JP3065466B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a mail post communication function for transmitting a plurality of pieces of communication information collectively as one communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional facsimile apparatus, when a plurality of pieces of transmission information are collectively transmitted as one communication (hereinafter, referred to as a mail post communication), a transmission destination (for example, a destination registered in one-touch). In response to the selection of the destination, the time (mail post communication execution time) for batch transmission is registered.

Transmission of predetermined transmission information to the transmission destination is performed at the mail post communication execution time when the mail post lamp is turned on, and immediately when the mail post lamp is turned off without waiting for the mail post communication execution time. To do. That is, whether or not to transmit predetermined transmission information as mail post communication is determined by the operator himself with reference to the state of the mail post lamp.

[0004]

However, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, since the operator himself / herself determines whether or not to transmit predetermined transmission information as mail post communication, it takes much time and effort. was there.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention automatically determines whether or not to transmit predetermined transmission information as mail post communication, thereby improving operability associated with mail post communication. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved facsimile machine.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention to achieve the above objects, in a facsimile apparatus having a mail post communication function of transmitting as collectively 1 communicates a plurality of communication information, executes the mail post communication Time registration means for registering execution time, and transmission operation of predetermined communication information
If is selected, within the specified time the mail post
When the communication execution time arrives, the transmission operation is performed at the execution time.
Operation, and the execution time does not arrive within the predetermined time.
The transmission operation means to perform the transmission operation immediately when the
It is characterized by that.

Further, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention
Mail that transmits multiple communication information as one communication
For facsimile machines with post communication functions,
When registering the execution time to execute the mail post communication
Time registration means and transmission operation of predetermined communication information are selected.
In this case, the time of the transmission destination is estimated, and the estimated time
Is between the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time
The transmission operation is immediately performed, and the transmission operation is performed from the second predetermined time.
When the time is between the predetermined times, the transmission operation is performed at the execution time.
Transmission means for performing
You.

[0008]

[0009] Preferably, the time of the transmission destination is between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time,
If the mail post communication execution time does not arrive before the current time and before the first predetermined time, the transmission operation is performed immediately.

[0010]

[0011]

With the above arrangement, when the transmission operation of the predetermined communication information is selected, that email post communication execution time when the execution time of the mail post <br/> communications arrives within a predetermined time transmission operation is performed, the transmission operation immediately when the mail post communication execution time does not arrive within the predetermined time is performed.

Thus, when the mail post communication is performed immediately after the transmission operation of the predetermined communication information is selected, the communication information is transmitted together with the mail post communication, so that the communication cost can be saved. it can. Also,
When the mail post communication is not performed, the transmission operation of the communication information is immediately performed, so that the immediacy of the facsimile apparatus is secured.

Further , according to the above configuration, when a predetermined communication information transmission operation is selected, the time of the transmission destination is estimated, and the time is estimated between the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time. (for example, the time zone of the daytime) transmission operation immediately when in
When the time is between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time (for example, at night), the transmission operation is performed at the execution time of the mail post communication . Further, the time of the transmission destination is between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time, and is earlier than the current time and the first time.
When the mail post communication execution time of signal until the predetermined time does not arrive transmission operation immediately takes place.

Thus, when the transmission operation of the predetermined communication information is selected, for example, when the mail post communication is performed from the end of the work of the transmission destination to the start of the work on the next day, the mail post communication is performed together with the mail post communication. Since the predetermined communication information is also transmitted, communication costs can be saved. Further, when the mail destination communication is not performed before the communication partner is in business or before the business is started the next day, the transmission operation of the predetermined communication information is performed immediately, so that the immediacy of the facsimile apparatus is secured.

[0016]

[0017]

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a network control unit (NCU: Ne).
The NCU 2 connects the telephone network to a telephone line 2a in order to use the telephone network for data communication and the like, controls connection of a telephone exchange network, and switches to a data communication path. , And also holds the loop.

Further, the NCU 2 receives a signal on the signal line 54a, and if the signal level is "0", connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone 4 side, that is, to the signal line 2b. When the signal level of the signal line 54a is "1", the telephone line 2a is connected to the facsimile apparatus side.
That is, it is connected to the signal line 2c. In a normal state, the telephone line a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

A hybrid circuit 6 is connected to the NCU 2 via a signal line 2c. The hybrid circuit 6 has a function of separating a transmission system signal and a reception system signal. That is, the transmission signal on the signal line 26a is transmitted to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2 through the signal line 2c. Also, the signal sent from the other side is NCU
After that, the signal is output to the signal line 6a through the signal line 2c.

FIG. 8 shows a known CCITT recommendation V
21 is a modulator that performs modulation based on the modulation signal 21.
The procedural signal on the signal line 54b is input, modulated, and the modulated data is output to the signal line 8a. Reference numeral 10 denotes a reading circuit, which is composed of an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and an optical system, sequentially reads image signals for one line in the main scanning direction from a transmission original, and creates a signal sequence representing black and white binary values. . The black and white binarized signal sequence is output to the signal line 10a.

The encoding circuit 12 receives the read data output to the signal line 10a and outputs the encoded data to the signal line 12a. Note that this encoding is performed using the MH (Modified Huffman) encoding method or the MR
(Modified read) coding method is used.

The encoding circuit 12 is connected to the memory 14. This memory 14 is controlled by the signal line 52c,
The read data output to the signal line 12a is stored,
In accordance with the control of the signal line 52c, the stored data is output to the signal line 14a. Further, the memory 14 outputs the remaining amount of the usable memory to the signal line 14b.

Further, the decoding side is output to the output side of the memory 14.
A scaling / encoding circuit 16 is connected. This decryption
The scaling / encoding circuit 16 receives the data output on the signal line 14a, decodes and scales as necessary under the control of the signal line 52d, and then re-encodes the encoded data on the signal line 14a. 16a.

In the figure, reference numeral 18 denotes a modulator for performing modulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V29 (quadrature modulation).
Reference numeral 8 denotes a signal input to the signal line 12a when the signal of the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52e, and a signal to the signal level of "1" when the signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52e. The signal on the line 16a is input and modulated, and the modulated data is output to the signal line 18a.

An output circuit of the modulator 8 and the modulator 18 is connected to an adder circuit 20. This adding circuit 20
Inputs the signals of the signal line 8a and the signal line 18a, and outputs the addition result to the signal line 20a.

On the other hand, reference numeral 22 in FIG. 2 denotes a demodulator which is connected to the hybrid circuit 6 and performs demodulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V21. The demodulator 22 receives the signal on the signal line 6a, performs V21 demodulation, and outputs demodulated data to the signal line 22a. 24 is a known CC
ITT Recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V2
9 (quadrature modulation). The demodulator 24 receives the signal on the signal line 6, performs demodulation, and outputs the demodulated data to the signal line 24a.

Further, a decoding circuit 26 is connected to the output side of the demodulator 24. The decoding circuit 26 receives the signal output on the signal line 24a and outputs the decoded data to the signal line 26a. Note that this decryption
An MH (Modified Huffman) decoding method or an MR (Modified Read) decoding method is used.

The output side of the decoding circuit 26 has a recording circuit 28
Is connected. The recording circuit 28 receives the data output to the signal line 26a and performs recording sequentially line by line.

In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a time registration button for registering the time at which the mail post communication is to be performed. When the time registration button 30 is pressed, a pressing pulse is transmitted to the signal line 30a. Reference numeral 32 denotes a mail post registration button used when registering mail post communication. When the mail post registration button 32 is pressed, a pressing pulse is transmitted to the signal line 32a. Reference numeral 34 denotes a numeric keypad, and information on the numeric keypad pressed is output to a signal line 34a. 3
Reference numeral 6 denotes a display unit for inputting and outputting information output to the signal line 52f.

Reference numeral 38 denotes a one-touch dial registration circuit, which includes a telephone number of the destination, an abbreviation of the destination, whether or not the destination is to perform the mail post communication, and the time of the destination for performing the mail post communication; And register the time difference with the transmission destination. When registering in the one-touch dial registration circuit 38, the one-touch dial number (any one of 01 to 24, for example, 03), space, destination telephone number, space, abbreviation of destination, space, and mail post communication are stored. Information on whether or not it is the destination ("0" is registered if the destination is not the destination, "1" is registered if the destination is the destination), and the time (if the destination is the destination for space / mail post communication) At 13:00, for example, the space and the time difference (for example, 0 hour) from the transmission destination are output to the signal line 38a, and then a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52g.

When reading information registered in the one-touch dial registration circuit 38, the signal line 38a
After a one-touch dial number (for example, 03) is output, a read pulse is generated on the signal line 52h, and the information registered corresponding to the one-touch dial number becomes
Telephone number, space, abbreviated name, space,
Information (for example, "1") as to whether or not the recipient is to perform the mail post communication, the space, the time (for example, 13:00) if the recipient is to perform the mail post communication, the space, and the transmission destination. (For example, 0 hours) are sequentially output to the signal line 38a.

In the drawing, reference numeral 40 denotes an abbreviated dial registration circuit, which differs from the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 only in the abbreviated dial numbers (00 to 99) with respect to the one-touch dial numbers (01 to 24). is there. 42
Is a timer circuit, which outputs information of the current year, month, day, day of the week, and time on the signal line 42a. Reference numeral 44 denotes a mail post button, which is a forced mail post communication mode in which mail post communication is forcibly performed, a mail post communication release mode in which mail post communication is forcibly released, or mail post communication / immediate transmission. Is used when the operator selects a mail post communication automatic determination mode for automatically determining which mode to perform and transmitting.

In the figure, reference numeral 46 denotes a mail post forcible / cancel display circuit connected to the mail post button 44. When a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 52k, the signal line 44a is displayed.
The forcible mail post communication mode, the mail post communication release mode, and the mail post communication automatic determination mode are indicated by lamps in accordance with the pressing pulse. The mail post forcible / cancel display circuit 46 outputs a signal "0" to the signal line 46a in the mail post communication automatic determination mode, and outputs the signal line 46a in the forced mail post communication mode.
And outputs a signal "2" to the signal line 46a in the mail post communication release mode.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a predetermined time registration circuit. In this embodiment, if the mail post communication execution time arrives within a predetermined time when the transmission operation is selected, the mail post communication is performed at that time. If the mail post communication execution time has not arrived within the time, the transmission operation is performed immediately. The predetermined time registration circuit 48 is a circuit for registering the predetermined time in this case. When registering the predetermined time in the predetermined time registration circuit 48, a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour and 30 minutes) is output to the signal line 46a, and then a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52l.

When reading the predetermined time registered in the predetermined time registration circuit 48, a read pulse is generated on the signal line 52n, and a predetermined time (for example, one hour and thirty minutes) is generated.
Is output to the signal line 48a.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a time registration circuit. In this embodiment, when the transmission operation of the predetermined transmission information is selected, the time of the transmission destination is estimated, and this time is from the predetermined time A to the predetermined time B. In this case, the transmission operation is performed immediately, and the transmission operation is performed at the mail post communication execution time from the predetermined time B to the predetermined time A. In this case, the predetermined time A and the predetermined time B are registered. Circuit.

When the times A and B are registered in the time registration circuit 50, the time A (for example, 8:00), the space, and the time B (for example, 20:00) are sequentially output to the signal line 50a.
A write pulse is generated on the signal line 52n. When reading the time registered in the time registration circuit 50, a read pulse is generated on the signal line 52o, and the time A registered in the time registration circuit 50 (for example, 8:00) is read.
The space and the time B (for example, 20:00) correspond to the signal line 50a.
Are sequentially output.

A control circuit 52 mainly performs the following control. That is, when the transmission operation of the predetermined communication information is selected, when the mail post communication execution time comes within the predetermined time, the transmission operation is performed at the mail post communication execution time, and the mail post communication execution time is performed within the predetermined time. When the time has not arrived, the transmission operation is performed immediately.
Further, the control circuit 52 always performs the mail post communication when the forced mail post communication mode is selected, and immediately performs the transmission operation when the mail post communication release mode is selected.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus configured as described above will be described. At first, it is assumed that the mail post communication execution time for performing the mail post communication with the specified destination is not registered.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the control operation of the control circuit 52 of this embodiment.

First, in step S62, the signal line 52a
To output a signal of signal level “0” to turn off the CML,
In the following step S64, a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52e, and the modulator 18 is set to input a signal from the encoding circuit 12.

In step S66, a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 52k, and the mail post forcible / cancel display circuit 4 is generated.
Clear the lamp display of No. 6 and set to the mail post automatic judgment mode. In step S68, the signal lines 32a,
It is determined whether registration of mail post communication is selected through 34a and 52f. If registration of mail post communication is selected, the process proceeds to step S70. If registration of mail post communication is not selected, Proceed to step S72.

In step S70, the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 stores information indicating that the mail post communication is to be performed, the time at which the mail post communication is to be performed, and the time difference with the other party corresponding to the designated destination (one-touch dial or speed dial). Or in the abbreviated dial registration circuit 40. Further, in step S72, if the mail post communication execution time is within a predetermined time from the current time, it is determined whether registration for the predetermined time is selected. If registration for the predetermined time is selected, step S74 is performed. The process proceeds to step S76 where registration for a predetermined time is performed in the circuit 48, and if registration for the predetermined time is not selected, the process proceeds to step S76.

In step S76, the information of the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 and the shortened dial registration circuit 40 is input, and it is determined whether or not the mail post communication execution time has come. When the mail post communication execution time comes, step S7
Then, if the time has not reached the mail post communication execution time, the process proceeds to step S82.

In step S78, it is determined whether or not there is transmission information to the destination at the mail post communication execution time. If there is transmission information to the destination, step S78 is performed.
The process advances to step S104, and if there is no transmission information to the other party, the process advances to step S80 to perform other processing.

In step S82, it is determined whether transmission has been selected. When transmission is selected, step S84
The process proceeds to step S80 if transmission has not been selected. In step S84, information on the signal line 46a is input, and the lamp status of the mail post forcible / cancel display circuit 46 is checked. If the forcible lamp is lit, that is, if the compulsory mail post communication mode is selected, step S90 is performed.
When the release lamp is lit, that is, when the mail post communication release mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S92. If neither the forcible lamp nor the release lamp is lit, that is, if the mail post communication automatic determination mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S86.

In step S86, information of the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 or the abbreviated dial registration circuit 40 is input, and it is determined whether or not the mail destination communication is registered with the designated destination, and the mail post communication is registered. If so, the process proceeds to step S88. If the mail post communication has not been registered, the process proceeds to step S92.

In step S88, the information of the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 or the abbreviated dial registration circuit 40, the information of the predetermined time of the circuit 48, and the timer circuit 42
, And it is determined whether or not the mail post communication execution time is within a predetermined time stored in the circuit 48 from the current time. If this is affirmative (YES), the flow proceeds to step S90 to reserve the mail post communication, and if it is negative (NO), the flow proceeds to step S92 to immediately perform the transmission operation.

In step S90, the read information is stored in the memory circuit 14 via the signal line 52c, and the fact that mail post communication is to be performed is also stored. In step S92,
A call is made to the designated destination, and the following step S94
Then, the signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52a, and the CML is turned on. In step S96, a pre-procedure is performed.

In step S98, the read information is encoded by the encoding circuit 12 and transmitted in real time. In step S100, a post-procedure is performed. In step S102, a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52a to turn off the CML, and in step S104, a call is made to the designated destination. Further, in step S106, the signal line 5
The signal of the signal bell "1" is output to 2a to turn on the CML.

In step S108, a pre-procedure is performed. In step S110, a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52e, and the modulator 18 receives a signal from the decoding / magnification / coding circuit 16 as an input. Settings. In step S112, the memory circuit 14 is connected via the signal line 62c.
Based on the control of the signal line 52d, the mail post communication is performed by decoding, scaling, and encoding as necessary.

In step S114, a post-procedure is performed. In step S116, the signal level "0" is applied to the signal line 52a.
And the CML is turned off.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, the mail-post communication automatic determination mode determines whether the mail-post communication is performed within a predetermined time when the transmission operation is selected. Decided to do.
However, in this mail post communication automatic judgment mode,
When the transmission operation is selected, the time of the transmission destination is estimated, and when this time is between the predetermined time A and the predetermined time B, the transmission operation is immediately performed. The transmission operation may be performed at the execution time. 6 and 7 show specific examples of this control.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the control circuit 52 of this embodiment.
5 is a flowchart of the control operation of the first embodiment, and only parts different from the first embodiment are shown.

In FIG. 6, after the processing in step S70 in FIG. 3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S122. Here, when it is determined from the time difference information registered in the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 or the abbreviated dial registration circuit 40 that the current time of the transmission destination is in the range from the time A to the time B, immediately Send, but step S
At 122, it is determined whether the registration of the time A and the time B has been selected. If selected, the process proceeds to step S124, where the time A and time B are registered in the circuit 50. If not selected, the process proceeds to step S76 in FIG.

In FIG. 7, step S8 in FIG.
When the determination process of No. 6 flows to the positive (YES) side, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, the one-touch dial registration circuit 38 or the speed dial registration circuit 40
It is determined whether the current time of the transmission destination is between the time A and the time B registered in the circuit 50 from the information of the time difference registered in the circuit 50. When this is affirmative (YES), the process proceeds to step S92 of FIG.
If the answer is O), the process proceeds to step S90 in FIG.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, when the transmission operation is selected, the current time of the transmission destination is changed from the predetermined time B to the predetermined time A.
If the mail post communication execution time does not arrive before the current time and before the predetermined time A, the transmission operation is immediately performed. FIG. 8 shows a specific example of this control.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the control operation of the control circuit 52 of the present embodiment, and only the portions different from those of the second embodiment are shown.

In the figure, when the judgment processing in step S130 in FIG. 7 is negative (NO), step S1 is executed.
Proceed to 42. In step S142, it is determined whether or not the mail post communication execution time is earlier than the current time and arrives before a predetermined time A. When the time is affirmative (YES), the process proceeds to step S90 in FIG. If NO), the process proceeds to step S92 in FIG.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the mail post communication automatic determination mode, when the transmission operation is selected, the transmission operation is immediately performed when the remaining amount of the memory for storing the transmission information is equal to or less than a certain amount, and the memory for storing the transmission information is transmitted. If the remaining amount exceeds a certain amount, mail post communication is performed. FIG. 9 shows a specific example of this control.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control operation of the control circuit 52 of the present embodiment, and only the portions different from those of the first embodiment are shown.

First, in this embodiment, steps S72 and S74 shown in FIG. 3 are deleted, and the process proceeds to step S76 after the processing of step S70 ends. Then, in FIG. 9, when the determination processing in step S86 in FIG. 4 is affirmative (YES), the process proceeds to step S156. In step S156, information on the signal line 14b is input, and it is determined whether or not the remaining memory capacity of the memory circuit 14 is 1 Mbit or less.
When it is 1 Mbit or less, the process proceeds to step S92 shown in FIG. 4, and when it exceeds 1 Mbit, the process proceeds to step S90 in FIG.

According to the present invention, as described in detail above,
Mail post immediately after the communication information transmission operation is selected
When communication is carried out, the
Constant communication information is sent, so save on communication costs
Can be. Also, when mail post communication is not performed
Since the transmission of communication information is performed immediately,
Immediateness of the device can be ensured. And these
Greatly improves the operability associated with mail post communication.
Can be made.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram continued from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of a control circuit 52 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control operation of a control circuit 52 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart of the control operation of the control circuit 52 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control operation of a control circuit 52 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another flowchart of the control operation of the control circuit 52 of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 NCU 4 Telephone 6 Hybrid circuit 8 Modulator 10 Reading circuit 12 Encoding circuit 14 Memory 16 Decoding / magnification / coding circuit 18 Modulator 20 Addition circuit 22 Demodulator 24 Demodulator 26 Decoding circuit 28 Recording circuit 30 Time Registration button 32 Mail post registration button 34 Numeric keypad 36 Display 38 One-touch dial registration circuit 40 Speed dial registration circuit 42 Timer circuit 44 Mail post button 46 Mail post forcible / cancel display circuit 48 Predetermined time registration circuit 50 Time registration circuit 52 Control circuit

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] In a facsimile apparatus having a mail post communication function for transmitting a plurality of pieces of communication information collectively as one communication, an execution time at which the mail post communication is executed is registered.
Time registration means and a predetermined communication information transmission operation are selected.
The mail post communication within the specified time
When the time has arrived, perform a transmission operation at the execution time,
If the execution time does not arrive within the predetermined time,
A facsimile apparatus characterized by having transmission operation means for performing a transmission operation at times . 2. A plurality of communication information are collectively treated as one communication.
Facsimile machine with mail post communication function to send
In the location, perform the registration of the execution time to run the mail post communication
Time registration means and a predetermined communication information transmission operation are selected.
The time of the transmission destination is estimated.
When the time is between the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time
Performs the transmission operation immediately, and from the second predetermined time,
If it is during the first predetermined time, the transmission
A facsimile apparatus having transmission operation means for performing an operation . 3. The mail post communication execution time, wherein the time of the transmission destination is between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time, and is earlier than a current time and before the first predetermined time. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission operation is performed immediately when the transmission does not arrive.