JPH08293939A - Image communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To surely recognize a transmission content by a reception side operator by outputting a cover page when a stored content is inquired by using a function to store reception data in a storage means on a reception side. CONSTITUTION: Data received by an operating part is set so that it is stored on a hard disk 11 without immediately printing. In other words, a FAX part 4 stores all received data on the hard disk 11. Thence, it is discriminated whether or not an instruction to inquire the data stored on the hard disk 11 is inputted from the operating part, and when the instruction to inquire the data is issued, it is discriminated whether or not the cover page of each reception data exists, and when it exists, the image of the cover page is outputted from a printer part 2 via a core part 10, and after that, it is discriminated whether or not processing is completed due to the absence of the data, and when the processing is incomplete, a step is returned to a preceding step, and when it is completed, the processing operation is completed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus which transmits an image of an original or an image created by a computer or the like through a public line such as a telephone line or receives the image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image communication apparatus of this type has a function of storing received data in a storage means such as a hard disk, and when inquiring about the stored content, the abbreviation of the user who sent the data on the transmission side. The data was displayed on the operation unit.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional device, the abbreviated data of the user transmitted on the transmission side is not sufficient to make the reception side operator understand the transmission contents. was there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the above-mentioned conventional technique, and an object of the present invention is to output a cover page to ensure the transmission contents to the receiving side operator. It is intended to provide an image communication device that can be understood.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the image communication apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an image communication apparatus having an image communication function for performing image communication according to a predetermined procedure, and image information and a cover are provided. Receiving means for receiving predetermined data including a page, storage means for storing the data received by the receiving means, and selection for storing the data received by the receiving means in the storage means without outputting the data First selection means, input means for inputting an instruction to inquire data stored in the storage means,
And a visualization unit for visualizing the cover page stored in the storage unit in response to an inquiry instruction from the input unit.

In order to achieve the same object, an image communication apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is an image communication apparatus having an image communication function for performing image communication according to a predetermined procedure.
Receiving means for receiving predetermined data including image information and cover page, storing means for storing the data received by the receiving means, and storing the data received by the receiving means in the storing means without outputting the data. A first selecting means for selecting a request, an input means for inputting an instruction to inquire about the transmission NG data stored in the storage means, and an input means for storing the instruction in the storage means in response to the inquiry instruction by the input means. And a visualization means for visualizing the cover page.

Further, in order to achieve the same object, the image communication apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is the image communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second selecting means selects whether or not the cover page of the received data is present. Is provided.

[0008]

When the receiving side uses the function of storing the received data in the storage means to inquire the stored content, the cover page is output so that the receiving side operator can surely understand the transmitted content. It will be possible.

[0009]

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

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input apparatus for converting an original into image data (hereinafter referred to as a reader section and a reader section). 2 is an image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit) that has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputs image data as a visible image on the recording paper according to a print command. 3 is a reader unit 1. It is an external device electrically connected to and has various functions. The external device 3 includes a fax unit 4 to which the telephone line 13 and the hard disk 11 are connected, a file unit 5, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS), etc. Computer interface unit 7 for connecting to the computer 12, the formatter unit 8 for converting the information from the computer 12 into a visible image, the information from the reader unit 1, and the information sent from the computer 12. The image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing the image data and the core unit 10 for controlling the functions of the above units.

The functions of the respective parts will be described in detail below.

[Description of Reader Unit 1] FIG. 2 shows the reader unit 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer unit 2 and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit in the reader unit 1. The configuration and operation of the reader unit 1 will be described with reference to both figures. In FIG. 2, the originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the upper surface of the original glass 102. When the original is conveyed to the upper surface of the original table glass 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit section 104 is turned on and the scanner unit section 104 moves to illuminate the original. The reflected light of the document passes through the lens 108 through the first mirror 105, the second mirror 106, and the third mirror 107, and then the CCD image sensor unit (hereinafter, CC).
Described as D) 109.

Next, the image processing in the reader unit 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the reflected light of the document input to the CCD 109 is subjected to photoelectric conversion processing here and converted into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) electrical signals. The color information from the CCD 109 is obtained by the following first amplifier 110R and second amplifier 110R.
The G and third amplifiers 110B are amplified in accordance with the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, and the uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 of the scanner unit section 104 and the uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109 in FIG. 2 are corrected here. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is generated by the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and the external interface (I / I).
F) Input to the switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generating / color detecting circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation (1) to obtain the Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B (1) Further, it has a color detection circuit that separates the R, G, and B signals into seven colors and outputs signals corresponding to the respective colors. The signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Depending on the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104 in FIG.
The scaling / repeat circuit 114 performs scaling in the main scanning direction. Further, the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images. The contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 obtains edge enhancement and contour information by enhancing high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is
Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and patterning
It is input to the thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates contour information of the marker, and from this contour information, a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs thickening processing or Performs masking processing and trimming processing. Further, patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs patterning according to the color detection signal from Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit 118, and various processed signals are converted into signals for driving a laser. The signal from the laser driver circuit 118 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing (I / F) with the external device 3 will be described. When outputting image information from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120. When the reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The above-mentioned image processing is carried out according to an instruction from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 122. Also, CPU1
Area signal generation circuit 1 according to the value set by 22
Reference numeral 21 generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing. Further, communication with the external device 3 in FIG. 1 is performed using the communication function built in the CPU 122. The sub (SUB) -CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 by using the communication function built in the sub-CPU 123.

[Description of Printer Unit 2] Next, the configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201, and the photoconductor 202 is illuminated according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The first transfer paper stacking unit 2 is timed with the front end of the developed image.
04 or the second transfer paper stacking unit 205 transfers the transfer target paper (recording paper), and the transfer unit 206 transfers the developed image. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207 and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer target paper discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus is placed in each bin of the sorter 220 when the sort function is working, or when the sort function is not working, the sorter 220 is sorted. Each of the uppermost 220 bottles is discharged.

Subsequently, a method of recording images to be sequentially read on both sides of one recording sheet will be described. After the recording sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharging unit 208, the direction of the recording sheet is reversed and the conveyance direction switching member 2
The sheet is conveyed to the re-transferred transfer sheet stacking section 210 via 09. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but since the transfer target paper is fed from the re-feed transfer target paper stacking section 210, the same recording paper is eventually used. It is possible to record two document images on the front and back sides of the document.

[Description of External Device 3] Next, the configuration and operation of the external device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and the external device 3
The core unit 10 therein controls signals and functions of each unit. The external device 3 includes a fax unit 4 for transmitting and receiving a fax, a file unit 5 for converting various document information into electric signals and storing the signals on a magneto-optical disk, and a formatter for expanding code information from the computer 12 into image information. Section 8, a computer interface section 7 for interfacing with the computer 12, an image memory section 9 for accumulating information from the reader section 1 and temporarily accumulating information sent from the computer 12, and the above-mentioned sections. It is composed of a core unit 10 for controlling the function of.

[Description of Core Unit 10] Next, the configuration and operation of the core unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 10, in which 1001 is a connector of the core unit 10 and is connected to a connector 120 of the reader unit 1 of FIG. 3 by a cable. The connector 1001 has four types of signals 1051, 1052, 10
55 and 1057 are built in. The signal 1051 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1 in FIG.
The signal 1052 is the sub-C in the reader unit 1 in FIG.
It communicates with the PU 123. Signal 1051 and signal 1052
Is subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC (integrated circuit) 1002, and the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1053.
Communicate communication information to. The signal 1055 is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 1057 is an 8-bit (bit) multilevel video signal.

The signal 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, which enables the core unit 10 to receive information from the reader unit 1 and output the information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1. The signal 1057 is the buffer 101.
0, where bidirectional to unidirectional signal 10
58 and 1070 are separated. The signal 1058 is an 8-bit multivalued video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the first LUT (line connection device) 1011 in the next stage. The first LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value by using a look-up table. First
The signal 1059 from the LUT 1011 is the binarization circuit 10
12 or the first selector 1013.

The binarization circuit 1012 has a multilevel signal 10
Simple binarization function of binarizing 59 with a fixed slice level, binarization function of binarizing a slice level from a value of pixels around a target pixel by a variable slice level, and binarization by an error diffusion method. It has a binarizing function to convert the data.
The information binarized by the binarization circuit 1012 is “0”.
Is converted into a multi-valued signal of "00H" at the time of "00H" and "FFH" at the time of "1" and input to the first selector 1013 at the next stage. The first selector 1013 selects either the signal from the first LUT 1011 or the signal from the binarization circuit 1012.
The signal 1060 from the first selector 1013 is input to the second selector 1014. This second selector 1014
Are output video signals from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 and the image memory unit 9, respectively, to the connector 100.
5, the signal 1064 input to the core unit 10 via 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, and 1009 and the first selector 10
The output signal 1060 of 13 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003. Output signal 1061 of second selector 1014
Is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the third selector 1016.

The rotation circuit 1015 has a function of rotating the input image signal by +90 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees. The rotation circuit 1015 outputs 2 from the reader unit 1.
The information converted into the binary signal by the binarization circuit 1012 is stored as the information from the reader unit 1. Next, the CPU 100
The rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information in response to the instruction from 3. The third selector 1016 selects either the output signal 1062 of the rotating circuit 1015 or the input signal 1061 of the rotating circuit 1015, and outputs the signal 1063 as a connector 1005 with the fax unit 4, a connector 1006 with the file unit 5, and a computer interface. Connector 1007 with the unit 7, connector 1008 with the formatter unit 8, connector 100 with the image memory unit 9
9 and the fourth selector 1017.

The signal 1063 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. is there. The signal 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. Signal 1063
The video control circuit 1004 controls the synchronous bus of the signal 1064 and the video control circuit 1004.
4 output signal 1056.

Other signals 1054 are connected to the connectors 1005 to 1009, respectively. This signal 1054
Is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus for exchanging data commands asynchronously. Fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, image memory unit 9, core unit 1
To transfer information with 0, the above two video buses 106 are used.
3, 1064 and CPU bus 1054 are possible.

The signal 1064 from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9 is sent to the second selector 10.
14 and the fourth selector 1017. The second selector 1014 receives the signal 106 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
4 is input to the rotation circuit 1015 of the next stage. The fourth selector 1017 outputs the signal 1063 and the signal 1064 to the CPU 10
Select with the instruction of 03. The output signal 1065 of the fourth selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching circuit 1018 and the fifth selector 1019. The pattern matching circuit 1018 performs pattern matching of the input signal 1065 with a predetermined pattern, and when the patterns match, outputs a predetermined multi-valued signal to the signal line 1.
Output to 066. If the patterns do not match in the pattern matching, the input signal 1065 is output to the signal line 1066. The fifth selector 1019 selects the signal 1065 and the signal 1066 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. Output signal 1067 of fifth selector 1019
Is input to the second LUT 1020 in the next stage.

The second LUT 1020 converts the input signal 1067 according to the characteristics of the printer unit 2 when outputting the image information to the printer unit 2 of FIG. Second LUT 10
The signal from 20 is input to the sixth selector 1021. The sixth selector 1021 selects the output signal 1068 and the signal 1065 of the second LUT 1020 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003. Output signal 10 of sixth selector 1021
69 is input to the enlarging circuit 1022 at the next stage. The enlargement circuit 1022 is in the X direction and the Y direction according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.
It is possible to set the enlargement ratio independently of the direction. The expansion method is a first-order linear interpolation method. Enlargement circuit 1022
Output signal 1070 is input to the buffer 1010. The signal 1070 input to the buffer 1010 is C
The bidirectional signal 1057 is given by the instruction of the PU 1003,
It is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 1001 of the core unit 10 and printed out.

Next, the signal flow of the core section 10 and each section will be described.

(Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Fax Unit 4) A case of outputting information to the fax unit 4 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 in FIG. 3 via the communication IC 1002 to issue a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit unit 104 scans a document according to the document scan command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the image information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. Connector 10 of core part 10
The image information input to 01 is input to the buffer 1010 through the multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057. The buffer 1010 inputs the bidirectional signal 1057 as a unidirectional signal to the first LUT 1011 via the signal line 1058 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003.

The first LUT 1011 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table. For example, it is possible to remove the background of the original. The output signal 1059 of the first LUT 1011 is input to the binarization circuit 1012 at the next stage. Binarization circuit 101
2 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 1059 into a binarized signal. In the binarization circuit 1012, the binarized signal is “0”.
In the case of “00H”, in the case of “1”, it is converted into two multilevel signals such as “FFH”. The output signal of the binarization circuit 1012 is
It is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the third selector 1016 via the first selector 1013 and the second selector 1014.

The output signal 1062 of the rotating circuit 1015 is also input to the third selector 1016, and the third selector 101
6 selects either the signal 1061 or the signal 1062. To select this signal, the CPU 1003 selects the CPU bus 1
It is determined by communicating with the fax unit 4 via 054. The output signal 1063 of the third selector 1016 is
It is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 1005.

Next, the case of receiving information from the fax unit 4 will be described. The image information from the fax unit 4 is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005. The signal 1064 is input to the second selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017. When the image at the time of fax reception is rotated and output to the printer unit 2 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal 1064 input to the second selector 1014. The output signal 1062 of the rotation circuit 1015 is the second selector 101.
The signal is input to the pattern matching circuit 1018 and the fifth selector 1019 via the fourth selector 1017 and the fourth selector 1017. The signal 1064 is output on the signal line 1065. CPU10
When the image at the time of fax reception is output as it is to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of 03, the signal 1064 input to the fourth selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching circuit 101.
Enter in 8.

The pattern matching circuit 1018 has a function of smoothing rattling of an image when received by fax. The pattern-matched signal is input to the second LUT 1020 via the fifth selector 1019. In the second LUT 1020, in order to output the fax-received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density, the second LUT 1
The table 020 can be changed by the CPU 1003. The output signal 1068 of the second LUT 1020 is the sixth signal
It is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The expansion circuit 1022 has two values (00H, FFH).
The 8-bit multi-valued signal having is expanded by the linear interpolation method of the first order. An 8-bit multi-valued signal having many values from the expansion circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001.

The reader unit 1 receives the input 8-bit multi-level signal via the connector 120 and outputs the external I / F switching circuit 11.
9 is input. The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the signal from the fax unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. The output signal of the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is subjected to the above-described processing and then output to the printer unit 2 to form an image on a recording sheet.

(Operation of Core 10 Based on Information of File Section 5) A case of outputting information to the file section 5 will be described. The CPU 1003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 1002 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit unit 104 scans a document according to the document scan command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the image information from the reader unit 1 is stored in the connector 1001 of the core unit 10.
Is input to The image information input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10 becomes a unidirectional signal 1058 by the buffer 1010. Signal 10 which is an 8-bit multilevel signal
58 is converted into a desired signal by the first LUT 1011. The output signal 1059 of the first LUT 1011 is
It is input to the connector 1006 via the first selector 1013, the second selector 1014, and the third selector 1016. That is, the 8-bit multi-value data is transferred to the file unit 5 as it is without using the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015. When the CPU 1003 performs filing of the binarized signal by communicating with the file unit 5 via the CPU bus 1054, the functions of the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation circuit 1015 are used. The binarization process by the binarization circuit 1012 and the rotation process by the rotation circuit 1015 are the same as the case of the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the fax unit 4 described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file unit 5 will be described. The image information from the file unit 5 is output as a signal 1064 via the connector 1006 as a second signal 1064.
Input to the selector 1014 or the fourth selector 1017.
The fourth selector 10 in the case of 8-bit multi-value filing
17, the second selector 10 for binary filing
14 or the fourth selector 1017. Since the binary filing is similar to the case of the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the fax unit 4 described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of 8-bit multi-value filing, the output signal 1065 of the fourth selector 1017 is input to the second LUT 1020 via the fifth selector 1019. Second
In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003 in accordance with a desired print density. The output signal 1068 of the second LUT 1020 is input to the expansion circuit 1022 via the sixth selector 1021. The 8-bit multi-level signal 1070 expanded to a desired expansion ratio by the expansion circuit 1022 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 1010 and the connector 1001. The image information of the file unit 5 sent to the reader unit 1 is output to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed on the recording paper as in the case of the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the fax unit 4 described above. .

(Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 7) The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with the computer 12 connected to the external device 3, and uses SSI, RS232C, and Centronics as interfaces. To have. The computer interface unit 7 has the above three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 1003 via the connector 1007 and the data bus 1054. This CPU 1003
Performs various controls based on the content of the sent information.

(Core part 1 based on the information of the formatter part 8)
Operation of 0) The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 into image data. When the CPU 1003 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 1054 is the data related to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 1008. The formatter unit 8 develops a visible image from the transferred data in a memory.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on a recording sheet will be described. The image information from the formatter unit 8 is output to the connector 10
The two values (00H,
FFH) is transmitted as a multilevel signal. Signal 10
64 is a second selector 1014 and a fourth selector 1017.
Is input to The second selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017 are controlled by the instruction of the CPU 1003. The subsequent operation is performed by the core unit 10 based on the information of the fax unit 4 described above.
Since it is similar to the case of the above operation, its explanation is omitted.

(Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Image Memory Unit 9) A case of outputting information to the image memory unit 9 will be described. The CPU 1003 is a communication IC 100
It communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via 2 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit unit 104 scans a document according to the document scan command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the image information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 1001 of the core unit 10. Connector 10 of core part 10
The image information input to 01 is sent to the first LUT 10 via the multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057 and the buffer 1010.
Sent to 11. Output signal 105 of the first LUT 1011
9 is a first selector 1013, a second selector 1014,
The multivalued image information is transferred to the image memory unit 9 via the third selector 1016 and the connector 1006. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is sent to the CPU 1003 via the CPU bus 1054 of the connector 1009. The CPU 1003 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 includes three types of interfaces (SSI, R
Data is transferred to the computer 12 through a desired interface (S232C, Centronics).

Next, a case where information is received from the image memory unit 9 will be described. First, image information is sent from the computer 12 to the core unit 10 via the computer interface unit 7. CPU of this core unit 10
When the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 1054 is judged to be data related to the image memory unit 100, the unit 1003 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 1009. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multilevel signal 1064 to the second selector 1014 and the fourth selector 1017 via the connector 1009. An output signal from the second selector 1014 or the fourth selector 1017 is output to the printer unit 2 and printed on a recording sheet according to an instruction from the CPU 1003, as in the case of the operation of the core unit 10 based on the information of the fax unit 4 described above. Image formation is performed.

[Description of Fax Unit 4] Next, the fax unit 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fax unit 4, in which 400 is a connector and the fax unit 4 is this connector 4.
It is connected to the core unit 10 via 00 to exchange various signals. The binary information from the core unit 10 is transferred to the A memory 40.
5, B memory 406, C memory 407, D memory 408
In the case of storing in any of the above, the signal 453 from the connector 400 is input to the memory controller 404.
Then, under the control of the memory controller 404, it is stored in any one of the A memory 405, the B memory 406, the C memory 407, and the D memory 408, or one in which two sets of memories are cascade-connected.

The memory controller 404 is the CPU 41.
The first mode for exchanging data with the A memory 405, the B memory 406, the C memory 407, the D memory 408, and the CPU bus 462 according to the instruction 2 and the codec bus of the codec (CODEC) 411 having an encoding / decoding function. A second mode for exchanging data with the 463 and A
A third mode in which data is exchanged with the bus 454 from the scaling circuit 403 under the control of the memory 405, the B memory 406, the C memory 407, the D memory 408, and the DMA (direct memory access) controller 402, and the timing signal generation circuit 409. Fourthly, the binary video input data 454 is stored in any one of the A memory 405, the B memory 406, the C memory 407, and the D memory 408 under the control of
It has five functions of a mode and a fifth mode of reading out the memory content from any one of the A memory 405, the B memory 406, the C memory 407, and the D memory 408 and outputting it to the signal line 452.

A memory 405, B memory 406, C memory 407, and D memory 408 each have 2 Mbytes.
And has a capacity of 400 dpi and stores an image corresponding to A4 size at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing signal generation circuit 409
It is connected to the connector 400 via the signal line 459 and to the memory controller 404 via the signal line 460, respectively, and receives the control signal (HSYN) from the core unit 10.
C, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. The first function is to transfer the image signal from the core unit 10 to the A memory 40.
5, B memory 406, C memory 407, D memory 408
It is a function of storing in any one memory or two memories. The second function is the A memory 40.
5, B memory 406, C memory 407, D memory 408
The function of transmitting the information read from any one of the memories to the signal line 452.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a dual port memory, which is connected to the CPU 10 of the core unit 10 via a signal line 461.
03, CPU of the fax unit 4 via the signal line 462
412 are respectively connected. CPU 1003 and C
The PU 412 exchanges commands via the dual port memory 410. A SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller 413 is connected to the fax unit 4 of FIG. 1 and interfaces with the hard disk 11 that stores data at the time of fax transmission and fax reception.

The codec 411 has A memory 405 and B memory.
The image information stored in any of the memory 406, the C memory 407, and the D memory 408 is read, and MH,
After encoding by a desired system such as MR or MMR system, A memory 405, B memory 406, C memory 40
No. 7, D memory 408 stores as encoded information. In addition, the codec 411 has A memory 405, B
The encoded information stored in the memory 406, the C memory 407, and the D memory 408 is read, and MH, MR, MMR are read.
After performing decoding by a desired method such as a method, the A memory 4
05, B memory 406, C memory 407, D memory 40
Stored in any one of 8 as decoding information, that is, image information.

Numeral 414 is a modem (MODEM) for transmitting the coded information from the hard disk connected to the codec 411 or the SCSI controller 413 to the telephone line 1.
3 (see FIG. 1), the ability to modulate for transmission, and N
It has a function of demodulating the information sent from the CU (network control unit) 415, converting it into coded information, and transferring the coded information to the hard disk connected to the codec 411 or the SCSI controller 413. Modem 4
An NCU 415 is connected to 14 via a signal line 464. The NCU 415 has a signal line 465.
Connector 416 is connected via
Information is exchanged by a predetermined procedure with an exchange installed in a telephone station or the like directly connected to the telephone line 13 connected to.

Next, the operation during fax transmission will be described. The binary image signal from the reader unit 1 is sent to the connector 4
00, and reaches the memory controller 404 through the signal line 453. Then, the signal 453 is stored in the A memory 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the A memory 405 is generated by the timing signal generation circuit 409 according to the timing signal 459 from the reader unit 1. The CPU 412 uses the A memory 405 and the B memory 406 of the memory controller 404.
To the bus line 463 of the codec 411. The codec 411 reads the image information from the A memory 405, encodes it by the MR method, and writes the encoded information in the B memory 406.

A4 size image information is converted to codec 4
When 11 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the B memory 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412 stores the encoded information in the B memory 40.
The data are sequentially read out from No. 6 and transferred to the modem 414. Modem 4
14 modulates the encoded information and transmits the fax information on the telephone line 13 via the NCU 415.

Next, the operation when receiving a fax will be described.
The information sent from the telephone line 13 is input to the NCU 415, and the NCU 415 connects to a predetermined telephone line.
Information from NCU 415 enters modem 414 and is demodulated. The CPU 412 stores the information from the modem 414 in the C memory 407 via the CPU bus 462. When the information of one screen is stored in the C memory 407, the CPU 412
By controlling the memory controller 404,
The data line 457 of the C memory 407 is connected to the codec 41
1 signal line 463. Codec 411
Sequentially reads the coded information of the C memory 407 and stores it in the D memory 408 as decoding or image information. C
The PU 412 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 410 and the D memory 40
From 8 to the core unit 10, settings are made to print out an image to the printer unit 2. When this setting is completed, CP
The U 412 activates the timing signal generation circuit 409 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 460 to the memory controller 404. The memory controller 404 reads the image information from the D memory 408 in synchronization with the timing signal from the timing signal generation circuit 409 and transmits the image information to the signal line 452, and the connector 400
Output to. The operation up to outputting from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the section of the core unit 10 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Description of Computer Interface Unit 7] Next, the computer interface unit 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer interface section 700, in which 700 and 701 are A connectors and B.
A connector for the first and second SCSI / interface (I / F) 704 and 708. 702
Is a C connector, which is a connector for the Centronics interface (I / F) 705. Reference numeral 703 denotes a D connector, which is an RS232C interface (I / F) 7
It is a connector for 06. An E connector 707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10.

The first and second SCSI interfaces 704 and 708 have two connectors (A connector 700).
And a B connector 701) and a device having a plurality of SCSI interfaces is connected, the A connector 700 and the B connector 701 are used for cascade connection. When the external device 3 (see FIG. 1) and the computer 12 are connected one-to-one, the A connector 700 and the computer 12 are connected by a cable, and the B connector 70 is connected.
1 is connected to a terminator, or the B connector 701 and the computer 12 are connected by a cable, and the A connector 70
A terminator is connected to 0. Information input from the A connector 700 or the B connector 701 is transferred via the signal line 751 to the first SCSI interface 70.
4 or the second SCSI interface 708. The first SCSI interface 704 or the second SCSI interface 708 is the SCS.
After performing the procedure according to the I protocol, the data is output to the E connector 707 via the signal line 754.

The E connector 707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10 in FIG.
CPU 1003 of 0 from SCS to CPU bus 1054
Connector for I / interface (A connector 700
And the information input to the B connector 701). The data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is connected to the SCSI interface connector (A connector 700 and B connector).
When outputting to the connector 701), the procedure is reversed.

Centronics Interface 705
Is connected to the C connector 702, and the C connector 702
The information input from the input terminal is input to the Centronics interface 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics interface 705 receives data according to the procedure of a predetermined protocol, and outputs the data to the E connector 707 via the signal line 754. The E connector 707 is the CPU bus 10 of the core unit 10 in FIG.
54 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10.
Receives the information input from the CPU bus 1054 to the RS232C interface 706 connector (D connector 703). When the data from the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 is output to the RS232C / interface 706 connector (D connector 703), the procedure is reversed.

[Description of Formatter Unit 8] Next, the formatter unit 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 7
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the formatter unit 8.
Data such as PDL data from the computer interface unit 7 described above is discriminated by the core unit 10,
In the case of data relating to the formatter unit 8, the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 uses the connector 10 of the core unit 10.
08, the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8 and the signal line 853 to transfer the data from the computer 12 to the dual port memory 803. The CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8 receives the code data sent from the computer 12 from the dual port memory 803 via the signal line 857. C of formatter section 8
The PU 809 sequentially expands this code data into image data, and outputs from the signal line 857 to the memory controller 8
Image data is transferred to the A memory 806 or the B memory 807 via 08.

Each of the A memory 806 and the B memory 807 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and one memory (A memory 806 or B memory 807) can handle up to A4 size with a resolution of 400 dpi. If the resolution of 400 dpi corresponds to A4 size, A memory 80
6 and the B memory 807 are connected in cascade to develop image data. The memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 according to an instruction from the CPU 809. Further, when it is necessary to rotate a character, a figure, or the like when developing the image data, after rotating by the rotation circuit 804, the signal is transferred from the signal line 857 to the A memory 806 or the B memory 807 via the memory controller 808. To do.

When the expansion of the image data to the A memory 806 or the B memory 807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to change the data bus line 858 of the A memory 806 or the data bus line 859 of the B memory 807 to the memory controller. Connect to output line 856 of 808. Next, the CPU 809 sends the CPU 10 of the core unit 10 via the dual port memory 803.
03 and communicates with A memory 806 or B memory 80.
7 sets the mode for outputting image information. Core part 1
0 of the CPU 1003 through the communication IC 1002 in the core unit 10 of FIG.
Using the communication function built into the PU 122, the CPU
The print output mode is set to 122.

The CPU 1003 of the core unit 10 receives the timing signal generation circuit 802 from the connector 1008 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8 via the signal line 852.
To start. The timing signal generation circuit 802 operates according to a signal from the core unit 10 to the memory controller 808.
Then, a timing signal for reading the image information from the A memory 806 or the B memory 807 is generated. A memory 8
The image information from the 06 or B memory 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the signal line 858 or the signal line 859. Memory controller 808
The output image information from is transferred to the core unit 10 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. This core part 10
The output operation from the printer unit 2 to the printer unit 2 has been described in the core unit 10 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Next, a case will be described in which data with a cover page is transmitted and received by a facsimile in the image communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. As described in the fax unit 4, the transmission data read by the reader unit 1 is input to the fax unit 4 via the core unit 10. Then, the data is transferred to the dual port memory 410 of the fax unit 4. Also, prior to the data, the fax unit 4
The telephone number of the other party is set by the operation unit 124.
Then, the fax unit 4 starts a facsimile call. FIG. 8 shows a procedure of a facsimile call according to CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) Recommendation T30.

The procedure of data transmission / reception will be described with reference to FIG. When the calling side dials and the called side connects the line, the procedure of FIG. 8 is started. First, in Phase A, the called party is CE
Issue D. Then move to Phase B, where NSF, CSI,
Issue DIS. Here, the information necessary for the operation of this embodiment is assigned in the FIF fourth octet of NSF.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second octets are CCITT member codes, and the third octet is a manufacturer code. Then, bit 0 of the 4th octet is assigned as an area in which the transmission data is set with or without the cover page. "1" indicates that the cover page is attached at the time of transmission. The CPU 412 on the calling side stores the capability of the other party in a backup memory (not shown). Next, the calling side is NSS, TS
I, issue DCS. Here, the presence or absence of the cover page is specified. For example, if there is a cover page,
Bit 0 of the fourth octet of NSS is set to "1" (see FIG. 9).

If transmission is possible, training is performed and the line status is checked. First, training is performed at 14.4 Kbps. Then, if it is in a good state, the process shifts to phase C, and if not, the baud rate is lowered. Then, the telephone number of the other party and the state of the line corresponding to the telephone number are stored in the backup memory. As the transmission data, the data in the dual port memory 410 is once transferred to an empty area of the A memory 405 to D memory 408, and then the modem 414 and the NCU are used.
Transfer to the line via 415. When all the image signals have been transmitted, the procedure moves to phase D. When the calling side issues EOP to indicate the end, the called side issues MCF. Then, the process proceeds to phase E, the line is closed by the DCN, and the facsimile call ends.

On the receiving side, the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is performed. The data received by the operation unit 124 is set not to be printed immediately but to be stored in the hard disk 11. First, step S10
In 01, the fax unit 4 performs the above-described operation and stores all received data in the hard disk 11. Next, in step S1002, the hard disk 11
It is determined whether or not an instruction to inquire of the data stored in is input from the operation unit. If there is no instruction to inquire, the process returns to step S1001. If there is an instruction to inquire, step S1003. Proceed to. This step S
In 1003, it is determined whether or not there is a cover page of each received data, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S1004, the image of the cover page is output from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10, and then the process proceeds to step S1005. If there is no cover page in step S1003, the process skips step S1004 and proceeds to step S1005.

In this step S1005, it is determined whether or not there is no more data and the processing is finished. If it is not finished, the procedure returns to step S1003, and if it is finished, this processing operation is finished.

In this embodiment, the operation of determining whether or not there is a cover page of received data and outputting the image of the cover page from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10 has been described. 1 of the received data regardless of
It is also possible to output the image of the page from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The basic configuration of the image communication apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 9. In this embodiment, a facsimile of the image communication apparatus is used to inquire about the transmission NG data generated at the time of memory transmission. As described in the fax unit 4, the transmission data read by the reader unit 1 is
Input to the fax unit 4 via the core unit 10. And
The data is stored in the hard disk 11 and transferred to the dual port memory 410 of the fax unit 4. Also, the telephone number of the other party is set in the fax unit 4 by the operation unit 124 prior to the data. Then, the fax unit 4 starts a facsimile call and transmits the image data including the cover page stored in the hard disk 11. FIG. 11 shows a facsimile call procedure according to CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) Recommendation T30.

The procedure of data transmission / reception will be described with reference to FIG. When the calling side dials and the called side connects the line,
The procedure 1 is started. First, in phase A, the called party issues CED. Then move to phase B, NSF, CS
Issue I and DIS.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second octets are CCITT member codes, and the third octet is a manufacturer code. The CPU 412 on the calling side
The ability of the other party is stored in a backup memory (not shown). Subsequently, the calling side issues NSS, TSI and DCS.

If transmission is possible, training is performed and the state of the line is checked. First, training is performed at 14.4 Kbps. Then, if it is in a good state, the process shifts to phase C, and if not, the baud rate is lowered. Then, the telephone number of the other party and the state of the line corresponding to the telephone number are stored in the backup memory. As the transmission data, the data in the dual port memory 410 is once transferred to an empty area of the A memory 405 to D memory 408, and then the modem 414 and the NCU are used.
Transfer to the line via 415. When all the image signals have been transmitted, the procedure moves to phase D. If the calling side issues an EOP to indicate the end, the called side cannot accept it and RT
Put out N. Then, the process proceeds to phase E, the line is closed by the DCN, and the facsimile call ends.

When the calling side returns the RTN from the called side, it is judged that the transmission is NG and is stored in the hard disk 11 as NG data indicating the transmission failure.

In the NG data inquiry on the transmitting side, the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed. First, in step S1201, it is determined whether the operation unit 124 has input an instruction to inquire about NG data. Next, step S12
02, it is determined whether or not there is NG data in the hard disk 11, and if there is, it proceeds to step S1003, it is determined whether or not there is a cover page of each transmission data, and if there is, it proceeds to step S1204. After the image of the cover page corresponding to the NG data is output from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10, the process proceeds to step S1205. If there is no NG data in step S1202, the steps S1203 and S1 are performed.
The process skips step 204 and proceeds to step S1205.

In this step S1205, it is judged whether or not the process is completed because there is no more data, and if it is not completed, the process returns to step S1202, and if it is completed, this processing operation is completed. If there is no cover page in step S1203, the process returns to step S1202.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation of determining whether or not there is a cover page of image data and outputting the image of the cover page from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10 has been described. It is also possible to output the image of the first page of the received data from the printer unit 2 via the core unit 10 regardless of the presence or absence.

[0079]

As described above in detail, according to the image communication apparatus of the present invention, when the stored contents are inquired by using the function of storing the received data in the storage means on the receiving side, the cover page is displayed. By outputting, it is possible to make the receiving side operator surely understand the transmission contents.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing configurations of a reader unit and a printer unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit in a reader unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fax unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer interface unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a formatter unit in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing a control procedure of a facsimile call according to CCITT recommendation T30 in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

9 is a configuration diagram of control signals of a facsimile call in the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image communication apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control procedure of a facsimile call according to CCITT recommendation T30 in the image communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 printer unit (visualization type) 4 fax unit (reception unit) 10 core unit (first and second selection unit and input unit) 11 hard disk (storage unit) 124 operation unit (first and second selection unit and input) means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image communication apparatus having an image communication function for performing image communication in accordance with a predetermined procedure, receiving means for receiving predetermined data including image information and a cover page, and storing data received by the receiving means. Storage means, first selection means for selecting to store the data received by the receiving means in the storage means without outputting the data, and an instruction to inquire the data stored in the storage means An image communication apparatus comprising: an input unit; and a visualization unit that visualizes the cover page stored in the storage unit according to an inquiry instruction from the input unit. 2. In an image communication apparatus having an image communication function for performing image communication according to a predetermined procedure, a storage unit for storing predetermined data including image information and a cover page, and data stored in the storage unit. Transmitting means for transmitting, input means for inputting an instruction to inquire about the transmission failure data stored in the storage means, and the cover page stored in the storage means in response to an inquiry instruction from the input means. An image communication device comprising: a visualization means for visualizing. 3. A second selection means for selecting the presence / absence of a cover page of received data is provided.
Alternatively, the image communication device according to item 2.