JPH0998247A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the user to freely include a facsimile function (application) used within a range of a capability of the basic hardware such as internal memory capacity, scanner read width, speed, resolution, paper size of printer, print speed, resolution and computer interface) to the facsimile equipment. SOLUTION: When a loading key 13 of an operation panel 10 is depressed by the user, a CPU 6 writes an application software to execute a facsimile function and to be stored in a floppy disk 4 to a backup memory 2 via an FD unit 3 so as to make the function corresponding to a function key 14 of the operation panel 10 and when the key is depressed, the corresponding function key is executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine connected to a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus has been proposed in which memory expansion or interface function can be added as a part of optional function. However, there has not been a facsimile apparatus that allows a user to upgrade and use all the functions considered to be facsimile functions, including those without additional hardware functions.

Specifically, a broadcast function for sending the same document to a plurality of parties, a confidential function for transmitting a document so that only a specific party can output the content with a password, etc.
Received documents are not output to paper immediately, but are stored in the internal memory once, or a report that manages communication is output in time series or received / transmitted /
Edit and output according to the other party, display language etc. according to the place of use to local language, enable timer reservation time, how many one-touch keys, memory reception area and transmission Whether or not the ratio of the memory area to be secured for this purpose has been determined depending on whether the specifications of the facsimile machine are folded from the beginning or not.

[0004]

Therefore, in the above-described conventional example, the functions required by the user and the functions of the terminal do not match, and it is unavoidable to buy an expensive device or to abandon the purchase. Although there are some devices in which the user can select whether or not to perform memory reception by some key operation, this also requires the device to have a function from the beginning. In other words, like a personal computer (personal computer), it was not possible to add an application required by the user each time and freely combine the functions within the range of the hardware performance.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a user can freely select the basic hardware (internal memory capacity, scanner reading width, speed, resolution, printer paper size, printing speed, resolution). It is also an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of incorporating a facsimile function (application) to be used within the capability of the computer interface).

Another object of the present invention is to configure the facsimile function so that the operation can be stabilized even when a power failure occurs because it is read as so-called application software.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the function of transmitting a document read by a scanner and outputting the received document on paper through an external storage medium connected to an external interface. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to supplement the simplification of the hardware structure and the capacity limitation of the installed memory as an external interface.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the operability when the user uses the facsimile function folded as necessary.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the loading of a facsimile function from an external storage medium.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a reading means for reading a document, an output means for outputting the document, and a communication means for transmitting or receiving the document via a public line. In the facsimile apparatus including the above, a control unit that controls to execute the facsimile function based on the software stored in the external storage medium is provided.

[0012]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as a ROM), which stores a control procedure (program) of a CPU described later. A backup memory 2 stores application software read from an external storage medium such as a floppy disk. 3 is a floppy disk (F
D) A unit, which controls reading / writing of the inserted floppy disk 4. 5 is a scanner,
A document (transmission original) is optically read, converted into an electrical signal, and output. 6 is a central processing unit (hereinafter CP
U)) and controls the operation of the entire facsimile apparatus. Reference numeral 7 is a coder / decoder (hereinafter referred to as CODEC), which compresses / expands transmitted / received data. Reference numeral 8 denotes a communication control unit (hereinafter referred to as CCU), which controls a procedure when the facsimile device is connected to a partner device via a public line. Reference numeral 9 is a public line interface, and 10 is an operation panel for instructing a facsimile operation. 11 is an image memory for storing image data, and 12 is an image memory.
Is a printer that outputs an image.

Next, the loading operation in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for loading application software from an external storage medium.

First, in step S1, the user inserts the floppy disk 4 having the function to be installed in the facsimile into the floppy disk unit 3, and in the next step S2, the operation panel 1 is inserted.
0, press the loading key 13
In 3, the CPU 6 drives the floppy disk unit 3 by the basic control software of the ROM 1 and stores the contents of the floppy disk 4 in the backup memory 2. Then, in step S4, the completion of loading is displayed by a loading display lamp or a display (not shown) on the operation panel 10. As a result, the user removes the floppy disk 4 from the floppy disk unit 3 in step S5.

Next, in step S6, the functions installed by the CPU 6 are output to the printer 12. This is done for confirmation, and the attached manual or the like can be used as a substitute even if there is no particular need. Next, in step S7, the user sets the key on the operation panel 10 if necessary according to the guidance of the printed function. For example, when the broadcast function is installed, the function key 14 on the operation panel 10 is a key for activating the broadcast function.
Is a process of assigning or setting to. Then, in step S8, the label of the corresponding function is attached to the set key.

3 to 5 are views showing the configuration of the operation panel 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a label is attached to the function key 14.
In FIG. 3, 31 is a handset, 32 is a display, and 13 is a loading key that activates reading of a facsimile function (application) from an external storage medium. Reference numeral 14 is a function key for setting the application read by the loading key 13. Here, the case where the broadcast function, the confidential function, and the memory reception function are installed is shown as an example. 36
Is an application label 36 attached to the function key 14 set by the user. Reference numeral 34 is a one-touch key that defines a dial number as one key. An error display lamp 35 indicates that a failure has occurred in the backup memory 2 accumulating the read application. Reference numerals 37 and 38 are keys and ten-key dials that are normally used as a telephone function.

In FIG. 4, a large display 42 is provided, and function keys are set as touch keys 43 on the display. For example, when each key is pressed by pressing a part of the display displaying "same" which means the broadcast function, "parent" which means the confidential function, or "M" which means the memory reception. It is composed of a touch panel that acts as a mechanism for detection.

FIG. 5 similarly includes a large display 52, and the function keys 14 are designated by arrows. The key itself is composed of the external function keys 14, and shows the case where the key corresponding to the installed and activated function is designated by the name and the arrow.

Next, the processing when a failure occurs in the backup memory 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing at the time of a failure in this embodiment. Incidentally, here, a process of detecting data destruction of the application read from the external storage medium into the backup memory 2 will be described. Since the application is a program, the backup memory 2 is backed up by a battery so as to prevent the program from being damaged even when power is temporarily not supplied due to a power supply situation or the like, in order to prevent data destruction.

The process shown in FIG. 6 is a program that is started up periodically when an application is installed. First, in step S60, CRC (cyclic redundancy chec), which is one of the data check methods, is used.
The data destruction of the backup memory 2 is checked in k), and the result is judged in the following step S61. Here, if no error is detected, the process is terminated and waits until the next activation cycle. As the data check, the simplest parity check for garbled bit detection may be used.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that an error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is determined from the destroyed memory address which application has been destroyed in which area. If the error detection area can be specified, the process advances to step S63 to display an alarm indicating that the specified application function cannot operate. Specifically, a lamp may be provided on each corresponding key of the function keys 14 in FIG. 3 and, for example, it may be turned on in red. In the case of the display shown in FIG. 4, the display key 4
The character of the corresponding function of 3 may be blinked or inverted.
In FIG. 5, similarly, the display of whether the function display of the display 52 is erased or the arrow blinks may be displayed. It is also possible to display a message to that effect on the display on the operation panel 10.

Then, in step S64, the access of the corresponding application is prohibited by software, and even if the corresponding key is pressed, an alarm sound or an error message is displayed on the display. In a succeeding step S65, the error lamp 35 is caused to blink so as to call out that some kind of error exists. Next, in step S66, error recovery is ensured by printing in detail which application has been destroyed or a list of applications to be reinstalled.

In step S62, if the error detection area cannot be specified, the process proceeds to step S67 to display that fact on the display to reinstall all the installed applications, and / or Alarm display all activation keys of the application as described above. Then, it progresses to step S64 and performs the above-mentioned processing.

As described above, by reading a function that is not usually used much from the external storage medium when necessary, it is possible to provide the user with an optimum facsimile machine, and since there is no unnecessary function, the operation is very difficult. It has the effect of being simple and easy to use.

Further, since the installed application program is stored in the backup memory, the contents are not destroyed in the normal use, and the installation is performed only once, and the installation is easy.

Since the backup memory is regularly checked for garbled data, even if any abnormality occurs in this backup memory, an error can be easily detected, and the reinstallation procedure is shown to ensure reliable reinstallation. Is effective. Also, when an error is detected in the installed application memory, an alarm is issued and access to the software is prohibited,
In addition, by disabling the function key, it is possible to perform an operation without knowing a failure and avoid a malfunction.

Further, there is an effect that a floppy disk is used as the external memory, the received document is recorded on the floppy disk, the data can be carried, and the data created by a personal computer or the like can be transmitted.

Further, there is an effect that the function keys can be set according to the user's priority order according to the function of the installed application.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, by displaying the keys on the display, there is an effect that the function can be expanded without being restricted by the number of hardware setting keys.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, even when a hard key is used, the corresponding function name is displayed on the display, which has the effect of eliminating the troublesome work of sticking labels one by one. .

Further, there is an effect that the application program of the external storage medium can be installed with one touch.

Further, by incorporating the facsimile function as an application program from an external storage medium, there are the following overall effects.

By including language information as one of the applications to be installed, it becomes possible to display and print out in the language required by the user. This is very effective when various local languages cannot be folded from the beginning due to the ROM capacity.

Also, when there is a difference in the same application depending on the user, for example, when an error occurs during the memory transmission, the application software individually corresponding to the specification of starting over from the beginning and the specification of resending from the page in the middle. Reading from an external storage medium has the effect of providing optimum functions. Conventionally, in such a case, it was handled by selecting the parameter by menu selection, but this complicates the software configuration and increases the capacity, so that all specifications cannot be stored in the ROM for all users. In some cases, it could not be satisfied. However, according to the present invention, detailed specifications can be dealt with, which is very effective in terms of customer satisfaction.

Further, within the range of its hardware specifications as an application, the resolution is increased by software processing as a printer function, or the printer is activated prior to receiving all documents in order of speed, and the scanner function is resolved by application software. There is an effect that the specifications can be improved or optimized for the user.

[Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a facsimile apparatus according to another embodiment. Although the backup memory is used in the above-mentioned embodiment,
In another embodiment, a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) unit 70 is mounted. In this case, since the hard disk is basically a non-volatile memory, the application program once installed is not destroyed in a normal state (including power-off), so the error check process shown in FIG. 6 should be started only in the abnormal operation. You can At this time, of course, the HD data may be checked instead of step S60.

Further, FIG. 8 shows a case where an IC card 81 is used as an external storage medium instead of a floppy disk, and the PCMCIA interface circuit / unit 8 is used.
Insert the IC card 81 into 0. At this time, there is no mechanical operation compared to a floppy disk, so the built-in R
Since it operates at the same speed as the program access written in the OM, it is considered that the memory bus is expanded, and it is not necessary to install it in the backup memory, and the configuration is simplified.

If a floppy disk unit is provided, it can be operated as an external memory after the application is installed. The contents received in the internal memory of the main body can be copied to a floppy and carried, or vice versa. The document written in can be read and sent to the other party. Of course, at that time, it is necessary to install a program that operates the corresponding function as an application. These hardware configurations may be the same as in FIG.

In this way, the external storage medium is set to PCMCIA.
By using the interface, a so-called IC card can be connected, and this can be handled in the same manner as a normal memory, so a backup memory is not required and the price of the main body can be reduced. In addition, when loading the program from the floppy disk to the memory, install it in the memory etc. to operate it at high speed. However, when the memory capacity is insufficient, even if the program cannot be added, the program stored in the IC card can be used as long as the address of the CPU can be accessed, so that a memory bottleneck is less likely to occur. Further, since there is no need to install the IC card, since this IC card is composed of a ROM or a memory backed up by a memory, a memory error detection circuit is not required and the operation can be simplified. Then, by inserting an IC card having a readable / writable memory (RAM) function into the external storage medium interface, it is possible to cope with memory expansion.

Also, instead of the backup memory, HD
By using, there is an effect that a backup circuit is unnecessary and the capacity can be increased.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices such as a host computer, an interface and a printer, or to an apparatus composed of a single device such as a copying machine. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is implemented by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program into the system or device from the storage medium, the system or device operates in a predetermined manner.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Facsimile functions (applications) that users can freely use within the capabilities of their basic hardware (internal memory capacity, scanner read width, speed, resolution, printer paper size, print speed, resolution, computer interface, etc.) It is possible to include it.

[0045]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for loading application software from an external storage medium.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel in which labels are attached to function keys.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel in which function keys are touch keys of a large display.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation panel in which function keys are designated by arrows on a large display.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of failure in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile device having a hard disk.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus having a PCMCIA interface instead of a floppy disk interface.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ROM 2 Backup Memory 3 FD Unit 4 Floppy Disk 6 CPU 10 Operation Panel 12 Printer 13 Loading Key 14 Function Key 32 Display 35 Error Lamp 42 Display with Touch Key 43 Touch Key 52 Other Display 70 HD Unit 80 PCMCIA Circuit Unit

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus comprising a reading unit for reading a document, an output unit for outputting the document, and a communication unit for transmitting or receiving the document via a public line, based on software stored in an external storage medium. And a control means for controlling the facsimile function to be executed. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the software allows the function of the facsimile apparatus to be changed or expanded. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a reading unit that reads software from the external storage medium and a storage unit that stores the software read by the reading unit. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit has a backup function. 5. The backup function further comprises detection means for detecting data corruption, notification means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred when an abnormality is detected, and prohibition means for prohibiting activation of the facsimile function when an abnormality is detected. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. The document data written in an external storage medium is read and transmitted.
A facsimile machine as described. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the received document data is recorded in an external storage medium. 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external storage medium is a floppy disk. 9. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external storage medium is an IC card. 10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit is a non-volatile hard disk. 11. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a key for activating a facsimile function can be set on the operation panel. 12. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a key corresponding to a facsimile function is displayed on the operation panel and is activated by pressing the key. 13. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a name of a key corresponding to a facsimile function is displayed on the operation panel. 14. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is provided with a loading key for loading software from an external storage medium.