JP4605019B2 - Network MFP - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network multifunction peripheral capable of transmitting image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function.

  When ordering consumables such as toner in order to continue using a network multifunction device such as a facsimile machine, or when a trouble occurs that is difficult for the user to handle in this network multifunction device, etc. In the past, contact was made via telephone or facsimile. However, there is a problem that it is troublesome for the user to perform the above-described communication via telephone or facsimile.

In order to solve the above problem, there has been proposed a facsimile apparatus that stores predetermined information in advance and transmits the predetermined information when a predetermined destination is input (see Patent Document 1). In this facsimile apparatus, when the predetermined information is, for example, ordering information for consumables such as toner, the work of ordering consumables such as toner is simplified.
JP 2003-32464 A

  However, in the above facsimile apparatus, it is still necessary for the user to input the destination, and a communication fee for transmitting the facsimile (or for making a telephone call) is necessary, which is convenient for the user. It was not enough.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a network multifunction device capable of easily communicating a request to a predetermined destination regarding the ordering of consumables. To do.

To achieve the above object, a network multifunction device according to claim 1 is a network multifunction device capable of transmitting image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function, and orders predetermined consumables. Image storage means for storing image data of a purchase order in association with address information of one image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses and type information indicating whether or not it is a page description language type ; Determining means for determining whether or not it is the ordering timing of the consumable, and when the determining means determines that it is the ordering timing for the consumable, the image data of the purchase order is obtained from the image storage means. an image reading means for reading, the image forming apparatus of an address stored in said image storage means, in accordance with the type information, based on the image data of the purchase order It is characterized in that it comprises generating a printable data, or the transmission means for transmitting to it the printing is converted into printable data output.

According to the above configuration, the image data of the purchase order for ordering a predetermined consumable item to the image storage means includes the address information of one image forming apparatus among a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function and the page description. It is stored in association with type information indicating whether or not it is a language type . In addition, it is determined by the determining means whether or not it is the ordering time for the consumable. Then, when it is determined by the determining means that the order for the consumables is reached, the image reading means reads out the image data of the purchase order from the image storing means, and the transmitting means stores the image data in the image storing means. In accordance with the type information, data generated so as to be printable based on the image data of the purchase order or data converted into printable data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus at the address for printing out.

  Accordingly, when it is determined that it is the ordering timing of the consumable item, the image data of the purchase order is read, and the image data of the purchase order is printed out to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the consumable item. Therefore, regarding the ordering of consumables, it is possible to easily transmit the ordering document to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the consumables.

  The network multifunction peripheral according to claim 2, wherein the image storage unit stores the image data of the purchase order in association with the address information of the first image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of consumables. It is said.

  According to the above configuration, the image data of the purchase order is stored in the image storage unit in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of consumables.

  Accordingly, since the image data of the purchase order is stored in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of consumables, the plurality of types of consumables correspond to the respective consumables. A purchase order can be easily transmitted to the image forming apparatus having the address.

  The network multifunction peripheral according to claim 3 is characterized in that the consumables include at least one of toner and a photosensitive drum.

  According to the above configuration, since the consumable item includes at least one of the toner and the photosensitive drum, it is possible to easily transmit the order sheet of the consumable item that is frequently ordered.

  The network multifunction peripheral according to claim 4 is characterized in that the transmission means transmits image data via an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

  According to the above configuration, the image data of the purchase order can be transmitted via the IPP, so the communication fee is reduced.

The network multifunction device according to claim 5 is a network multifunction device capable of transmitting image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function, and an image of a communication form for reporting a trouble occurring in the network multifunction device. Image storage means for storing data in association with address information of one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and type information indicating whether or not it is a page description language type; A determination unit that determines whether or not the image has occurred; an image reading unit that reads out image data of the contact form from the image storage unit when the determination unit determines that the trouble has occurred; and the image storage unit the image forming apparatus of the stored addresses, in accordance with the type information, printable de on the basis of the image data of the contact form It is characterized in that it comprises generating a data or a transmission means for transmitting to prints which was converted into printable data.

According to the above configuration, the image data of the communication form for reporting troubles occurring in the network multifunction peripheral to the image storage means includes the address information of one image forming apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function, and It is stored in association with type information indicating whether or not it is a page description language type . Moreover, it is determined by the determination means whether a trouble has occurred. When the determination unit determines that a trouble has occurred, the image reading unit reads the image data of the contact form from the image storage unit, and the transmission unit forms the image at the address stored in the image storage unit. In accordance with the type information, data generated so as to be printable based on the image data of the contact form or data converted to be printable is transmitted to the apparatus for printing out.

  Accordingly, when it is determined that a trouble has occurred in the network multifunction peripheral, the image data of the contact form is read, and the image data of the contact form is printed out to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the trouble. Therefore, it is possible to easily transmit a communication form to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the trouble.

  The network multifunction peripheral according to claim 6, wherein the image storage unit stores image data of a contact form in association with address information of the first image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of troubles. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, the image data of the contact form is stored in the image storage unit in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of troubles.

  Accordingly, since the image data of the contact form is stored in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of the plurality of types of troubles, the images of the addresses corresponding to the respective types of troubles are stored. It becomes possible to easily transmit a contact form to the forming apparatus.

  The document management apparatus according to claim 7 is characterized in that the transmission means transmits image data via an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

  According to the above configuration, the image data of the contact form can be transmitted via the IPP, so that the communication fee is reduced.

According to the network multifunction device of the first aspect, when it is determined that it is the order timing of the consumable item, the image data of the purchase order is read and the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the consumable item is read. Depending on the type information, the data generated printable based on the image data of the purchase order or the data converted to printable is transmitted for printing out. The purchase order can be easily transmitted to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the product.

  According to the network multifunction device according to claim 2, since the image data of the purchase order is stored in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of consumables, a plurality of types of consumables are stored. For consumables, a purchase order can be easily transmitted to the image forming apparatus having an address corresponding to each consumable.

  According to the network multifunction device of the third aspect, since the consumable item includes at least one of toner and a photosensitive drum, it is possible to easily transmit a purchase order for a consumable item frequently ordered.

  According to the network multifunction device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to transmit the image data of the purchase order via the IPP, so that the communication fee can be reduced.

According to the network multifunction device according to claim 5, when it is determined that a trouble has occurred in the network multifunction device, the image data of the contact form is read, and the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to the trouble is read. Depending on the type information, data that can be printed based on the image data of the contact form , or data that has been converted to printable data is sent to print out. It is possible to easily transmit a contact form to the image forming apparatus having the corresponding address.

  According to the network multifunction device of the sixth aspect, since the image data of the contact form is stored in association with the address information of one image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of troubles, the plurality of types of troubles are stored. The communication form can be easily transmitted to the image forming apparatus having the address corresponding to each trouble.

  According to the network multifunction device of the seventh aspect, it is possible to transmit the image data of the contact form via the IPP, so that the communication fee can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, a network facsimile apparatus according to the present invention (an example of an embodiment of a network multifunction peripheral according to the present invention) will be described with reference to the drawings. The network facsimile apparatus according to the present invention transmits image data to another image forming apparatus (here, a printer) by the Internet facsimile communication function.

  Here, the case where the network multifunction peripheral is the network facsimile apparatus 1 having the Internet facsimile function will be described. However, the network multifunction apparatus may be a multifunction peripheral having the Internet facsimile function. Furthermore, the network multifunction device may have a form having at least one of a facsimile function and an Internet facsimile function.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a network facsimile system including a network facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. That is, the network facsimile apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 (corresponding to a part of a document management apparatus), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 (corresponding to a part of a document management apparatus), ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, image memory 114, modem 115, NCU (Network Control Unit) 116, codec (CODEC: Coder and Decoder) 117, reading unit 118, recording unit 119, operation unit 120, display unit 121, and A LAN interface 122 is provided, and the units 111 to 122 are communicably connected via a bus 123.

  The CPU 111 functions as a control unit that controls each of the units 112 to 120 constituting the network facsimile apparatus 1 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 113. The RAM 112 functions as a work area for the CPU 111. The ROM 113 stores the control program. The image memory 114 stores transmitted / received image data, image data read by the reading unit 118, and the like.

  The modem 115 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation V.3. Modulate and demodulate transmitted / received data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 116 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make or cut a call, and can communicate with a G3 facsimile 42 via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 41.

  The codec 117 performs encoding and decoding of image data. That is, the image data of the document read by the reading unit 118 is encoded by the MH, MR method or the like for transmission, and the image data received from the outside is decoded. The reading unit 118 reads image data of a document, and includes, for example, a CCD color line sensor, an A / D converter, an image processing circuit, and the like. The recording unit 119 performs image forming processing (printing processing) on the received image data and the like on recording paper. For example, an electrophotographic system is applied.

  The operation unit 120 includes input keys for inputting information by the user, a touch panel, and the like, and various input operations by the user are performed via the operation unit 120. The display unit 121 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) arranged in parallel with the operation unit 120, and functions as a display unit that displays various screen information. The LAN interface 122 connects the network facsimile apparatus 1 and a LAN (Local Area Network) 21 so that they can communicate with each other.

  For example, a plurality of printers 31 and 32 (corresponding to a plurality of image forming apparatuses) that print image data received from the network facsimile apparatus 1 via the router 22 and the Internet 23 are connected to the LAN 21. . Here, the case where the image forming apparatuses that print image data are the printers 31 and 32 will be described, but an image forming apparatus (for example, a multi-function peripheral or the like) having other print functions may be used.

  The printers 31 and 32 receive image data and the like from the network facsimile apparatus 1 via the LAN 21, the router 22, and the Internet 23, and print the image data and the like on recording paper. The printer 31 is arranged for each ordering party of consumables such as toner used in the network facsimile apparatus 1, and prints out the consumable purchase order transmitted from the network facsimile apparatus 1 on a recording sheet. The printer 32 is provided for each service center corresponding to the trouble of the network facsimile apparatus 1 and prints out a trouble report transmitted from the network facsimile apparatus 1 on a recording sheet.

  Here, the network facsimile apparatus 1 has an Internet facsimile communication function, and transmits image data to the printers 31 and 32 via the LAN 21, the router 22, and the Internet 23 by the Internet facsimile function. In addition, the network facsimile apparatus 1 can perform IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) communication with the printers 31 and 32.

  FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an example of a main part of the network facsimile apparatus 1. The CPU 111 of the network facsimile apparatus 1 functionally has a consumable item determination unit 111a (corresponding to a part of the determination unit) for determining whether or not it is a consumable item order timing, and a purchase order image storage unit 112a described later. The purchase order image reading unit 111b (corresponding to a part of the image reading unit) for reading the image data of the purchase order from the printer and the printer 31 at the address stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a, which will be described later, A purchase order transmission unit 111c (corresponding to a part of the transmission unit) that transmits the image data to be printed out, and a trouble determination unit 111d (corresponding to a part of the determination unit) that determines whether or not a trouble has occurred. A contact form image reading unit 111e (corresponding to a part of the image reading unit) that reads out image data of the contact form from the contact form image storage unit 112b described later; A contact form transmission unit 111f (corresponding to a part of the transmission means) for transmitting the image data of the contact form to the printer 32 at the address stored in the contact form image storage unit 112b; A transmission destination setting unit 111g for receiving printer information of a printer which is a transmission destination of the purchase order and trouble report.

  The RAM 112 of the network facsimile apparatus 1 functionally stores the image data of the purchase order for ordering consumables of the network facsimile apparatus 1 in association with the address information of one printer 31 among the plurality of printers 31. The image data of the document image storage unit 112a (corresponding to a part of the image storage means) and the contact document for reporting the trouble of the network facsimile apparatus 1 corresponds to the address information of one printer 32 among the plurality of printers 32. And a contact image storage unit 112b (corresponding to a part of the image storage means).

  Here, the CPU 111 reads and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 113 or the like, so that the consumable item determination unit 111a, the purchase order image reading unit 111b, the purchase order transmission unit 111c, the trouble determination unit 111d, and the contact image. The RAM 112 functions as a functional unit including a purchase order image storage unit 112a and a contact form image storage unit 112b while functioning as a functional unit including a reading unit 111e, a communication form transmission unit 111f, and a transmission destination setting unit 111g.

  Next, each functional unit of the network facsimile apparatus 1 will be described. The consumable item determination unit 111a determines whether it is the ordering timing of the consumable item. Specifically, the consumables determination unit 111a determines that the toner ordering timing is reached when the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and also determines the accumulated usage time of the photosensitive drum (from replacement with a new one). If the integrated value of the usage time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that it is the photosensitive drum ordering timing.

  Here, although the case where the consumables are toner and a photosensitive drum will be described, a form including at least one of the toner and the photosensitive drum may be used. For example, the consumables may be toner and other consumables (for example, recording paper) whose remaining amount can be detected.

  The purchase order image reading unit 111b reads the image data of the purchase order corresponding to the consumable item from the purchase order image storage unit 112a when it is determined by the consumable item determination unit 111a that the order of the consumable item has been reached. Specifically, when it is determined by the consumable item determination unit 111a that the toner ordering timing is reached, the image data of the toner order sheet is read from the purchase order image storage unit 112a, and the consumable item determination unit 111a reads the photosensitive drum. If it is determined that it is the ordering timing, the image data of the photosensitive drum purchase order is read from the purchase order image storage unit 112a.

  The purchase order transmission unit 111c transmits to the printer 31 at the address stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a to print out the image data of the purchase order read by the purchase order image reading unit 111b. Specifically, the purchase order transmission unit 111c sends the toner read out by the purchase order image reading unit 111b to the printer 31 having an address corresponding to the order destination of the toner stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a. Send image data of purchase order to print out. The purchase order transmission unit 111c orders the photosensitive drum read by the purchase order image reading unit 111b to the printer 31 having an address corresponding to the order destination of the photosensitive drum stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a. The image data of the document is transmitted to be printed out.

  Note that when the destination printer 31 is a page description language printer, the purchase order transmission unit 111c uses PJL (Print Job Language) data and PDL (Page Description) which is image data printable by the page description language printer. Language data is generated, and if it is not a page description language printer (here, it is assumed that it is GDI (Graphics Device Interface)), the image data is MMR encoded, converted into image data, and sent to the printer 31. To do.

  Here, a description will be given of a mode in which the purchase order transmission unit 111c transmits the image data of the purchase order read by the purchase order image reading unit 111b. However, the purchase order transmission unit 111c receives an operation input from the outside (for example, (Via the operation unit 120 shown in FIG. 1) and the quantity, delivery date, etc. of the consumables to be ordered can be set. In this case, convenience is further improved.

  The trouble determination unit 111d determines whether or not a trouble (serious trouble: a trouble such as a paper jam that can be dealt with by the user and a trouble that requires the service center) has occurred has occurred. To do. Troubles include, for example, abnormalities related to print quality (for example, fixing abnormality), abnormalities in electrical devices (for example, disconnection of wiring, lamps, etc., abnormal overheating of the photosensitive drum surface, etc.), abnormalities in mechanical devices (for example, , Wear of the drive transmission V-belt, etc.). Corresponding to each of these abnormalities, the contact form image storage unit 112b stores the image data of the contact form and the address information of the contact printer 32 in association with each other.

  Here, the case where the trouble that has occurred includes an abnormality related to print quality, an abnormality in an electrical device, and an abnormality in a mechanical device will be described. However, the type of trouble ( For example, the image data of the contact form for each photosensitive drum surface overheating abnormality) and the address information of the contact printer 32 may be stored in association with each other. In this case, it is possible to grasp the type of trouble that has occurred in more detail.

  When the trouble determination unit 111d determines that a trouble has occurred, the contact form image reading unit 111e reads the image data of the contact form corresponding to the generated trouble from the contact form image storage unit 112b. For example, when it is determined by the trouble determination unit 111d that an abnormality relating to the print quality has occurred, the image data of the abnormality contact letter relating to the print quality is read from the contact letter image storage unit 112b.

  The contact form transmission unit 111f transmits the image data of the contact form read out by the contact form image reading unit 111e to the printer 32 having the address stored in the contact form image storage unit 112b for printing out. For example, the contact form image reading unit 111e reads the contact form image reading unit 111e from the contact form image reading unit 111e with respect to the printer 32 having an address corresponding to the service center of an abnormal contact address related to print quality stored in the contact form image storage unit 112b. The image data of the abnormal correspondence related to the print quality is sent to be printed out. When the destination printer 32 is a page description language printer, the contact form sending unit 111f generates PJL data and PDL data that is image data that can be printed by the page description language printer. If it is not a printer (here, it is assumed to be GDI), the image data is MMR encoded, converted into image data, and transmitted to the printer 32.

  The transmission destination setting unit 111g is associated with each purchase order stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a based on an operation from the user via the operation unit 120 (or stored in the contact form image storage unit 112b). The printer information is received in association with each trouble report, and the received printer information is stored in the purchase order image storage unit 112a in association with the image data of the purchase order (or trouble report). Here, the printer information includes printer address information and printer type information (information indicating whether the printer is a page description language printer).

  The purchase order image storage unit 112a converts the toner purchase order image data and the photosensitive drum purchase order image data into address information of the printer 31 corresponding to the toner ordering destination and a printer corresponding to the photosensitive drum ordering destination, respectively. 31 address information and type information are stored in association with each other.

  The contact form image storage unit 112b stores the image data of the contact form of the abnormality relating to the print quality, the abnormality of the electrical device, and the abnormality of the mechanical device, respectively, to the address of the printer 32 corresponding to each abnormality contact address Information and type information are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the network facsimile apparatus 1. First, the transmission destination setting unit 111g determines whether or not operation input information for setting a transmission destination is received via the operation unit 120 (S1). When it is determined that the operation input information for setting the transmission destination is accepted (YES in S1), the transmission destination setting process (see FIG. 4) is performed by the transmission destination setting unit 111g via the operation unit 120. (S2). When it is determined that the operation input information for setting the transmission destination has not been accepted (NO in S1), or when the process of step S2 is completed, the consumable item determination unit 111a causes the consumable item to be determined. It is determined whether or not it is the ordering timing (S3). If it is determined that it is the expendable item ordering timing (YES in S3), a purchase order transmission process (see FIG. 5), which is a process of transmitting a consumable purchase order, is performed (S4). When it is determined that it is not the order for expendable supplies (NO in S3), or when the process of step S3 is completed, the trouble determination unit 111d determines whether or not a trouble has occurred ( S5).

  If it is determined that a trouble has occurred (YES in S5), a contact transmission process (see FIG. 5), which is a process of transmitting a trouble contact, is performed (S6). When it is determined that no trouble has occurred (NO in S5), or when the process of step S6 is completed, the process returns to step S1, and the processes after step S1 are repeatedly executed.

  FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the transmission destination setting process in step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The following processing is all performed by the transmission destination setting unit 111g. First, it is determined whether or not the printer address information has been received (S201). If it is determined that the printer address information has not been received (NO in S201), the process is returned. If it is determined that the printer address information has been received (YES in S201), the printer type information is received (S203). Then, the type of consumable item in the purchase order (or the type of trouble in the contact form) to be output to the printer having the address information accepted in step 201 is accepted (S205). Then, the address information received in step S201 and the type information received in step S203 are associated with the image data corresponding to the type of consumable item in the purchase order (or the type of trouble in the contact form) as printer information. The purchase order image storage unit 112a (or the contact form image storage unit 112b) is stored (S207), and the process is returned.

  FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the purchase order transmission process in step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the purchase order image reading unit 111b determines the type of consumable that has been determined to be the order timing (S401), and the image data of the purchase order corresponding to the consumable is read from the purchase order image storage unit 112a. (S403). Then, the purchase order transmission unit 111c reads the printer information (address information and type information) of the printer 31 corresponding to the type of consumable determined in step S401 from the purchase order image storage unit 112a (S405). Then, based on the type information read in step S405, the purchase order transmission unit 111c determines whether or not the destination printer 31 is a page description language printer (S407). If it is determined that the printer is a page description language printer (YES in S407), the purchase order sending unit 111c generates PJL data and PDL data based on the image data read in step S403 (S409). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer is not a page description language printer (NO in S407), the purchase order transmission unit 111c performs MMR encoding on the image data read in S403 and converts the image data into image data (S411). ). When the process of step S409 or step S411 is completed, the data generated in step S409 or step S411 is printed by the purchase order transmission unit 111c to the printer 31 having the address information read in step S405. Is transmitted (S413), and the process is returned.

  FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the contact form transmission process in step S6 of the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the type of trouble that has occurred is determined by the contact form image reading unit 111e (S601), and the image data of the contact form corresponding to the trouble is read from the contact form image storage unit 112b (S603). Then, the contact information transmission unit 111f reads out the printer information (address information and type information) of the printer 32 corresponding to the type of trouble determined in step S601 from the contact information image storage unit 112b (S605). Then, based on the type information read in step S605, the contact form transmission unit 111f determines whether or not the destination printer 32 is a page description language printer (S607). If it is determined that the printer is a page description language printer (YES in S607), PJL data and PDL data are generated based on the image data read out in step S603 by the contact transmission unit 111f (S609). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer is not a page description language printer (NO in S607), the image data read out in S603 is MMR-encoded and converted into image data by the contact transmission unit 111f (S611). ). When the process of step S609 or step S611 is completed, the data generated in step S609 or step S611 is printed by the contact form transmitter 111f to the printer 32 having the address information read in step S605. Is transmitted (S613), and the process is returned.

  In this way, when it is determined that it is the expendable item ordering timing, the image data of the purchase order is read, and the image data of the purchase order is printed to the printer 31 of the address corresponding to the consumable. Since it is transmitted for output, it is possible to easily transmit an order form to the printer 31 having an address corresponding to the consumable item when the consumable item is ordered.

  Further, since the image data of the purchase order is stored in association with the address information of one printer 31 for each of the plural types of consumables, the addresses corresponding to the respective consumables for the plurality of types of consumables. The purchase order can be easily transmitted to the printer 31.

  Furthermore, since the consumables include at least one of toner and a photosensitive drum, it is possible to easily transmit a purchase order for consumables frequently ordered.

  When it is determined that a trouble has occurred, the image data of the contact form is read out, and the image data of the contact form is printed to the printer 32 at the address corresponding to the trouble (according to the type of trouble). Since it is transmitted so as to be output, it is possible to easily transmit a communication form to the printer 32 at the address corresponding to the trouble regarding the communication of the trouble.

  Further, since the image data of the contact form is stored in association with the address information of one printer 32 for each of a plurality of types of troubles, the printer 32 having an address corresponding to each type of trouble is stored. It is possible to easily send a contact form to.

  In addition, since it is possible to transmit image data of a purchase order (or contact form) via IPP, the communication fee is reduced and the destination can be specified by an address such as an IP address. Therefore, there is no need to set an e-mail address, and convenience is improved.

It is a block diagram showing an example of a network facsimile system including a network facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the principal part of a network facsimile apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a network facsimile apparatus. It is a detailed flowchart which shows an example of the transmission destination setting process of step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a detailed flowchart which shows an example of the purchase order transmission process of step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a detailed flowchart which shows an example of the contact transmission process of step S6 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Network facsimile machine (network multifunction device)
111 CPU
111a Consumables determination unit (part of determination means)
111b Purchase order image reading unit (part of image reading means)
111c Purchase order sending part (part of sending means)
111d trouble determination part (part of determination means)
111e Contact form image reading unit (part of image reading means)
111f Contact form sending part (part of sending means)
111g Destination setting unit 112 RAM
112a Purchase order image storage unit (part of image storage means)
112b Contact form image storage unit (part of image storage means)

Claims (7)

A network multifunction device capable of transmitting image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function,
Corresponding image data of a purchase order for placing a predetermined consumable item with address information of one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and type information indicating whether or not it is a page description language type Image storage means for storing
Determining means for determining whether or not the expendable supplies are ordered;
An image reading means for reading out the image data of the purchase order from the image storage means when the determination means determines that it is the ordering timing of the consumables;
For the image forming apparatus at the address stored in the image storage unit, printable data is generated based on the image data of the purchase order or converted into printable data according to the type information. A network multifunction device, comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit a printout.   2. The network composite according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit stores, for each of a plurality of types of consumables, image data of a purchase order in association with address information of the first image forming apparatus. Machine.   The network multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the consumable includes at least one of toner and a photosensitive drum. The transmission means is an IPP (Internet Printing).
4. The network multifunction device according to claim 3, wherein the image data is transmitted via Protocol). A network multifunction device capable of transmitting image data to a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a print function,
A type indicating the image data of a communication form for reporting a trouble occurring in the network multifunction peripheral, the address information of one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and whether or not it is a page description language type. Image storage means for storing in association with information ;
Determining means for determining whether or not the trouble has occurred;
An image reading means for reading the image data of the contact form from the image storage means when the determination means determines that the trouble has occurred;
For the image forming apparatus at the address stored in the image storage means, printable data is generated based on the image data of the contact form according to the type information , or converted into printable data. A network multifunction device, comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit a printout.   6. The network multifunction device according to claim 5, wherein the image storage unit stores image data of a contact form in association with address information of the first image forming apparatus for each of a plurality of types of troubles. . The transmission means is an IPP (Internet Printing).
7. The network multifunction device according to claim 6, wherein the image data is transmitted via Protocol).

Images