination setting stored in the storage unit It was decided to include information about.

  According to this configuration, since the transmission result notification destination of timer transmission can be included in the setting change information, the setting change of the transmission result notification destination can also be performed from an external terminal.

  The invention according to claim 6 further includes a server unit that transmits to the terminal data on a Web screen for inputting the setting change information on the terminal.

  According to this configuration, the server unit can function as a Web server and display a Web screen for inputting setting change information on the terminal. Therefore, the terminal only has to input the setting change information based on the Web screen, and can easily change or add the settings of the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a facsimile system is communicably connected to the facsimile apparatus according to the first to fifth aspects and the facsimile apparatus according to the first to fifth aspects, wherein the facsimile system is connected to the terminal on the terminal. It has a server device that transmits Web screen data for input related to the setting change information.

  In this configuration, the server unit is not included in the facsimile apparatus, but the server in the local area network to which the facsimile apparatus belongs has a Web server function. Therefore, the terminal only has to input the setting change information based on the Web screen, and can easily change or add the settings of the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the settings of the reception notification destination and the reception image data transfer destination can be changed / added from an internal or external network terminal (for example, a personal computer or a mobile phone at home). Accordingly, it is possible to receive a reception notification and received image data transfer at a desired location from the facsimile machine when desired. Moreover, security is ensured.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example. In the present embodiment, an example in which the facsimile apparatus 41 is the multifunction machine 1 that can be used as a copy, a printer, and a scanner in addition to the facsimile function will be described.

  First, a facsimile system according to the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a facsimile system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in the LAN 2 (local area network) (shown by a two-dot chain line) to which the multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. A server 22 and a Web server 23 are provided.

  The PC 21 is a user terminal composed of a notebook personal computer or a desktop personal computer. The PC 21 has a display device (for example, a display), an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse), and an interface, and can send and receive data to and from the multifunction device 1. It is. Thus, for example, if data for image formation is transmitted from the PC 21 and the multifunction device 1 forms an image based on this data, the multifunction device 1 can be used as a printer (printer function). Further, by storing the image data of the original read by the multifunction device 1 in the PC 21, the multifunction device 1 can be used as a scanner (scanner function). It is also possible to send facsimile data directly to the counterpart facsimile machine 41 by sending image data sent by facsimile from the PC 21 to the multifunction machine 1 (facsimile function). The multifunction machine 1 includes a document reading unit 10 and an image forming unit 12 which will be described later, and it is possible to copy a document using these (copy function).

  The mail server 22 is always connected to the Internet 3 and is used for transmission / reception of electronic mails of the multifunction machine 1 and the PC 21 in the LAN 2 to transmit and receive electronic mails. The mail server 22 provides electronic mail communication based on protocols such as SMTP, POP3, and IMAP4.

  Further, when the multifunction device 1 is used as an Internet FAX, the multifunction device 1 can access a mailbox in the mail server 22 because image data to be transmitted / received to an electronic mail is attached and communication is performed as a facsimile. Therefore, when the multifunction device 1 performs facsimile transmission as the Internet FAX, the multifunction device 1 creates an electronic mail attached with image data addressed to the mail address of the other party's Internet facsimile 31 and transmits it to the mail server 22. In the case of reception, the multifunction device 1 receives an e-mail attached with image data from the mail server 22, prints the attached image data, and transmits the image data to the confidential box 7 (details will be described later).

  The Web server 23 is a computer that transmits information to a terminal such as the PC 21 in the LAN 2 or a terminal (external PC 32, PDA 33, mobile phone 34, etc.) accessed from the outside via the Internet 3, and is an HTML document. And information such as images are stored, and information is transmitted in response to a request from client software such as a Web browser on the terminal. Thereby, a Web screen is displayed on the terminal via the Web browser.

  Although details will be described later, settings of the multifunction machine 1 such as a facsimile reception notification and a transfer destination can be changed on the Web screen. At the time of changing the setting of the multifunction device 1, for example, the user ID and password input screen is displayed for authentication, and the Web server 23 is only displayed when the user ID and password are recognized as valid. Accept setting changes. In other words, the Web server 23 functions like a remote access server (RAS) via the Internet 3.

  The multi-function device 1 is connected to terminals such as the Internet facsimile 31, the PC 32, the PDA 33, and the mobile phone 34 via the firewall 24, the Internet 3, and the like, and can communicate. The multifunction device 1 is also connected to the public line 4 (public telephone line) to perform facsimile communication with the other party's facsimile apparatus 41 and can perform facsimile communication.

  Next, the details of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction device 1 (illustrated by a two-dot chain line) includes a document reading unit 10, a work RAM 11, an image forming unit 12, a sheet supply unit 13, a sheet conveyance path 14, an HDD 15, a flash ROM 16, and a control unit 5. A facsimile communication unit 17, an interface unit 18, an external storage device interface 19, and the like. The operation panel 6 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The original reading unit 10 reads an original and forms image data of the read original. For example, a contact glass is provided on the upper surface of the document reading unit 10, and an exposure lamp, a reflecting plate, a mirror, a lens, a CCD sensor (not shown), etc. are provided in the document reading unit 10, and an original is optically read. Scan and generate image data. That is, it corresponds to a scanner that reads an image of a document. Further, the document may be read by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

  The work RAM 11 is a high-speed memory that temporarily accumulates image data read by the document reading unit 10 and can perform various image processing such as shading correction, gamma correction, and density correction on the image data of the document. is there.

  The image forming unit 12 forms a predetermined image on the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying path 14. The image forming unit 12 in the present embodiment mainly includes an image forming unit 12a and a fixing device 12b provided on the downstream side of the image forming unit 12a in the sheet conveying direction. When the multifunction device 1 is color-compatible, a plurality of image forming units 12a may be provided.

  The image forming unit 12a in the present embodiment includes, for example, a photosensitive drum and a charging device, a developing device, an exposure device, a transfer roller, a cleaning unit, and the like disposed around the photosensitive drum (not shown).

  The photosensitive drum is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction, and the charging device uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential. The exposure apparatus scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum with light based on the image data formed by the document reading unit 10, the image data transmitted from the PC 21, and the received facsimile image data. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing device supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image and develops it. A nip is formed between the transfer roller and the photosensitive drum, and when passing through the nip, the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the conveyed sheet or intermediate transfer member (not shown). The cleaning unit cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum after the transfer is completed.

  The toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer member is finally transferred to the sheet, and the sheet having the toner image transferred is sent to the fixing device 12b. The fixing device 12b in the present embodiment can be configured by, for example, a heating roller and a pressure roller that is in pressure contact with the heating roller (not shown). As the sheet having the toner image transferred passes through the nip between the heating roller and the pressure roller, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed to the sheet.

  The sheet supply unit 13 supplies a sheet toward the image forming unit 12 when an input for image formation is made to the multifunction device 1. For example, the sheet supply unit 13 includes a cassette that stores sheets such as sheets of various sizes, a pickup roller that feeds sheets from each cassette one by one to the sheet conveyance path 14 (not shown), and the like.

  The sheet conveyance path 14 conveys the sheet supplied from the sheet supply unit 13 to the outside of the multifunction machine 1 through the image forming unit 12a and the fixing device 12b. The sheet conveyance path 14 is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs that are rotationally driven and a guide (not shown) that guides the sheet conveyance direction.

  The HDD 15 (Hard disk drive) (corresponding to a storage unit) is a large-capacity storage device. For example, the image data read by the document reading unit 10 and the image data received by facsimile are stored. In addition, programs and control data necessary for controlling the multifunction device 1 can be stored. Further, a confidential box 7 and a bulletin board box can be provided in the storage area of the HDD 15, and the confidential box function can be realized only by the main body of the multifunction device 1.

  The plurality of confidential boxes 7 provided in the storage area of the HDD 15 is a storage area for use like a post office box for each user or department, and image data received by facsimile is transmitted by the transmission source information of the counterpart facsimile machine 41. It is sorted and stored in each confidential box 7. Each confidential box 7 is assigned to each department or person in charge corresponding to the transmission source. In addition, each confidential box 7 can be accessed only by a person in charge or an administrator so that access can be restricted. In the storage area of the HDD 15, a bulletin board box (whether it is posted for each document is set, a request for transmission is received from the other party at any time, and the document and image data registered in the bulletin board box can be taken out. It is also possible to provide a storage area used as a bulletin board.

  Here, the transmission source information uses the other party's facsimile number, the other party's e-mail address (address information) when an Internet facsimile is received, an F code (0-9, #, *, and space). A password such as a password registered with a maximum of 20. The receiver can identify the transmission destination by registering the F code for the facsimile apparatus 41 whose transmission destination is the self and transmitting the F code at the time of facsimile transmission. ) And the like.

  The flash ROM 16 (corresponding to a storage unit) stores address information of a facsimile reception notification destination, address information of a destination of received facsimile image data, a facsimile number, and address information of a transmission result notification destination of timer transmission. To do. It is also possible to store the time zone setting, date setting, etc. of the reception notification destination, transfer destination, transmission result notification destination. For each confidential box 7 (corresponding to each other), address information of a terminal that is a reception notification destination and a reception image data transfer destination is stored. Further, the data such as the reception notification destination may be stored in the HDD 15.

  The control unit 5 appropriately controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1 to realize each function. As a configuration for that purpose, the control unit 5 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, a timer unit 54, and the like.

  The CPU 51 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the multi-function device 1 based on a control program and control data stored in the ROM 53, the HDD 15, the flash ROM 16, and the like and expanded in the RAM 52. The ROM 53 stores a control program and control data for the multifunction machine 1, and the CPU 51 reads a control program and the like from the ROM 53. The RAM 52 is used when temporarily expanding control programs and control data, or when temporarily storing image data.

  Various control programs are read from the ROM 53, the HDD 15, the flash ROM 16, and the like, loaded on the RAM 52, driven by the control program, and the CPU 51 performs processing and calculation to constitute the multifunction device 1, and the control unit 5 The operation of each unit such as the original reading unit 10 and the image forming unit 12 to be connected is accurately controlled.

  The timer 54 is a so-called timer and measures the date and time. Then, the CPU 51 receives time information and date information from the timekeeping unit 54 as appropriate so that it is performed according to the time zone and date setting for which facsimile timer transmission, reception notification, etc. are set.

  Here, the timer transmission is a function of performing facsimile transmission when the set time and time are reached in accordance with the time measurement by the time measuring unit 54. For example, it is used when a transmission time is designated from the other party. When performing the timer transmission, for example, the HDD 15, the flash ROM 16, etc. store image data for facsimile transmission, and when the transmission time is reached by the timing of the timing unit 54, the control unit 5 controls the facsimile. The communication unit 17 transmits the image data to the counterpart facsimile machine 41 or the like. In the transmission result notification, the timer transmission is not always reliably performed when the timer transmission is set, the partner facsimile apparatus 41 is not busy for a long time, or the paper is out of paper. Therefore, when the multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment performs timer transmission, by notifying the transmission result, it is possible to confirm the facsimile transmission result and prevent transmission omission. For example, an e-mail consisting of text data such as “Timer transmission was performed normally” or “Timer transmission was not performed normally” is transmitted.

  The facsimile communication unit 17 is connected to the public line 4 and performs facsimile communication, and includes, for example, an image memory, an encoding unit, a decoding unit, a modem, a network control unit, and the like (not shown). The image memory temporarily stores image data transmitted and received by facsimile. The encoding unit compresses the image data to be transmitted by a method defined in the standard (for example, G3 standard). On the other hand, the decoding unit decodes received image data in which the data is compressed. The modem modulates the image data encoded by the encoding unit in the facsimile transmission, and demodulates the received image data in the facsimile reception, and transmits / receives the image data through the public line 4 (telephone line). Therefore, conversion and reverse conversion are performed. The network control unit is a part that performs processing such as connection of the line to the exchange of the public line 4, notification of the facsimile number of the other party, disconnection, change of the communication destination, etc., and is responsible for actual connection with the public line 4. Part.

  The interface unit 18 is an interface for communicating with a terminal capable of communicating with the apparatus via the LAN 2 and a wide area network (Internet 3), and the MFP 1 is connected to the PC 21 and each server in the LAN 2, The interfaces for connecting to the Internet 3 so as to be communicable are aggregated. For example, the interface unit 18 is inserted into a control board constituting the control unit 5 and takes the form of a network interface card including various connectors.

  For example, the interface unit 18 includes connectors and sockets such as high-speed bidirectional parallel (IEEE1284 compliant), network interface (10Base-T / 100Base-TX), and other USB (Universal Serial Bus). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, data transmission / reception to / from terminals such as the multifunction peripheral 1 and the PC 21 connected via the LAN 2, the Internet facsimile 31, the PC 32, the PDA 33, and the mobile phone 34 connected via the Internet 3, That is, communication is possible.

  The external storage device interface 19 is an interface for taking in data or image data in a portable memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark), an SD card, a USB memory or the like into the multi function device 1. . A connector is provided so that each medium can be inserted.

  In this way, in the MFP 1 connected so as to be communicable with the external facsimile apparatus 41, the Internet facsimile 31, the PC 32, the PDA 33, and the mobile phone 34 via the public line 4 or the Internet 3, reception notification and reception at the time of facsimile reception. The transfer of the image data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation panel 6 of the multi function device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is an overall view of the operation panel 6, and FIG. 3B is a reception notification destination. It is a figure which shows an example of the input method of a transfer destination. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time zone setting screen for a reception notification and image data transfer destination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of notifying a facsimile reception to the PC 21 in the LAN 2, the PC 32 connected via the Internet 3, and the like. The received facsimile is transferred to other facsimile machine 41, Internet facsimile 31 or PC 32. The control unit 5 converts the received image data into a predetermined file format (for example, a file format such as tiff, jpeg, pdf) and transfers it so that it can be printed and viewed on each terminal such as the PC 21, 32. Is possible. In addition, it has a function to notify the transmission result of timer transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, an operation panel 6 (see FIG. 2) is usually provided above the front of the multifunction device 1 as a part for performing the setting for the multifunction device 1. The operation panel 6 is provided with various keys for input and setting such as a numeric key 61 and a start key 62, and displays the operation state of the apparatus and various messages, and can also perform various settings, mode selections and the like by a touch panel. A display unit 63 is provided. Therefore, the user can operate / set the operation of the multifunction device 1 from the operation panel 6.

  Specifically, the user can set functions of the multifunction device 1 such as setting of the number of prints, enlargement / reduction processing at the time of printing or image scanning, density change processing, frame erasing processing, and the like from the operation panel 6. . Also, in the case of performing facsimile communication with the multi-function device 1 according to the present invention, after pressing the facsimile function key 64 located at the left end of the operation panel 6, for example, the other party's facsimile number is input from the numeric keypad 61, or the liquid crystal display unit It is possible to specify the other party stored in 63, set the reading of the document to be transmitted, the resolution, the paper size, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the operation panel 6 can display a soft keyboard 65 on the liquid crystal display unit 63. Since the liquid crystal display unit 63 is a touch panel, it is determined which key is pressed on the soft keyboard 65 in accordance with the position where the liquid crystal display unit 63 is pressed. The pressed result is displayed in the input display field.

  With this soft keyboard 65, it is possible to input the reception notification destination, the address information of the transfer destination of the image data, and the like from the operation panel 6. This input result is transmitted to the control unit 5 and also transmitted to the flash ROM 16 and stored therein.

  Here, the reception notification destination and the transfer destination of the image data may be set in association with each confidential box 7 described above and set in relation to each confidential box 7. That is, since the confidential box 7 is assigned to each department in the company and each person in charge based on the transmission source information, the transmission source and the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination and each setting and the person in charge are associated with each other. Can be remembered. In other words, when the received facsimile image data is transmitted to the confidential box 7, the most appropriate PC 21 of each department or person in charge in the LAN 2 as the reception notification destination or the reception image data transfer destination, Reception notification and image transfer can be performed toward the cellular phone 34 of each person in charge, the personal computer at home, the facsimile apparatus 41, and the like.

  Note that the setting of the reception notification destination or the like does not necessarily correspond to the confidential box 7, and when there is no confidential box function, the reception notification destination and image data transfer are performed for each transmission source information of the counterpart facsimile machine 41. Set the destination.

  Specifically, the reception notification destination, image data transfer destination, and timer transmission transmission result notification destination address information set from the operation panel 6 include the PC 32, PDA 33, The mail address of the mobile phone 34 and the Internet facsimile 31, the mail address of the PC 21 connected via the LAN 2, and the IP address are included. Further, since the facsimile apparatus 41 can be considered as the transfer destination of the image data, it is possible to set and input the facsimile number of the facsimile apparatus 41 as the transfer destination of the image data.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the MFP 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reception notification destinations, image data transfer destinations, and transmission result notification destinations can be set. For example, time zone setting and date setting are possible. Can be done. FIG. 4 shows a case where the confidential box 7 is associated with the reception notification destination and the transfer destination of the image data (hereinafter the same).

  FIG. 4 shows an example of display on the liquid crystal display unit 63 of the operation panel 6. On the setting screen in the confidential box 7, the box number and user ID of the confidential box 7 are displayed. A plurality of reception notification destinations, image data transfer destinations, and transmission result notification destinations can be set, and time zone setting and date setting can be performed. Specifically, for example, a reception notification check box 71, a transfer destination check box 72, a transmission result notification check box 79, a transmission destination information display column 73, a time zone setting button 74, a time zone display column 75, a date setting button 77, A date display field 78 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 63.

  The reception notification check box 71, the transfer destination check box 72, and the transmission result notification check box 79 are provided in parallel on the left side of the screen, and perform reception notification or the like corresponding to each address information and facsimile number. It is a check box for specifying. If the reception notification check box 71 is checked, a reception notification is sent to the terminal displayed in the transmission destination information display field 73, and if the transfer destination check box 72 is checked, the terminal or the transfer destination facsimile is sent. The image data is transferred to the apparatus 41, and if the transmission result notification check box 79 is checked, the transmission result is notified to the terminal.

  The transmission destination information display column 73 is provided on the right side of the transmission result notification check box 79 and indicates a specific reception notification destination and image transfer destination. If this column is pressed, for example, FIG. The soft keyboard 65 shown in b) is called, and address information and the like can be changed / added.

  The time zone setting button 74 is provided, for example, below the transmission destination information display field 73, and is a button for setting a time zone for performing notification of reception. The date setting button 77 is, for example, a button that is provided below the time zone setting button 74 and is used to set a date for actually performing a reception notification or the like. By pressing the time zone setting button 74 and the date setting button 77, the time zone setting and the date setting can be freely performed by, for example, input using the numeric keypad 61 or input to the soft keyboard 65.

  The time zone display field 75 displays a set time zone. The date display field 78 displays the set date. The multifunction device 1 is notified by the control unit 5 via the facsimile communication unit 17 or the interface unit 18 to the set terminal or the facsimile device 41 in accordance with the time measurement by the time measurement unit 54, the time zone setting, and the date setting. , Transfer of received image data, and transmission result notification. In other words, a reception notification or the like to be performed when a facsimile is received is performed based on the time zone setting and date setting. As a result, a reception notification or the like can be received at a place and time desired by the user. Moreover, a plurality of reception notification destinations can be set, and detailed distribution destinations can be set. These settings are stored in the flash ROM 16, for example.

  An example of the setting will be described. For example, in the setting related to the transmission destination information display field 73 in the uppermost stage in FIG. 4, the reception notification is made to the terminal in the LAN 2 in the office time zone of the person in charge of the confidential box 7. In addition, the reception notification check box 71 is checked, the reception notification destination is set to the mail address of the person in charge of the PC 21 (for example, XXXXX@ΔΔΔ.co.jp, IP address may be used), and the time zone. The setting and date setting can be the office hours (for example, AM 9: 00 to PM 5:00, Monday to Friday).

  Further, for example, in the setting related to the transmission destination information display field 73 in the middle of FIG. 4, the transfer destination check is performed so that the image data can be transferred by the home facsimile machine 41 during the leaving time of the person in charge of the confidential box 7. Check the box 72, set the transfer destination of the received image data to a facsimile number (for example, 01-2345-6789), set the time zone and the date setting to the office time zone (for example, AM 9: 00 to PM 5: 00, Monday to Friday).

  Further, for example, in the setting related to the transmission destination information display field 73 in the lower part of FIG. 4, since the user travels all day, the reception notification and the transfer of image data are transferred to the mobile phone 34, the PDA 33, the notebook personal computer (PC 32), etc. Check the reception notification check box 71 etc. so that the transmission result notification is made, and enter the address of the person in charge such as the mobile phone 34 (for example, □□□□@xxx.co.jp) as the reception notification destination. The time zone setting can be set to all day (for example, AM0: 00 to PM12: 00), and the date setting can be set to the actual business trip date (◇◇◇◇ year ☆☆ month ★★ day).

  In addition, after the end of the day's work and after leaving the office (for example, the time zone setting is PM 5: 00 to AM 7:00), the reception notification is sent to the cellular phone 34 or PDA 33 owned by the person in charge. Settings can be made as appropriate, such as entering a facsimile number so that it can be transferred to the facsimile machine 41 at home. It should be noted that the setting screen may have a plurality of pages so that the reception notification destination and image data can be additionally set (the button for moving to the next page is the next page button 76).

  As described above, when the operation panel 6 receives a facsimile, the operation panel 6 receives a reception notification destination and / or received image data transfer destination corresponding to the transmission source information of the other party facsimile, address information of a plurality of terminals that can be a transmission result notification destination, While receiving the input of the facsimile number, it becomes an input unit for setting a time zone in which reception notification and / or image data transfer is performed for each terminal.

  In this way, time zones can be set for each of multiple reception notification destinations, forwarding destinations, and transmission result notification destinations, so that reception notifications, etc. can be received at the desired location and terminal desired by the user. (For example, not only the company's own PC 21 but also a personal computer at home or a mobile phone 34). In addition, since address information for receiving notifications can be set in association with the confidential box 7, for example, address information and time zone setting can be performed for each person in charge of the customer corresponding to the confidential box 7, Easy to set up. Furthermore, when the timer transmission is set, the user can receive the transmission result for confirming whether or not the transmission has been successfully performed at the desired place, time, and terminal, thereby preventing a facsimile transmission omission. it can.

  Next, the reception of the setting change information of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of a Web screen displayed on a display device of a terminal that changes the reception notification destination or the like of the multifunction device 1, FIG. 5A shows an example of a user ID and password input screen, and FIG. Shows an example of a screen for changing the reception notification destination or the like of the multifunction device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1 of the present embodiment is connected to the Web server 23 via a LAN 2 so as to be communicable. The Web server 23 can be accessed from a terminal such as each PC 21 in the LAN 2. In addition, terminals such as a PC 32, a PDA 33, and a mobile phone 34 can communicate with the Web server 23 via the Internet 3.

  Therefore, the multifunction device 1 can accept the setting change information from a terminal that can communicate with the multifunction device 1. Note that the setting change information includes reception notification destination, reception image data transfer destination, transmission result notification destination addition / change, time zone setting, date setting, check box ON / OFF, etc. Information and data transmitted from each terminal to the multifunction device 1 in order to change settings relating to image data transfer and transmission result notification.

  The multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment has a reception notification destination, a reception image data transfer destination, a transmission result notification destination, and the like stored in the flash ROM 16 and the HDD 15 based on the setting change information. Added / changed. As a result, if you forget to change the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, the transmission result notification destination after returning home or when you go out, or you change the settings of the reception notification destination of the MFP 1, etc. Even when the reception notification or the like is no longer necessary, the setting can be performed from a terminal in the LAN 2 or a terminal connected via the Internet 3 without directly operating the multi function device 1.

  However, it is not preferable in terms of security management to change the reception notification destination or the like based on all the setting change information transmitted to the multifunction device 1. Therefore, the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment confirms the user ID and password, and when it is recognized as valid, it adds / changes the reception notification destination and / or transfer destination based on the setting change information.

  Specifically, the flash ROM 16 or the like of the multifunction device 1 stores a plurality of user IDs and passwords for determining whether or not the setting change information transmitted by the terminal is transmitted from an authorized person.

  In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the setting change information is input on a Web screen displayed via a browser on a display device (for example, a display or a liquid crystal screen) of each terminal. The transmission of the Web screen data is performed by the Web server 23 that is communicably connected to the MFP 1. When there is an access request to the multifunction device 1 from each terminal, the Web server 23 transmits Web screen data to each terminal.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, a verification procedure screen 81 for inputting a user ID and a password is displayed on each terminal. In the verification procedure screen 81, a user ID input field 82 for inputting a user ID and a password input field 83 for inputting a password are provided. Then, the person who wants to transmit the setting change information inputs the user ID and password assigned to him / her with the input device of each terminal. Then, by pressing the OK button 84, the user ID and password are transmitted to the Web server 23.

  The Web server 23 that has received the transmission of the user ID and password transfers it to the multifunction device 1. The control unit 5 checks whether the user ID and password input to the multi-function device 1 through the interface unit 18 are checked against the user ID and password stored in the flash ROM 16 or the like. Note that the MFP 1 may transmit verification user ID and password data to the Web server 23, and the Web server 23 may confirm whether a valid user ID and password have been transmitted.

  If the user ID and password from each terminal cannot be verified, the flash ROM 16 does not add or change various settings such as a reception notification destination, a received image data transfer destination, a transmission result notification destination, and a time zone setting.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the user ID and password are valid as a result of the collation by the control unit 5, the Web server 23 uses the data on the setting change screen 85 as shown in FIG. Send to authorized devices. Here, the data transmitted by the Web server 23 may be a confidential box 7 unit assigned to each user ID (that is, each user and each person in charge). Note that data necessary for displaying the setting change screen 85 (for example, setting information such as the current reception notification destination) may be received from the multifunction device 1 as appropriate.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the flash ROM 16 or the like stores a plurality of terminals serving as reception notification destinations, reception image data transfer destinations, transmission result notification destinations stored in correspondence with transmission source information. Regarding the setting of address information or facsimile number, etc., it may be instructed to switch the setting of a plurality of registered reception notifications, reception image data transfer, and transmission result notifications. For example, the setting change information can be an instruction to switch each check box ON / OFF.

  As a result, the setting change information transmitted from each terminal is in units of each confidential box 7, and the storage area accessible to each user can be limited. In other words, from each terminal via the Web server 23. Since the setting change information transmitted to the multifunction device 1 is in the confidential box 7 unit, the control unit 5 and the flash ROM 16 can add / change storage areas according to the user ID and password transmitted from each terminal. To limit.

  Specifically, looking at an example of the setting change screen 85 displayed on the browser of each terminal, as shown in FIG. 5B, basically, the liquid crystal display of the operation panel 6 shown in FIG. This can be the same as the setting screen for the reception notification destination and the like displayed on the unit 63. Then, if the check box, address information, facsimile number, time zone setting, and date setting are changed using the keyboard of each terminal and the setting end button 86 is pressed, the terminal sends the web server 23. The setting change information is transmitted. Note that a new reception notification destination, time setting, and the like can be set by inputting in a blank area on the Web screen (positioned at the bottom of FIG. 4B).

  Then, the setting change information transmitted to the Web server 23 is transferred to the interface unit 18 and the control unit 5 of the multifunction machine 1, and based on this setting change information, the control unit 5 is stored in the flash ROM 16 or the like in the storage unit. Data such as reception notification destination, received image data transfer destination, transmission result notification destination, time zone setting, date setting, ON / OFF of each check box.

  In this way, when the user notices, the settings of the reception notification destination and the reception image data transfer destination can be changed / added from a terminal on the external network (for example, a personal computer at home or a mobile phone 34). . Therefore, since reception notification and received image data transfer can be received at a desired place and at a desired time, it is highly convenient for the user and it is possible to prevent omission of confirmation of the received facsimile.

  In addition, since the user ID and password are used to confirm whether or not the user has the authority to change or add the reception notification destination, reception image data transfer destination, and transmission result notification destination of the multifunction device 1 (facsimile device), It is possible to prevent a change or addition of the setting of the reception notification destination or the like by a malicious third party. Therefore, information leakage can be prevented and security can be ensured.

  Also, change the settings of the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, the transmission result notification destination, and change or add the settings of the reception notification destination only for the storage area given to the person who wants to add. You can limit what you can do. In other words, the setting of the other person's reception notification destination is restricted so that it cannot be changed. Therefore, security can be improved.

  In addition, when changing the settings of the reception notification destination, the reception image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination, it is possible to give an instruction to switch the change of a plurality of registered reception notification destinations (check box ON / OFF). Therefore, it is not necessary to input all address information such as an e-mail address and facsimile number. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the reception notification destination and the like.

  In addition, since the transmission result notification destination of the timer transmission can be included in the setting change information, the setting change of the transmission result notification destination can also be performed from an external terminal.

  Further, the Web server 23 can display a Web screen for inputting setting change information on the terminal. Therefore, the terminal only has to input the setting change information based on the Web screen, and can easily change or add the settings of the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the second embodiment only in that the web server 23 is not provided and the server unit 9 having the function of the web server 23 is mounted in the multifunction device 1. In other words, the multi-function device 1 is different in that it includes a server unit 9 that transmits data of a Web screen for making input related to setting change information to the terminal.

  Since the basic configuration and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration common to the first embodiment is the same. The description and explanation of the drawings are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, if the multi-function device 1 includes the server unit 9, communication can be performed with each terminal connected via the PC 21 or the Internet 3 in the LAN 2 without using the Web server 23. The multi-function device 1 has an interface unit 18 as a configuration for performing communication. Among the data input / output through the interface unit 18, a request for changing the setting of a reception notification destination or the like, data is sent to the server unit 9. The effect is not much different from that of the first embodiment.

  In this way, even if the server unit 9 has the Web server function, if the setting change information is input from the terminal based on the Web screen, the reception notification destination, the received image data transfer destination, and the transmission result notification destination are set. Can be easily changed and added.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, etc. having a network communication function. The present invention can be used in a facsimile system formed by a terminal connected to these apparatuses via a network.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a facsimile system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation panel of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is an overall view of the operation panel 6, and FIG. 2B is an example of a reception notification destination and transfer destination input method; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the time slot | zone setting screen of the transfer notification of a reception notification and image data which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the Web screen displayed on the display device of the terminal which changes the reception notification destination of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment, (a) shows an example of a user ID and password input screen, b) shows an example of a screen for changing the reception notification destination of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Multifunction machine (facsimile device) 31 Internet facsimile machine (terminal)
15 HDD (storage unit) 32 PC (terminal)
16 Flash ROM (storage unit) 33 PDA (terminal)
17 Facsimile communication section 34 Mobile phone (terminal)
18 Interface unit 4 Public line 2 LAN 5 Control unit (determination unit)
21 PC (terminal) 54 Timekeeping unit 23 Web server (server device) 9 Server unit 3 Internet (wide area network)

Claims (7)

A facsimile communication unit for performing facsimile communication via a public line;
An interface unit for communicating with a terminal capable of communicating with a device via a local area network and a wide area network;
A storage unit for storing address information or a facsimile number of the terminal that is a reception notification destination and / or reception image data transfer destination corresponding to transmission source information of the counterpart facsimile when the facsimile is received;
The interface unit receives setting change information related to the setting of addition / change of reception notification and / or reception image data transfer from the terminal capable of communicating with the device,
The facsimile apparatus, wherein the setting of the reception notification destination and / or transfer destination of the storage unit is added / changed based on the setting change information. The storage unit stores a plurality of user IDs and passwords for determining whether the setting change information transmitted by the terminal is transmitted from an authorized person,
When there is a transmission of a user ID and password from the terminal to the interface unit, the interface unit has a determination unit that determines whether to collate with a user ID and password stored in the storage unit,
When there is no transmission of the user ID and password from the terminal, and when the determination result by the determination unit indicates that the verification is not performed, the storage unit stores the reception notification destination and / or the received image data transfer destination. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein setting is not added or changed.   The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit limits a storage area that can be added / changed according to a user ID and a password transmitted from the terminal. The storage unit stores address information or facsimile numbers of a plurality of terminals serving as the reception notification destination and / or the reception image data transfer destination corresponding to transmission source information,
4. The facsimile according to claim 1, wherein the setting change information instructs to switch a plurality of registered reception notification destinations and / or the received image data transfer destinations. 5. apparatus. It has a timekeeping part that measures the date and time,
The storage unit stores image data for timer transmission, and stores address information of a timer transmission transmission result notification destination.
The facsimile communication unit performs a facsimile timer transmission at a set time in accordance with the time measurement by the time measurement unit,
5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting change information includes information on addition / change of the setting of the transmission result notification destination stored in the storage unit. 6.   6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a server unit that transmits to the terminal data on a Web screen for inputting the setting change information on the terminal. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1;
A server device that is communicably connected to the facsimile device according to claim 1 and that transmits data of a Web screen for making an input regarding the setting change information on the terminal to the terminal. Facsimile system to do.

Images