JP3365890B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication device such as a facsimile device for transmitting and receiving image data by facsimile via a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving image data via a public line, a page memory for storing image data received by the image transmitting / receiving unit, and image data stored in the page memory for printing on recording paper. An image communication device equipped with a plotter that does this is often used. As such an image communication device, for example, there is a facsimile device that transmits and receives image data by facsimile.

Conventionally, a function of registering a proxy receiving terminal and performing proxy reception of image data by the registered proxy receiving terminal when an output abnormality to a page memory or a plotter occurs when receiving image data. There was an image communication device provided (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-41788).

[0004]

The conventional image communication apparatus described above cannot print the image data when a failure occurs in the page memory or the plotter at the time of receiving the image data. The registration number (for example, telephone number) of the destination terminal device is transmitted to the transmission source of the image data, and the line with the transmission source is disconnected. Then, the transmission source makes a recall call to the terminal device that is the proxy reception destination by the registration number, and sends the image data.

However, when the above-mentioned trouble occurs, a special signal such as the registration number of the terminal device of the proxy receiver is output to the transmission source, so that the transmission source accepts such a special signal. Since it is necessary to provide a function for retransmitting the image data to the substitute receiver, there is a problem that the versatility is poor.

When the above-mentioned trouble occurs,
Since the image data has to be transmitted again from the transmission source to the terminal device of the proxy reception destination, there is a problem that the transmission time of the image data is prolonged and the communication cost such as the communication charge increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points. When an abnormality occurs in the page memory or the plotter at the time of receiving the image data, another output means can perform the substitute output without increasing the communication cost. The purpose is to

[0008]

[0009]

The present invention has the above objects.
To achieve this, an image transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving image data via a public line, a page memory for storing the image data received by the unit, and a plotter for printing the image data stored in the page memory on a recording sheet are provided. In the provided image communication apparatus, printer connection means for connecting a plurality of printers via a network, proxy output destination registration means for registering a plurality of proxy output destination printers among the printers connected by the means, Abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality of the page memory or plotter, and when the abnormality of the page memory or plotter is detected by the abnormality detecting means at the time of receiving image data by the image transmitting / receiving means, the received image data is used as a proxy. Multiple proxy output destination printers registered in the output destination registration means Proxy output destination checking means for checking whether or not it can be used, proxy output destination selecting means for selecting a printer as a proxy output destination based on a result of the investigation by the means, and a proxy output destination printer selected by the means. A means for transferring the received image data may be provided.

Further, an image transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving image data via a public line, a page memory for storing the image data received by the means, and a plotter for printing the image data stored in the page memory on a recording sheet. In an image communication apparatus including, a printer connecting means for connecting a plurality of printers via a network,
Proxy output destination registration means for registering a proxy output destination printer corresponding to the image data reception time among the printers connected by the means, and abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of the page memory or plotter, When the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality in the page memory or plotter when the image transmitting / receiving means receives image data, the substitute output destination registered in the substitute output destination registering means based on the reception time of the image data. It is advisable to provide a proxy output destination selecting means for selecting the printer, and a means for transferring the received image data to the proxy output destination printer selected by the means.

Further, a transmission source information storage unit for storing information on the transmission source of the received image data, and the transmission source information in the image data when the received image data is transferred to the proxy output destination printer. It is preferable to provide a means for adding the information of the transmission source stored in the storage means. Further, it is preferable to provide a means for storing the information of the proxy output destination printer and a means for displaying the information of the proxy output destination printer stored in the means.

[0012]

An image communication apparatus according to the present invention registers a plurality of proxy output destination printers among a plurality of printers connected via a network, and detects an abnormality of a page memory or a plotter when receiving image data, By investigating whether or not it is possible to use the plurality of registered proxy output destination printers, and transferring the received image data to the proxy output destination printer selected based on the investigation result, If an error occurs in the page memory or plotter when receiving image data, even if an error occurs in the proxy output destination printer connected via the network, without sending a special signal to the image data transmission source, Immediately, the received image data can be output on behalf of another normal printer on the network.

Further, from among a plurality of printers connected via a network, a proxy output destination printer corresponding to the image data reception time is registered, and an abnormality of the page memory or plotter is detected when the image data is received. When
If you select a registered proxy output destination printer based on the reception time of the image data and transfer the received image data to the selected proxy output destination printer, the page is received when the image data is received. When an abnormality occurs in the memory or the plotter, it is possible to substitute the output to the printer selected according to the time at that time.

Therefore, for example, when a printer connected to an image communication apparatus such as a facsimile machine via a local area network is at work and at home respectively, the printer at home is made to output on behalf of the office at night, and the printer is made at work in the daytime. If the proxy output is performed to the printer in the above, the image data can be proxy output to the printer in which the user is likely to be present.

Further, if the information of the transmission source of the received image data is stored, and the information of the transmission source is added to the image data when the received image data is transferred to the proxy output destination printer, It is possible to confirm the sender of the image data output by the proxy output destination printer.

Further, by storing the information of the substitute output destination printer and displaying the stored information of the substitute output destination printer, the user can easily confirm the substitute output destination printer. it can. Further, when the failure of the page memory or plotter is corrected, the user can print out the information of the proxy output destination printer and leave it at hand.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus as an embodiment of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention. The facsimile apparatus 1 is connected to a plurality of printers 3, 4, 5 which are proxy output destinations of image data via a local area network (LAN) 2. Further, although not shown, this LAN2
Other devices such as a personal computer are also connected to the top.

Then, the facsimile apparatus 1 normally transmits / receives image data to / from another facsimile apparatus via a public line. Each of the printers 3 to 5 is a printing device such as an inkjet printer, a dot printer, a laser printer or the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal arrangement of the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment. The facsimile device 1 includes a facsimile transmission / reception unit (FAX transmission / reception unit) 1
0, page memory 11, abnormality detection unit 12, control unit 13,
Local area network connection (LAN connection) 1
4, data transmission unit 15, plotter 16, operation port 1
7, a scanner 18, and a timer 19.

Further, a proxy output destination registration unit 20, a proxy output destination control unit 21, a proxy output destination selection unit 22, a proxy output destination history unit 23, and a proxy output destination display unit 24 are also provided. Then, each of these units can exchange various data with each other via the bus 25. Further, the control unit 13, the proxy output destination registration unit 20, the proxy output destination control unit 21, the proxy output destination selection unit 22, the proxy output destination history unit 23, etc. are the CPU, RO, etc.
It is realized by a microcomputer including M and RAM.

The FAX transmission / reception unit 10 is an image transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving facsimile image data via a public line. The page memory 11 is a memory for storing and storing image data received by facsimile and image data to be transmitted by facsimile. The abnormality detection unit 12 is the plotter 1.
6 is an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality such as a lack of recording paper, a decrease in printing voltage, and an abnormality of the page memory 11 such as insufficient capacity.

The control unit 13 is a central processing unit that controls the entire facsimile apparatus. LAN connection unit 14
Controls the exchange of data with the printers 3 to 5 connected via a local area network (LAN). That is, it is a printer connection unit that connects a plurality of printers 3 to 5 via a LAN. The data sending unit 15 performs control processing of converting image data received by facsimile into printer data and sending the image data to the plotter 16.

The plotter 16 is a printing device that prints image data received by facsimile on recording paper. That is, it is a means for printing the image data stored in the page memory 11 on a recording sheet. The operation port 17 is an input device such as a keyboard for inputting various operation information such as information regarding facsimile transmission / reception by a user and information regarding registration of a proxy output destination printer according to the present invention.

The scanner 18 is an image reading device for reading an image written on a document and inputting image data to be transmitted by facsimile. The timer 19 counts and records the current time.

The substitute output destination registration unit 20 operates the operation port 17
Register the proxy output printer specified and input by. That is, it functions as a proxy output destination registration means for registering a proxy output destination printer from the plurality of printers 3 to 5 connected via the LAN 2.

It also functions as a proxy output destination registration means for registering a plurality of proxy output destination printers from among the plurality of printers 3 to 5 connected via the LAN 2. Furthermore, a plurality of printers 3 connected via the LAN 2
The function of proxy output destination registration means for registering a proxy output destination printer corresponding to the image data reception time from among the items 5 to 5 is performed.

The proxy output destination control unit 21 controls the proxy output to the printer registered in the proxy output destination registration unit 20. That is, when the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 detects an abnormality in the page memory 11 or the plotter 16 during the facsimile reception of the image data by the abnormality detection unit 12, the received image data is output by the proxy output destination registered by the proxy output destination registration unit 20. LAN connection 1 to the previous printer
4 to function as a transfer means.

Further, when the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 detects an abnormality in the page memory 11 or the plotter 16 during the facsimile reception of image data by the abnormality detection unit 12, a plurality of substitute outputs registered in the substitute output destination registration unit 20 are output. It functions as a means for transferring the received image data to the proxy output destination printer selected by the proxy output destination selecting unit 22 from the preceding printers.

Further, when the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 detects an abnormality in the page memory 11 or the plotter 16 during the facsimile reception of the image data by the abnormality detection unit 12, a plurality of substitute outputs registered in the substitute output destination registration unit 20 are output. The proxy output destination selection unit 22 of the preceding printers serves as a means for transferring the received image data to the proxy output destination printer selected based on the image data reception time of the timer 19.

Furthermore, when the received image data is transferred to the proxy output destination printer, it also functions as a means for adding the information of the transmission source stored in the proxy output destination history section 23 to the image data.

The substitute output destination selection unit 22 receives a signal from the LAN 2 to determine which substitute output destination printer is currently available, and controls the control process related to the investigation and selection of the substitute output destination printer.

That is, when the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 detects an abnormality in the page memory 11 or the plotter 16 when the image data is received by facsimile, the received image data is stored in the proxy output destination registration unit 20.
The proxy output destination checking means that checks whether or not it is possible to use a plurality of proxy output destination printers registered in, and the function of the proxy output destination selecting means that selects the proxy output destination printer based on the survey result Fulfill

Further, when the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 detects an abnormality of the page memory 11 or the plotter 16 during the facsimile reception of the image data by the abnormality detection unit 12, the proxy output destination is determined based on the reception time of the image data by the timer 19. It functions as a proxy output destination selecting means for selecting a proxy output destination printer registered in the registration unit 20.

The proxy output destination history section 23 is a memory such as a RAM for recording information such as a proxy output history report such as when the image data from the facsimile transmission source is transferred to the proxy output destination printer. That is, it functions as a transmission source information storage unit that stores information on the transmission source of the image data received by the FAX transmission / reception unit 10 and a unit that stores information on the proxy output destination printer.

The proxy output destination display section 24 is a display such as a CRT or LCD for displaying information such as a proxy output destination printer to which the image data is transferred. That is,
It fulfills the function of a means for displaying the information of the proxy output destination printer stored in the proxy output destination history section 23.

Next, the processing of this facsimile will be described. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the standby process of this facsimile apparatus. In this process, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 1, it is determined whether or not to register the proxy output destination printer for the plurality of printers connected on the LAN, and if the registration instruction is not input, the process is directly performed. Although it is in the standby state, if a registration instruction is input, the process proceeds to step 4, the proxy output destination registration procedure is performed, and the process returns to the standby state.

In the standby state, it is judged in step 2 whether or not the facsimile apparatus can output image data.
If output is possible, proceed to step 5 to determine whether or not the printout request flag of the proxy output history report is set. If not, it stands by, but if set, proceed to step 6 and prepare in advance. Print out the proxy output history report in the same format and return to the standby state.

Further, it is judged whether or not a facsimile signal is received in the standby state, and if it is not received, it is in the standby state as it is.
The process of the receiving procedure is performed and it returns to the standby state.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the detailed processing of the proxy output destination registration procedure of FIG. In the proxy output destination registration procedure, when the address (and designated time) of the proxy output destination printer is designated and input from the operation port in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 11, step 12
Then, the address (and the designated time) of the designated and input proxy output destination printer is additionally registered in the substitute output destination registration section, and the process proceeds to step 13 to determine whether or not the registration is completed.
If the registration is not completed, the process returns to the first process, but if the registration is completed, this process ends.

Further, the processing of the proxy output destination registration procedure will be described. The operator is from operation port 17 to L
From the printers 3 to 5 connected to the AN2, the LAN addresses of the printers to be proxied are input in the order in which they are desired to be proxied. In this case, even one printer can be designated as the proxy output destination. Further, if a designated time at the time of proxy output is input to the designated and input printer, it can be registered as a proxy output destination at the designated time.

The LAN address (and the designated time corresponding thereto) of the proxy output destination printer input from the operation port 17 is registered in the proxy output destination registering unit 20 with the priority order of the proxy output.

5 to 8 are flow charts showing the detailed processing of the facsimile reception procedure shown in FIG. In this process, since it has already been determined in the process of step 2 shown in FIG. 3 whether or not the facsimile device side can output the facsimile original, whether or not the proxy output to the printer connected to the LAN is possible first. To judge.

As shown in FIG. 5, steps (“S” in the figure)
Among the printers registered by the processing of the proxy output destination registration procedure in step 21), the printer having the highest priority as the proxy output destination that matches the specified time condition based on the time when the facsimile is received. Then, the facsimile preparation apparatus sends a print preparation confirmation signal to step 22 and judges whether or not a predetermined fixed time has elapsed, and within the fixed time, a signal from the destination printer of the print preparation confirmation signal is sent. If not accepted (in this case, another print processing operation is currently being performed), the process proceeds to step 26.

In the selection processing of the proxy output destination printer by the designated time, the time when the facsimile is received is acquired from the timer, and the designated time corresponding to the proxy output destination printer registered in the proxy output destination registration unit is set. The printers are sequentially compared and a printer having a designated time corresponding to the time of facsimile reception is selected.

In this way, for example, when the printers connected via the LAN are at work and at home respectively, the time at midnight is designated for the printer at home and the time at daytime is designated for the printer at work. By designating and registering as a proxy output destination, it is possible to perform proxy output to a printer at home at night and proxy output to a printer at work in the daytime. Therefore, the image data can be output on behalf of a printer in a place where the user is likely to be present, and the facsimile device can be used more effectively.

If a signal is received from the printer to which the print preparation confirmation signal is sent within a certain period of time in the determination in step 22, the process proceeds to step 23 and it is determined whether or not the signal is a print abnormal signal. If the print abnormality signal is not accepted, the process proceeds to step 24, and if the print abnormality signal is accepted, the process proceeds to step 26.

In step 26, it is determined whether or not there is a destination printer that has not transmitted the print preparation confirmation signal among the printers registered in the proxy output destination registration procedure. If not, the process proceeds to step 27. Proceed and substitute output NG,
That is, it is determined that the proxy output cannot be performed, and the process proceeds to step 31 shown in FIG. 6, and if there is, the process proceeds to step 28, the destination printer is changed based on the designated time and the priority order, and the process returns to the first process. Then, the print preparation confirmation signal is sent to the printer having the specified time and having the higher priority.

In step 24, it is determined whether or not the print preparation completion signal is received. If the print preparation completion signal is not received, the process returns to step 22. If the print preparation completion signal is received, the process proceeds to step 25. Proxy output OK, that is, it is determined that proxy output is possible, a printer as a proxy output destination is prepared, and the process proceeds to step 31 shown in FIG.

In this way, the print preparation confirmation signals are sequentially transmitted from the registered substitute output destination printers to which the designated time matching the current time is set, and the printers are registered in advance. Check whether it is possible to use the proxy output destination printer. If the print preparation completion signal is not received from all the printers, the proxy output is NG. If the print preparation completion signal is received without preparing the proxy output destination printer, the proxy output is OK. Prepare the previous printer.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 31, the process is branched and shifted based on the examination result of the output on the facsimile machine side and the proxy output on the printer side. That is, the facsimile machine output: OK,
Printer-side proxy output: If OK, go to step 32,
Facsimile machine side output: OK, printer side output:
If it is NG, the process proceeds to step 37, and the facsimile device side output: NG, printer side proxy output: if OK, the process proceeds to step 51 shown in FIG. 7, and the facsimile device side output: NG,
Printer substitute output: If the output is NG, the process proceeds to step 41.

In step 32, it is determined that the facsimile-received image data is to be output by the present facsimile apparatus, normal facsimile reception and printing of the received image data are performed, and the process proceeds to step 33 to determine whether the page memory or plotter is abnormal. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step 51 shown in FIG. 7 to perform proxy output.

If there is no abnormality in the judgment in step 33, the process proceeds to step 34 to judge whether or not the facsimile reception is completed, and the processes in steps 32 to 34 are repeated until the facsimile reception of the image data is completed, and the facsimile reception is carried out. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step 35, the line is cut off in a normal procedure to end the facsimile reception, and the process proceeds to step 36 to send a release signal to the printer prepared as a substitute output destination, complete this process and wait. Return to.

In step 37, it is determined that the facsimile-received image data is to be output by the present facsimile apparatus, normal facsimile reception and printing of the received image data are performed, and the process proceeds to step 38 to be stored in the page memory or plotter. If there is an abnormality, and if there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step 41 to notify the facsimile transmission side that facsimile reception is impossible, disconnects the line without performing facsimile reception, and stops facsimile reception. ,
This process ends and returns to the standby state.

If there is no abnormality in the judgment at step 38, the routine proceeds to step 39, at which it is judged whether or not the facsimile reception is completed, and the processing of steps 37 to 39 is repeated until the facsimile reception of the image data is completed, and the facsimile reception is carried out. Is completed, the process proceeds to step 40, the line is cut off in a normal procedure to end the facsimile reception, and this process is ended to return to the standby state.

Further, if the facsimile machine side output: NG, the printer side proxy output: OK in the process of step 31, in order to proxy the image data received by the facsimile to the proxy output destination printer, step 5 shown in FIG.
Move to 1.

Further, in the processing of step 31, the facsimile machine side output: NG, the printer side proxy output: NG
If this is the case, neither the output from this facsimile apparatus nor the output from the proxy output destination printer is possible. Therefore, the processing proceeds to step 41, the fact that facsimile reception is impossible is notified to the facsimile transmission side, and the line is disconnected without performing facsimile reception. Then, the facsimile reception is stopped, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state.

Next, in the process shown in FIG. 6, when the facsimile apparatus cannot output the image data received from the beginning or while the image data received by the facsimile is being output by the facsimile apparatus due to the abnormality of the page memory or the plotter, FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the substitute output is performed by the substitute output printer.

As shown in FIG. 7, step ("S" in the figure)
In (51), the information such as the LAN address of the printer that can currently perform the proxy output is displayed on the proxy output destination display section based on the information of the printer of the proxy output destination that has been prepared and set by the investigation of the proxy output destination. Is displayed. The user on the side of the facsimile device can easily confirm the proxy output destination printer.

Then, the process proceeds to step 52, where the image data received by the facsimile by the data sending unit is converted into a data format that can be output by the printer, and sent out to the proxy output destination printer which has been preliminarily set via the LAN.

After that, the routine proceeds to step 53, where it is judged whether or not a print abnormality signal is received from the proxy output destination printer, and if it is accepted, the routine proceeds to step 59 where a non-receivable signal is output to the facsimile transmission side, The facsimile reception is stopped, the line is disconnected, and the process proceeds to step 67 in FIG.

If the print abnormality signal is not received from the proxy output destination printer in the determination in step 53, the process proceeds to step 54 to determine whether or not the facsimile reception of the image data is completed. Returning to 52, the processes of steps 52 to 54 are repeated, and when the facsimile reception is completed, the process proceeds to step 55 to perform a procedure for normally ending the facsimile reception and disconnect the line.

Further, in step 56, the image data of the proxy output history report including the information of the facsimile transmission source of the image data stored at the time of facsimile reception is sent to the printer of the proxy output destination, and in step 57, the proxy output destination. It is determined whether or not the abnormal printing signal is received from the printer of FIG.

If it is determined in step 57 that the abnormal print signal is not accepted, the flow advances to step 58 to determine whether or not the transmission of the image data of the proxy output history report is completed. If not, the flow advances to step 56. Steps 56-58
When the transmission of the image data of the proxy output history report is completed, the process proceeds to step 60 shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 60, a substitute output end signal is sent to the substitute output destination printer, and the routine proceeds to step 61, where a preset fixed time has elapsed. Even if the signal is not received from the proxy output destination printer, the process proceeds to step 67. If the signal is received before the elapse of the certain time, the process proceeds to step 62 to determine whether or not the abnormal printing signal is received. If it is accepted, the process proceeds to step 67. If it is not accepted, the process proceeds to step 63 to determine whether or not the print normal end signal is accepted, and if it is not accepted, the process returns to step 61, but if it is accepted, the process proceeds to step 64. move on.

Thereafter, in step 64, the normal output of the proxy output is normally recorded in the proxy output history report, the process proceeds to step 65, the printout request flag of the proxy output history report is turned ON (set), and the process proceeds to step 66 to perform the proxy. The proxy output destination display of the output destination display unit is turned off, the process is terminated, and the process stands by.

After disconnecting the line in step 59 of FIG. 7, it is determined in step 57 that the abnormal print signal is accepted, and then in step 61 of FIG. 8, a signal is accepted from the proxy output destination printer even if a fixed time has elapsed. If it is determined not to do so, or if it is determined in step 62 that the abnormal print signal has been received, the process proceeds to step 67, the abnormal output abnormal termination is additionally recorded in the alternate output history report, and the process proceeds to step 65 to display the alternate output history report. Turn the printout request flag ON (standing up),
The process proceeds to step 66, the substitute output destination display of the substitute output destination display unit is turned off, the process is terminated, and the process stands by.

Next, the proxy output process in the printers 3 to 5 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the proxy output process. In this process, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 71, it is judged whether or not the print preparation confirmation signal is received from the facsimile apparatus. If it is not received, the process stands by. If it is received, the process proceeds to step 72. The printer's page memory, plotter, and other parts related to printing are investigated to determine whether proxy output is possible.

If the substitute output is not possible in the judgment of step 72, the routine proceeds to step 81, where a print abnormal signal is transmitted to the facsimile machine side and the process returns to the first process and stands by. Also,
If it is possible to perform the proxy output in the judgment of step 72, step 73
In step 74, a print preparation completion signal is transmitted to the facsimile machine, and in step 74, it is determined whether or not the release signal from the facsimile machine is accepted.

If the release signal is accepted in the determination in step 74, the process returns to the first process and waits. If it is determined in step 74 that the release signal is not accepted, the process proceeds to step 75 to determine whether the image data is accepted. If the image data is not accepted, the process returns to step 74, and if the image data is accepted, the step is performed. Proceed to 76 to print out the image data.

Thereafter, the routine proceeds to step 77, where it is judged whether or not there is a substitute output abnormality during the substitute output, and if it is judged that there is a substitute output abnormality due to some trouble related to printout during the substitute output, the routine proceeds to step 80. The process proceeds to stop printing, the process proceeds to step 81, a print abnormality signal is transmitted to the facsimile device side, and the process returns to the first process and waits. In this way, when a printer error occurs during proxy output and proxy output becomes impossible, the fact can be notified to the facsimile machine and another printer can perform proxy output.

If there is no substitute output abnormality in the judgment of step 77, the substitute output history report added and transmitted to the image data from the facsimile machine is also printed out. This proxy output history report allows the printer side to refer to the information regarding the facsimile device that is the facsimile transmission source of the image data.

Then, in step 78, it is judged whether or not the substitute output end signal is received. If the substitute output end signal is not received, the process returns to step 76 to continue printing out the image data, and the substitute output end. If the signal is accepted, the routine proceeds to step 79, where a print normal termination signal is transmitted to the facsimile machine side, and this processing is terminated and stands by. After this process, the printer can be accessed from other devices on the LAN.

In the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the page memory or the plotter during the facsimile reception of the image data, the printer 3 connected through the local area network.
It is possible to substitute and output the image data received by any one of 5 to 5.

Therefore, the facsimile machine on the image data receiving side does not have to disconnect the line with the facsimile machine of the transmission source when an abnormality occurs, and immediately outputs the image data on behalf of the proxy output destination printer. It can be shortened, and communication costs such as telephone charges are not increased. This image communication device is a local area network
Among multiple printers connected via a network such as
From the proxy output destination printer to receive image data
Sometimes when an error in the page memory or plotter is detected,
The received image data of the registered substitute output destination
Since it will be transferred to the printer, the page
If an error occurs in the memory or plotter, image data
Network immediately without sending a special signal to the sender of
Image data received to another printer connected via
It is possible to output on behalf. Therefore, the image data
There is no need to add new functions to the source device,
Increases communication costs by shortening the time required for live proxy output
You don't have to add them.

Further, even when an abnormality occurs in the proxy output destination printer, the image data received by another normal printer on the local area network can be proxy output. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the page memory or the plotter at the time of receiving the image data by facsimile, it is possible to substitute the output to the printer selected according to the time.

Furthermore, the substitute output destination printer can confirm the transmission source of the substitute output image data. Furthermore, the proxy output destination printer can be easily confirmed on the display. Further, when the fault of the page memory or the plotter is repaired, this information can be printed out and recorded and kept at hand.

Further, each function as described above can be realized without providing a new function in the device of the transmission source of the image data, and it is used only by connecting the image communication device to the conventional network system. It is possible to improve versatility.

Although the facsimile apparatus of the above-described embodiment is connected to three printers via a LAN, it is possible to easily connect more printers as substitute output destinations. Further, the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit is not limited to the page memory and the plotter, and the abnormality is also detected in other portions, and if the facsimile reception cannot be performed due to the abnormality, the proxy output to the printer is executed. It is easy to do. Furthermore, the image communication device of the present invention can be applied to devices other than facsimile devices that transmit and receive image data.

[0080]

As described above, according to the image communication apparatus of the present invention, even if an abnormality occurs in the page memory or the plotter at the time of receiving the image data, the communication cost is increased by the printer connected to the network. It is possible to output on behalf of the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus of an embodiment of an image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus of an embodiment of an image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a standby process of the facsimile apparatus of the embodiment of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of the proxy output destination registration procedure shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the facsimile reception procedure shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the further subsequent processing.

9 is a flowchart showing a proxy output process in each of the printers 3 to 5 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Facsimile device 3 to 5: Printer 2: Local area network (LAN) 10: Facsimile transmission / reception unit (FAX transmission / reception unit) 11: Page memory 12: Abnormality detection unit 13: Control unit 15: Data transmission unit 14: Local area network Connection unit (LAN connection unit) 16: Plotter 17: Operation port 18: Scanner 19: Timer 20: Substitute output destination registration unit 21: Substitute output destination control unit 22: Substitute output destination selection unit 23: Substitute output destination history unit 24: Substitute Output destination display 25: Bus

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04N 1/387

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving image data via a public line, a page memory for storing the image data received by the means, and a plotter for printing the image data stored in the page memory on a recording sheet. In an image communication apparatus comprising: a printer connecting means for connecting a plurality of printers via a network; and a proxy output destination registering means for registering a plurality of proxy output destination printers among the printers connected by the means. And an abnormality detecting unit that detects an abnormality of the page memory or the plotter, and when the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality of the page memory or the plotter when the image transmitting and receiving unit receives the image data, the received image data is The printers of the plurality of proxy output destinations registered in the proxy output destination registration means are Output destination checking means for checking whether or not it can be used, a proxy output destination selecting means for selecting a printer as a proxy output destination based on a result of the investigation by the means, and a proxy output destination printer selected by the means. And a means for transferring the received image data to the image communication apparatus. 2. An image transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving image data via a public line, a page memory for storing the image data received by the means, and a plotter for printing the image data stored in the page memory on a recording sheet. In an image communication apparatus including a printer, a printer connection unit for connecting a plurality of printers via a network, and a proxy output destination printer corresponding to the image data reception time among the printers connected by the unit are provided. Substitute output destination registering means for registering, abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality of the page memory or plotter, and when the abnormality detecting means detects abnormality of the page memory or plotter when image data is received by the image transmitting / receiving means , Registered in the proxy output destination registration means based on the reception time of the image data. A proxy destination selecting means for selecting a proxy destination printer are, the image communication apparatus characterized in that a means for transferring the received image data to the selected proxy target printer by said means. 3. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, and transmission source information storage means for storing the transmission source information of the received image data, the image data thus received in the proxy destination printer And a means for adding the information of the transmission source stored in the transmission source information storage means to the image data when transferring the image data to the image communication apparatus. 4. An image communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, and means for displaying and means for storing information of the proxy destination printer, the information of the substitution destination printer which is stored in said means An image communication device comprising: