JP2001016456A - Image communication equipment and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image communication equipment capable of more effectively utilizing an image storage function by re-compressing received image information in a high compression rate coding mode after once storing the image information and storing the image information after the re-compression as received image information. SOLUTION: Image information being a processing object is decoded to generate original image data (S401), and the original image data are coded and compressed in a storage coding mode (e.g. the JBIG with the highest compression rate) (S402). The image information obtained above is stored in an image storage device (S403) and the management information of the image information stored again is updated to have contents in response to the processing contents at that time (S404). Document bank use image information coded, compressed in a prescribed coding mode ad stored automatically in the case of registering the image information to a document bank in this way is re-compressed in a coding mode at a higher compression rate and again stored in the image storage device. Thus, the utilizing efficiency of the image storage device can be more enhanced.

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 having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, and a control method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, like a facsimile machine,
2. Description of the Related Art An image communication apparatus including an image storage unit for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information has been put to practical use.

[0003] In addition to a standard coding mode, a coding mode having a higher compression rate such as JBIG has been put into practical use. If image information can be encoded at a higher compression rate, the data amount of image information to be transmitted and received can be reduced, and more efficient image information communication can be performed.
Communication charges can also be reduced.

[0004]

By the way, in an image communication apparatus having such a large number of encoding modes, the image information exchanged with the partner terminal is performed in an encoding mode that can be processed by the partner terminal. Image information for use that needs to be encoded and compressed but is stored in the terminal itself, for example, received image information at the time of proxy reception or confidential reception, transmission image information waiting for transmission, documents used for various functions Image information registered in a bank can be stored in a unique encoding mode.

However, conventionally, for example, when storing received image information, the received image information that has been processed in the encoding mode at the time of the reception is stored, and the image storage device must be used effectively. Was difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image communication apparatus and a control method thereof that can more effectively utilize an image storage function.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus having image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information. After temporarily storing image information in the image storage unit, the image information is re-compressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the image information after the re-compression is stored in the image storage unit as received image information. It is provided.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data read and input by the scanner means at the time of image information transmission is transmitted to a predetermined location. After the image data is compressed in the encoding mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. It has information processing means.

Also, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. After the image information is stored in the image storage unit, the image information is re-compressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and the image information after the re-compression is stored in the image storage unit as the image information for the document bank. It is provided.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. The image processing apparatus further comprises image information processing means for recompressing information in an encoding mode having a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the image information is received, the received image information is transferred to the image storage means. Once stored, the image data is recompressed in all applicable encoding modes, and the image data having the smallest data amount among the plurality of recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information. It has information processing means.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, image data read and inputted by a scanner means at the time of image information transmission is transmitted to a predetermined location. After compressing in the above-mentioned encoding mode and storing it in the image storage means, re-compressing it in all applicable encoding modes and transmitting the image data with the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the re-compression. It is provided with an image information processing means for storing the image information in the image storage means.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. Then, after the image data is stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in all applicable encoding modes. It is provided with an image information processing means to be stored in the image storage means.

Also, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. Information recompressing information in all applicable encoding modes, and including image information processing means for storing, in the image storage means, the image information having the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the recompression. It is.

[0015] Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, it is set whether or not the image information re-accumulation function is enabled. When the re-storage function of the image information is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means and the re-storage function specifying means, upon receiving the image information, once storing the received image information in the image storing means, The image processing apparatus further comprises image information processing means for recompressing in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means as received image information.

[0016] Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, it is set whether or not to enable the image information re-storage function. When the image data re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means and the re-storage function designating means, the image data read and input by the scanner means is transmitted in a predetermined encoding mode when the image information is transmitted. After the image data is compressed and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is re-compressed in a coding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the re-compression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. It is a thing.

[0017] Further, in the image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, it is set whether or not the image information re-accumulation function is enabled. When the image data re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means and the re-storage function designating means, the image data read and input by the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode to store the image. After the image data is stored in the image storing means, the image information is re-compressed in an encoding mode having a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the re-compression is stored in the image storing means as image information for a document bank. .

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, it is set whether or not to enable the image information re-storage function. When the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means and the re-storage function designating means, the image information stored in the image storage means is increased at predetermined time intervals. The image processing apparatus further comprises image information processing means for recompressing in the encoding mode of the compression ratio and storing the image information after the recompression in the image storage means.

In an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, Upon receiving the image information, after temporarily storing the received image information in the image storage unit,
The image processing apparatus further comprises image information processing means for recompressing in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means as received image information.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, At the time of transmitting the image information, the image data read and input by the scanner means is compressed in a predetermined coding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then re-compressed in a higher compression rate coding mode. An image information processing means for storing image information in the image storage means as transmission image information.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, After the image data read and input from the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode and stored in the image storage means, the image data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is used for a document bank. It is provided with an image information processing means for storing the image information in the image storage means.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, At predetermined time intervals,
The image processing apparatus further comprises image information processing means for re-compressing the image information stored in the image storage means in an encoding mode having a higher compression rate, and storing the re-compressed image information in the image storage means. is there.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, when the image information is received, the received image information is transferred to the image storage means. Once stored, the image is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is stored as received image information in the image storage unit, and the image information is stored in the image storage unit. Report display means for visually displaying the list information of the displayed image information including at least the notation of the encoding mode.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and for storing the image information, when image information is transmitted, image data read and input by a scanner means is transmitted to a predetermined area. After the image data is compressed in the encoding mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. It is provided with information processing means and report display means for visually displaying list information of image information stored in the image storage means, including at least the encoding mode.

Further, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. And storing the image information in the image storage means, re-compressing the image data in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and storing the re-compressed image information in the image storage means as document bank image information. And a report display means for visually displaying list information of image information stored in the image storage means, including at least the notation of the encoding mode.

Also, in an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and for storing the image information, the image data stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. Image information processing means for recompressing information in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means; and a list of image information stored in the image storage means. It is provided with a report display means for visually displaying information including the encoding mode notation.

Also, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging the image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, the method comprises the steps of: After the image data is once stored in the storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in a state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, the image read and input by the scanner means at the time of transmitting the image information. After compressing the data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing the data in the image storage unit, the data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is transmitted to the image storage unit as transmission image information. It is intended to accumulate.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data read and input by the scanner is encoded by a predetermined encoding method. After the image data is compressed in the mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as image information for a document bank. It was done.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging the image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data is stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. The compressed image information is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means.

Also, in the control method of an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, the method comprises the steps of: After the image data is once stored in the storage unit, the image data is recompressed in all applicable coding modes, and the image information having the smallest data amount among the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information. It is something to do.

Also, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image read and input by the scanner means when the image information is transmitted. After compressing data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing it in the image storage unit, recompressing in all applicable encoding modes,
Among the plurality of pieces of image information after the recompression, the one with the smallest data amount is stored as transmission image information in the image storage means.

Also, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the image data read and input by the scanner is encoded by a predetermined coding method. After the image data is compressed in the image storage means and re-compressed in all applicable encoding modes, the image data having the smallest data amount among the plurality of re-compressed image information is stored in the document bank image. The information is stored in the image storage means.

Further, in the control method of the image communication device having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, the image information is stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. Is recompressed in all applicable coding modes, and among the plurality of recompressed image information, the one with the smallest data amount is stored in the image storage means. is there.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, it is determined whether or not the re-storage function of the image information is enabled. A re-storage function designating means for setting whether the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means.
After temporarily storing the received image information in the image storage unit, the image information is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information. Things.

Also, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, whether the image information re-storage function is enabled or not is determined. When the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means,
After the image data read and input by the scanner means is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode and stored in the image storage means, it is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is transmitted. The information is stored in the image storage means.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, whether or not the image information re-storage function is enabled The image data read and input by the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode when the image data re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means. After the image data is stored in the image storage means, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means as document bank image information. .

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storing means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressing and storing the image information, it is determined whether or not the re-storage function of the image information is enabled. The image information stored in the image storage means at a predetermined time interval when the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specification means. Is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressing and storing the image information, the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the image information is small, upon receiving the image information, the received image information is temporarily stored in the image storage unit, and then recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate. The image information after the recompression is used as the received image information as the image information. This is stored in the storage means.

Further, in the control method of the image communication device having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressing and storing the image information, the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, when transmitting image information, the image data read and input by the scanner means is compressed in a predetermined coding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then recompressed in a coding mode having a higher compression rate. The compressed image information is stored in the image storage means as transmission image information.

Further, in the control method of an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the free space of the image storage means may be larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, the image data read and input from the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode. The information is stored in the image storage means as document bank image information.

Also, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressing and storing the image information, the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, the image information stored in the image storage means is recompressed at a predetermined time interval in a coding mode with a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means. It was made.

Also, in the control method of an image communication apparatus provided with an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, the method comprises the steps of: After being temporarily stored in the storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode of a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information, and is stored in the image storage unit. The list information of the present image information is visually displayed including the notation of the encoding mode.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus provided with an image storing means for exchanging the image information in a state of being coded and compressed and storing the image information, the image read and input by the scanner means at the time of transmitting the image information. After compressing the data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing the data in the image storage unit, the data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is transmitted to the image storage unit as transmission image information. In addition to the storage, the list information of the image information stored in the image storage means is visually displayed, including at least the encoding mode.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressing and storing the image information, the image data read and inputted by the scanner is encoded by a predetermined encoding method. After compressing in the mode and accumulating in the image accumulating means, re-compressing in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and accumulating the recompressed image information as document bank image information in the image accumulating means, The list information of the image information stored in the image storage means is visually displayed including at least the notation of the encoding mode.

Further, in the control method of the image communication apparatus having the image storage means for exchanging the image information in the state of being encoded and compressed and storing the image information, the image information is stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. Image information is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means, and a list of image information stored in the image storage means. Is visually displayed including at least the notation of the encoding mode.

[0047]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 performs a control process of each unit of the group 3 facsimile apparatus and a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission control procedure process. Stores a control processing program to be executed by the computer and various data necessary for executing the processing program, and also forms a work area of the system control unit 1. The parameter memory 3 is a group 3 facsimile apparatus. The clock circuit 4 is for storing current time information.

The scanner 5 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a facsimile apparatus. To operate,
It consists of various operation keys and various indicators.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
A plurality of encoding modes such as R and JBIG are provided.
The image storage device 9 is for storing a large number of encoded and compressed image information.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 realizes a group 3 facsimile modem function, and exchanges transmission procedure signals at a low speed (V.21 modem) and mainly exchanges image information. High-speed modem function (V.17 modem,
V. 34 modem, V.34. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 11 is for connecting the facsimile apparatus to a public telephone line network and has an automatic transmission / reception function.

The system control unit 1, the system memory 2, the parameter memory 3, the clock circuit 4, the scanner 5, the plotter 6, the operation display unit 7, the encoding / decoding unit 8, the image storage device 9, the group 3 facsimile modem The network controller 10 and the network controller 11 are connected to an internal bus 12, and data exchange between these elements is mainly performed through the internal bus 12.

Data exchange between the network controller 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is directly performed.

In the group 3 facsimile apparatus, when storing image information in the image storage device 9, management information as shown in FIG. 2 is created, stored in the system memory 2, and used for various purposes. ing.

The management information includes a file number for distinguishing each piece of image information, a new creation date and time indicating the date and time when the image information was first created, an update date and time indicating the last update date and time, and a latest access date and time indicating the latest access date and time. Date and time, type of image information such as "Waiting for transmission", "Polling transmission", "Document bank", "Confidential reception file", "Envelope reception file", "File waiting for transfer", etc. In the case of a file, the source and name can be set. For a file that can be set, the compression method that indicates the file name, the number of pages, the encoding mode, and the compression obtained by dividing the data amount after compression by the data amount before compression Rate, file size that represents data volume,
It consists of file attributes such as "read only" and "hidden file".

FIG. 3 shows an example of processing when the group 3 facsimile apparatus performs a receiving operation.

First, when an incoming call is detected (step 101), an incoming call is answered (step 102), a predetermined pre-transmission procedure is executed, and a transmission function to be applied at that time is set (step 10).
3) A predetermined modem training procedure is executed to determine a modem speed to be used (process 104).

Here, it is checked whether the reception mode designated at that time or the reception mode to be executed is memory reception (decision 105). If the reception mode specified at that time or the reception mode to be executed is the memory reception, and the result of determination 105 is YES, a predetermined image information reception procedure is executed to receive the image information and the received image. The information is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 106). At this time, the management information described above is created and stored in the system memory 2.

When image information reception is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (step 107). After the line is restored (step 108), a predetermined re-storage process is executed (step 1).
09) At that time, the coding mode of the image information stored in the image storage device 9 is changed to reduce the used capacity of the image storage device 9.

The reception mode designated at that time,
Alternatively, the reception mode to be executed is not memory reception,
When the result of the determination 105 is NO, a predetermined image information receiving procedure is executed to receive the image information and to record and output the received image information from the plotter 6 (process 110).

When the image information reception is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (step 111), the line is restored (step 112), and this reception operation is terminated.

FIG. 4 shows an example of processing when this group 3 facsimile apparatus performs a transmitting operation.

When the user sets a document to be transmitted on the scanner 5 (process 201), inputs a destination from the operation display unit 7 (process 202), and presses a start key to instruct transmission start (result of determination 203 is YES). , The scanner 5 is operated to read the images of all the set transmission originals (process 204), and to execute a predetermined encoding mode (for example, M
(MR), and stores it in the image storage device 9 (process 205). Then, a predetermined re-storage process is executed (process 206), and the coding mode of the image information stored in the image storage device 9 at that time is changed to reduce the used capacity of the image storage device 9.

Next, a call is made to the designated destination (process 2).
07), a predetermined pre-transmission procedure is executed with the partner terminal to determine a transmission function to be applied at that time (process 208),
A predetermined modem training procedure is executed to determine a modem speed to be used (process 209).

After the transmission image information stored in the image storage device 9 is decoded into the original image data, it is recompressed in the encoding mode determined at that time, and the obtained image information is transmitted to the partner terminal. (Step 210).

When the image information transmission is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (step 211), and the line is restored (step 21).
2) The image information that has been transmitted at that time is stored in the image storage device 9.
(Step 213), and the transmission operation at this time ends.

FIG. 5 shows an example of processing when the group 3 facsimile apparatus registers image information in a document bank. Here, the document bank is
This function stores image information such as cover pages and maps.
It is added to the transmission image information as additional information, or transmitted when a polling reception request is made.

When the user sets a document to be transmitted on the scanner 5 (process 301), inputs a destination from the operation display section 7 (process 202), and presses a start key to instruct transmission start (result of determination 303 is YES). , The scanner 5 is operated to read the images of all the set transmission originals (process 304), and to execute a predetermined encoding mode (for example, M
(MR), and stores it in the image storage device 9 (process 305). Then, a predetermined re-storage process is executed (process 306), and the coding mode of the image information stored in the image storage device 9 at that time is changed to reduce the used capacity of the image storage device 9.

FIG. 6 shows a re-storage process (processes 109 and 20).
6, 306).

First, the original image data is created by decoding the image information to be processed at that time (step 40).
1) The original image data is encoded and compressed in an encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG with the highest compression ratio) (process 402), and the image information obtained by the compression is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 403). ), The management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content corresponding to the processing content at that time (process 404).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the received image information accumulated when the memory is received, the transmitted image information automatically encoded and compressed in the predetermined encoding mode at the time of transmission, and the document bank are stored in the document bank. The document bank image information automatically encoded and compressed in a predetermined encoding mode when registered is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and then stored in the image storage device 9 again. Therefore, the use efficiency of the image storage device 9 can be further improved.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the re-accumulation process is executed unconditionally. However, the user can specify whether or not to execute the re-accumulation process.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the re-accumulation processing in this case.

First, it is checked whether or not the setting for re-accumulation is made at that time (decision 501). If the user has designated execution of re-accumulation, the result of decision 501 is YE
When S is reached, the original image data is created by decoding the image information to be processed at that time (step 50).
2), the original image data is encoded and compressed in the encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG having the highest compression rate) (process 503), and the image information obtained thereby is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 504). ), The management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content according to the processing content at that time (process 505).

When the user has not designated execution of re-accumulation and the result of judgment 501 is NO,
This processing ends without executing the re-accumulation processing.

In this way, in this case, the user can set whether or not to execute re-storage.
The user can specify a desired operation mode, which is convenient.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the re-storage process.

First, it is checked whether or not the free space of the image storage device 9 at that time is smaller than a predetermined value (decision 601). If the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than the predetermined value, the result of the determination 601 is Y
When the ES becomes ES, the original image data is created by decoding the image information to be processed at that time (step 60).
2), the original image data is encoded and compressed in an encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG having the highest compression ratio) (process 603), and the image information obtained thereby is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 604). ), The management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content according to the processing content at that time (process 605).

If the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than the predetermined value and the result of the judgment 601 is NO, this processing is terminated without executing the re-storage processing.

As described above, in this case, whether or not to execute re-storage is determined according to the free space of the image storage device 9, so that efficient operation of the image storage device 9 is possible. It is convenient.

FIG. 9 shows still another example of the re-storage process.

First, it is checked whether or not it is set to re-accumulate at that time (decision 701). If the user has specified execution of re-accumulation, the result of decision 701 is YE
When it becomes S, the image storage device 9 at that time is further added.
It is checked whether or not the free space is smaller than a predetermined value (decision 702).

When the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than the predetermined value, the result of the judgment 702 is YES
, The original image data is created by decoding the image information to be processed at that time (step 70).
3) The original image data is encoded and compressed in the encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG with the highest compression ratio) (process 704), and the image information obtained thereby is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 705). ), The management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content according to the processing content at that time (process 706).

If the user has not designated execution of re-accumulation and the result of judgment 701 is NO, or if the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than a predetermined value, judgment 702 is made. If the result is NO, this process is terminated without executing the re-accumulation process.

In this way, in this case, the user can set whether or not to execute re-accumulation, and whether or not to execute re-accumulation according to the free space of the image accumulating device 9. Is determined, it is possible to operate the image storage device 9 efficiently in the operation mode desired by the user, which is convenient.

By the way, when performing the re-accumulation process, the CPU constituting the system control unit 1 is required to have a certain processing ability. Therefore, if the re-accumulation process is executed when the operation rate of the CPU is equal to or higher than a certain value, it may affect other processes. Further, the re-accumulation process can be set to start at a predetermined cycle interval. In this case, operation is convenient.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the re-storage process in this case.

First, it is checked whether or not the execution condition of the re-accumulation process is set to a cycle (decision 801). Judgment 8
When the result of 01 is YES, it is checked whether or not it matches the designated period (decision 802). If the result does not match the designated cycle and the result of judgment 802 is NO, judgment 80
Return to 1 and wait until it matches the specified period.

When the result of the judgment 801 is NO, it is checked whether or not the operation rate of the CPU is below a certain value (decision 803). When the result of the determination 803 is NO, the process returns to the determination 801 and waits until the operation rate of the CPU becomes equal to or less than a certain value.

If the result of decision 802 is YES, or if the result of decision 803 is YES, the image information to be processed at that time is decoded to create the original image data (step 804). ), And stores the original image data in an encoding mode for storage (for example, JB with the highest compression rate).
IG) (process 805), the image information obtained thereby is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 806), and the management information of the image information re-stored at that time is processed at that time. (Step 807).

FIG. 11 shows still another example of the re-storage process.

First, it is checked whether or not the setting for re-accumulation is made at that time (decision 901). If the user has designated execution of re-accumulation, the result of decision 901 is YE
When S is reached, it is checked whether or not the execution condition of the re-accumulation process is set to a cycle (decision 902).

If the result of decision 902 is YES, it is checked whether or not the specified period has been met (decision 90).
3). If the result does not match the specified period and the result of the judgment 903 is NO, the process returns to the judgment 902 and waits until the specified period is matched.

When the result of the judgment 902 is NO, it is checked whether or not the operating rate of the CPU is below a certain value (decision 904). When the result of the determination 904 is NO, the process returns to the determination 902, and waits until the operation rate of the CPU falls below a certain value.

If the result of decision 903 is YES or the result of decision 904 is YES, the image information to be processed at that time is decoded to create the original image data (process 905). ), And stores the original image data in an encoding mode for storage (for example, JB with the highest compression rate).
IG) (process 906), the obtained image information is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 907), and the management information of the image information re-stored at that time is processed at that time. (Step 908).

When the user has not designated execution of re-accumulation and the result of decision 901 is NO,
This processing ends without executing the re-accumulation processing.

FIG. 12 shows still another example of the re-storage process.

First, it is checked whether or not the free space of the image storage device 9 at that time is smaller than a predetermined value (decision 1001). If the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than the predetermined value and the result of the determination 1001 is YES, it is checked whether or not the execution condition of the re-storage process is set to a cycle (determination 100).
2).

If the result of decision 1002 is YES, it is checked whether or not the specified period has been met (decision 100
3). Does not match the specified cycle, and the result of judgment 1003 is NO
, The process returns to decision 1002 and waits until the specified period is reached.

When the result of the judgment 1002 is NO, it is checked whether or not the operation rate of the CPU is below a certain value (decision 1004). When the result of the determination 1004 is NO, the process returns to the determination 1002 and waits until the operation rate of the CPU becomes equal to or less than a certain value.

If the result of decision 1003 is YES, or if the result of decision 1004 is YES, the image information to be processed at that time is decoded to create the original image data (step 1005). ), Encodes and compresses the original image data in the encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG with the highest compression ratio) (process 1006), and accumulates the obtained image information in the image storage device 9 (process 1).
007) Then, the management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content according to the processing content at that time (process 1008).

If the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than the predetermined value and the result of the judgment 1001 is NO, this processing is terminated without executing the re-storage operation.

FIG. 13 shows another example of the re-storage process.

First, it is checked whether or not the setting for re-accumulation is made at that time (decision 1101). If the user has designated execution of re-storage and the result of determination 1101 is YES, it is further checked whether the free space of the image storage device 9 at that time is smaller than a predetermined value ( Judgment 1102).

When the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than a predetermined value, the result of the judgment 1102 is YE
When S is reached, it is checked whether or not the execution condition of the re-accumulation process is set to a cycle (decision 1103).

If the result of decision 1103 is YES, a check is made to see if the specified period has been met (decision 110).
4). Does not match the specified cycle, and the result of determination 1104 is NO
, The process returns to decision 1103 and waits until the specified period is reached.

If the result of the judgment 1103 is NO, it is checked whether or not the operation rate of the CPU is equal to or less than a predetermined value (decision 1105). When the result of the determination 1105 is NO, the process returns to the determination 1103 and waits until the operation rate of the CPU becomes equal to or less than a certain value.

If the result of decision 1104 is YES, or if the result of decision 1105 is YES, the image information to be processed at that time is decoded to create the original image data (step 1106). ), The original image data is encoded and compressed in the encoding mode for accumulation (for example, JBIG with the highest compression rate) (process 1107), and the image information obtained by the encoding is compressed and stored in the image storage device 9 (process 1).
108), the management information of the image information re-stored at that time is updated to the content according to the processing content at that time (process 1109).

If the user has not designated execution of re-storage and the result of the judgment 1101 is NO, or if the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than a predetermined value, the judgment 1102 is made. If the result is NO, this process is terminated without executing the re-accumulation process.

The user operates the operation display unit 7 to display a list information list for the image information stored in the image storage device 9.
And display the recorded report image on the plotter 6.
More recording output is possible.

An example of the list information list at this time is shown in FIG.
Shown in

As described above, based on the management information of the image information stored in the image storage device 9, the storage date and time,
Name, type, number of pages, file size, and compression format are arranged in a list format.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a process for outputting a list information list.

First, all management information is read (process 1).
201), the above-described list information list is edited and created (process 1202), and the contents of the list information list are recorded and output from the plotter 6 (process 1203).

As described above, the user causes the operation display unit 7 to display a list information list of the image information stored in the image storage device 9 and causes the plotter 6 to record and output the recorded report image. Therefore, the storage status of the image storage device 9 can be grasped, which is very convenient.

In each of the embodiments described above, the encoding mode at the time of re-storage is set to JBIG in advance. However, depending on the contents of the original image data to be encoded, other encoding modes may be used. Alternatively, the file size may be smaller in the non-compression mode.

Therefore, at the time of the re-storage processing, the image storage device 9
After decoding the image information accumulated in the image data into the original image data, the encoding / decoding section 8 applies all the applicable encoding modes to temporarily create a plurality of pieces of image information. Of the information and the original image data, the one having the smallest file size is determined as the encoding mode for re-accumulation, and is re-accumulated in the image storage device 9. According to the content of the image of the original image data, Appropriate re-storage processing can be executed, and the use efficiency of the image storage device 9 can be further improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image storage device 9 is particularly provided has been described. However, for example, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where an image memory is provided in the system memory 2. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the group 3 facsimile apparatus has been described. The same can be applied to a data communication terminal and the like.

The encoding modes are not limited to those described above, and other appropriate encoding modes can be added.

[0123]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Received image information accumulated when received in memory, transmitted image information that is automatically compressed and stored in a predetermined encoding mode when transmitting, and automatically transmitted in a predetermined encoding mode when registered in a document bank Since the document bank image information that has been encoded and stored is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and then stored again in the image memory, the use efficiency of the image memory is further improved. The effect that can be obtained.

Further, since the user can set whether or not to execute the re-accumulation, the user can specify a desired operation mode, which also has the effect of being convenient.

Further, since it is determined whether or not to execute re-accumulation according to the free space of the image memory, it is possible to operate the image memory efficiently and to obtain the effect of being convenient.

Further, the user can set whether or not to execute the re-accumulation, and the user determines whether or not to execute the re-accumulation according to the free space of the image memory. In this operation mode, the operation of the image memory can be efficiently performed, and the effect of being convenient is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of management information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the group 3 facsimile apparatus performs a receiving operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the group 3 facsimile apparatus performs a transmitting operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the group 3 facsimile apparatus performs an accumulation operation in a document bank.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a re-storage process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the re-storage process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing still another example of the re-accumulation process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing still another example of the re-storage process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the re-storage process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the re-accumulation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the re-storage process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing still another example of the re-storage process.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a list information list.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a list information list output process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System control part 8 Encoding / decoding part 9 Image storage device

Claims (40)

[Claims] An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when receiving the image information, the received image information is transferred to the image storage means. Image storing means for temporarily storing the image data, re-compressing it in a coding mode having a higher compression rate, and storing the re-compressed image information in the image storing means as received image information. Communication device. 2. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information. After the image data is compressed in the encoding mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. An image communication device comprising information processing means. 3. An image communication apparatus having image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing image information, wherein image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. And then store it in the image storage means,
An image communication apparatus comprising: an image information processing means for recompressing in an encoding mode having a higher compression rate, and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means as document bank image information. 4. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the image information stored in the image storage means is provided at predetermined time intervals. An image communication apparatus comprising: image information processing means for recompressing information in an encoding mode having a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means. 5. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when receiving the image information, the received image information is transferred to the image storage means. Once stored, the image information is recompressed in all applicable encoding modes, and image information having the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the recompression is stored as received image information in the image storage means. An image communication device comprising processing means. 6. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information. After compressing in the above-mentioned encoding mode and storing it in the image storage means, re-compressing it in all applicable encoding modes and transmitting the image data with the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the re-compression. An image communication apparatus comprising image information processing means for storing image information in the image storage means. 7. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. And then store it in the image storage means,
Image information processing means for recompressing in all applicable encoding modes, and storing the image information having the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the recompression in the image storage means as document bank image information; An image communication device comprising: 8. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and for storing image information, wherein the image information stored in the image storage means is provided at predetermined time intervals. Image information processing means for recompressing information in all applicable encoding modes, and storing the smallest of the plurality of pieces of image information after recompression in the image storage means. An image communication device, comprising: 9. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, sets whether or not to enable the image information re-accumulation function. When the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means and the re-storage function designating means, upon receiving the image information, once storing the received image information in the image storing means, An image communication apparatus comprising: an image information processing unit that re-compresses in an encoding mode with a higher compression rate and stores the re-compressed image information as received image information in the image storage unit. 10. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing image information, sets whether or not to enable an image information re-storage function. When the re-storage function of the image information is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means, the image data read and input by the scanner means is transmitted in a predetermined encoding mode when transmitting the image information. After the image data is compressed and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is re-compressed in a coding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the re-compression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. An image communication device, characterized in that: 11. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing image information, sets whether or not to enable an image information re-storage function. When the image data re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function designating means, the image data read and input by the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode to store the image data. The image data is stored in the image storage means, and the compressed image information is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means as document bank image information. Image communication device. 12. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, sets whether or not to enable a re-storage function of the image information. When the image information re-accumulation function is enabled by the re-accumulation function designating means, the image information accumulated in the image accumulating means is increased at predetermined time intervals. An image communication apparatus comprising: an image information processing unit that re-compresses in a compression rate encoding mode and stores the re-compressed image information in the image storage unit. 13. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, Upon receiving the image information, the received image information is temporarily stored in the image storage unit, and then re-compressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and the re-compressed image information is received as image information in the image storage unit. An image communication device comprising image information processing means for storing. 14. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing image information, wherein when the free space of said image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, At the time of transmitting the image information, the image data read and input by the scanner means is compressed in a predetermined coding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then re-compressed in a higher compression rate coding mode. An image communication apparatus comprising image information processing means for storing image information in the image storage means as transmission image information. 15. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, After the image data read and input from the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode and stored in the image storage means, the image data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is used for a document bank. An image communication apparatus comprising image information processing means for storing image information in the image storage means. 16. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, An image information processing means for re-compressing the image information stored in the image storage means at a predetermined time interval in an encoding mode having a higher compression rate, and storing the re-compressed image information in the image storage means; An image communication device comprising: 17. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when receiving the image information, the received image information is transferred to the image storage means. Once stored, the image is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is stored as received image information in the image storage unit, and the image information is stored in the image storage unit. An image communication apparatus, comprising: a report display means for visually displaying list information of image information including at least the encoding mode notation. 18. An image communication apparatus having an image storage unit for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein when image information is transmitted, image data read and input by a scanner unit is transmitted to a predetermined unit. After the image data is compressed in the encoding mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. An image communication apparatus, comprising: an information processing means; and a report display means for visually displaying list information of image information stored in the image storage means, including at least a notation of an encoding mode. 19. An image communication apparatus having image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein image data read and input by a scanner is compressed in a predetermined coding mode. And then store it in the image storage means,
An image information processing means for recompressing in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information as document bank image information in the image storage means; and an image stored in the image storage means. An image communication apparatus, comprising: a report display unit that visually displays information list information including at least the encoding mode notation. 20. An image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the image information stored in the image storage means is provided at predetermined time intervals. Image information processing means for recompressing information in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means; and a list of image information stored in the image storage means. An image communication apparatus, comprising: a report display unit that visually displays information including notation of an encoding mode thereof. 21. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: Image communication, wherein the image information is temporarily stored in the storage means, recompressed in a coding mode having a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means as received image information. How to control the device. 22. A control method for an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing the data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing the data in the image storage unit, the data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is transmitted to the image storage unit as transmission image information. A method for controlling an image communication device, wherein the method is stored. 23. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing in the mode and storing in the image storing means,
A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, comprising recompressing in an encoding mode having a higher compression ratio, and storing the recompressed image information as image information for a document bank in said image storage means. 24. A control method for an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the image information is stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, comprising: recompressing image information in a coding mode having a higher compression rate; and storing the recompressed image information in the image storage means. 25. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After the image data is once stored in the storage unit, the image data is recompressed in all applicable coding modes, and the image information having the smallest data amount among the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information. A method for controlling an image communication device, comprising: 26. A control method for an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing the data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing the data in the image storage unit, the data is recompressed in all applicable encoding modes, and among the plurality of pieces of image information after the recompression, the smallest data amount is obtained. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, wherein the information is stored as transmission image information in the image storage means. 27. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing in the mode and storing in the image storing means,
The recompression is performed in all applicable encoding modes, and the image information having the smallest data amount among the plurality of image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as the image information for the document bank. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, which is characterized by the following. 28. A control method for an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the image information is stored in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals. Image information being recompressed in all applicable encoding modes, and among the plurality of recompressed image information, the one with the smallest data amount is stored in the image storage means. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, which is characterized by the following. 29. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: When the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means, the received image information is temporarily stored in the image storage means. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, comprising the steps of: re-compressing in an encoding mode having a higher compression ratio after storing the image information; and storing the re-compressed image information as received image information in the image storage means. . 30. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: When the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means, the image data read and input by the scanner means is transmitted when the image information is transmitted. After being compressed in the encoding mode and stored in the image storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as transmission image information. A method for controlling an image communication device, comprising: 31. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: When the image data re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specifying means, the image data read and input by the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode. After the image data is stored in the image storage means, the image data is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored as image information for a document bank in the image storage means. A control method of the image communication device. 32. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: The image information stored in the image storage means is provided at predetermined time intervals when the image information re-storage function is enabled by the re-storage function specification means. Is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means. 33. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the image information is small, upon receiving the image information, the received image information is temporarily stored in the image storage unit, and then recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, wherein the image communication apparatus is stored in a storage unit. 34. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, when transmitting image information, the image data read and input by the scanner means is compressed in a predetermined coding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then recompressed in a coding mode having a higher compression rate. A control method for an image communication apparatus, wherein compressed image information is stored as transmission image information in said image storage means. 35. A control method for an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein a free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, the image data read and input from the scanner is compressed in a predetermined encoding mode and stored in the image storage means, and then recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode. A method of controlling an image communication apparatus, wherein image data for a document bank is stored in said image storage means. 36. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, wherein the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. When the number is small, the image information stored in the image storage means is recompressed at a predetermined time interval in a coding mode with a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means. A method for controlling an image communication device, the method comprising: 37. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating image information, comprising the steps of: After being temporarily stored in the storage unit, the image data is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression rate, and the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage unit as received image information, and is stored in the image storage unit. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, characterized in that list information of existing image information is visually displayed, including notation of its encoding mode. 38. A control method for an image communication apparatus having an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing the data in a predetermined encoding mode and storing the data in the image storage unit, the data is recompressed in a higher compression rate encoding mode, and the recompressed image information is transmitted to the image storage unit as transmission image information. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus, wherein a list of image information stored in the image storage means is displayed in a visible manner, including at least the encoding mode. 39. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus having image storage means for exchanging image information in an encoded and compressed state and accumulating the image information, comprising the steps of: After compressing in the mode and storing in the image storing means,
The image information is recompressed in the encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, and the image information after the recompression is stored in the image storage unit as the image information for the document bank, and a list information of the image information stored in the image storage unit. Is displayed visually including at least the notation of the encoding mode. 40. A method for controlling an image communication apparatus comprising an image storage means for exchanging image information in a coded and compressed state and storing the image information, the method comprising: storing the image information in the image storage means at predetermined time intervals; Image information is recompressed in an encoding mode with a higher compression ratio, the recompressed image information is stored in the image storage means, and list information of the image information stored in the image storage means is stored. Is displayed visually including at least the notation of the encoding mode.